SHARK CAGE DIVING SEAL ISLAND, SIMON'S TOWN
Apex Shark Expeditions morning shark tours offers guests a chance to observe natural predation, breaching and experience shark cage diving - all on one trip. We take small groups of no more than 12 guests, allowing each guest excellent viewing opportunities as we share our knowledge and passion for these creatures. Guests can book a day trip or a longer more specialised expedition.

Morning:
Feb to Apr: Shark cage diving and a possibility to witness scavenge events

May to Sep: Breaching, natural predation and shark cage diving.

Meeting:
Approximately 06H30 in Simon’s Town, 45 minutes from Cape Town. Exact time confirmed the day before the trip.

Transfer:
Door to door transfers arranged on request.

Duration:
3 to 4 hours at sea.

Guests:
Maximum 12 guests, plus 4 crew.

Cage size:
5 divers – No experience required. 20 – 30 minutes cage time.

Trip includes:
Coffee / tea, light breakfast, passionate crew, educational booklet, dive gear, light lunch, snacks & refreshments.
ITINERARY: FEBRUARY TO APRIL
Although this is not peak season for seeing natural predatory events and breaches, Great White Sharks are actively scavenging on sick or dead seals that wash off Seal Island and there is a good chance of observing natural scavenge events.

06H00
Meet the crew at the Apex Shark Expeditions shop. After a light breakfast, guests are welcomed aboard White Pointer II. A full safety and weather briefing is given before departure.

06H30
Depart for Seal Island which is a 25 to 35 minute boat ride based on sea conditions.

07H00
Arrive at Seal Island. Based on what the weather is doing, we will decide on the best spot to weigh anchor and begin attracting sharks to the vessel.

The cage is then deployed, where it floats next to our vessel. Once a shark approaches our boat, a bait is kept in the water to keep the shark around long enough for identification, viewing and shark cage diving purposes. At no point are the sharks purposefully fed or handled and all efforts are made to prevent the sharks from making contact with our vessel.

If the weather conditions are favourable, guests will be readied for shark cage diving. Safety precautions and operational procedures are then explained to any guest wishing to enter the cage. It is important to know that the sharks come very close to the boat so it is not necessary to dive in order to see them. Those not wishing to dive will have excellent views of the Great White Shark.

11H00 + -
White Pointer II will arrive back in Simon’s Town Harbour depending on the weather conditions and shark activity.

ITINERARY: MAY TO SEPTEMBER
As winter begins and the seal colony blossoms, the sharks begin to change their behaviour and begin actively hunting Cape Fur seal pups. These months are best to view natural predation events and breaching.

06H00
Meet the crew at the Apex Shark Expeditions shop. After a light breakfast, we will deliver a full safety and weather briefing aboard White Pointer II before departure.

06H30
Depart for Seal Island which is a 25 to 35 minute boat ride based on sea and weather conditions.

07H00
Arrive at Seal Island.

We arrive early as this is the optimum time to view the sharks actively hunting the Cape Fur seals. Our data indicates that half an hour before sunrise to one and a half hours after sunrise is the best time to witness this natural event.

Once the hunting quietens down and based on what the weather is doing, we will decide on the best spot to weigh anchor and begin attracting sharks to the vessel. The cage is then deployed, where it floats next to our vessel.

Once a shark approaches our boat, bait is kept in the water to keep the shark around long enough for identification, viewing and cage diving purposes. At no point are the sharks purposefully fed or handled and all efforts are made to prevent the sharks from coming into contact with our vessel.

If the weather conditions are favourable, guests will be readied for cage diving. Safety precautions and operational procedures are then explained to any guest wishing to enter the cage. It is important to know that the sharks come very close to the boat so it is not necessary to dive in order to see them. Those not wishing to dive will still have excellent views of the Great White Shark.

A light lunch of rolls with cold meats (or a vegetarian option), accompanied by soft drinks, fruit juice, bottled water and a variety of snacks are available throughout the course of the morning.

