Shark Cage Diving South Africa
Shark Cage Diving South Africa
Shark Cage Diving South Africa
4
Full view
About
Thrilling cage diving experience close to Cape Town .A unique opportunity to visit the wonder of the great white shark in a safe and professional environment . Experience sheer adrenalin of meeting great white sharks .
Gansbaai, South Africa
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
Shark Cage Diving South Africa
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsContribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
104 reviews
Excellent
65
Very good
18
Average
5
Poor
7
Terrible
9
graham603
Wickford, UK9 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
An amazing experience being in the cage with the sharks just outside. A well run trip and certainly one worth doing. Kelly the marine biologist onboard was excellent and very informative. Unfortunately we didn’t see any great white sharks but saw a lot of bronze whale sharks a couple of seals and a massive stingray which was totally unexpected. Would certainly recommend Marine Dynamics
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Levy D
2 contributions
Dec 2021
Really loved the atmosphere on the boat and felt really safe. Haven't seen a white shark unfortunately but did saw lots of bronzewhale sharks (around 15) which are really incredible to see as well. Thank you for the unforgettable experience.
Written December 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben_Houghton78
Reading, UK63 contributions
Jun 2017 • Solo
After an experience in 2015 when I was ripped off by a fake company I was more than a little anxious of the same thing happening on my return to SA so a massive thanks to Nicolette in the bookings team who managed my anxiety and even offered to get me on another boat if weather prohibited me from going with them in my short time in Cape Town.
Full Cape Town pick up and drop off was included and added to the value of the trip where safety instructions and clear 'do nots' in relation to animal (and human) safety were thoroughly gone over. 2 meals were also included. I'm not normally one for sea sickness but I struggled at times on this boat, in due mostly to peoples lack of comprehension of balance and inertia. As soon as someone saw a shark there was a swift shift to that side of the boat leading to pronounced 'bobbing'....I wasn't sick but I tell you it was close at times!
I echo the person belows review regarding no animals should be harmed for human entertainment but it's hard without being on their boat to understand what happened. Our boat were very aware and firm on respecting the animal in it's natural habitat and the experience of seeing the sharks up close was very well managed. In fact, rather than put the onus on shark engagement it was us who were informed that if we were not quicker in the cage then we would not get to see them. Then again, when a cute blonde tells me to do something I'm prone to follow instruction to the letter! Seriously though, I had a sense throughout the day that the crews primary concern was the welfare of the animals and they were all very knowledgeable about the wildlife.
The DVD was a great extra and worth the money. I wholeheartedly recommend this organisation for shark cage diving.
Full Cape Town pick up and drop off was included and added to the value of the trip where safety instructions and clear 'do nots' in relation to animal (and human) safety were thoroughly gone over. 2 meals were also included. I'm not normally one for sea sickness but I struggled at times on this boat, in due mostly to peoples lack of comprehension of balance and inertia. As soon as someone saw a shark there was a swift shift to that side of the boat leading to pronounced 'bobbing'....I wasn't sick but I tell you it was close at times!
I echo the person belows review regarding no animals should be harmed for human entertainment but it's hard without being on their boat to understand what happened. Our boat were very aware and firm on respecting the animal in it's natural habitat and the experience of seeing the sharks up close was very well managed. In fact, rather than put the onus on shark engagement it was us who were informed that if we were not quicker in the cage then we would not get to see them. Then again, when a cute blonde tells me to do something I'm prone to follow instruction to the letter! Seriously though, I had a sense throughout the day that the crews primary concern was the welfare of the animals and they were all very knowledgeable about the wildlife.
The DVD was a great extra and worth the money. I wholeheartedly recommend this organisation for shark cage diving.
Written June 26, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicolas s
3 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
The worst experience of my entire trip. We could not see any shark and when I asked for a refund, she denied, she said that is his policy, but she never said that before and I didnt sign anithing, so I could not knew that. She offered me a voucher but I have to left the next day so it was unusefull. The women of the company was rude and unpolite. If you are gonna do the shark experience, I recommend not to do it with this company.
Written April 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Highland1955
Swansea, UK11 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
I actually enjoyed the trip. It was well organised, clean and safe. we save plenty of sharks and the sea wasn't too cold. However one of the sharks injured itself while trying to get the food and that can't be right. The cage needs to be so that the sharks can't hurt themselves. No creature should suffer for human entertainment.
