Gansbaai South Africa
Chumming is often misunderstood and is one of the key topics of contention when it comes to shark cage diving. Ever since the first settlers started calling Gansbaai home in 1811, it has been renowned for being a Great White Shark hotspot.
This happened a whole 181 years before the cage diving industry was even conceived. Gansbaai’s popularity with Great White Sharks is due to the resident population of 60 000 Cape Fur Seals. These seals breed on Geyser Rock which lies 8km offshore. Shark Alley is a well-known 150m wide channel that runs between Geyser Rock and Dyer Island.
It has the perfect topography to allow for the ambush-style hunting tactic sharks use to hunt seals.
Camouflage
Great White Sharks are very successful predators, and it is in part thanks to their perfect camouflage. Their grey topside allows them to blend into the background of the ocean floor. Seals swimming at the surface looking down will not be able to see them.
Shark Senses
Great White Sharks have a perpetual presence in the waters surrounding Shark Alley and Joubert’s Dam. However, for us to view them, we need them to come up to the surface. We do this by scenting the water with fish chum.
The shark’s impressive olfactory senses pick up this scent and brings the shark up to the surface where we can view it. Scenting does not lure sharks to the area, but only intrigue the sharks already in the vicinity of the boat.
Chumming
First and foremost, it is important to note that chum is not food. Chum is simply the smell of food that attracts sharks to our boat. Imagine an oily, fishy perfume slick that floats on the surface of the water. This perfume creates a smell trail for the sharks to follow – this is chum.
Sharks are very cautious animals and without the smell of food they are not likely to come close enough to our boat for anyone to see. With the aid of chum, we are able to bring sharks, which are already in the area, up to the surface layers of the ocean. The sharks are inquisitive and will come close enough to the boat where divers can view them from the safety of our cage.
Without the smell of chum sharks would more than likely not pay any attention to the shark cage diving boats operating in Gansbaai.
Current Research
Another important fact to note is that great white sharks are nomadic creatures and are continuously on the move. They travel extremally long distances throughout their lives. Gansbaai does not have a resident population of great white sharks, but rather a dynamic flux of sharks continuously moving through the area.
Current research suggests that the great white sharks spend less than 1% of their time in the vicinity of shark cage diving boats. If sharks were as motivated by chum as people believe, we would have a much easier time finding them. This would result in sharks been kept constantly around our boat (which is certainly not the case).
As soon as the shark’s curiosity has been satisfied and it realizes there is no food, it swiftly loses interest and moves off. The sharks in this area come and go as they please with or without the presence of chum in the water. Proof of this is the fact that on some days, regardless of chumming, no sharks will pitch-up.
Shark Attacks
Having worked in this area for quite some time we rarely hear about shark attack incidents. It is in our opinion that the low number of shark incidents is testament to their intelligence. Great white sharks are inshore predators and share waters common to bathers and divers daily.
There is a popular surf spot, less than 1km West from where we anchor our Shark Team vessel. There has never been a recorded shark attack in that area. Lying to the East we have a popular holiday resort where beachgoers flock in the surf during the summer holidays. In some cases, swimmers are oblivious to the fact they are just meters from Great White Sharks.
Sharks’ survival hinges on the fact that they are cautious, incredibly elusive and selective hunters. It is easy to put the blame of a few accidents on the shark cage diving industry. Overfishing of some of their natural prey and our ever-increasing presence in their natural environment are additional factors to note. However these factors even though inconvenient ones, they must be considered.
Facilities and Equipment Provided on Arrival
- Fully sterilized wet suit for each person – nobody will get a ‘wet’ wet suit.
- Fully sterilized mask and footwear for each person.
- Marine Biologist and videographer on EVERY trip.
- Pre, during and post departure safety measures put in place.
- Boat is fully cleaned with jet wash and sterilization after each trip.
- Toilets and safe washing facilities onboard
- The biggest most luxurious onsite facilities in South Africa
- 6 walk in spacious showers and a large ladies powder room with 4 hair dryer stations. Separate mens urinal with a double sink plus 6 spacious toilets.
- Disabled ramp access to the front of the building with its own separate toilet and shower facilities.