11H00 + -
White Pointer II will arrive back in Simon’s Town Harbour depending on the weather conditions and shark activity.

Tea and coffee are available at our home base in Simon’s Town. Take this opportunity to browse through our unique range of shark-related merchandise.

Allow us to give you a breath-taking look into the Great White Shark’s life and ecosystem. We offer South Africa’s most personalised Great White Shark cage diving experience. Join us for an intimate afternoon diving with and surface viewing great white sharks.

Meeting:
11H30 + - in Simon’s Town, 45 minutes from Cape Town. Exact time is confirmed the day before the trip.

Transfer:
Door to door transfers arranged upon request.

Duration:
3 to 4 hours at sea depending on sea conditions and shark activity.

Guests:
Maximum of 12 guests, plus 4 crew.

Cage size:
5 divers – No experience required. 20 – 30 minutes cage time.

Trip includes:
Coffee / tea, passionate crew, educational booklet, dive gear, light meal, snacks & refreshments.
We treat these animals with the utmost respect with our focus on a natural interaction with the sharks. On most days we observe a number of sharks around the boat and surface viewing and cage diving are good.

11H30 + -
Meet the crew at the Apex Shark Expeditions shop in Simon's Town.

Guests are welcomed aboard White Pointer II. A full safety and weather briefing is given before departure.

13H00
Depart for Seal Island which is a 25 to 35 minute boat ride depending on weather and sea conditions.

13H30
Arrive at Seal Island.

Based on the weather, we will decide on the best spot to weigh anchor and begin attracting sharks to the vessel. The cage is then deployed, where it floats next to our vessel.

Once a shark approaches our boat, bait is kept in the water to keep the shark around long enough for identification, viewing and cage diving purposes. At no point are the sharks purposefully fed or handled and all efforts are made to prevent the sharks from making contact with our vessel.

If the weather conditions are favourable, guests will be readied for cage diving. Safety precautions and operational procedures are then explained to any guest wishing to enter the cage. It is important to know that the sharks come very close to the boat so it is not necessary to dive in order to see them. Those not wishing to dive will still have excellent views of the Great White Shark.

16H00 + -
Snacks accompanied by soft drinks, fruit juice and bottled water are available throughout the afternoon.

16H30 +-
White Pointer 11 will return to the harbour, weather and shark activity dictating.

A SHARK LOVER'S DREAM
An extended time frame allows guests to get to know the different sharks, their distinct personalities and experience a wide range of shark behaviour. It also allows for amateur and professional photographers to bag that highly sought after shot.

Duration:
5 - 10 days

Accomodation:
Grosvenor Guest House or the Quayside Hotel.

Budget option: Simon’s Town Backpackers.

Transfers:
Airport round trip transfers.

Once you arrive in Cape Town, we take care of everything for you.

Includes
Airport round trip transfers.
Daily shark cage diving trip – either morning or afternoon or a combination thereof.
*Subject to weather conditions.
All dive gear.
Light breakfast at meeting point and light lunch and snacks on board on seagoing days.
Accommodation in Simon’s Town at the Grosvenor Guest House or The Quayside Hotel. We do also offer a budget option at The Simon’s Town Backpackers.
Excludes
Airfare.
Dinner. (Breakfast and lunch on non sea days)
Car hire (optional).

SHARK DIVING IN GANSBAAI
Gansbaai is located just 2 hours from Cape Town and Great White Shark cage diving trips are offered throughout the year. The waters off of Dyer Island in Gansbaai are aptly named Shark Alley and are known for their exceptional Great White Shark populations. The sharks are attracted by the massive 60 000-strong Cape Fur Seal colony which inhabits the smaller island of Geyser Rock.

Other wildlife species such as Cape Gannets, Cape Cormorants, African Penguins, whales and dolphins are also likely to be sighted.

