SEASONS
Welcome to Shark Diving South Africa
Join us for a dive in Cape Town, Gansbaai and more
We deliver unforgettable, world-class Shark Diving adventures unlike anywhere else in South Africa, offering our guests the chance to encounter sharks year-round across Cape Town, Gansbaai, Mossel Bay, Durban, and Port Elizabeth. You do not need any diving experience!
With over 24 years of expertise and a 100% safety record, we invite you to experience the thrill of diving alongside some of the ocean’s most iconic predators. From the legendary Great White Shark and powerful Bull Shark to Bronze Whalers, Blue and Mako Sharks, Sevengill Cow Sharks, Oceanic Blacktips, and Ragged-tooth Sharks – every dive is a rare opportunity to witness these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
- 100% Safety Record
- Premier 5-Star Customer Care
- South Africa’s Premier Shark Diving Locations
- Educational Marine Experiences
- Diverse Marine Life Excursions
- Family-friendly Ocean Adventures
Cape Town
Bucket-list Shark Cage Diving Half-day Tours
Sardine Run
For The Serious Scuba Diver
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I shark dive with great white sharks?
The most successful great white shark cage diving locations in South Africa are Mossel Bay and Port Elizabeth, where sightings are among the highest. Gansbaai, long regarded as the traditional mecca of the great white shark, also offers excellent opportunities. In Cape Town and Gansbaai, sightings can sometimes be sporadic, but guests are rarely disappointed – when great whites are not present, we almost always encounter bronze whalers (also known as copper sharks), ensuring that every trip remains an exciting shark adventure. With expert crews, secure cages, and years of experience, we provide you with the best opportunity to observe these apex predators up close in their natural habitat.
Do I need to be a qualified diver to join a shark diving tour?
No qualifications are needed to join our shark cage diving tours – they’re designed to be safe and fun for everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned ocean lovers. You simply hold your breath while inside the cage, making it accessible to guests of all ages and swimming abilities. However, scuba diving experiences do require a valid scuba certification, and the Sardine Run is also only open to qualified divers. If you’re unsure which option is best for you, our reservations team is available 24/7 on WhatsApp to confirm the requirements and help you choose the perfect adventure.
What sharks can I see when shark diving in Cape Town or Gansbaai?
In Gansbaai, guests regularly encounter the bronze whaler shark (also known as the copper shark) – a fast, powerful predator that often arrives in large numbers. As the traditional mecca of the great white shark, there’s always the thrilling possibility of spotting a great white shark here, too. In Cape Town, shark diving trips often feature sevengill cow sharks, along with sightings of bronze whalers and, on occasion, great whites. No matter which location you choose, every trip is a shark encounter, offering close-up views of some of the ocean’s most iconic species.
What is the best time of year for shark diving in South Africa?
Shark cage diving in South Africa is available all year round, with reliable shark sightings in every season. Locations like Gansbaai, Mossel Bay, Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth operate year-round tours, so you can plan your adventure whenever you visit. Some speciality scuba diving trips, such as encounters with sevengill cow sharks or the spectacular Sardine Run, are seasonal and best booked during their peak months. Because conditions and migrations can vary, we recommend checking with our reservations team when you enquire – they’ll confirm the best location and season for the type of shark experience you’re after. You can also explore our shark tours and their seasons here for more details.
Can children and families join a shark cage diving trip?
Yes – most of our shark cage diving tours are family-friendly, and children are very welcome on board! Even if little ones don’t want to enter the cage, they’ll love the excitement of watching the sharks from the safety of the boat. Please note that every passenger pays for a seat, whether diving or just viewing, but children benefit from special discounted rates. For toddlers and younger kids, some tours may have minimum age recommendations for safety and comfort, so we always suggest confirming with our reservations team when booking. Shark diving is an unforgettable experience for families, offering a safe and educational adventure that inspires awe in all ages.
What should I bring with me on a shark diving tour?
For most shark diving tours, you only need to pack the basics you’d bring for a fun day at the ocean: sunscreen, a hat, a camera, a warm jacket, and a swimsuit. If you’re prone to seasickness, be sure to take precautionary medication before your trip. Some locations, like Gansbaai, even offer GoPro rentals, while most operators provide towels onboard. Refreshments vary by location – Gansbaai tours include breakfast, lunch, drinks, and snacks, while others typically provide bottled water and light snacks. For scuba diving tours, full gear rental is available at an additional cost. The Sardine Run is a special all-inclusive package, which traditionally covers meals and accommodation. If you’d like to confirm exactly what’s provided on your chosen tour, our reservations team is available 24/7 to assist.
How long does a typical shark cage diving trip last?
The duration of a shark cage diving trip depends on the location. Most tours last between 4 to 6 hours, including the boat ride, safety briefing, and cage diving time. In some areas, shorter trips of around 3 hours are available, while full-day experiences (up to 8 hours) may be offered at select locations. Factors such as travel distance to the dive site, weather, and shark activity can also influence the total time. When booking, our reservations team will confirm the estimated duration of your chosen tour, or you can view details on each of our shark diving packages here.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my booking?
Your safety is always our top priority, so we monitor weather conditions carefully several days in advance. If conditions are unsafe, we’ll contact you ahead of time and suggest alternative dates for your shark diving tour. If your trip is cancelled due to weather and you choose not to reschedule, you won’t be charged. The Sardine Run is different, as it’s a multi-day package paid in full – if poor weather prevents shark diving on any given day, we arrange alternative activities such as big game safaris or local excursions, ensuring your adventure is never wasted.
How do I book a last-minute shark diving trip in South Africa?
Booking a last-minute shark dive is easy! The fastest way is to call or WhatsApp our reservations team directly on +27 82 442 3059. Our line is open 24/7, so whether you’re planning for tomorrow or looking for same-day availability, we’ll do our best to secure your spot. Shark tours often fill quickly, especially during peak season, but our team will advise on the best location with space available and help you confirm instantly.
Do I get a refund if I do not see any sharks?
Shark diving is a true wildlife experience, and sightings can never be guaranteed. Because we work with nature, money refunds are not standard practice, as the operational costs remain the same whether sharks are sighted or not. However, we always strive to give guests the best value: in some locations, you may receive a partial refund, in others you’ll be offered a second trip free of charge, or a voucher valid for up to a year. This way, you still have another opportunity to enjoy the incredible adventure of diving with sharks. Please confirm our refund policy for your interested shark tour with our reservations team.
Do you offer your shark tours as gift vouchers?
Yes – our shark diving tours can be purchased as gift vouchers, making them the perfect present for ocean lovers and adventure seekers! Simply contact us to request a voucher, and we’ll send you a secure payment link or bank details. Once payment is received, we’ll ask for a few details (such as the recipient’s name and your preferred voucher design) and deliver your personalised voucher within 24 hours. Vouchers are available for all tours except the Sardine Run, are valid for one year, and are sometimes offered at discounted rates. Please note, however, that gift vouchers are non-refundable.