- All dietary requirements catered for- Please let us know in advance
Your Day with White Shark Projects
PLEASE NOTE *** DUE TO WEATHER AND TIDE CONDITIONS, ALL TOUR TIMES ARE ONLY CONFIRMED THE DAY BEFORE YOUR TOUR. IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT ANYTHING PLEASE CONTACT US ON +27 76 245 5880.
Pickup and scenic transfer
A representative from White Shark Projects will collect you from your accommodation. This can be from any location in Cape Town or Hermanus and surrounding areas. We will drive you to our luxury Ocean View Headquarters in Kleinbaai. Alternatively, we can arrange a car hire for you and transfer by helicopter can be arranged on request. For a extended experience of the area, ask about our accommodation options.
Breakfast at our meeting place
Our continental breakfast consists of yoghurt, toast, muffins, eggs, cheese, fruit and a selection of hot and cold drinks.
Your day at sea
The Marine Biologist and skipper will give a talk on the sharks and other marine life you will see. They will explain how we work with the sharks in the area and prepare you for the dive. We spend 2 to 4 hours at sea, depending on sharks activity and how quickly they come to the boat. Be sure to ask as many questions as you can think up!
Diving and viewing
Our cage takes 6 people at a time. Each person spends about 20-30 minutes in the cage. We provide all diving and safety equipment for you to enjoy your cage diving experience with White Shark Projects. Comfort and security are our focal point. Equipment includes 7mm wetsuits, weight belts, hoods, boots and mask. No previous diving experience is required everything will be explained to you.
Snacks on board
Onboard our vessel healthy snacks a fruit basket and water is available for your onboard pleasure.
Light Lunch
On your return to dry land, you’re invited to join us for coffee/tea and homemade vegetable soup and toasted sandwiches.
On board Videographer
We have a professional Videographer on all our trips who will take professional movies and picture’s of your day trip. Media packages can be purchased at a additional cost of R350 or you are welcome to take your own video’s and pictures.
Lunch and refreshments
Snacks onboard include health crunchies bars a fruit basket and water for you to enjoy at leisure whilst on board.
On our return to the harbor we treat you to homemade vegetable soup and toasted sandwiches with a selection of hot and cold drinks. This will give you a chance to regroup and share the day’s experiences. You can have a nice hot shower and watch the movie of you trip unfold with the other guests.
Equipment
We provide all necessary diving and safety equipment for you to enjoy your cage diving experience in South Africa in comfort and security.
We only ask that you bring suntan lotion, cap and sunglasses, a warm jersey/jacket and of course, your swimming suit.
If you know you are prone to motion sickness or even if you are unsure if you are, we advise you take medication 2 hours before we depart so as not to spoil your adventure!
And the last tip – don’t forget your camera!!
BRING
- A swimming costume
- Sea-sickness tablets (take two hours before launch)
WHAT TO WEAR
- Suntan lotion
- A cap
- Sunglasses
- A warm jacket
- Comfortable shoes
LOCATION
Gansbaai
Departure Point
White Shark Projects, 16 Geelbek Street
Return Point
White Shark Projects, 16 Geelbek Street
How it begins
We will collect you from Cape Town, Hermanus and many other surrounding areas. You will experience a scenic drive to ‘White Shark Headquarters’, our home base in Kleinbaai. On arrival a delicious continental breakfast will be waiting for you with a selection of drinks. Our biologist will discuss current sightings and give a full safety briefing. We will take a 1min walk down to the harbor where our glorious ‘SHARK TEAM’ vessel awaits. ‘SHARK TEAM’ is a custom built 36 ft, 4 tone shark diving catamaran. We limit her to 20 passenger capacity plus 5 crew to ensure your comfort and viewing pleasure throughout your adventure experience.
Skipper and Crew
You will have the honor of meeting and been driven by our intrepid skipper named ‘Grant Tuckett’. Grant has had a 25 year die hard work ethic working ONLY for White Shak Projects. He is also a qualified paramedic to add to his various accolades. Our Dive Master , biologist and friendly crew will explain shark anatomy and behavior’s you will witness around the boat. We explain how White Shark Projects works with the sharks in the area. You will then spend the next couple of hours diving and viewing these wondrous predators in their natural habitat.