*Please note: It is best to book shark cage diving trips in False Bay during February to September. False Bay is out of season from October to January and we will assist you in booking a Gansbaai trip during these months. We book our guests on these great white tours with our sister operator at no extra cost.

The focus of this trip is cage diving and surface viewing. It is highly unlikely to see breaching or hunting behaviour in this location.Your trip is hosted by a marine biologist and other experienced and well trained guides ensuring an educational experience.

All itinerary times are subject to change and are based on tides, weather and sea conditions and how many departures are scheduled for the day.

TBA
Meet and greet:

As times are dependent on tide and weather conditions, the meeting can be as early as 06H00 or as late as 14H00. Exact times will be confirmed with you late afternoon the day before your trip.

Given the travel times, this is a full day activity.

1 Hour
Breakfast / brunch and an informative talk on the sharks and area.

TBA
Launch:

Spend 3 to 4 hours at sea depending on shark activity and sea conditions. All dives are breath-hold which is comfortable and safe. This is common practice among Gansbaai shark cage diving operators.

NO EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED!

The secure steel cage floats on the surface and accommodates 8 divers easily. Divers are no more than 1 metre below the surface when submerged.

During the cage diving activity, divers will be supervised by a Dive Master.

TBA
Return to shore:

Tea /coffee /soup & sandwiches will be served whilst you watch the DVD of your trip. A highly experienced underwater videographer accompanies you on your trip. Your shark cage diving trip in Gansbaai will be captured on a video and a link will be made available to you after the tour at a minimal cost.

TBA
Arrive in Cape Town (This is dependant on the launch time).

Trip includes:

Breakfast
Light lunch, fresh fruit, snacks, hot chocolate and soft drinks on board.
All dive gear excluding snorkel (wetsuit, booties, hoody, mask, weight-belt).
Towels.
Waterproof / windproof jackets.
A voucher to visit again should you not see any sharks.

KELP FOREST DIVING AT ITS BEST
The Seven Gill Cow Shark, or Spotted Cow Shark, is a prehistoric predator and can be found roaming kelp forests. It is a social feeder and can be observed in large groups of up to 18 individuals. The size of the sharks ranges from 1 to 3 metres, with the females generally larger than the males. Distinctive features include their seven gill slits and the absence of the front dorsal fin.

The dive takes place at Pyramid Rock in False Bay.The site is one of the few places in the world where you have a chance of encountering this rarely seen shark. We may encounter a variety of other small shark species as well. A thick kelp forest lines the channel making this the shark’s ideal habitat.

The Boat


The vessel you will be diving off is a zodiac rib boat, which is standard for South African diving operators. There are no facilities on board except for a small cubby hole for keys and sunglasses.
We advise you to leave all your personal belongings behind.

Cage:
No cage required.

Dive certification:
Minimum of Open Water One or Freedive

Dive Depth:
6 to 12 metres (20 – 40 feet).

Water temperature:
12 to 20 Degrees Celsius.

Water visibility:
3 to 10 metres.

Dive time:
30 to 60 minutes.

Dive gear:
Included in cost

Transfers:
Door to door transfers available upon request.
As these dives are specialised, we partner with a certified operator. Exact itinerary timings will be confirmed the day before the trip.

Meet
45 minutes from Cape Town at the Apex Shark Expeditions shop or on the Simon’s Town pier. Here you will sign an indemnity form and collect your dive gear.

The launch site
Millers Point is a 15 minute boat ride from the Simon’s Town pier. The boat is a rubber duck with minimal facilities.

The dive
The dive takes place in a channel approximately 12 metres deep. Divers descend to the sandy bottom and wait for the Cow Sharks. Should they appear, the sharks usually swim slowly up and down the channel. They are very confident and can pass at arm’s length from the divers which makes it a great opportunity for underwater photographers. By the end of the dive you may recognise the individual sharks by distinctive bites, scrapes or coloration.



All dives are weather permitting and subject to good sea conditions.

