Shark Cage Diving, Breaching & Natural Predation
Witness the spectacular phenomenon of great white shark breaching in South Africa A.K.A "Flying Sharks".
Seal Island in False Bay is located 30km south of Cape Town and is by far one of the best places in the world to see this highly unusual behaviour. Occurring here with more frequency than anywhere else, it's an experience not to be missed.
Shark Breaching is a form of the hunting technique that the great white shark uses to surprise and kill its prey. They surface with such force and explosive energy that it propels the shark right out of the water.
An unforgettable sight and great photo opportunity, if you are able to capture the moment.
The Shark Cage Diving, Breaching and Natural Predation / Air Jaws Morning Trips are run 7 days a week May to mid September and is strictly weather dependent and subject to availability.
Early mornings is also when the great white’s natural predatory interaction with the Cape Fur seal is at its most intense, so we recommened that you book this tour well in advance (2 - 3 weeks) to secure your seat on the boat.
Return Transfers from central Cape Town can be arranged upon request. Cost: R600.00 per person, minimum 2 passengers.
Find out more about the Trip
About the Trip:
You start the day by meeting at the Simon's Town Pier where you will be met by the crew.
Once on board you'll receive a boat safety briefing, a short introduction on the Great White Shark hunting behaviour and what you can expect with regards to the Cage Dive.
The Predatory Event:
On entering great white territory the crew will try to get the boat as close to the predatory event as possible. Every effort will be made to avoid blocking the seal’s escape path to the Island ensuring our environmental impact on this extraordinary event is minimal.
Not every breach leads to a successful kill. If the great white shark misses the seal, then the chase is on. It is a game of cat and mouse of epic proportions as you root for the seal and its getaway, all the while being conflicted by the prospect of a successful hunt.
Once the predation activity quietens down the crew will then use the decoy, a fake cut out “dummy seal" made of soft cushion which will be towed behind the boat in an attempt to get the great white shark to breach. The decoy is soft and will not harm the shark in any way and will only be done for a limited period to allow for that perfect photo opportunity.
The Cage Dive:
The crew will then anchor the boat, drop the cage into the water and start chumming to get the sharks closer to the boat. Guests will then be allowed in the cage if they wish (2 - 3 at a time) with each diver having approximately 20-30 minutes underwater with these magnificent creatures. This is dependent on shark activity.
Food and Drink:
Light lunch, snacks and cool drinks will be available on board the boat.
Return to Shore:
After approximately 5 - 5.5 hours spent out at sea, you will return to the pier in Simon's Town.
The Trip includes:
- Shark Cage Diving, Surface Viewing plus Breaching & Natural Predation
- Light lunch, drinks and snacks on board
- All dive gear
What To Bring with You:
- Hat, Sun block & Towel
- Swimsuit or Swimming Trunks for under wetsuits
- Warm jacket or jumper as it can sometimes get chilly on the boat
- Camera
- Sea / Motion Sickness Tablets
Optional Extras:
- Drinks and Meals not specified.
- Return Transfer to Cape Town can be arranged upon request. Cost R500.00 per person, minimum 2 passengers.
Safety:
The safety of our customers on every Cage Diving Trip is of utmost importance to us.
The Operators we deal with have an unblemished Safety Record and carry out regular safety checks. Shark Cage Diving with Great Whites has become an important part of Eco-Tourism in South Africa so ensuring your safety also ensures the continued survival of the Great White Shark.
No Current Info
Itinerary:
Note that the schedules below are a mere guideline and can change at any time due to sea / tidal and weather conditions.
Morning Schedule: (May to Mid September only)
| Time | Details |
|---|---|
| 6.15 | Meet at Simon's Town Pier for Dive & Boat Briefing |
| 7.00 | Boat launch from Simon's Town Pier to Seal Island (20 - 30 min boat ride to the site) |
| 7.30 | Introduction to Great White Shark Behaviour, Natural Preditation & Shark Breaching on decoy |
| 9.00 | Shark Cage Dive & Surface Viewing (All gear included plus light lunch, drinks & snacks on board.) |
| 12.30 | Return to Simons Town Pier |
Please give yourself an hour to make it on time
- From Cape Town, take the N2 towards Somerset West/Cape Town International Airport.
- Stay on the N2 until you see signs for Muizenberg (M3).
- Remain on the M3 until you reach exit 23, take the M42 towards Steenberg Rd/Muizenberg.
- At the traffic lights, turn left. Stay on Steenberg Rd, until you reach another set of traffic lights then turn right onto Main Road (M4).
- Continue on the Main Road all the way along the coast, passing through Muizenberg, St James, Kalk Bay and then Fishhoek.
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Simon's Town Road, which then becomes Main Road then St Georges Street until you see the Central Hotel on your right hand side.
- Take the first left onto Wharf Street.
View in a larger map