As the day unfolds
After you have been fully briefed on all procedures the action begins as our crew ‘scents’ the cruise area. It is then you wait with bated breath for your initial glimpse of the first shark fin. Sharks are usually wary at first so we wait a while for them to settle and then lower the diving cage. Our first guests enter the cage (takes 5 – 6 people) and spend about 20-30 minutes face to face with the sharks! You will also get the chance to dive twice as we rotate the divers.
Action Shots!
The crew will work with the individual sharks and you can enjoy topside viewing during your wait as shark activity is often close to the surface. It has been recorded that many shark species are also known for their ‘spy hopping’? This behavior observes sharks swimming close to the waters surface whilst the eyes can be clearly seen out of the water. Great White Sharks have been known to breach right out of the water in pursuit of prey! Topside viewing can yield a lot of those action shots!
Volunteer with White Shark Projects
- Welcome to your Shark Family- Meet the team
- Tour and induction of your Ocean View Volunteer House
- If weather permits on your first day you will go out on our Shark Team vessel
What is Included?
- Our biologist will give lectures on a variety of shark-related topics and current research
- Boat and cage preparation pre-and post-launch
- Learn seamanship skills
- Participation in data recording and weekly collation of all data
- Participate in catch and release for our vital tagging project
- Contribute to the running of our Recycle Swop Shops once per week
- On bad weather days, local excursions could include Cape Agulhas, Hermanus, Betty’s Bay, Panthera Africa and beer and wine tasting
- The program duration is between 2-12 weeks – It is recommended that you spend at least 21 days with us.
- The program runs throughout the year from the 1st & 15th of every month.
- Accommodation is provided at our Ocean View volunteer house
- Basic breakfast item, light lunch on sea days are included.
- Two volunteer T-shirts
- Our White Shark Projects cap or Beenie
- Copies of all lectures
- Videos and photos of your trips out at sea
Packing Information
- Clothing which you will not mind getting dirty/torn etc.
- 3 pairs of shorts and long pants as part of our uniform when on our boat with tourists. It can get cold on the boat.
- A rain jacket or plastic windbreaker as well as some warm clothing as it can be quite cool on land and on the water.
- Non-slippery shoes to use on the boat – we recommend Wellington boots or ‘crocs’. Old trainers will do also.
- We have a selection of boots volunteers can borrow whilst they are with us.
- Camera- Your phone camera will do also.
- Local currency- Gansbaai is a small town and we do not have currency exchange here but 90% of places have bank card facilities. Its handy to have a bit of cash.
- You will be working at our Recycle Swop Shop on Tuesdays, so if you would like to bring any contributions, they will be greatly appreciated.
- We supply all diving equipment. There is no need to bring your own wetsuit.
- Swimming Costume or swimming pants
- A volunteer warm jacket is provide with a deposit of R800- When you return the jacket we will refund your money.
For more information on the requirements, costing etc. e-mail us on volunteer@whitesharkprojects.co.za
Apex Predators
One of Planet Earth’s ancient and seemingly invincible apex predators, the Great White Shark (Carcharodon Carcharias) has made headlines this past 40years. They have struck fear into the heart of many people and movie makers for centuries. Sharks in general have been depicted as an indiscriminate killing machines. This has led to their survival being unfairly persecuted and threatened.
Research and Education
Thankfully, research and education is changing opinions by revealing the vital role that the Great White Sharks play in maintaining the health of our oceans. In addition, the ongoing discoveries of their unique characteristics help them garner increased respect worldwide. It’s difficult not to fascinated by sharks that have a backup reserve of razor edged teeth lined up in rows.
White Shark Projects has the necessary facilities and resources to observe the Great White Shark in its natural environment. We have gathered data which is crucial to understanding and supporting their conservation. In addition to providing improved public education and positive close range engagement. As the most successful operation globally, White Shark Projects has logged the most contacts with Great White Sharks in the world, year in and year out. We pride ourselves on our rate of contact and ongoing contribution to the conservation of the species and their environment.
Shark Diving Safety
Firstly shark diving is designed to accommodate both divers and non-divers alike. Secondly our highly qualified crew are trained by SAMSA whose safety policies and training procedures are Internationally recognized. Thirdly White Shark Projects has 500milion USD insurance policy cover with Lloyds of London. You can relax and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience knowing your safety is our first priority.
