On the Water
4–5 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$192
per adult
African Shark Eco-Charters
African Shark Eco-Charters
African Shark Eco-Charters
4.5
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Come and experience Shark Cage Diving the way it was intended! African Shark Eco-Charters offers eco-friendly, educational and entertaining shark cage diving from Simons Town; just a short 45 minutes drive from Cape Town. We are a certified and licenced permit holder and are the only operator to offer scuba; snorkel or breath-hold also available. Come and experience the BEST Shark Cage Diving right, the first time! A truly amazing experience that will leave you in awe and respect for sharks
Simon's Town, South Africa
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
332 reviews
Excellent
272
Very good
36
Average
6
Poor
6
Terrible
12
Rebecca S
Oklahoma City, OK5 contributions
Sep 2017 • Friends
Swimming with Sharks in South Africa has been the number one on my bucket list since as long as I can remember. I originally had booked a trip to go out to see the predatory breaching and dive with African Shark Eco-Tours, but when we arrived in Cape Town I received an email from the company letting me know that due to recent Orca attacks and bad weather, they had seen very little, if any, activity. I called and asked what they recommended we do and they suggested that we rebook a trip to Gansbaai with another company where they were having an 80-85% success rate in seeing sharks. I think it says a lot about a company who is willing to rebook you with another company (at no penalty!) in order to make sure you have the best shark experience while in South Africa! We ended up having a great time and saw three sharks. Thank you African Shark Eco-Charters for being a company that truly cares about your customers' experiences!
Written September 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind words, it means a lot to us. We do try out best to ensure that all guests have an amazibg experience with sharks.
Written October 5, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Molly Burke
Boston, MA40 contributions
Aug 2019
Our family group of give went shark cage diving with African Shark Eco-Charters and had an amazing time. In advance of our excursion, their team was so friendly and helpful in resolving a scheduling error on my end--I so appreciated their responsiveness as we were on safari and it was tricky to communicate. Everything was really well organized, they were prepared with warm clothes for the boat right out and had snacks and drinks for everyone. We had quite a few sightings of cow sharks over the time we were out by seal island--all while the boat next to us from another operator didn't seem to see any. We really felt like the ASEC team knew what they were doing. Our group ranged in age from 64-16 and everyone was really happy with it--definitely a great activity during your visit to CapeTown!
Written September 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are thrilled that your family enjoyed their shark experience. We really try to go out of our way to ensure our guests are happy and satisfied. Thank you for your kind review.
Written October 5, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kimberly Rogers
Waterloo, IA14 contributions
Sep 2019
I'd been planning my trip to the Great White Shark Capital of the world for over 6 months, and the shark dive was one of the first things I booked after doing extensive research on all the operators running out of False Bay. Carmen answered a billion questions a long the way - and then when tragedy struck the day before my dive -high winds which made for unsafe dives ... she moved mountains for me to ensure I was able to dive with a competitor out of Gansbaai (where it wasn't as windy). I would have been devastated had I not gotten to dive with sharks, so Carmen SAVED my trip! I can't thank her enough! I was so grateful I made a point to stop by the shop the day after my dive to thank her in person. And she was just as delightful and gracious in person as well. I wore my ASEC hoodie yesterday, that's what made me think of her and me wanting to review this company!
On top of rerouting my dive, she also secured me a driver for the 4 hr RT journey, because I didn't have a rental car. She truly went above and beyond!
This might be common in South Africa...but in America we don't typically go out of our way to sell you on our competition! So I was humbled and eternally grateful for the team spirit attitude Carmen had! Thank you thank you thank you! I do hope to eventually get back to South Africa and dive with ASEC - because I do think they're a fantastic organization with ethical practices.
On top of rerouting my dive, she also secured me a driver for the 4 hr RT journey, because I didn't have a rental car. She truly went above and beyond!
This might be common in South Africa...but in America we don't typically go out of our way to sell you on our competition! So I was humbled and eternally grateful for the team spirit attitude Carmen had! Thank you thank you thank you! I do hope to eventually get back to South Africa and dive with ASEC - because I do think they're a fantastic organization with ethical practices.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind words, yes we appreciate Carmen too, she is wonderful! It is our ethos to ensure that we do all we can to ensure our guests have a great experience, so it is so nice to hear that we succeeded.
