Ultimate Cape Town Shark Dive: Face Great Whites!

There will be NO great whites but still an amazing trip. Saw lots of sharks, a sting ray, whales & seals

I can't rate it higher than a 3 because we saw ZERO sharks. Three people got in the water after a 90 minute wait to view a large stingray. Also, we saw 3 pass of whales at a distance during the tour. The water temp was 15 which precluded shark activity according to the marine biologist on the staff. The entire crew, staff, and operation are first class but the total experience was a frigid, 3 hour+ boat trip to shark alley to view seals. Perhaps a different time of year would be better.

The tour picked me up at 6:30 AM from my hotel (Capital Mirage in Cape Town), then a couple of other people at other hotels. On this trip, everyone spoke English. The trip to the launch point took around 2 hours, and it was a nice ride, watching the sunrise and seeing the countryside and wineries along the way. We stopped by a penguin rehabilitation center for about 15 minutes for a quick explanation of the agency's purpose (and a request for donations). When we got to the tour center, we were joined with other people and all of us were directed upstairs to a buffet continental breakfast- breads & pastries, cold meats, cheeses, fruits, fruit juices and hot beverages. We watched a video explaining safety guidelines. Back outside, staff issued rain coats and led us on a 5 minute walk to the marina. The 2-story boat was modest sized, and everyone sat on benches along the sides of the deck. The trip on water to the diving point took 30-45 minutes. Once anchored, staff issued each passengers a wet suit, and we all undressed and re-dressed. Staff secured an aluminum cage along one side of the boat. "Diving" involved passengers taking turns entering the cage and immersing into the water. The cage seemed about 8-feet deep (six of those were under water), three-feet wide, and 10-feet long. The cage had ladder-steps facing front, so when we entered the cage, we held ourselves up, heads out of water, until ready to go under. As we entered the cage, we each got a SCUBA mask, but no snorkel. So, one stayed under water as long as you could hold your breath. Staff chummed the water on one side of the cage with fish guts infused with fish oil, while two other staff each threw into the water a big fish carcus attached to a hook and rope then pulled it back in toward the cage, over and over. Everyone got into the cage at least once. There was no time-limit on how long one could stay in, but no one was impolite about time. Staff took pictures of individual divers, and the animals and area around the boat. On this day, 9/1/25, the waters were cold and choppy, and the wind was pretty bad. At least half of us got seasick, including myself- my experience in the cage was about 10 minutes until I threw up. Everyone was good natured about it, though. When staff saw someone looking green, they offered mint, ginger, medications, and liquids. The anchored experience lasted about an hour. We did get to see a lot of copper sharks, a stingray, a seal, and, while we motored from the marina, a whale. Seagulls followed us to and from the marina, and fought for chunks of fish that floated in the water. Everyone changed back into their clothes after their turn in the cage. The ride back was as bumpy as the ride there but, again, no one complained. Back on shore, staff invited us to some vegetable soup and liquids. The place had an extensive souvenir shop. Visitors were invited to support the research agency run through the tour with sponsorships at various levels. The van took us back to our hotels without stopping. I'm glad I went and I had a lot of fun. I won't hold the tour responsible for the waves and weather- we were in Nature's pool after all. The only possible downside is that the tour cannot promise that a shark will be sited. If no shark comes around, then visitors are offered a voucher for another tour on another day at no cost. If the experience sites just one shark, however, then the experience is considered successful and no vouchers are offered

Absolutely fantastic. An early pickup with a friendly driver. Breakfast was great and a talk on sharks before the short boat ride. Plenty of time in the water seeing over 20 sharks and a couple of rays. Even joined by a cheeky seal after the sharks left. Back to the centre for some warming soup and then the journey back to our hotel. Such a brilliant experience.

The whole process ran like clockwork. Could not fault the service and it was a great experience. FRiendly and informative staff

The whole organisation is great from the pick up to the drop off, however realising that the Great White Shark is unlikely to be sighted was a big disappointment.

An incredible experience with a great company. We had a lovely time and saw many sharks and stingrays. So worth it

Such a professional company that really takes care of their clients. We saw lots of sharks and had a great experience! Dyer Island and Shark Alley were also highlights! The staff were amazing!!!!

Great time, staff was wonderful. From pick up at my hotel in Capetown to drop-off. Got a little queasy and staff were ready with ginger which saved me.

Awesome crew and experience! Everyone was well prepared and passionate. We saw 3 bronze while we were in the cage.