Written February 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eduardogY9340PK
London, UK2 contributions
Jan 2016 • Family
Arriving at our Hotel we inquired about shark cage diving. The lady at the travel desk advised that there were no sharks and that they have disappeared. She told us that the rep of the company they use told them that they must please not book any dives as there were no sharks. It was on my bucket list and as an arrogant tourist i am, I did not believe her so I went on the web and did some research. We found MARINE DYNAMICS which was highly recommended on trip advisor so we phoned and booked with them. They were very friendly when we got there and they assured us that we will see sharks. We did not see one shark and when we got back to land they gave us vouchers to come back. Our boat was full and there were also many other boats in the water when we were out there.
I should have rather listened to the lady at the front desk when she told us there were no sharks.
My question to you MARINE DYNAMICS !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why do you and other companies book trips when you know there are no sharks???
You are just taking peoples money and then give them vouchers to come back. When am I suppose to come back and do it again. Are you going to pay for our flights.
How much money have you and other boats taken from us knowing there was no sharks.
I take my hat off to the company that did not go out and rip people off. I will find out who the other companies are and I will shame you all.
You are dishonest and greedy
I should have rather listened to the lady at the front desk when she told us there were no sharks.
My question to you MARINE DYNAMICS !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why do you and other companies book trips when you know there are no sharks???
You are just taking peoples money and then give them vouchers to come back. When am I suppose to come back and do it again. Are you going to pay for our flights.
How much money have you and other boats taken from us knowing there was no sharks.
I take my hat off to the company that did not go out and rip people off. I will find out who the other companies are and I will shame you all.
You are dishonest and greedy
Written January 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark
Durban, South Africa8 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
As a Shark Lover and an Open Water 1 Diver from Durban, South Africa, I've had 2 super awesome , life long memorable cage dive experiences in Gansbaai,Western Cape. Scuba diving in the warm waters of Durban (The Warmest Place be) is an absolutely fantastic experience. Aliwal shoal, Umkomaas, about 50km from Durban central & about 82km from King Shaka international airport is a divers paradise and rated as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world by Jacques Cousteau. Aliwal shoal is conveniently located,easily accessible via the N2 & caters for local and international divers and snorkelers. When visiting Durban, South Africa , all scuba divers should make Aliwal shoal a must visit. Durban,South Africa (The most livable city) is a great tourist destination and boasts excellent weather all year round with friendly diverse people and cultures.
Both my Shark cage dives with Marine Dynamics in Gansbaai, Western Cape is a life long special memory. I would definitely do it again when time permits and I'm in Cape Town. Cape Town with all its natural beauty, friendly people, and scenic drives and so much more makes it my favourite city to visit in South Africa, however I'm a very proud Durbanite and privileged to be born and live in Durban all life.Seeing the beautiful, majestic Great White Sharks in their natural environment is an experience that can't be adequately explained, it's an experience of a lifetime and has to be experienced by yourself to get the true essence.
Marine Dynamics is my preferred tour operator. They are a professional company with great resources, methodology and staff who goes the extra mile to make your experience more than just memorable and enjoyable one but will make you return for another tour. Great customer service coupled with the best location and having the main actors (Great White Sharks) is all the reason to enjoy a days outing at sea that won't be forgotten for the rest of your life.
My first experience was brought about when I told my new friends (a lady from Cape Town & a lady from Bahrain) whom we met on a boat to Dyer Island (Seal Island) in Cape Town about wanting to go Cage Diving to see the Great Whites in Gansbaai. After a brief discussion we agreed to book & go together. Unfortunately my wife had to prepare for an exam and couldn't join us. We opted to travel together in our private car rather than take the transport provided from the tour operators. The scenic drive was about 2.5 hours from Cape Town.
We met, travelled and arrived early on the day of the booking. We were welcomed, indulged in a great breakfast (a vegetarian breakfast was catered for me as I'm a vegetarian) and briefed about the White Sharks and what's to be expected.
Our group (Mostly international and a few South Africans) that we just met became friends quickly and all concerns fears etc were addressed. If you not a swimmer or diver, no worries as no experience is required.
