Over the past 350 million years sharks have dominated the oceans of the world. The fiercest predators within their domain, sharks have earned their reputation because the hunters of the sea. Humans have become fascinated by them and have a wholesome combination of fear and respect for these beautiful creatures.

South Africa, more specifically Cape Town, is without a shadow of question, one of the best destinations worldwide for experiencing sharks, especially Great White sharks, at close proximity. The population of sharks is unparalleled elsewhere, and the locations are so accessible and in close proximity to land, that you're virtually guaranteed to witness numerous animals doing what they were born to do.

The Adventure of a Lifetime

Shark cage diving and surface viewing is now increasingly popular within the adventure tourism industry within the last decade. It's the experience of a very long time to be able to witness these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

Annually tens and thousands of people travel the planet to see and dive with the 400 species of shark in our oceans. Every year they undertake this adventure with apprehension and excitement and everytime return with an interest and deep seated respect for these fascinating creatures.

Swim with the Sharks

Shark cage diving is a strictly regulated industry, with only some operators having been granted a license to take part in this activity. Great care is taken not to interfere an excessive amount of with the natural behavior patterns of the sharks. The feeding of sharks can be strictly prohibited, to avoid them from associating boats with an easy meal.

Passengers on the shark cage trips are most likely to have Great Whites as other sharks tend to keep a low profile in their territories. The Cape Coast is one of the very most famous Great White territories world wide.

On boarding the boat for the trip out to sea, the passenger's anticipation is overwhelming. It can take around an hour of chumming before the very first shark appears. When the sharks have settled down, the initial group of cagers prepare to enter their cage while the rest retreat to the rear of the boat or viewing platform to witness the spectacular proceedings, eagerly awaiting their turn in the cage.

The bait line is slowly drawn towards the cage. As the bait line approaches so too does the Great White. The cage experience has been described by some as a mental, heart-stopping and truly thrilling experience.

The knowledge is not only thrilling for those in the cage. The passengers on the boat have the ability to enjoy the outer lining viewing from an unparalleled viewpoint and to observe and photograph the Great White sharks from only a few feet away. Surface viewing listed here is amazing as passengers get an all-round view of the sharks attacking, circling and descending.

Shark Cage Diving Locations

You will find two areas where Great White diving is done, Gans Bay and Mossel Bay. Both these destinations are typically reached by land or air from Cape Town International Airport. Both destinations may also be major tourist hot spots and accommodation and restaurants are of a fantastic standard.

The best time of year for Great White viewing is between April and November mainly due to the mass-pupping of seals. Sharks certainly are a little less active between December and March but aren't completely absent from the areas. During caging and viewing trips Great White sharks are encountered 95% of the time, on a great day upwards of several Great White sharks ranging between 2, 5 and 4, 5 meters might be encountered.

There are always a large number of companies operating shark tours in and around Cape Town many specialising in specific sightings because of where they're based. On most of the tours you will have a way to see many other areas of marine life apart from the sharks: schools of dolphins; seals; penguins; bird life and occasionally whales.

Feel the Thrill

Whether sharks intrigue, fascinate or frighten you, it's the ability of a life being so close to them and observing them inside their natural habitat. Being with one of these mighty kings of the deep is among the most popular activities in adventure tourism at the moment. Whether you need to dive with Great Whites or just view them from afar, Cape Town is an ideal area for you.

Shark cage diving is once in an eternity chance for shark lovers and adventure junkies alike. Experience the ultimate thrill whilst diving with ragged-tooth sharks, a turtle, rays and game fishes in the I&J predator exhibit at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town.