Cage Diving with Great White Sharks in South Africa: A Survival Guide

(Photo: Sarah Hishan)

Today’s guest post is by Sarah Hishan, a world traveler armed with few inhibitions and a desire for exploration on a full stomach. As a law graduate that has traveled to 35 countries, and lived in 5, she hopes to string you along on her next adventure as she keeps the count going. Read more on her blog, Musings of a Traveling Neko.

A short drive from Cape Town, the coast of South Africa is dotted with quaint towns and spectacular inlets, each equally hospitable and uniquely charming. At first sight, the sleepy fishing village of Gansbaai two hours away doesn’t quite seem to make the list and yet, its reputation supersedes all the others. And rightly so, for what it offers is truly magnificent.

The village acts as the gateway to facing one of the most efficient predators in the world from the security of a metal cage. Just a short boat ride from Gansbaai lies Dyer Island, home to more than 30,000 seals. And circling around it is the largest concentration of great white sharks in the world.

Despite being in their environment and out of your comfort zone, cage diving allows for a shark encounter with safety as a top priority, not an afterthought. Shark diving began in 1991 as an alternative business to turn hunters into conservationists after a nationwide campaign to protect great whites in the wild. The industry made the thrill of a lifetime feasible for anyone who could, well, put on flippers.

The potential for disaster and the fearsome reputation earned from movies like “Jaws” have led to remarkably high safety standards. After two trips out of Gansbaai and a whole lot of research, I can’t find potential hazards or realistic dangers. The cage itself is indestructible and free floating, regardless of the ropes attaching it to the boat. This allows it to bounce and absorb any impact force in the extremely unlikely event that a shark does charge. To add to that, the stars of the show seem more curious rather than intent on making a meal out of you.

Sharks have a sixth sense, allowing them to detect magnetic fields in the water. With the cages being metal objects, they do sometimes gnaw the metal inquisitively but never attack it. Galvanized steel isn’t really their thing. Besides, your limbs will be safely inside and far out of reach of any serrated tooth as long as you stick to the safety guidelines. What’s a better way of facing your fear than to do so with a cage separating you from it? And this is what makes cage diving so perfect; It doesn’t require risk taking, a diving license or a death wish. The cage offers the ordinary traveler an extraordinary experience.

(Photo:Sarah Hishan)

Where should I dive and with whom?

There are currently 12 licensed dive operators, 1 in Mossel Bay, 3 in False Bay and the rest in Gansbaai. There’s a reason for 8 companies being located in Gansbaai, and it’s simply numbers. The success rate of seeing multiple sharks in one dive is highest in ‘Shark Alley.’ You just can’t compete with a location offering 30,000 meaty snacks.

Recommended shark dive operators:
1. White Shark Diving Company (4 man cage, 12 max per trip, R1300 p/p)
They guarantee a small number of people per trip, meaning more time and space both on the boat and in the cage.

2. Shark Lady Adventures (2 man cage, 12 max per trip, R2000 p/p)
One of the first operators in the business, it’s also one of the few, if not only, companies to offer both metal and crystal (Perspex) cage dives in one excursion.

3. Marine Dynamics (5 man cage, 20 max per trip, R1350 p/p)
The company has a stellar reputation and incorporates additional safety measures for those feeling queasy. In addition, they have a long line of ‘travel and adventure celebrity’ clients that have chosen to dive with them including the BBC, National Geographic and Steve Irwin.

When is the best time to dive?

The best time to dive is between May and September. However, you’re dealing with nature, so it increases your chance of seeing great whites, but doesn’t guarantee sightings. My first trip was in June, and we didn’t see a single shark. On my second trip in January, we saw two in one dive. Visibility is also highest during that period, so you’ll be able to see the sharks approach and circle rather than just when they’re right in front of you. Drawbacks – its winter folks, and you’re diving in the Atlantic.

What should I bring and what’s provided?

Snorkeling equipment and 3-7 mm dives suits will be waiting for you on board the boat. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are also provided. Regardless of whether you decide to go during the winter or summer months, count on it being cold once you’re on the water, so a windbreaker or fleece will go a long way. If you’re prone to motion sickness, make sure to take relevant medication. You’ll be out there for quite a while and the waves can get rough.

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