The exciting time arrived, after filling in the indemnity forms it was off to the boat. The group had mixed emotions, some excited , some nervous and some even worried. We took our seats , put our life jackets on and we were on our way to sea enjoying the beautiful boat ride and fantastic sceneries of land and water. We kitted up with our 7.2mm wetsuits, Hoodies, and Aqua boots. When the boat stopped, chum was thrown in the water and shortly the first white Shark arrived. The first batch of people of 5 got into the cage ,put on the mask and snorkel and waited till they were told look out for the sharks. We were watching from the top and upper deck. Seeing the big great white at close range for the first time will never be forgotten. An amazing experience. we spent a few hours , most people enjoyed their moments in the cage that was submerged in the water, when the sharks came close we submerged our heads in the water and enjoyed a few seconds under water looking at this
graceful, lovely & beautiful Sharks.
This was one of the most memorable days of my life. I had to bring my wife back the ffg year and we both thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
We planning to go back next year and will use Marine Dynamics again. Can't wait for this.
Both my Shark cage dives with Marine Dynamics in Gansbaai, Western Cape is a life long special memory. I would definitely do it again when time permits and I'm in Cape Town. Cape Town with all its natural beauty, friendly people, and scenic drives and so much more makes it my favourite city to visit in South Africa, however I'm a very proud Durbanite and privileged to be born and live in Durban all life.Seeing the beautiful, majestic Great White Sharks in their natural environment is an experience that can't be adequately explained, it's an experience of a lifetime and has to be experienced by yourself to get the true essence.
Marine Dynamics is my preferred tour operator. They are a professional company with great resources, methodology and staff who goes the extra mile to make your experience more than just memorable and enjoyable one but will make you return for another tour. Great customer service coupled with the best location and having the main actors (Great White Sharks) is all the reason to enjoy a days outing at sea that won't be forgotten for the rest of your life.
My first experience was brought about when I told my new friends (a lady from Cape Town & a lady from Bahrain) whom we met on a boat to Dyer Island (Seal Island) in Cape Town about wanting to go Cage Diving to see the Great Whites in Gansbaai. After a brief discussion we agreed to book & go together. Unfortunately my wife had to prepare for an exam and couldn't join us. We opted to travel together in our private car rather than take the transport provided from the tour operators. The scenic drive was about 2.5 hours from Cape Town.
We met, travelled and arrived early on the day of the booking. We were welcomed, indulged in a great breakfast (a vegetarian breakfast was catered for me as I'm a vegetarian) and briefed about the White Sharks and what's to be expected.
Our group (Mostly international and a few South Africans) that we just met became friends quickly and all concerns fears etc were addressed. If you not a swimmer or diver, no worries as no experience is required.
The exciting time arrived, after filling in the indemnity forms it was off to the boat. The group had mixed emotions, some excited , some nervous and some even worried. We took our seats , put our life jackets on and we were on our way to sea enjoying the beautiful boat ride and fantastic sceneries of land and water. We kitted up with our 7.2mm wetsuits, Hoodies, and Aqua boots. When the boat stopped, chum was thrown in the water and shortly the first white Shark arrived. The first batch of people of 5 got into the cage ,put on the mask and snorkel and waited till they were told look out for the sharks. We were watching from the top and upper deck. Seeing the big great white at close range for the first time will never be forgotten. An amazing experience. we spent a few hours , most people enjoyed their moments in the cage that was submerged in the water, when the sharks came close we submerged our heads in the water and enjoyed a few seconds under water looking at this
graceful, lovely & beautiful Sharks.
This was one of the most memorable days of my life. I had to bring my wife back the ffg year and we both thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
We planning to go back next year and will use Marine Dynamics again. Can't wait for this.
Written May 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carla J
5 contributions
Nov 2015 • Family
What a awesome day on the sea. We saw some amazing beautiful great whites, what a blessing . I thank the crew for welcoming us with a warm breakfast and some delicious coffee. When the engines started I knew that it would be a day to remember and it was. The view from the boat was amazing but inside the cage was absolutely thrilling. Seeing a great white in its habitat is much more exciting than seeing it in a tank. Thank you..
Written November 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrendanKil
Johannesburg, South Africa23 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
What an amazing experience – after a good breakfast, pre-boarding brief and a 15 min boat ride to the reef, we were quickly in the water face to face with the oceans most awesome predator.
Truly fascinating to see the great white in its natural habitat – the adrenaline is pumping as they swim up right against the cage. Left with an amazing story to tell, and a great appreciation for sharks.
