White Shark Diving - Gansbaai (Close to  Hermanus) GREAT WHITE SHARK DIVING - PERSONAL REPORT ON THE EXPERIENCE FROM SUSAN WALSH OF BKAFRICA.

The shark diving was incredible!     We are definitely using the best operator here, WHITE SHARK ECOVENTURES (PTY) LTD.  Most of the other boats were smaller and much older. This is a good size boat,  fairly stable and very new. The guide we had was excellent. His name was Robert Cole and he has been diving for 7 years.  It is important to be one of the first boat groups in the water. There was only one ahead of us so we had a good amount of time to see sharks ourselves, but eventually 4 other boats came out and anchored relatively close to us.

It was about a 15 minute boat ride.  We were only 15 minutes at the site when the first shark approached the bait. We all suited up (9 total) and got into the cage 5 at a time. They gave us nice full length wetsuits with hoods. He said the water was about 17 degrees Celsius.  They provide you with the suit, booties, and mask. We did not use scuba gear. The cage has rungs that you hold onto and place your feet until he tells you to hold your breath and go down just below the surface as he sees a shark approach. He teases the shark with the bait, and they swim quite close, even knocking the cage occasionally. You only stay down a few seconds and then come back up. He calls out each time he thinks you should go down so you can see the shark or sharks (we saw three at one time).

It is very non-threatening. However, I truly say you see them much better from the boat. They have a very large open top deck where you can see all the action from a much better vantage point. We saw 7 sharks total, the largest was 4 meters and we also saw a baby about 1.5 meters. They swam past probably 50+ times and several breached a number of times. Of course when you are under the water, you miss the breach but the motion really rocks the cage.

It was quite spectacular. Eventually we ran out of bait. At the end of the trip they take you to Dyer Island where there are thousands, yes thousands of fur seals. They are so thick you can barely see the rocks.

They provided drinks and snacks on the boat.

As it is a small craft, it does have a fair amount of movement so for those not steady on their feet they need to stay seateir feet they need to stay seateir feet they need to stay seated as much as possible. Also, if anyone is prone to sea sickness they should take medication as it does rock to and fro.

They have benches on the top you can sit and watch the sharks. There is also a small inside area that seats about 6. There is a nice bathroom and storage area.

Had a great time. I think you will too, but if you go in the water be aware it is cold even with the suits and it is physically demanding.

Contact information for this shark tour operator:
Web  :  www.white-shark-diving.com
Email : info@white-shark-diving.com