Written January 5, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rolf W
Corpataux, Switzerland15 contributions
Aug 2017 • Solo
Hello. I went for a shark dive with this company. Well organized, on this side, nothing to say. Unfortunately no sharks that day. But a hundred dolphins, three whales and seals. On the other hand, I am very sorry that the staf does not give more information for a smoker on the boat. I saw an American with a big Rolex throwing at least 10 cigarettes in the water. And that in front of the staf people. It is impossible that no one has seen anything. They did not dare tell this person not to throw the cigarette in the ocean (unfortunately I do not speak English but French). I am very disappointed with this attitude especially for a center called ECO !!!!!
So, for that reason alone, I advise you to go see elsewhere.
So, for that reason alone, I advise you to go see elsewhere.
Written August 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for bring this to my attention. This is not acceptable and I will be having a meeting to discuss your review. Smoking is not allowed on the boat and throwing in the ocean is not good. I assure you it wont happen again.
Written August 7, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Love_Farm_Animals
Smyrna, GA15 contributions
Sep 2011 • Couples
We went with ASEC over APEX b/c of all the positive reviews we read online; unfortunately this turned out to be the wrong decision. ASEC was wonderful with getting our shark trip scheduled, however they did not tell us the most important facts. First of all, if you are going to try and see sharks out of Simons Town you need to schedule a couple of days as the weather might prevent your trip from going out....but no one at ASEC gave us this information. I believe you see a company's true colors when things don't go as planned. It just so happens that the day our trip was scheduled the weather wasn't the best. They had the car pick us up, we went to the boat, boarded...everything looked fine. We started going out to the boat, but then the captain called out to another boat and asked about whether the wind calms down at seal island....the guy on the radio said, "yes, it does calm down a bit". But then the boat captain of ASEC, just said..."Nope we cannot continue and must turn around and go back." It didn't make any sense. Not only did it not make sense, not a single crew person on the boat explained a thing to the guests. We were all just left sitting there wondering why we couldn't even see the natural predation. OK, I understand if we cannot put the cage in the water, but we could at least have seen the natural predation. It seemed like, if the cage couldn't go in the water then the trip wasn't going to happen and that is not what we signed up for. We signed up to see natural predation AND shark cage diving. I understand completely if the cage couldn't go in the water. So the boat docked, and we waited 30 min for the shuttle to come. During that 30 min. no one explained to us anything. They just said, "Call the office or someone will call you later to reschedule." Well, we finally received a phone call one day later saying that they might have availability on Thur. (this was Wed.). We called back and they said the weather was iffy on Thur., but this was their only availability as there were completely booked over the weekend! What a rip off! Well, in the 24 hours it took someone to contact us, we called APEX and they explained to us that going down to Gansbaai would be the most sure option and then if we wanted to book a second trip out of Simons Town. So, that is what we did...Wed., we drove down to Gansbaai, had a great time and saw 13 great whites! They organized everything with us and it was wonderful. Then they put us on an APEX boat going out of Simons Town on Sat. (They actually overbooked the boat for us!). The crew was the friendliest, they explained everything to us at all times, answered questions, gave us insights into the shark world and best of all Chris Fallows was our boat captain! The APEX crew is 100 times better than ASEC if you are looking for serious shark viewing and people to take care of you in the good times and bad. I would not recommend ASEC, please go with APEX.
Written September 17, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow, what an unnecessary,unrealistic and out of place review! To all guests thinking about joining us, please review comments from guests that have ACTUALLY done an entire trip with us.
Now let’s be fair here, if you went on an entire trip with us, and we were unfriendly, gave you shark education or insight then yes, by all means judge and criticise us.
I would like to respond piece by piece to your review.
We departed Simons Town harbour with the sea conditions looking much worse than forecasted. Rob Lawrence, has spent over 16 yrs. working at Seal Island, and has more sea hours than any skipper handling shark boats in False Bay personally, skippered the boat. He got half way to the island and made the call to turn around. Rob said “sorry guys, the weather is too bad to continue and we have to turn around”. He is a very wise skipper and made the correct call. I fail to see how that is not explaining to you why we can’t do a trip…the weather is too bad to continue.
You said that we should have pushed on to at least see the natural predation activity. If Rob had thought, that would be the best option; we would have done a short “predation trip”. But the sea conditions were horrid and we made a safety call to turn around. You don’t mess with the ocean.
When the boat got back to the harbour, the crew was not being “unfriendly to you”. They were just not able to sit and chat as crew then had to go and dock the boat. Rob said “our office will call you later to reschedule”. We did chat to you later but we could not get you on another trip as we were full.
The “other boat” you mention came back early having seen NO sharks, NO predations, nothing. Again, Rob had made the correct call.
Just to let you know that the shuttle company is an outsourced and we personally had to pay them for fetching and returning you to your hotel, which you probably didn’t realise. So I think it’s incorrect to state that we “ripped you off”.
