This is possibly the greatest thrill that you will ever experience. Just imagine pulling up on the boat in 'Shark Alley', the open stretch of water between the mainland and Dyer Island off Gansbaai, South Africa referred to as the White Shark Diving capital of the world. The wonderful thing about shark diving in Gansbaai is that you only have to take a 20 minute boat ride to Dyer Island. In the winter time we can even see sharks before the shark chum is dropped into the water and it is clear to see why Gansbaai is named as being the most densely populated area for Great White Sharks in the World. We get White Sharks here along the coast all year round but Winter is the best time to come and see these beautiful animals.
The beauty is that in Gansbaai you do not have to be a qualified diver to see the Great White Sharks from the boat or cage. As the cages are mounted next to the boat and floated on the surface it is very easy for inexperienced divers to jump in and take a good look at the Great Whites as they cruise past the cage. For most of the year the divers do not use air or snorkels in the cage as the bubbles tend to make the Great White Sharks nervous and very cautious. We want the shark to be comfortable with the boat and people diving in the cages so that they will come as close as possible. It is not uncommon for a shark's pectoral fin to glide just into the gap in the cage as it swims past.
It is important to stress that you do not have to dive in the cage to see the Great White Sharks. The boat based viewing all year round is exceptional and there are many people who just take the trip to see the Great White Sharks from the boat. Unfortunately there is no difference in price to just view the sharks from the boat. The costs involved are virtually the same with the Chum, Bait, Catering, Crew, Fuel and Environmental taxes. It is simply a bonus if you decide when out there to slip on a wetsuit and jump in the cage to have a closer look.
The sharks patrol the deeper water as well as the edges of the kelp fields in the area. This is where the seals play and they offer an easy meal for the great whites. The seals stay in the kelp as it offers them a safe haven from the patrolling predators but one wrong turn and they are out in the grasp of natures ultimate killing machine. The boats position themselves according to the water current, wind, swell, and marine environment. All of the white shark diving operators have been running for a long time now and are highly experienced when positioning themselves to attract the sharks.
There are currently 8 white shark cage diving operators in Gansbaai, all operate around Dyer Island, Geyser Rock or in Shark Alley depending on the conditions. We have developed a relationship with the top operators in the area and are able to bring you an unrivalled and fair choice when deciding on a tour with 0% commission added to the price.
In winter (April-September) it usually doesn't take long to for the first sharks to arrive, however this is nature and the shark is the boss and not the diver or tour operator. Patience is vital, as with all things in nature, but when waiting, just remember that you are in the white shark diving capital of the world! The chances of seeing a great white shark are higher here than anywhere else. White Sharks so far have not been able to survive captivity so this may be your only chance to see one in the flesh (excuse the expression). During these months the operators work around Dyer Island as the sharks are there hunting for Cape Fur Seals. The weather is unpredictable during these months so please allow for a few days spare following your booked trip in the event that your trip is cancelled due to high seas.
In the summer months (October-March) the water is surprisingly, much colder than the winter. Due to Gansbaai's geographical location being on the Atlantic ocean but close to the Indian ocean, there are huge differences in water temperature depending on currents and weather systems. The Sharks are by the beach during these months hunting for Game Fish and not by Dyer Island. Sightings are still good but the water visibility is not great (1-5 meters) The Shark activity is generally slower and it is more difficult to attract the sharks to the boats. It is advisable to allow for a few days to increase your chances of seeing a Great White Shark. On record, February & March are the worst times to come as the Shark activity is normally very slow but we have had a few good summers in a row so things are looking good.
Eco Adventures is the hub of adventure activities in the Gansbaai area and offers exciting trips and experiences for all. Gansbaai is world famous for it's Great White Sharks and little else. For a long time people have overlooked Gansbaai for what it is. This is a truly stunning little town and it has SO much to offer! You have not really experienced the South African coastal areas without stopping over in Gansbaai and enjoying the surroundings.
