Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai from Cape Town - add this to your Hotspots2c tour | Hotspots2c
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Gansbaai Shark Cage Diving

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Cape Whale Coast South Africa
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Duration of activity
±3hrs on boat

Why You'll Love It

It takes courage to shake off the fear that Hollywood has instilled about sharks and descend beneath the surface in a cage in one of the most densely populated great shark habitats on the planet for a closer view. Start the activity at a small town called Gansbaai.

Local operator, Marine Dynamics, has a commitment to shark conservation and, using their knowledge of shark behaviour and biology, has purpose-built their sturdy shark cage with relatively small gaps for divers to peer through or place their cameras. A guiding Marine Biologist joins the boat and readily answers any questions. This isn’t a JAWS experience with furious snapping from an antagonised animal but a conservation experience where you learn more about this endangered species. With a call of “Shark Left” or “Shark Right”, nature’s show begins for those in the water and those looking on from the deck of the boat. As with all wild animals, there is the opportunity for unexpected WOWs as fins flick against the cage but that is not the end goal of the experience.  

If you suffer from motion sickness, it is best to take your pills before you leave land and head to the front of the boat before/after you dive as you’ll spend around four hours out on the water. Wear your swimwear (you change into wetsuits on the boat) and bring your clothes if you intend to get changed after you dive. Hot showers are available back on land for a small fee.

An additional transport fee from Cape Town region will apply, unless you book this as an optional activity on an tour package that visit this area already. Additional conservation fees also applies.

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FAQ



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Do I need to start from Cape Town to do listed activity? Yes, Hotspots2c is a Cape Town based tour operator

As a tour operator based in Cape Town, our team of trip designers can arrange a tour package for you or your group to travel from the Cape Town region to visit the location of your preferred experiences in Southern Africa. Our tour packages include the guided transport (vehicle + local tour guide-driver) and an itinerary that can be tailored to your specific needs. In order to book activities or accommodation, we will quote on a complete tour package to cover your travel needs.
Is Shark Cage Diving ethical?

There are many arguments for and against the ethics of ‘manufactured animal encounters’ around the world and we acknowledge that these experiences are not to everyone’s taste. There is no doubt that Shark Cage Diving polarises people. At Hotspots2C, we encourage you to make up your own mind.


More About Marine Dynamics: Marine Dynamics, is one of the top eco-marine tour businesses in the greater Gansbaai area and together with their sister company, Dyer Island Cruises (the first whale watching business in region), run a range of conservation programs – from great white shark research to ensuring the sustainability of threatened penguins on nearby Dyer Island.

Marine Dynamics Founder and Owner, Wilfred Chiveli, works closely with a number of conservation bodies to improve living conditions for the local wildlife and in the local communities. Together, Wilfred and his team have been instrumental in developing the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, the Marine Anti-Litter campaign and the South African Sustainable Seafood Initiative.

On the water, Wilfred’s dedicated guiding marine biologists provide research-based knowledge on white sharks and, with the help of volunteers from around the globe, conduct a variety of marine research studies involving the Marine Great Five – whales, seals, dolphins, penguins and great white sharks.

Can I be refunded if Shark Cage Diving is cancelled due to weather conditions?
A full refund can be granted should the activity be cancelled in the interest of safety (due to weather or ocean conditions) prior to the trip. A credit voucher or rebooking the next available date can also be arranged. 

We encourage advance bookings based on demand. The standard shark cage diving cancellation policy is as below:

  • No shows and cancellation within 7 days of departure – 100% cancellation fee

*This fee will be debited on the day of the trip if the above applies.

In the event that there is no shark activity while on a shark cage diving tour with Marine Dynamics, then a voucher will be offered. This voucher is not transferable – your name and passport number will be recorded on the voucher. If a shark has been sighted from the boat, we will consider that a successful trip. The transfer fee is non-refundable.