You sound very pleased that you went on another “overloaded boat”. ASEC does not contravene our permit regulations to squeeze extra guests on a boat. Not only can we lose our licence, but should an accident occur, the boat’s public liability insurance will not be valid. It would also be unfair to guests who have booked to discover that max 12 is actually 13, 14, and 15….We clearly state that we take small groups only.
So be fair here, if you went on an entire trip with us, and we were unfriendly, gave you shark education or insight then yes, by all means judge and criticise us.
The bottom line is that we paid for your shuttle to pick you up, tried to get to sea, the weather was bad, we had to turn around and come back, and you were taken back at no charge to yourself.
By the way, that very day, we got a call from another guest wanting to re-book. She thanked us so profusely for turning around as she said she felt quiet scared. She did re-book and had an amazing trip with us and will be putting her comment on TRIP ADVSIOR.
Written September 20, 2011
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah M
Canggu, Indonesia9 contributions
Jul 2016 • Friends
My friends and I had a terrible encounter with this company.
Having booked the trip 3 days in advance I made a conscious effort to continuously 'check in' with the company and ensure that the booking was going ahead and morning had changed.
On the morning of the dive, we took a taxi from camps bay to Simons town for 11am which was the time we were told to get to the office for.
At 10.55 I received a text message saying the dove had been cancelled.
When I went to booking office I was told that the captain has decided against the booking because there were only 4 people on it.
The alternative day that was proposed was not suitable and therefore I could not experience shark diving.
Terrible experience.
Having booked the trip 3 days in advance I made a conscious effort to continuously 'check in' with the company and ensure that the booking was going ahead and morning had changed.
On the morning of the dive, we took a taxi from camps bay to Simons town for 11am which was the time we were told to get to the office for.
At 10.55 I received a text message saying the dove had been cancelled.
When I went to booking office I was told that the captain has decided against the booking because there were only 4 people on it.
The alternative day that was proposed was not suitable and therefore I could not experience shark diving.
Terrible experience.
Written July 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Sarah
Your review is surprising and disheartening. You called us on the afternoon of Saturday (9th July) requesting a booking for Sunday or Monday but we were fully booked. Because you were leaving the country soon I helped you and your friends out by booking a trip for you with another company (not us) as a favor. Your booking was confirmed by them on Sunday, one day in advance (not three); and it is them who cancelled the trip without adequate advance, something I was not at all pleased about either.
We rescheduled your trip right there and then, a trip which you later cancelled and your friends didn't turn up for their trip with us on Wednesday either- we are yet to know why.
I helped as best as I could and I am sorry you had a bad day, however, this review is not fair.
Your trip not going forward had nothing to with African Shark Eco-Charters.
Written July 24, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
spurzboy
London, UK20 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
It had always been a dream of mine to cage dive with sharks. After doing research online, I decided that African Shark Eco Charters were the best around. I wasn’t wrong.
I’d organised everything in England. I was a bit apprehensive about doing this, but it was seemless.
The day before my trip with them, I telephoned their office and was greeted by a lovely lady who already knew my name and confirmed everything was still on. Obviously, weather can be a determining factor on these kind of trips.
They organised a transfer to be picked up early in the morning from my hotel. I’m sorry I cannot remember his name but he was excellent. Knowledgable, chatty, friendly etc. The drive from Cape Town to Simons Town early in the morning was wonderful. Lovely sights to see. Upon arrival, we were met by a lovely young lady who gave us a voucher to use in the cafe next door to get a coffee etc. Again, everyone was so friendly.
The boat itself was smallish and intimate with not too many on board. This made it a more personal experience. The captain and his crew were 1st class. They supplied all the kit we needed, plus food and drink whenever you wanted it.
Sailing out to our dive location was absolutely wonderful. The early morning sunshine and a slight chill in the air, the backdrop of the coastline as we left it behind, the birds flying around, are memories I’ll cherish forever. No amount of words can do it justice.
Upon arrival, the crew calmly and methodically got everything ready. Whilst this was going on, you’re watching the seals on the island and seeing them swim in the surf. The tension in the air as we waited for any sharks to arrive......
And they did......
Before you know it, you’re in the cage, with these beautiful creatures swimming by. Not only the cold cold water takes your breath away!
There are many many shark cage diving companies all over South Africa.
Some, better than others. Some pack many tourists in, which lessens the ‘personal’ experience. This company is not one of them.
If you’re considering an excursion like this, I strongly advise to give this company a try. You won’t be disappointed.
They really do think of everything to make your dream a reality.
Just be sure to pack some seasickness tablets, just in case!
