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South Africa is without a shadow of a doubt, the
best and most productive destination for
experiencing GREAT WHITE SHARKS and WHALES at close quarters anywhere in the world.
Not only is the large population of whales and
sharks unparalleled elsewhere, but the locations are
so accessible and in close proximity to land, that
you are virtually guaranteed to witness numerous
animals engaging in what they come here to do – the
sharks to feed, the whales to mate and to calve.
Our competitive pricing and the favourable South
African exchange rate make it even more affordable
and irresistible. Are YOU ready to experience the
greatest moment of your life?
GREAT
WHITE SHARKS
These feared yet magnificent predators inhabit all
of the world’s oceans, but nowhere else are there so
many of them, so close to shore and so readily
observed as here, near the southern-most tip of
Africa.
A number of islands supporting huge seal and pelagic
bird colonies, and waters rich in fish, undoubtedly
are the major factors in attracting and maintaining
such large numbers of great white sharks throughout
the year. The water is “chummed” with a liquid mix
of fish ingredients; designed to attract but not to
feed the sharks.
The best time to view sharks here is between April
and October when these stealthy hunters are
primarily focussed on feeding on the seals and fish
around Dyer Island. This behaviour changes quite
significantly during the summer months from November
to March, when white sharks here seem to be less
interested in food and are not that readily
attracted to the bait. Latest research indicates
that their suppression of appetite at this time
would prevent both serious injury during mating and
cannibalising on their off-spring after birth.
Still, even during summer great white sharks are
encountered 95% of the time and many superb days are
spent at sea. On a good day upwards of a dozen
different great white sharks ranging between 1,5 and
4,5 meters may be encountered, with heaps of action
around the boat.
For more information on great white sharks
click here
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SHARK CAGE DIVING & SURFACE VIEWING
DYER ISLAND
This is a strictly regulated industry, with only a
few operators having been granted a license to
engage in this activity. The trip to the diving
grounds at Dyer Island is only six nautical miles
from the launch site at Kleinbaai (see
map).
Once the boat is anchored, the "chumming" commences
with a liquid mix of fish ingredients; designed to
attract but not to feed the sharks. Great care is
taken not to interfere too much with the natural
behaviour patterns of the great white shark and the
feeding of sharks is strictly prohibited, to prevent
them from associating boats with an easy meal. Just
as soon as there are fairly active sharks in the
area, the cage is lowered into the water.
The cage floats on the surface and is moored right
next to the boat, to make the diving and
diver-exchange comfortable and safe. No diving
experience is required, as sharks can be viewed from
within the cage on breath-hold. For those who are
familiar with SCUBA gear, air is supplied from
cylinders on the boat. The duration of the dive
depends mainly on the level of shark activity and
the temperature of the water.
All passengers will be given the chance to dive,
providing the water and weather remain favourable.
The visibility around the stormy Cape is seldom that
of a tropical paradise and diving is sometimes
significantly impaired by murky water. However,
throughout the 4-5 hour trip passengers can enjoy
the various vantage points from deck or from the
viewing platform to observe and photograph the great
white sharks only a few feet away. Surface viewing
here is as great and exciting as the dive itself.
During the winter months (April to October)
operations mostly take place at Dyer and Geyser
Islands, in and around “Shark Alley”, as this is
where the sharks come to feed on primarily seals.
The islands also provide some shelter from the rough
winter seas. During summer (November to March) the
location shifts closer to the beach, where it
appears that sharks go to mate and give birth. This
time is regarded as the “low-season”, as great white
sharks are clearly less interested in feeding and
are seldom are as numerous and active as during
winter.
FLYING SHARKS
The fabulous images of great white sharks in mid-air
have made the "flying sharks" of False Bay quite
famous. Typical for the deep-water hunting behaviour
around Seal Island, great white sharks patrol along
the ocean floor, waiting to ambush any unwary seal
at the surface. Oftentimes the momentum of the
vertical, upward attack sees the shark clearing the
water’s surface by several feet.
Much like the more commercial "Dyer Island" shark
trips, False Bay offers a healthy population of
great white sharks, that can be observed at close
quarters on a daily basis. More protected from the
elements and surrounded by the spectacular Cape
mountains, this setting is truly amazing. "Seal
Island" is home to a huge colony of Cape fur seals
and like the one on "Dyer Island" constitutes a
substantial part of the white sharks' diet. It is
here that we can be witness to natural predation
much better than anywhere else, and due to the
particular combination of the oceanic geography and
the sharks' hunting technique, they can be enticed
to breach by towing a rubber seal decoy. The cage
diving and "chumming" or baiting of sharks only
commences after these ancient interactions between
predator and prey have been observed, which adds a
whole different dimension to the experience. The
adjacent image is the result of one of these trips
with the picture being taken by Lars Svensson in
False Bay at Seal Island on a trip that was offered
by Shark Adventures operating from Gordon's Bay.
