Does your heart pound with envy at the thought of a racecar speeding across a racetrack at 250 mph? Or a skydiver freefalling from thousands of feet above the ground? If so, you may find that shark diving in Gansbaai, Western Cape, South Africa is the perfect solution to satisfy your deep-rooted hunger for adrenaline.
With strict preservation laws on great white sharks, Gansbaai is arguably the world’s best place to observe these exceptional creatures in their natural feeding grounds. One of the most popular places to observe the great white shark in Gansbaai is in the channel between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock—justifiably referred to as shark alley.
For the more adventurous, you can observe these spectacular creatures up-close from the safety of a specially designed shark diving cage. If you’re on the more conservative side—like myself—you can witness sharks feed from the comfort of the boat. In addition to viewing a variety of shark species, you can see Cape fur seals, whales, and penguins.
In Gansbaai there are a variety of shark dive safari providers and excursions to choose from—some including cages, photography opportunities, manta rays, hammerheads, tiger sharks, and more. Although each shark dive safari provider offers varying itineraries, many supply delicious breakfasts and lunches during your full day of shark viewing and diving. One of the companies we recommend is Marine Dynamic Tours, which is Fair Trade Certified by the Fair Trade in Tourism company in South Africa.
Below are some things you can see and do in the deep waters surrounding Gansbaai:
• Observe a large variety of sharks as you float safely behind the iron bars of a shark cage. Depending on the type of shark dive safari you choose, you can see hammerheads, tiger sharks (the most dangerous shark in the world), great whites, and bull sharks in their natural habitats.
• View shark feedings from the comfort of a boat. Because great whites feed at the surface, it’s not necessary to cage dive if you want to see these magnificent animals. Although it is a completely different experience, you will still be able to see great whites as they come to the surface for food.
• Scuba dive with one of the ocean’s largest and most gentle creatures, the whale shark, or through a handful of wrecks and reefs.
• Photograph enormous manta rays, moray eels, dolphins, colorful reef fish, turtles, seals and wreck sharks.
This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come face-to-face with one of the world’s most dangerous predators is indescribable and an activity that shouldn’t be missed—even if you are viewing the sharks from the boat! If you’re interested in participating in a shark diving excursion, the best time to enjoy one is from June to September, although many providers do offer shark dive safaris year-round.
Learn more about shark diving safaris today by contacting us at 1.800.940.9344. Our team specializes in creating completely customized itineraries for travelers going on an African family safari or honeymoon safari. Isn’t it time you experienced the African safari trip of a lifetime?
We’d love to hear your feedback on a shark diving safari in our comments section. Let us know if you would ever be up for cage diving.
They lurk quietly through rivers and are camouflaged by canopying trees, attack with intense force, and during leisure time, enjoy basking on riverbanks beneath the blistering sun. The crocodile, known by its vicious, man-eating reputation, is one of Africa’s most mesmerizing creatures.
An authentic Botswana safari trip combined with luxurious accommodations is the perfect fusion of ingredients for an African safari vacation of a lifetime. Home to some of the world’s most exotic birds, game, reptiles, and amphibians, the Chobe and Linyanti National Reserves in Botswana are just as pristine and untouched as they were when the first European explorers visited the region centuries ago.
The Luxurious Accommodations: Boasting a wide spectrum of places to stay, including lodges, hotels, and camps, Zimbabwe offers high-end accommodations for those looking to enjoy authentic Zimbabwe safari tours with an essence of luxury. One of Zimbabwe’s most highly-acclaimed lodge’s, Singita’s Pamushana Lodge in the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, was included in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler annual “Hot List” for 2009. In addition to the spectacular Singita’s Pamushana Lodge, The Hide is another amazing place to soak in the rich natural surroundings of the African plains. Celebrated for its joyful staff, friendly atmosphere, prime location, and marvelous accommodations, The Hide is one of the few lodges directly situated in Hwange National Park, and is the perfect place to stay on a Zimbabwe safari trip. The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is another excellent place to stay, famous for its picturesque views, exhilarating activities, and ideal location in the unspoiled wilderness.
In addition to changing the lives of its clients, Hills of Africa Travel strives to leave a lasting footprint on the African community.
“What I found was the most perfect travel experience ever. There was scenery so incredible it made me want to cry. It was as if the colors were brighter, the smells stronger and the sounds more beautiful. There was the wildlife — so magnetic, powerful. I could sit, for hours, in complete silence, just watching — never had an experience like it,” says Hill.