Dive Headquarters
Our team will be waiting for you at our Luxury Headquarters in Kleinbaai. Your day starts with a tasty continental breakfast and a safety briefing on arrival. We will also discuss current sightings and our biologist or trained guides will go through a detailed description of what to expect out at sea. Those people who would like to change into their swimming costumes before they go out on the boat are welcome to also.
Shark Team
When everyone is ready we will take you down to the harbor approximately a 1 minute walk. Our crew will then welcome you on board our custom built 36ft, 4 tone catamaran, “Shark Team”. She has a passenger capacity of 30 people but we limit passenger numbers to 20 people. This enables us to offer a more intimate experience and provides greater comfort with increased viewing capability. You will be accompanied by our intrepid skippers, a Dive Master and support crew throughout your entire trip.
Dive Site
Once we’ve reached our diving location our skipper will drop the anchor. Dependent on season our dive site can change but regardless its around a 20min boat road from when we launch to where we anchor. We go to the exact area where the most sharks have been recently spotted and are congregating. Currently we find the area known as Joubert’s dam to be a popular area where our varied shark life frequent. Our crew will create a scent trail known as chumming. We will all patiently await the electrifying first glimpse of the iconic fin breaking the water’s surface. No dive is ever the same. We can never predict what will happen once we are on site nor how many sharks we will see.
Shark Cage Diving
We will get our first 6 divers into their wetsuits complete with hoods, boots and masks. As soon as the sharks have arrived we will hand out weight belts and get our first set of divers into the cage. The Dive Master will show you exactly how you entre the cage safely and where to put your feet and hands. Each diver will have approximately 20-30mins inside the cage. We will rotate divers and every diver will have the option to dive twice if they wish. Non divers can also change their minds once they are out there and see how safe it is. We always have enough dry wetsuits to go around.
Shark Activity
Great Whites are incredibly nomadic and if you consider that there are less than 5000 of them left on our planet you can count yourself very fortunate to see one. Bronze Whaler sharks can usually be observed all year around but numbers may be affected by the salmon run. In 2023 we have had many more sightings of the Seven Gill Cow Shark which are a prehistoric pleasure to dive with. Our experienced crew will explain which sharks are present and our volunteers will capture each sharks details onto our data collection sheets.
On the Deck
Back on deck you will be able to observe shark activity which occurs close to the waters surface. If you decided not to dive then this will give you the opportunity to take pictures and enjoy the view. All none divers still enjoy observing the sharks from the boat and find joy in watching other divers inside the cage. A variety of snacks will be on hand for you to enjoy at leisure, while you bask under South Africa’s legendary sunny skies.
Packing up
After about 3 hours out at sea, you will be ready to return to shore where comforting soup and hot toasted sandwiches awaits you. You can take full advantage of our luxury shower and changing facilities. Guests can dry their hair and use the powders rooms. Clean towels are provided along with shampoo, conditioners and shower gel from the Healing Ocean range. You will have a chance to regroup and share the day’s experiences. Our videographer and photographer will show you the professional movies made whilst out at sea. We will give you a debrief session which will enable you to ask any questions you may have. Once everyone is ready we will return everyone back to their pick up location where they can enjoy the scenic drive back. Hopefully you will have memories to last you a lifetime.
Shark Cage Diving
Many people wonder about how exactly shark cage diving works. Our detailed video explains how to entre the cage correctly and how the diving actually works.
Diving Equipment
All necessary diving and safety equipment is provided. All you need to bring is suntan lotion, a cap and sunglasses, a warm jersey or jacket and swimsuit. Motion sickness medication if required, should be taken before we depart to ensure that your adventure is not spoilt. And don’t forget your camera. Remember to bring spare camera batteries too.
NO DIVING EXPERIENCE NECESSARY – YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE SCUBA QUALIFIED
We welcome all enquiries and encourage participation from non divers and experienced divers alike.
Catering for shark cage diving and surface viewing from our 36 foot, custom-built white shark dive catamaran is a privilege that White Shark Projects has enjoyed for many years.
To ensure client comfort on board there is a limited capacity of 20 passengers. All your dive and safety equipment is included. There is first aid and a life raft, as well as toilet facilities on board.
