Shark diving in Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa, is a popular destination for oceanic animal lovers as its cool waters are teeming with fish, seals, whales, dolphins, penguins and sharks.

False Bay alone is home to at least five different shark species, including Great Whites and Mako Sharks, and people come from far and wide to view these incredible animals up close.

See one of the Atlantic Ocean’s most majestic predators in its natural habitat when you join a shark diving tour in Cape Town.

Here's all you need to know about shark diving tours, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Cape Town.

What are the best shark diving tours in Cape Town?

Gansbaai eco-friendly shark cage diving cruise in Cape Town

Embark on an eco-friendly shark cage diving adventure in Gansbaai, led by a professional team— including an onboard marine biologist who provides fascinating information about these incredible apex predators.

Itinerary

Get picked up from your Cape Town hotel from your tour operator or make your own way to the Great White House in Kleinbaai. After a hearty meal accompanied by a safety briefing, you’ll hop aboard the dedicated shark-diving boat.

The skipper will take you to Dyer Island, which is known as one of the world’s top Great White Shark destinations. You’ll get into the water, inside a protective cage, and view the many sharks that reside in this area.

After the adrenaline-filled experience, you’ll be given a bowl of hot soup to enjoy. If weather conditions permit, you’ll also get to see shark alley before you return to the mainland.

Simon’s Town shark cage diving experience in Cape Town

Cape Town is home to many different shark cage diving destinations and this tour will assess weather conditions and recent shark sightings before deciding in which direction to head— ensuring you have the best possible experience!

Itinerary

Your shark diving tour begins in Simon’s Town, which is just 45 minutes from Cape Town’s city center. You’ll receive a warm welcome and a safety briefing once you have boarded the White Pointer II, your shark diving vessel for the day.

Depending on weather conditions and recent shark sightings, you’ll either depart for Seal Island or Cape Town. In addition to the cage diving experience, you may be able to spot sharks and other sea life from the boat.

Before you head home, you are invited to have tea and coffee at the shark center in Simon’s Town and browse the range of merchandise and souvenirs to commemorate your shark diving experience.

African Shark Eco-Charters shark cage diving tour in Cape Town

Join an owner-operated shark cage diving tour that has an ethical approach toward nature and the environment. Not only will you get to see sharks up close and personal, but you’ll also get to learn more about their fascinating behavior.

Itinerary

Your tour begins in False Bay, which is a top-rated international destination for shark sightings and diving.

You and your small group (limited to 20 people) will enjoy a safe shark cage diving experience with your experienced captain and crew leading the way.

Before you get into the water with the sharks, you’ll listen to informative commentary about shark behavior and biology.

Some of the sharks that you can expect to see include Mako Sharks, Blue Sharks and Great White Sharks (depending on the season).

Enjoy an intimate experience and personal attention from a team that really cares about their guests as well as the sharks!

How much do shark diving tours in Cape Town cost?

A basic shark diving tour in Cape Town costs around US$100 for a half-day experience that includes diving equipment, dive boat, etc.

For a more comprehensive, full-day experience, you can expect to pay upwards of US$200 per person for a guided, group experience.

Private shark diving tours in Cape Town, in which you receive special customizations and there aren’t any other tour participants, can cost as much as US$500 per person.

What is included?

Diving equipment, a professional tour guide, an in-depth safety briefing, and a shark-diving vessel are all included in the cost of your shark cage diving experience.

Many tour operators also offer meals, bottled water and hotel transfers to tour participants.

Professional footage of your shark diving experience is usually available for an additional cost.

Where does it start?

Many shark cage diving tours begin outside of Cape Town’s city center, in areas such as Gaansbaai and Hermanus. Many tour operators offer hotel pickup services so that you do not need to find a way to reach these starting points.

Remember to be ready at least 10 minutes before your stipulated pickup time so that you do not keep your tour operator waiting.

How long does it last?

While the entire experience of a shark cage diving tour usually lasts between 4 and 6 hours, tour participants are usually only in the water for around an hour at most. The rest of the time is spent briefing, traveling and learning about sharks.

When is the best time for a shark diving tour in Cape Town?

While shark cage diving tours take place year-round, you have the best chance of seeing Great White Sharks between June and September. This is also when the water visibility is usually clearest.

There are usually both morning and afternoon shark diving tours on offer, with most tour participants preferring to join morning tours.

Are there any combo available with shark diving tours in Cape Town?

Shark cage diving and penguin tour in Cape Town

Embark on a full-day adventure that begins with a shark cage diving experience in Gansbaai. Before your tour ends, you’ll make a stop in Betty’s Bay, where you’ll get to see the large African penguin colony.

Shark cage diving, Cape Peninsula and wine-tasting tour in Cape Town

Experience three of Cape Town’s most popular activities over 3 days. On the first day, you’ll enjoy an exciting shark cage diving experience in Hermanus. The next day you’ll explore the exquisite area of the Cape Peninsula and the last day is all about food and wine tasting.

Shark cage diving and whale-watching tour in Cape Town

Cape Town is famously home to many whale and shark species. See both of these majestic animals up close and personal when you join a shark cage diving and whale-watching tour.

Which other water activities can be done in Cape Town?

• Crocodile diving
• Boat tours
• Scuba diving
• Kayaking
• Snorkeling

Travel tips

• Book your shark diving tour in Cape Town in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
• Pack warm clothing to change into after your shark diving experience.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and other forms of sun protection.
• Wear your swimming costume underneath your clothing so that you can easily change into the provided wetsuit.