One MAJOR advantage of this company was that we stayed somewhat close to the shore, rather than an 1hr trip deep into the ocean. For anyone who has experienced sea sickness you`ll know exactly what Im talking about. After spending 3 solid hours vomiting and not even managing to get in the cage on a previous expedition with a different company, a 15 min boat ride parallel to the shore was very much welcomed!
Truly fascinating to see the great white in its natural habitat – the adrenaline is pumping as they swim up right against the cage. Left with an amazing story to tell, and a great appreciation for sharks.
One MAJOR advantage of this company was that we stayed somewhat close to the shore, rather than an 1hr trip deep into the ocean. For anyone who has experienced sea sickness you`ll know exactly what Im talking about. After spending 3 solid hours vomiting and not even managing to get in the cage on a previous expedition with a different company, a 15 min boat ride parallel to the shore was very much welcomed!
Written April 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
91436RJI
13 contributions
Jan 2014
Yes it's scary. It's supposed to be. But it is also very safe. The crew is professional and knowledgable. You don't need SCUBA or snorkel. They will provide wet suits. You actually don't need to know how to swim. Everything is done from the side of the boat. The top of the cage sticks out a couple of feet above the surface. You stage there until the dive master shouts out "down". Then you pull yourself down a little below the surface, pop a few pictures with your rented underwater camera, and pop back up. FUN !!!!!!
Written February 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thys T
8 contributions
Please contact me for a quote for 22 September for 3 people as your number is not working
0782005766
Thys
Mary Louise G
9 contributions
Hi This T. Sorry, just now had time to get back onto Trip Advisor... That said, we already have been to Africa, and are back home as of this writing. Thanks anyway, best wishes to you.
Mary Louise G
9 contributions
How important is it to book weeks in advance for our Shark Cage Diving, as well as our Whale Watch in the first week of September this year? The reason we are traveling to the Capetown area. accomadions locationThe Strand
Mark
Durban, South Africa8 contributions
Hi Mary. its always advisable to book in advance. Shark cage diving and Whale watching are major tourist attractions in Gansbaai and Hermanus. Spaces on the boats are booked on a first come , first served basis so if your dates to SA are confirmed and booked i suggest you book your space. I also advise that you do the shark dive in Gansbaai and Whale watching tour in Hermanus.
Enjoy South Africa
Regards
Mark
Mary Louise G
9 contributions
Please state fee/cost & lenghth of itinerary, etc. Booking for 1st week of September 2018. Thanks!
Mark
Durban, South Africa8 contributions
Hi Mary. I suggest that you contact Marine dynamics in Gansbaai for pricing and booking of shark Cage Diving. I'd be glad to assist further if you give me more information about your travel plans. Some of which can include visiting some of the highlights of Cape Town, whale watching in Hermanus and shark cage diving in Gansbaai.
Regards
Mark
Melissa M
Albany, LA3 contributions
When s the best tie of year to have best chance of seeing whites
Ami D
9 contributions
How has the shark sightings been this month? I'll be there next month and really excited to see sharks, but trying to not get too excited in case there aren't any :/
ZuniCody
Springfield, VA53 contributions
How deep does the shark viewing cage go? I've had an ear problem when going deeper than 20 feet during SCUBA dives.
Thanks - John - Springfield VA, USA
Mark
Durban, South Africa8 contributions
Hi John. The cage is not completely submerged hence no scuba equipment is used. You will not be descending like scuba diving so equalising will not be required so no need to worry about your ear problem.The cage is submerged just enough that only body chest down is in the water. You would be given a mask and snorkel and when the shark is near the cage you must kneel in the cage put your head down and enjoy looking at the shark from a very close range for a few seconds then you either continue to have you head in the water and breathe with the snorkel or remove your head from the water and breathe normally.
Marc J
Eastbourne, UK62 contributions
Any information on doing this dive would be appreciated as I am in the UK and I am trying to save up for my wife and I to Dive in a cage to see these beautiful Sharks.
So Prices of the Dive,Pick up from Cape Town, how far in advance would you book? What if you book the holiday and there is no dive spaces? or do you book the dive first then book the Holiday around this? I would have to book for the end of July/beginning of August is this a good time? How much is it to get to Cape Town from UK?
All information welcomed, I am now 52 years old and have been wanting to see a Great White shark since I was a child.
Thank you in advance
Mark
1)Is there a gym on site
2)In the apartments is there a door separating lounge and bedroom
Jayd219
Kalamazoo, MI149 contributions
IS False bay or Gansbaai the better place to do shark cage diving?