If I don't want to cage dive, can I still join?
Guests who prefer to watch the marine life - including Sharks and the rest of the Marine Big Five from the boat and do not wish to enter the cage, can stay on the boat and just do viewing from the viewing deck(s). The boat based viewing is exceptional and our experienced skipper and crew know exactly where and when to find the evasive marine animals to ensure that everyone aboard has the best view of the animals. * No discount for boat deck surface viewing only.
Tammy-lee
Reservations

My passion for hiking gave me a deep appreciation for being surrounded by nature... With some of my local and international must-visit outdoor spots already ticked off from my travel wishlist, I'll always be dreaming about my next adventure. Being part of the travel industry since 2016, especially my recent position as an airline ticketing and customer care consultant; helping fellow travellers plan their perfect holiday perfectly aligns with my love to share our uniquely diverse cultures and places with the world. - Tammy Mackriel

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Terms & Conditions

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Payment Policy: Full payment to confirm
Child Policy: Children 12+ years are charged the adult rate. Younger children needs a adult to book with them.

A child of 12 years and older will automatically be regarded as an adult and charged the full adult rate for all services. Children under 12 years of age will qualify for the lower advertised rate.

country info

 what to expect

 

South Africa

  

11 official Languages Spoken

Afrikaans – English – isiNdebele – Sepedi.– Sesotho – Siswati – Xitsonga – Setswana – Tshivenda – isiXhosa

How to say hello?

Molo – Xhosa

Sawubona - Zulu

Hallo - Afrikaans

Dumela - SeSotho

 

Electricity – Volt & plug

The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong, with round pins.

Measurements 

Metric System

 

WiFi/Internet Access on tour 

WiFi can be found at most accommodations, restaurants and airports, however, the download speed is often slow and many connections limit your data usage. In short, you’ll be able to stay connected with home, but don't expect to watch HD movies in your spare time.

 

When to go

South Africa is blessed with a mostly mild climate, but different areas will yield different temperatures throughout the year. Summer in South Africa is usually peak season, lasting between November – February, however, Easter time (March) is often still considered peak season too. Temperatures range from 25ºC in coastal areas to high 30ºs in inland areas. Cape Town has ideal weather during this time and Durban sports warm beaches and humid air, Johannesburg experiences hot clear days and often an afternoon thunderstorm.

The shoulder season is April and May, as well as September and October. Surprisingly, the weather in Durban is often at its best during this time, and other areas simmer down from their scorching highs. Prices are lower and crowds are smaller. September and October see eruptions of flowers and blooms all around the country.

Winter is beautiful in most parts of the country. Cape Town experiences winter rain and is often a little cold and miserable, but still crisp and beautiful. Because of the warm Indian Ocean, Durban has spectacular weather in winter, often hovering around 20-25ºC with clear blue skies. Inland areas get quite chilly and the odd snowfall is not uncommon (it only lasts for a day though!). Prices are at an all-time low and it is an ideal time for game viewing, as the animals are more active in the cooler weather. 

The Garden Route enjoys a Mediterranean Oceanic climate, which is intrinsically temperate and mild almost all year round. Summers are warm to hot, and winters are cool. Second only to Hawaii, the Garden Route is acclaimed for having one of the mildest climates in the world.

However, the winter rain season can cause some delays for outdoor activities but the mild sunny days and the appeal of seeing the Southern Right Whale migration makes the Cape Whale Coast & Garden Route an ideal destination during the European summer holidays. You can expect cool mornings and evenings, but usually the climate remain bright and sunny during the day.

 

Best time to go where?

Jun-Jul ( mid winter) = Safari in Kruger region

Jan-Feb ( mid summer) = Cape Town city or beach destinations along the Cape Coast

Year-Round = Moderate weather in the Garden Route region

 

Public Holidays

With the possible exception of Christmas Day and New Year's Day, most tourist services and attractions are open on South African public holidays. In addition most city shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues remain open.

1 Jan   New Year's Day
21 Mar   Human Rights Day
30 Mar   Good Friday
2 Apr   Family Day
27 Apr   Freedom Day
1 May   Workers' Day
16 Jun   Youth Day
9 Aug   National Women's Day
24 Sep   Heritage Day
16 Dec   Day of Reconciliation
17 Dec   Day of Reconciliation Holiday
25 Dec   Christmas Day
26 Dec   Day of Goodwill

 

Visa & Travel docs

Travellers from most Commonwealth countries (excluding New Zealand), most Western European nations, Japan and the USA receive a free, 90-day visitor's permit on arrival. These travellers do not need a visa to enter South Africa. A valid passport is essential with at least two empty pages. You generally will need to show return or onward travel arrangements. Children aged under 18 must show an unabridged birth certificate (showing both parents details).