You won’t regret it.
What have you got to lose?
I’d organised everything in England. I was a bit apprehensive about doing this, but it was seemless.
The day before my trip with them, I telephoned their office and was greeted by a lovely lady who already knew my name and confirmed everything was still on. Obviously, weather can be a determining factor on these kind of trips.
They organised a transfer to be picked up early in the morning from my hotel. I’m sorry I cannot remember his name but he was excellent. Knowledgable, chatty, friendly etc. The drive from Cape Town to Simons Town early in the morning was wonderful. Lovely sights to see. Upon arrival, we were met by a lovely young lady who gave us a voucher to use in the cafe next door to get a coffee etc. Again, everyone was so friendly.
The boat itself was smallish and intimate with not too many on board. This made it a more personal experience. The captain and his crew were 1st class. They supplied all the kit we needed, plus food and drink whenever you wanted it.
Sailing out to our dive location was absolutely wonderful. The early morning sunshine and a slight chill in the air, the backdrop of the coastline as we left it behind, the birds flying around, are memories I’ll cherish forever. No amount of words can do it justice.
Upon arrival, the crew calmly and methodically got everything ready. Whilst this was going on, you’re watching the seals on the island and seeing them swim in the surf. The tension in the air as we waited for any sharks to arrive......
And they did......
Before you know it, you’re in the cage, with these beautiful creatures swimming by. Not only the cold cold water takes your breath away!
There are many many shark cage diving companies all over South Africa.
Some, better than others. Some pack many tourists in, which lessens the ‘personal’ experience. This company is not one of them.
If you’re considering an excursion like this, I strongly advise to give this company a try. You won’t be disappointed.
They really do think of everything to make your dream a reality.
Just be sure to pack some seasickness tablets, just in case!
You won’t regret it.
What have you got to lose?
Written April 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We at African Shark Eco-Charters really appreciate this lovely review. We are thrilled to hear about your great experience with us.
Written May 7, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kelly F
Levittown, NY4 contributions
I would defiantly dive with this company again. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. We didnt get to see any great whites however the crew made sure we got the best experience we could. We did see a lot if cow sharks they came right up to the cage one even tried to poke its head in! Seal island was so cool even got to see some of the seals under water with the sharks. On our drive back to town the captain found a pod of dolphins that were swimming right next to the boat.
Written April 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and we are so glad you had an amazing time with sharks and dolphins.
Written May 2, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul D
2 contributions
Aug 2016 • Solo
This is one unforgettable, intimate and exhilarating experience! I believe implicitly that anyone interested in the natural order of things should see the Great White Shark in the wild. It is the only way to truly appreciate the magnificence, raw power and grace of this rare and misunderstood shark. Just seeing one of these behemoths is a privilege and an emotional one at that for anybody who knows anything about these mysterious, misunderstood monsters of the deep. And with ASEC, we were fortunate enough to see four in one afternoon!
That afternoon 9 guests were welcomed aboard the 36 foot Blue Pointer 2; a vessel sporting two 300hp engines and capable of accommodating 12 passengers excluding the friendly and very experienced four crew members. Rob, the captain and one of the pioneers of shark cage diving in South Africa, is well aquainted with the waters around Seal Island (renowned for it's Great White Sharks) and alone contributes over 20 years of experience in the industry. Before setting off we were all offered snacks and refreshments while Leigh, the crews' marine biologist, took us through an introduction and briefing that was detailed and informative.
The culmination of spectacular scenery and birdlife during the 20 minute boat ride to and from Seal Island alone made the afternoon well worth the effort. Once anchored, the crew went to work, attracting these silent behemoths and prepping each of us with full body wetsuits and goggles. Then we waited for nature to do her part. The suspense and excitement on the boat was almost tangible. Once the first shark appeared the rest of the afternoon passed rather quickly and everyone on board seemed to be thoroughly revelling in the experience. In total we had enthusiastic enquiries from four different sharks, including one from a large 4.5m female, so everybody got ample "cage time". When you're not in the cage you also get a great view from the top of the boat.
I would recommend this experience to everyone and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
In short:
1) The limit of 12 guests allows for more time in the water with the sharks (more "cage time").
2) Access to a regulator means you don't have to hold your breath.
3) The crew are very friendly and knowledgable. Chat to them.
4) The scenery is breathtaking.
Lastly:
1) If you're in any way prone to seasickness take the pills. It is the ocean.
2) If you have never used a regulator, practice breathing before submerging.
3) "Come in hope rather than expectation". It is nature after all.