Gansbaai South Africa
Chumming is often misunderstood and is one of the key topics of contention when it comes to shark cage diving. Ever since the first settlers started calling Gansbaai home in 1811, it has been renowned for being a Great White Shark hotspot.
This happened a whole 181 years before the cage diving industry was even conceived. Gansbaai’s popularity with Great White Sharks is due to the resident population of 60 000 Cape Fur Seals. These seals breed on Geyser Rock which lies 8km offshore. Shark Alley is a well-known 150m wide channel that runs between Geyser Rock and Dyer Island.
It has the perfect topography to allow for the ambush-style hunting tactic sharks use to hunt seals.
Camouflage
Great White Sharks are very successful predators, and it is in part thanks to their perfect camouflage. Their grey topside allows them to blend into the background of the ocean floor. Seals swimming at the surface looking down will not be able to see them.
Shark Senses
Great White Sharks have a perpetual presence in the waters surrounding Shark Alley and Joubert’s Dam. However, for us to view them, we need them to come up to the surface. We do this by scenting the water with fish chum.
The shark’s impressive olfactory senses pick up this scent and brings the shark up to the surface where we can view it. Scenting does not lure sharks to the area, but only intrigue the sharks already in the vicinity of the boat.
Chumming
First and foremost, it is important to note that chum is not food. Chum is simply the smell of food that attracts sharks to our boat. Imagine an oily, fishy perfume slick that floats on the surface of the water. This perfume creates a smell trail for the sharks to follow – this is chum.
Sharks are very cautious animals and without the smell of food they are not likely to come close enough to our boat for anyone to see. With the aid of chum, we are able to bring sharks, which are already in the area, up to the surface layers of the ocean. The sharks are inquisitive and will come close enough to the boat where divers can view them from the safety of our cage.
Without the smell of chum sharks would more than likely not pay any attention to the shark cage diving boats operating in Gansbaai.
Current Research
Another important fact to note is that great white sharks are nomadic creatures and are continuously on the move. They travel extremally long distances throughout their lives. Gansbaai does not have a resident population of great white sharks, but rather a dynamic flux of sharks continuously moving through the area.
Current research suggests that the great white sharks spend less than 1% of their time in the vicinity of shark cage diving boats. If sharks were as motivated by chum as people believe, we would have a much easier time finding them. This would result in sharks been kept constantly around our boat (which is certainly not the case).
As soon as the shark’s curiosity has been satisfied and it realizes there is no food, it swiftly loses interest and moves off. The sharks in this area come and go as they please with or without the presence of chum in the water. Proof of this is the fact that on some days, regardless of chumming, no sharks will pitch-up.
Shark Attacks
Having worked in this area for quite some time we rarely hear about shark attack incidents. It is in our opinion that the low number of shark incidents is testament to their intelligence. Great white sharks are inshore predators and share waters common to bathers and divers daily.
There is a popular surf spot, less than 1km West from where we anchor our Shark Team vessel. There has never been a recorded shark attack in that area. Lying to the East we have a popular holiday resort where beachgoers flock in the surf during the summer holidays. In some cases, swimmers are oblivious to the fact they are just meters from Great White Sharks.
Sharks’ survival hinges on the fact that they are cautious, incredibly elusive and selective hunters. It is easy to put the blame of a few accidents on the shark cage diving industry. Overfishing of some of their natural prey and our ever-increasing presence in their natural environment are additional factors to note. However these factors even though inconvenient ones, they must be considered.
Facilities and Equipment Provided on Arrival
- Fully sterilized wet suit for each person – nobody will get a ‘wet’ wet suit.
- Fully sterilized mask and footwear for each person.
- Marine Biologist and videographer on EVERY trip.
- Pre, during and post departure safety measures put in place.
- Boat is fully cleaned with jet wash and sterilization after each trip.
- Toilets and safe washing facilities onboard
- The biggest most luxurious onsite facilities in South Africa
- 6 walk in spacious showers and a large ladies powder room with 4 hair dryer stations. Separate mens urinal with a double sink plus 6 spacious toilets.
- Disabled ramp access to the front of the building with its own separate toilet and shower facilities.
