Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai Day Trip
Paarl to Gansbaai
The Journey to Gansbaai is an easy two and half hour drive via Franschhoek, Grabouw and Hermanus.
The distance is approximately 180 km.
How it Works
Shark cage diving and viewing happens once a day, during low tide – weather permitting, therefore it is essential to enquire and book at least one day in advance. You will either go out early morning or just before noon.
It is important that you arrive early because you have to have breakfast, finalise payment and then have the mandatory safety instructions before you can start having fun.
The weather plays an important role in this outing as the boats will not be launched if the weather is not right.
Shark Cage Diving is safe but like any outing on the sea there are always risks. Their safety record is very good and it is certainly a worthwhile outing which you will never forget.
Remember this is the Cape of Storms !
Who to contact for your Cage Diving excursion
Marine Dynamics
Land: +27(0)28 384 1005
Cell: +27(0)82 380 3405
Great White Shark Tours
Land: +27(0)28 384 1418
Cell: +27(0)83 300 2138
Always ensure that you make an advanced booking.
Getting There
• From Paarl take the Wemmershoek Road (R301)
• Drive about 20 km and turn left onto the R 45 at the T-Junction and drive towards Franschhoek.
• You will go over the Franschhoek Pass and pass Theewaterskloof Dam and turn right at the T-junction and drive towards Grabouw. Turn left onto the N2
• Stay on the N2 until you reach the Hermanus R43 exit on your left
• Take the R43 all the way to Hermanus past Fisherhaven, Hawston, Vermont, Onrus and Sand Bay
• You are now entering Hermanus, at the first circle turn lef ton Main Road (still R43 )
• Follow Main Road through Hermanus,over the second circle to last the traffic circle
• At the last traffic circle exit straight – into 7th avenue, R43 Stanford
• Follow R43 towards Stanford, you will pass Stanford and De Kelders
• The R43 will take you into Gansbaai
The Dive
Once you arrive you’ll meet the staff for a brief presentation about sharks, safety issues and some breakfast.
The trip to the diving spot takes about 30 minutes to where the boat anchors and the preparations start. The cage is lowered into the water, the chum is made to lure the sharks and those souls, braving the water, are getting into the provided wetsuits. The cage floats in the water next to the boat with the bottom of the cage about 2 meters under water and the top of the cage about 60cm above the water.
Now it is all systems go as the divers get into the cage and those viewing, can do so from the decks. The divers hang or float in the cage and wait in anticipation for the crew to alert them to the approaching shark. You then take a deep breath, submerge yourself and wait for the Great White. It is an unbelievable experience to see these creatures up close and personal in their natural environment. If you are lucky enough you will see the sharks “mouthing” the cage or boat engines in a gentle manner as they are sometimes drawn by curiosity.
After spending time with the sharks, weather and time permitting, the boat makes its way to Dyer Island to view the African Penguins. Geyser Rock, adjacent to Dyer Island, is home to thousands of Cape Fur Seals and the stretch of water between the two islands is known as Shark Alley which you will visit to see the seals. From here you head back to land.
Depending on which company takes you out there may be variations in the program. Please confirm details if unsure.
Duration
Time on the water is anything from 3 -4 hours.
Costs
R1400 per person, this includes breakfast.
The price is for a place on the boat, whether you dive or not.
Take With
- sunglasses
- sun block
- hat/cap
- camera
- something warm, especially those who are diving
Back Home
Return the same way you came or
Alternative route
- Follow the R43 to Hermanus – through Gansbaai, De Kelders and Stanford.
- From Hermanus follow the R43 towards the N2 for about 21 km to the R44 turnoff, you will see Arabella Country Estate on your left just before the turnoff.
- Take the R44 Kleinmond turnoff to your left.
Perhaps the Most Scenic
Ocean Drive in The Cape
The R44 will take you through the little towns of Kleinmond on to Betty’s Baai (Bay) past Pringle Bay to Rooi Els. From Rooi Els you will follow the R44 all along one of the most spectacular scenic, ocean drives in the Cape, easy rivalling the well known Chapmans Peak drive.
You will then enter Gordons Bay, stay on the R44 and turn right into Sir Lowry’s Pass Road towards the N2.
Turn left into the N2 towards Cape Town and stay on the N2 until you get to exit 43 , the Broadway Boulevard R44.
Take exit 43 and turn right into Broadway Boulevard and follow the R44 all the way to Stellenbosch.
From Stellenbosch drive approximately 15km towards Klapmuts. (R44)
Continue towards the N2 and turn right and drive about 10 km to the first Paarl exit. (Exit 55)
Take exit and arrive at T-Junction which is the Paarl Main Road.