Shark cage diving in Gansbaai
The full-day adventure begins at the quaint coastal village of Gaansbaai, in the Overberg district, off the coast of the Western Cape, two hours away from Cape Town. Guests can enjoy the clean simplicity of the Great White House, where a breakfast awaits divers before heading off for an action-packed day. As safety is paramount, divers are given a brief introductory talk by a dedicated marine biologist, outlining welfare protocols, possible encounter scenarios, the general behaviour required from divers and expected behaviour from great whites. Next, guests will head off to be fitted with a custom life-jacket, wetsuit and waterproof jacket, which will fully equip guests for the journey ahead.
Sail out to the notorious Shark Alley, home to the largest population of great white sharks found in the world. The alley is a narrow channel of water that runs between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock, boasting well over 50 000 Cape fur seals that entice the great whites to scan the depths and the surface in eager anticipation of easy prey. This adventure is ideal for thrill-seekers, shark aficionados, and nature enthusiasts. For those who wish to stay on board, the great whites remain in clear view from the viewing deck, barely under the surface of the water, often drumming their large noses against the boat’s exterior and even breaching during the summer season. The snout of the great white is its greatest feature, covered in sensory cells that can detect odours and blood from kilometres away. Divers are lowered into the water in large, secure steel cages, barely a metre (three feet) under the water.
Conservation
Dyer Island Cruises, in conjunction with Marine Dynamics and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, are deeply involved with various and diverse research and conservation projects, with a portion of all funds going back into various marine management initiatives in order to protect our oceans.