- All dietary requirements catered for- Please let us know in advance
Your Day with White Shark Projects
PLEASE NOTE *** DUE TO WEATHER AND TIDE CONDITIONS, ALL TOUR TIMES ARE ONLY CONFIRMED THE DAY BEFORE YOUR TOUR. IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT ANYTHING PLEASE CONTACT US ON +27 76 245 5880.
Pickup and scenic transfer
A representative from White Shark Projects will collect you from your accommodation. This can be from any location in Cape Town or Hermanus and surrounding areas. We will drive you to our luxury Ocean View Headquarters in Kleinbaai. Alternatively, we can arrange a car hire for you and transfer by helicopter can be arranged on request. For a extended experience of the area, ask about our accommodation options.
Breakfast at our meeting place
Our continental breakfast consists of yoghurt, toast, muffins, eggs, cheese, fruit and a selection of hot and cold drinks.
Your day at sea
The Marine Biologist and skipper will give a talk on the sharks and other marine life you will see. They will explain how we work with the sharks in the area and prepare you for the dive. We spend 2 to 4 hours at sea, depending on sharks activity and how quickly they come to the boat. Be sure to ask as many questions as you can think up!
Diving and viewing
Our cage takes 6 people at a time. Each person spends about 20-30 minutes in the cage. We provide all diving and safety equipment for you to enjoy your cage diving experience with White Shark Projects. Comfort and security are our focal point. Equipment includes 7mm wetsuits, weight belts, hoods, boots and mask. No previous diving experience is required everything will be explained to you.
Snacks on board
Onboard our vessel healthy snacks a fruit basket and water is available for your onboard pleasure.
Light Lunch
On your return to dry land, you’re invited to join us for coffee/tea and homemade vegetable soup and toasted sandwiches.
On board Videographer
We have a professional Videographer on all our trips who will take professional movies and picture’s of your day trip. Media packages can be purchased at a additional cost of R350 or you are welcome to take your own video’s and pictures.
Lunch and refreshments
Snacks onboard include health crunchies bars a fruit basket and water for you to enjoy at leisure whilst on board.
On our return to the harbor we treat you to homemade vegetable soup and toasted sandwiches with a selection of hot and cold drinks. This will give you a chance to regroup and share the day’s experiences. You can have a nice hot shower and watch the movie of you trip unfold with the other guests.
Equipment
We provide all necessary diving and safety equipment for you to enjoy your cage diving experience in South Africa in comfort and security.
We only ask that you bring suntan lotion, cap and sunglasses, a warm jersey/jacket and of course, your swimming suit.
If you know you are prone to motion sickness or even if you are unsure if you are, we advise you take medication 2 hours before we depart so as not to spoil your adventure!
And the last tip – don’t forget your camera!!
BRING
- A swimming costume
- Sea-sickness tablets (take two hours before launch)
WHAT TO WEAR
- Suntan lotion
- A cap
- Sunglasses
- A warm jacket
- Comfortable shoes
LOCATION
Gansbaai
Departure Point
White Shark Projects, 16 Geelbek Street
Return Point
White Shark Projects, 16 Geelbek Street
How it begins
We will collect you from Cape Town, Hermanus and many other surrounding areas. You will experience a scenic drive to ‘White Shark Headquarters’, our home base in Kleinbaai. On arrival a delicious continental breakfast will be waiting for you with a selection of drinks. Our biologist will discuss current sightings and give a full safety briefing. We will take a 1min walk down to the harbor where our glorious ‘SHARK TEAM’ vessel awaits. ‘SHARK TEAM’ is a custom built 36 ft, 4 tone shark diving catamaran. We limit her to 20 passenger capacity plus 5 crew to ensure your comfort and viewing pleasure throughout your adventure experience.
Skipper and Crew
You will have the honor of meeting and been driven by our intrepid skipper named ‘Grant Tuckett’. Grant has had a 25 year die hard work ethic working ONLY for White Shak Projects. He is also a qualified paramedic to add to his various accolades. Our Dive Master , biologist and friendly crew will explain shark anatomy and behavior’s you will witness around the boat. We explain how White Shark Projects works with the sharks in the area. You will then spend the next couple of hours diving and viewing these wondrous predators in their natural habitat.