By their very nature these trips are dependent on
fairly favourable sea and weather conditions. It is
therefore a good idea to set aside an extra day or
two, to be able to postpone. For those with a
propensity to seasickness, we suggest the
prophylactic use of a "Stugeron" or similar
motion-sickness tablet, at least an hour before
departure.
Any speculation that shark cage diving has
contributed to an increased shark attack statistic
over the past decade, is adamantly denied by an
independent research team which monitors and records
white shark behaviour here.
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DIVING EQUIPMENT
For the dive all equipment, including all size
wetsuits in pristine condition are provided. If you
bring your own pair of goggles, you can be sure of a
perfect fit. The diving cages are designed to float
and are made of a sturdy galvanized steel mesh
protruding above the water’s surface to allow the
divers to come up at any time. A lid prevents sharks
from slipping in at the top and the use of surface
air supply or SCUBA is optional. All diving
equipment is well maintained and regularly inspected
by the dive-master.
PERSONAL EFFECTS
Warm clothes, bathing costumes, a hat and sunscreen,
plus photographic equipment should be part of your
personal effects. Having these items packed in a
small, easily manageable bag will save space and
make them readily accessible. A breakfast and a
light lunch are provided and refreshments are
available throughout.
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SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALES
Every year in July, southern right whales arrive in
numbers on the South African coastline, to calve and
to mate in the relatively warm and sheltered bays.
As they congregate in close proximity to the shore,
and since they are slow moving and spend most of the
time on the surface, they can most magnificently be
observed, both from the shore and from a boat.
Behaviour such as mating, calving, breaching, lob
tailing, sailing and spy hopping are commonplace and
hugely entertaining. Specialized filter feeders,
southern right whales do not find substantial
nourishment along the continental shelf, and after
4-6 months migrate back to the cold, ant-arctic
waters where they find sustenance in the form of
massive shoals of "krill". The best time to view
whales from the shore is during the months of
August, September and October. However, they can be
spotted with some certainty from July onwards, until
well into December. The boat-based whale watching
industry is particularly geared at making close
encounters possible, even during those months in
which there are few to be seen from the shore.
For more information on southern right whales
click here.
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BOAT BASED WHALE WATCHING
Although southern right whales are easily spotted
and can superbly be observed from the shore during
the peak whale-watching season (August-October),
close encounters are not always possible. Boat-based
whale watching puts these enigmatic ocean dwellers
within touching distance and into anyone’s
viewfinder from July until well into December every
year. This industry is strictly regulated, only
allows a few boats close access to the whales, and
only within very limited areas. This legislation is
designed to protect whales along the South African
shore from excessive disturbance. The whale watching
boats have in fact proven to be a most effective
form of policing the inshore waters and reporting
illegal activity.
A number of boats conduct these 2-3 hour trips, each
offering a substantially different package. All
boats are absolutely magnificent and regularly
surveyed craft, with on-board toilets
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BOATS & EQUIPMENT
BOATS
All boats used by us are new, stable, sea-worthy
(“South African Marine Safety Authority” inspected)
and comfortable craft, with all required
safety-equipment and toilets on board. The vessels
are in the 30 ft plus range, are spacious and
equipped with a large cabin, toilet and basin, have
sheltered seating and generally sport a viewing deck
to provide a great perspective from above. Powered
by large outboard engines the ride is fast and
fume-free. To provide stability while conducting the
shark diving, the boats are twin-hulled catamarans,
which minimize the rocking motion of the ocean.
Trips are only conducted providing the weather and
sea allow for a safe operation. While none of the
boats we use get crowded, being on a trip which
accommodates a smaller client contingent will cost a
little extra and provide you with a little more
room, cage diving time and a slightly more
personalized ambience.
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DYER ISLAND
This small, 20-ha island is situated
about 5 km offshore near the towns of Kleinbaai,
Gansbaai and Hermanus. Its satellite island, Geyser
Island, is inhabited by one of the largest Cape fur
seal colonies in the Western Cape. This resident
population of seals is what attracts a large
contingent of great white sharks here particularly
during the winter months to feed. The channel
between the two islands is popularly known as “Shark
Alley”, and is well frequented by the shark cage
diving boats from April to October. Not only are
great white sharks plentiful here at this time, but
an additional bonus is afforded by Geyser Island,
which shelters the channel from the worst of the
Cape winter storms.
In the 1970s, this island supported
the largest colony of African penguins, about 25000
pairs. By the year 2000, the population had
plummeted to around 2000 pairs. Scarcity of food in
terms of fish, and interestingly, predation on
chicks by seals not sharks, are listed as the most
likely causes of this decline. Penguin fledglings
from Dyer Island are thought never to return here to
breed.
The endangered roseate tern, which
formerly nested on Dyer Island, had clearly
discontinued breeding here between 1975 and 1995,
and it is likely due to human disturbance being kept
to a minimum today, that these birds have returned.
A host of other seabirds breed on
the island, amongst them Leach’s storm petrels,
white breasted, Cape, bank and crowned cormorants,
kelp and Hartlaub’s gulls and swift terns. Huge
roosts of common and Sandwich terns occur in summer.