Some countries do, however, need a visa. Visas are not issued upon entry, they must be attained beforehand. It is advised that you clarify this before you leave, the Department of Home Affairs office has a comprehensive list of countries that do not require visas. http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries

 

What to pack

We're generally laid back in South Africa, so no need to haul out your best silks and diamonds when you head to our shores. Here's some clothing advice when in South Africa:

  • For the summers, bring clothes that are cool and comfortable, along with an umbrella or rain jacket, as this is when most of the country gets rain. A light jacket or wrap is a good precaution. Don't forget a swimming costume.
  • The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But we do get some days when temperatures plummet, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg (some nights go below 0ºC), so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. If you are going to the Cape, rain gear will be needed in this season (your average here will be between 10-20ºC).
  • Always bring a hat - the sun can be strong even in the winter months. Make sunglasses, a hat and sunblock a firm part of your skin care kit.
  • Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.
  • For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard and kit yourself out like David Livingstone, out to explore Africa for the first time.
  • For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, go the smart-casual route. If you are simply going out to get a bite to eat, a general “no shirt, no shoes - no service” rule applies, so as long as you are fully clad, your attire should not be an issue.
  • When travelling with Hotspots2c we encourage reasonably sized bags for multi-day tours and we are able to accommodate bags that are on average under 20kgs. For one and two day tours, a light backpack is encouraged. 

  

Health & Safety

There are no compulsory vaccinations required to enter South Africa with exception of a yellow fever vaccination if you have been in a yellow fever area within the last 12 months.

The only major health risk you might face in South Africa is malaria, which is confined to small areas in the north-eastern parts of the country. Small pockets of the northern parts of the Kruger National Park fall under this area but the risk here is considered extremely low and it is not always necessary to take anti-malaria tablets. Remember as a precautionary measure to check with your doctor or a local travel clinic on what is recommended for your country to visit South Africa.

 

For more info about the safety regulations on tour - please see https://hotspots2c.co.za/ideas/safetravels

 

South Africa may have high crime statistics, but if you conduct yourself wisely, most tourists enjoy the country without any incident at all. Here are some tips: ensure that you lock away your passports and travel documents in a safe, which is usually provided by your accommodation or keep valuables at a safe place. Don't flash around valuables and keep an eye on your belongings at all time. Majority of South Africa’s crime is opportunistic petty crime, so if you are vigilant about your belongings you should not have any problem.

 

Getting Around 

South Africa has 3 world-class airports that receive international flights every day; Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Most international airlines will have flights into one or all of these airports daily.

There are numerous budget carriers that offer domestic flights between the major cities for very reasonable rates; this is the fastest and safest way to span large distances, especially between Johannesburg and Cape Town, which is a 2-hour flight.

From the airports there are numerous shuttles and taxis that you can pick up upon arrival, there are also many different car hire options at each airport and in all major cities. Uber is another reliable and affordable option.

 

Money 

Our currency in South Africa is the South African Rand. You can easily convert your currency to rand at a bank or Forex Bureau, the airports and larger towns often have many different Forex options. You can also withdraw from an ATM, banks are available throughout South Africa. Be sure to check what international bank charges you will incur for withdrawals before you arrive. Major credit cards are usually accepted in hotels or restaurants, however, there may be a surcharge. It is advisable to have small amounts of cash for curios and tipping. 

Tipping

  • Tour Guides and Drivers – Tipping on tour is neither expected nor compulsory, however, should you wish to tip the team on the road you are welcome to decide on a value that match the level of service received. A recommendation usually range from R50 to R200 per person per day.
  • Restaurants and Bars - Tipping in restaurants is the norm and is customarily kept at 10% of the total shown on the bill. Many restaurants will add a 10% service charge to a bill if the number of guests exceeds six or ten.
  • Hotels - At hotels you may also leave money to housekeeping at the end of your stay. Porter fees may already be included in your quote, and will be listed under your tour package inclusions.
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