As the day unfolds
After you have been fully briefed on all procedures the action begins as our crew ‘scents’ the cruise area. It is then you wait with bated breath for your initial glimpse of the first shark fin. Sharks are usually wary at first so we wait a while for them to settle and then lower the diving cage. Our first guests enter the cage (takes 5 – 6 people) and spend about 20-30 minutes face to face with the sharks! You will also get the chance to dive twice as we rotate the divers.
Action Shots!
The crew will work with the individual sharks and you can enjoy topside viewing during your wait as shark activity is often close to the surface. It has been recorded that many shark species are also known for their ‘spy hopping’? This behavior observes sharks swimming close to the waters surface whilst the eyes can be clearly seen out of the water. Great White Sharks have been known to breach right out of the water in pursuit of prey! Topside viewing can yield a lot of those action shots!
Volunteer with White Shark Projects
- Welcome to your Shark Family- Meet the team
- Tour and induction of your Ocean View Volunteer House
- If weather permits on your first day you will go out on our Shark Team vessel
What is Included?
- Our biologist will give lectures on a variety of shark-related topics and current research
- Boat and cage preparation pre-and post-launch
- Learn seamanship skills
- Participation in data recording and weekly collation of all data
- Participate in catch and release for our vital tagging project
- Contribute to the running of our Recycle Swop Shops once per week
- On bad weather days, local excursions could include Cape Agulhas, Hermanus, Betty’s Bay, Panthera Africa and beer and wine tasting
- The program duration is between 2-12 weeks – It is recommended that you spend at least 21 days with us.
- The program runs throughout the year from the 1st & 15th of every month.
- Accommodation is provided at our Ocean View volunteer house
- Basic breakfast item, light lunch on sea days are included.
- Two volunteer T-shirts
- Our White Shark Projects cap or Beenie
- Copies of all lectures
- Videos and photos of your trips out at sea
Packing Information
- Clothing which you will not mind getting dirty/torn etc.
- 3 pairs of shorts and long pants as part of our uniform when on our boat with tourists. It can get cold on the boat.
- A rain jacket or plastic windbreaker as well as some warm clothing as it can be quite cool on land and on the water.
- Non-slippery shoes to use on the boat – we recommend Wellington boots or ‘crocs’. Old trainers will do also.
- We have a selection of boots volunteers can borrow whilst they are with us.
- Camera- Your phone camera will do also.
- Local currency- Gansbaai is a small town and we do not have currency exchange here but 90% of places have bank card facilities. Its handy to have a bit of cash.
- You will be working at our Recycle Swop Shop on Tuesdays, so if you would like to bring any contributions, they will be greatly appreciated.
- We supply all diving equipment. There is no need to bring your own wetsuit.
- Swimming Costume or swimming pants
- A volunteer warm jacket is provide with a deposit of R800- When you return the jacket we will refund your money.
For more information on the requirements, costing etc. e-mail us on volunteer@whitesharkprojects.co.za
Apex Predators
One of Planet Earth’s ancient and seemingly invincible apex predators, the Great White Shark (Carcharodon Carcharias) has made headlines this past 40years. They have struck fear into the heart of many people and movie makers for centuries. Sharks in general have been depicted as an indiscriminate killing machines. This has led to their survival being unfairly persecuted and threatened.
Research and Education
Thankfully, research and education is changing opinions by revealing the vital role that the Great White Sharks play in maintaining the health of our oceans. In addition, the ongoing discoveries of their unique characteristics help them garner increased respect worldwide. It’s difficult not to fascinated by sharks that have a backup reserve of razor edged teeth lined up in rows.
White Shark Projects has the necessary facilities and resources to observe the Great White Shark in its natural environment. We have gathered data which is crucial to understanding and supporting their conservation. In addition to providing improved public education and positive close range engagement. As the most successful operation globally, White Shark Projects has logged the most contacts with Great White Sharks in the world, year in and year out. We pride ourselves on our rate of contact and ongoing contribution to the conservation of the species and their environment.
Shark Diving Safety
Firstly shark diving is designed to accommodate both divers and non-divers alike. Secondly our highly qualified crew are trained by SAMSA whose safety policies and training procedures are Internationally recognized. Thirdly White Shark Projects has 500milion USD insurance policy cover with Lloyds of London. You can relax and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience knowing your safety is our first priority.