IT'S EASY, SAFE AND FUN
Have a close encounter snorkelling with the Cape Fur Seals of Cape Town! Become one with the seals as they swim gracefully in their natural environment. Interact with these boisterous animals in their underwater playground. The action begins as soon as you enter the water as these furry counterparts swim beside you, often mimicking your movements.

The short boat ride to Duiker Island allows guests the opportunity to spot other wildlife including pods of Dusky dolphins, Southern Right Whales, Comorants and possibly even African Oyster Catchers.

Your skipper and guide is a zoologist with a keen interest in all wildlife. Scuba diving for certified divers is available upon request.

Hout Bay:
Dive Depth: 1 to 5 metres .
Water visibility: 3 to 20 meters .
Dive time: 30 to 60 minutes.

False Bay:
Dive Depth: Surface to 19 metres .
Water visibility: 2 to 10 metres.
Dive time: 30 to 60 minutes.

Departure Daily:
Exact time to be confirmed the day before the trip and is based on weather conditions. The snorkel site is about 15 minutes away from the launch point.

Duration:
2 - 3 hours.

Terms:
No previous snorkelling experience is required, but you should be confident with swimming in open water.

Minimum age for children: 8 years and accompanied by an adult.

Bring the following:
Bathing suit, towel, cap, sunglasses and sun screen.
Wear protective clothing appropriate to the weather conditions.

Trip includes:
Soft snorkel gear comprising of gloves, booties, 7mm wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins and weight belt.
Snacks and refreshments.

A TRIP OVERVIEW
After a thorough briefing you are able to enter the water under the supervision of a qualified Dive Master.

Departure time
Exact time to be confirmed the day before the trip and is based on weather conditions. The snorkel site is about 15 minutes away from the launch point.

Duration
2 – 3 hours.

Trip includes
Soft snorkel gear comprising of gloves, booties, 7mm wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins and weight belt.

Snacks and refreshments.

Bring
Bathing suit, towel, cap, sunglasses and sun screen.

Wear protective clothing appropriate to the weather conditions.



Things you need to know
No previous snorkelling experience is required, but you should be confident with swimming in open water. Minimum age for children: 8 years and accompanied by an adult.

Door to door transfers arranged at an additional fee.

If you would like to maximise your time in Cape Town, combine your snorkel trip with a land based tour. Check out our Specials

WHALE WATCHING AT ITS FINEST
The oceans off the southern tip of Africa offer some of the most exciting whale watching in the world with at least 37 different species of dolphins and whales calling these waters home!

The whale watching trip gives you an opportunity to marvel at the size and grace of these incredible animals and be thrilled by encounters with a host of other marine life including African penguins, Cape Fur seals, Cormorants, Bank Cormorants and possibly even sharks.

Simon's Town :
Meeting: Simon’s Town Pier, Wharf Road.

Time:
10H30 or 14H00 subject to tidal and weather conditions.

Excursion duration:
2 – 2 ½ hours

Gansbaai :
Meeting: The Great White House, Kleinbaai.

Meeting time:
This will be confirmed with you the day before your trip as times vary with weather and tide conditions.

Excursion duration:
2 – 2 ½ hours

Places from which to observe these gentle giants include False Bay which offers whales a safe haven to frolic in these protected waters. It is estimated that there are between 3 000 – 4 000 Southern Right Whales left in the world’s oceans and South Africa is privileged to have a major percentage of them visit its coasts annually.

10H30 or 14H00
This location offers two departures daily. Meeting is at Simon’s Town Pier, Wharf Road in Simon's Town.

GANSBAAI
Gansbaai is a quaint fishing village and is popular among tourists. It is known for its populations of Great White Sharks and its superb whale watching conditions. This trip is a marine seafari and there is the chance to see dolphins, penguins, seals and sharks.

09H45 or 11H45 +-
This location offers two departures daily. Meeting is at The Great White House, Kleinbaai in Gansbaai.