More about Shark Cage Diving

Shark cage diving is a super exciting yet educational activity where individuals can observe sharks in their natural habitat whilst being safe and protected inside a cage. It provides a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures without actually being in direct contact with them, as well as having minimal impact on their environment. The Bronze Whaler Sharks are the species we are currently targeting in False Bay. However, when dealing with nature, you never know what you’re going to see or encounter on the day. There are several other shark species that populate False Bay, and on occasional trips, we can witness the Broad nose Sevengill sharks, also known as the Cow shark. Historically False Bay was famous for its Great White Sharks and their natural breaching predatory behavior, however, they have been a rarity, although we always hope for an appearance. Shark Cage diving is also for boat enthusiasts or surface viewers. If you’re not comfortable with hopping into the water, the view from the boat is just as exciting. We attract these beautiful animals to the surface of the water for all to enjoy and marvel over. Joining us at Shark Explorers in Simonstown, False Bay is the best option for you. It’s not only the closest and most convenient drive or travel from Cape Town City, (a mere 40mins), but it’s also the most personalized, professional, and exclusive shark cage diving experience you’ll receive. From arriving at the dive center, we offer our guests complimentary coffee & tea and advise using the restroom facilities before boarding the vessel. Our boat has toilet facilities, but it is a smaller confined area, not advised for sea-sick participants.

The safety of our participants is of the utmost importance. Safety briefings and continuous information are provided to our guests from the minute they arrive. Boat briefing and cage diving briefings are all done throughout the trip. Safety briefings are imperative to create reassurance and optimal comfortability for our guests. We have experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the environment & behavior of sharks. The boat ride can vary slightly in duration, but the usual travel from the harbor to the dive site is around 30 minutes. Along the travel, there is always a possibility of seeing dolphins, whales, African penguins and the Cape Fur Seals.

Once the boat reaches the dive location, it's near Seal Island False Bay, the anchor is deployed, a briefing is done and the cage is lowered into the water. Participants take turns entering the cage wearing 5mm to 7mm wetsuits, booties, and masks, usually in small groups. The cage is secured to the boat at a surface level, keeping it in place for easy access and viewing of the sharks. Once inside the cage, participants can observe the sharks swimming nearby. Water visibility can vary in False Bay from 1 meter to 12 meters, this does play a huge role in underwater viewing and is established by weather movements, including swell, wind, and cloud cover. Water visibility is completely beyond our control as operators.

The cage is submerged partially, with enough breathing room to have your head and shoulders above the water, (like sitting in a swimming pool) for taking a breath between the underwater viewing. This method allows for a super easy and user-friendly way that almost everyone and all participants of various ages can enjoy this unique underwater perspective and experience.

The crew will potentially use all-natural fish products only, usually referred to as bait or chum, to attract the sharks, increasing the chances of close encounters. This application is applied to every shark cage diving operation. The time spent in the water inside the cage can vary, it's based more on shark activity than a set time, as well as the comfortability of the guests. Water temperatures vary from 14 degrees Celsius/ 57 degrees Fahrenheit to 20 degrees Celsius to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in False Bay.

The entire duration of the trip from meeting at our dive center to returning to the harbor in around 3/4 hours.

Once returning to the harbor, you’re welcome to head on your way to your next activity or join us back at the dive center for a hot chocolate, relaxation, and free WIFI. We look forward to having you join us at Shark Explorers for a professional, exciting, and unforgettable experience with our shark cage diving trips.

What people say

AMAAAAZING TRIP trip was postponed a day due to Orca whales being close by , on way out to see t...  -  darren mckechnie.