Dive Headquarters
Our team will be waiting for you at our Luxury Headquarters in Kleinbaai. Your day starts with a tasty continental breakfast and a safety briefing on arrival. We will also discuss current sightings and our biologist or trained guides will go through a detailed description of what to expect out at sea. Those people who would like to change into their swimming costumes before they go out on the boat are welcome to also.
Shark Team
When everyone is ready we will take you down to the harbor approximately a 1 minute walk. Our crew will then welcome you on board our custom built 36ft, 4 tone catamaran, “Shark Team”. She has a passenger capacity of 30 people but we limit passenger numbers to 20 people. This enables us to offer a more intimate experience and provides greater comfort with increased viewing capability. You will be accompanied by our intrepid skippers, a Dive Master and support crew throughout your entire trip.
Dive Site
Once we’ve reached our diving location our skipper will drop the anchor. Dependent on season our dive site can change but regardless its around a 20min boat road from when we launch to where we anchor. We go to the exact area where the most sharks have been recently spotted and are congregating. Currently we find the area known as Joubert’s dam to be a popular area where our varied shark life frequent. Our crew will create a scent trail known as chumming. We will all patiently await the electrifying first glimpse of the iconic fin breaking the water’s surface. No dive is ever the same. We can never predict what will happen once we are on site nor how many sharks we will see.
Shark Cage Diving
We will get our first 6 divers into their wetsuits complete with hoods, boots and masks. As soon as the sharks have arrived we will hand out weight belts and get our first set of divers into the cage. The Dive Master will show you exactly how you entre the cage safely and where to put your feet and hands. Each diver will have approximately 20-30mins inside the cage. We will rotate divers and every diver will have the option to dive twice if they wish. Non divers can also change their minds once they are out there and see how safe it is. We always have enough dry wetsuits to go around.
Shark Activity
Great Whites are incredibly nomadic and if you consider that there are less than 5000 of them left on our planet you can count yourself very fortunate to see one. Bronze Whaler sharks can usually be observed all year around but numbers may be affected by the salmon run. In 2023 we have had many more sightings of the Seven Gill Cow Shark which are a prehistoric pleasure to dive with. Our experienced crew will explain which sharks are present and our volunteers will capture each sharks details onto our data collection sheets.
On the Deck
Back on deck you will be able to observe shark activity which occurs close to the waters surface. If you decided not to dive then this will give you the opportunity to take pictures and enjoy the view. All none divers still enjoy observing the sharks from the boat and find joy in watching other divers inside the cage. A variety of snacks will be on hand for you to enjoy at leisure, while you bask under South Africa’s legendary sunny skies.
Packing up
After about 3 hours out at sea, you will be ready to return to shore where comforting soup and hot toasted sandwiches awaits you. You can take full advantage of our luxury shower and changing facilities. Guests can dry their hair and use the powders rooms. Clean towels are provided along with shampoo, conditioners and shower gel from the Healing Ocean range. You will have a chance to regroup and share the day’s experiences. Our videographer and photographer will show you the professional movies made whilst out at sea. We will give you a debrief session which will enable you to ask any questions you may have. Once everyone is ready we will return everyone back to their pick up location where they can enjoy the scenic drive back. Hopefully you will have memories to last you a lifetime.
Shark Cage Diving
Many people wonder about how exactly shark cage diving works. Our detailed video explains how to entre the cage correctly and how the diving actually works.
Diving Equipment
All necessary diving and safety equipment is provided. All you need to bring is suntan lotion, a cap and sunglasses, a warm jersey or jacket and swimsuit. Motion sickness medication if required, should be taken before we depart to ensure that your adventure is not spoilt. And don’t forget your camera. Remember to bring spare camera batteries too.
NO DIVING EXPERIENCE NECESSARY – YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE SCUBA QUALIFIED
We welcome all enquiries and encourage participation from non divers and experienced divers alike.
Catering for shark cage diving and surface viewing from our 36 foot, custom-built white shark dive catamaran is a privilege that White Shark Projects has enjoyed for many years.
To ensure client comfort on board there is a limited capacity of 20 passengers. All your dive and safety equipment is included. There is first aid and a life raft, as well as toilet facilities on board.