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