Antarctic terns, which breed on the sub Antarctic
islands, roost here in winter.
Great white pelicans discontinued
nesting on Dyer Island from the 1930 due to
persecution by guano collectors.
Strangely enough, even though there
are scores of Cape gannets feeding in the area
around the islands, and in spite of the fact that
there is ample space for a breeding colony here,
these birds clearly have not been recorded nesting
here.
African black oystercatcher breed
prolifically on the shoreline of Dyer Island, and
Kittlitz’s and white fronted plovers nest in the
open areas of the interior.
Little egrets and Egyptian geese
have also recently started breeding here.
Dyer Island also lies closely to
some of the most important “southern right whale
bays” along the southern Cape coast, with lots of
whale traffic between July and December.
Occasionally humpback and Bryde’s whales are spotted
too.
Bottlenose, common and Indo Pacific
humpback dolphins are also regularly sighted around
the islands.
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MICRO-LIGHT-FLIGHTS
Do not miss this once in a life-time opportunity to
soar like an eagle. Leave everything behind and open
your senses to a quite different perspective of the
world. From the safety of the "Bantam B22J" and in
the hands of a most competent pilot with over 2000
incident-free flying hours, see the world from
above. Magnificent views of Hermanus, the vineyards,
the mountains and the whales at play in Walker Bay
will simply take your breath away, as you are
strapped into the open cockpit and literally fly
like a bird. An unforgettable experience for young
and old!"
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KAYAKING
Framed by spectacular cliffs and
inshore kelp forests, Hermanus has one of the most
picturesque coastlines in the world. Join our
experienced guides in safe and stable sea kayaks for
an hour’s exploration in this unique environment,
spotting whales, dolphins and seals en route from
the old fisherman’s harbour to the new one. Take
time out to see the world from a completely new
perspective. No previous experience required.
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ANGLING
The tuna fishing grounds off the Cape of Good Hope
are renowned throughout the world. Test your skills
against the longfin tuna (albacore) on light tackle
or do battle with the mighty yellowfin tuna, which
abound in this area. The average weight of the
yellowfin that we catch is from 45 to 65 kilograms
whilst fish in excess of 80kg are common. Last
season a number of fish over 90kg were taken with
two being over 100kg. The longfin tuna average from
10 to 20 kg whilst up to 30kg fish are regularly
taken. We can also cater for trips to catch the
"gladiator of the sea", broadbill swordfish. These
are overnight trips and are arranged specially for
anglers targeting this awesome fish. All angling and
tackle conforms to IGFA standards and records may be
claimed. 10, 15, 24 and 37kg tackle is provided.
Rods are equipped with Penn International and
Shimano reels. Anglers are welcome to provide their
own tackle should they prefer to do so.
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SKI
BOAT ANGLING
The inshore waters of the Cape coast offer great bottom fishing
and light tackle gamefishing. During the summer
months, yellowtail, kabeljou and Cape salmon are
common whilst during the winter, good sport can be
had with a variety of bottomfish and the local Cape
snoek.
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ACCOMMODATION
Find the right accommodation for your taste and
budget immediately. There is no need to pay an arm a
leg for this aspect of your trip, and cheap here
does not imply low standard.
There is a great availability of wonderful
accommodation in the Hermanus area, ranging from
basic self-catering to Backpackers, from affordable
Bed & Breakfasts to up-market Hotels. We shall
gladly assist you in finding something suitable for
the duration of your stay.
GOLF RETREAT
Luxury living on the exclusive "Arabella Golf
Estate" near Hermanus. The ultimate combination of
golfing and relaxation in spectacular surroundings
on one of South Africa's most prestigious golf
estates. Living right next to the fairway of a
world-class golf course in private accommodation,
with the "Arabella Sheraton Hotel" providing the
finest cuisine and a magnificent health and beauty
SPA, is surely a dream come true. Located so close
to Hermanus, you can also enjoy arguably the world's
best whale watching and shark cage diving a few
minutes away, engage in endless beach walks, horse
rides and numerous other activities listed above,
and simply revel in the holiday of a life-time. T
he
two-storey accommodation offers 3 en-suite bedrooms,
modern kitchen and spacious living areas, barbecue
facilities, double garage, golf cart and spectacular
mountain and fairway views.
MISSION STATEMENT
In an industry littered with illustrious
advertisements and promises we endeavour to provide
you, the visitor, with the bottom-line on what is
available in terms of shark cage diving, boat based
whale watching, accommodation and several other
adventure activities. We try to match budgets and
expectations with the many services provided, so
that your experience here is based not on a hunch,
but on an adequately informed decision. Seasons,
weather, supply and demand, as well as the services
provided create a somewhat complex scenario in which
unbiased “navigational” aid can make the difference
between the ultimate thrill and a great
disappointment.
Click here for map of the area.
Click here for more information on veiwing Southern Right and Humpback Whales, Sharks and Dolphins in Southern Africa.
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