Shark Cage Diving Gansbaai – Best cage diving in the world!
Why Choose Us?
White Shark Projects are a world leading organization that focuses on the conservation of sharks and the ocean. Through responsible tourism and research we use our knowledge and understanding to provide the most eco friendly experience for our guests. We are involved In film, conservation, education, diving and viewing. Winning numerous accolades and awards for the best Eco Tourism and social upliftment projects In the whole of South Africa we are truly a conservation company to be reckoned with.
Decades of Research
As the most successful operation globally, White Shark Projects has logged the most contacts with Great White Sharks in the world. We pride ourselves on our rate of contact and ongoing contribution to the conservation of the species and their environment.
Ongoing Data Collection
In the here and In the now you will be surrounded by experts In the field. We have the highest quality facilities and resources to observe a variety of South Africa’s sharks and marine life within their natural environment. The data we have collected is crucial to understanding and supporting their conservation value and status. We actively provide public education and awareness In our struggle to maintain balance In our oceans.
So Why Not Join Us?
SHARK CAGE DIVING GANSBAAI
Exceptional, professional and personalized service is our number one priority. Established in 1989 White Shark Projects is the sustainable choice for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will captivate your imagination! Dive with us and make a positive impact on our precious earth.
ADDED VALUE ITEMS:
- Continental breakfast at our ocean view lodge
- Snacks and water are available on board
- Guided talk on the sharks we see during the cruise
- All diving equipment is included
- Snacks and drinks provided onboard
- Light lunch is served on your return to shore
- Luxury walk-in showers and toilets for wheel chair access
- Parking Facilities at front and rear of building with wheel chair access
- Dive experience certificate awarded to all divers
SHARK CAGE DIVING GANSBAAI SOUTH AFRICA – IN MORE DETAIL…
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
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.
Shark Cage Dive Gansbaai – Close Encounter
I like the approach this outfit takes – education, conservation and letting the sharks come to the boat instead of chasing after them. We saw 3 sharks, 2 of which came right up to the boat.
Excellent experience, Excellent service!!
More than a year ago, I was unlucky, in that, on my trip, I did not see a single Shark! White Shark Projects kindly gave me a voucher for a return trip within a year from then.They extended this to allow me to have a truly memorable experience! This time I saw plenty of Sharks
A perfect day!
Then the dive was really secured and managed by a very friendly team , even the skipper was helping everyone he could! We stopped at sea and waited an hour – there were fruits, sandwiches, cool drinks, water, towels available to us. The wetsuits were clean and dry and when the sharks arrived, they made sure to tease it to the boat but not feed it, very professional.
MEDIA GALLERY
CONTACT & DIRECTIONS
+27(0)76-2455-880 – ALL HOURS
bookings@whitesharkprojects.co.za
16 Geelbek Street, Kleinbaai, 7220
Gansbaai , Western Cape
South Africa
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