That afternoon 9 guests were welcomed aboard the 36 foot Blue Pointer 2; a vessel sporting two 300hp engines and capable of accommodating 12 passengers excluding the friendly and very experienced four crew members. Rob, the captain and one of the pioneers of shark cage diving in South Africa, is well aquainted with the waters around Seal Island (renowned for it's Great White Sharks) and alone contributes over 20 years of experience in the industry. Before setting off we were all offered snacks and refreshments while Leigh, the crews' marine biologist, took us through an introduction and briefing that was detailed and informative.
The culmination of spectacular scenery and birdlife during the 20 minute boat ride to and from Seal Island alone made the afternoon well worth the effort. Once anchored, the crew went to work, attracting these silent behemoths and prepping each of us with full body wetsuits and goggles. Then we waited for nature to do her part. The suspense and excitement on the boat was almost tangible. Once the first shark appeared the rest of the afternoon passed rather quickly and everyone on board seemed to be thoroughly revelling in the experience. In total we had enthusiastic enquiries from four different sharks, including one from a large 4.5m female, so everybody got ample "cage time". When you're not in the cage you also get a great view from the top of the boat.
I would recommend this experience to everyone and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
In short:
1) The limit of 12 guests allows for more time in the water with the sharks (more "cage time").
2) Access to a regulator means you don't have to hold your breath.
3) The crew are very friendly and knowledgable. Chat to them.
4) The scenery is breathtaking.
Lastly:
1) If you're in any way prone to seasickness take the pills. It is the ocean.
2) If you have never used a regulator, practice breathing before submerging.
3) "Come in hope rather than expectation". It is nature after all.
Written August 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your in depth and comprehensive review. We really appreciate it and I am very sure it will be very helpful to many future guests wanting to join our trips.
Written August 16, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rod G
Atlanta, Georgia, United States46 contributions
Jun 2016 • Friends
Booked this trip months in advance. Two days before our scheduled tour we were contacted about the lack of sharks in False Bay. We were offered a refund or going with another tour company out of Gansbaai. We opted for the Gansbaai and experienced over 10 sharks on our outing. Came a long way for this experience and thankfully this company put the customer ahead of profit!!! Absolutely recommend.
Written June 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. I am so glad you had a good shark trip. Next time I hope you get to join us.
Written June 30, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Raphlacoch
Lille, France2 contributions
Hello, I'll be in Cape Town last week of this month, any white shark spotting this month? Thanks for your answer
AIRJAWS
Cape Town Central, South Africa38 contributions
Hi there
It's not white Shark season yet. We are currently diving with Broadnose Sevengilled Cow sharks. It's the same trip but a different Shark we are seeing at the island. Great fun!
Simara Mombelli
Porto Alegre, RS38 contributions
Hello! We travel to Cape Town next week, we arrive december 25. These period is possible to see great white sharks? We have 2 days for option: 26 or 29, but in the last day we travel on 8pm.
RichAndNades B
Cape Town Central, South Africa16 contributions
Unfortunately in False bay it is not Great white season and there have been no sightings of white sharks around the Cape region for the past 3-4 weeks.
CharleneW W
Toronto, Canada227 contributions
Hi! Do I need to know how to swim in order to join? Thanks for your help!
AIRJAWS
Cape Town Central, South Africa38 contributions
hi. yes. you must know how to swim and feel comfortable in the ocean, even though its in a cage.
tezzaafcb
Bournemouth18 contributions
Hi we are in Cape Town from August 21st-31st, Is this a good time to see Great Whites? Thank you
Hi, thanks for the opportunity to answer your question. Usually August falls within the Great White Shark park season in Simon's Town, but this year has been a bit of a challenge in as much as we have had no Great Whites to the island this season. We are, however able to assist you with trips to other areas where they have been having consistent and abundant Great White activity. We look forward to being of assistance. Please contact us directly for info.
Donna C
187 contributions
My husband and I are coming to Cape Town the beginning of September. I get seasick and am wondering if this time of the year the seas are calmer.
I would love to do this dive with my husband .
Jim S
5 contributions
I was there this past August and the sea was unpredictable. There were large swells 4 of the 5 days. That said, they are one of the better operators that won't send the boat out if the swells get higher than a certain height in order to keep it comfortable. The trans dermal patch is definitely the way to go. Nadine was so helpful when we went and made the trip well worth it.
A trip to remember for sure.
debdoodleNewYork
Staten Island, NY283 contributions
Can anyone tell me if Video is taken by the crew and offered for sale at the end of the trip? Just curious.
AIRJAWS
Cape Town Central, South Africa38 contributions
Hi. You are welcome to rent gopros but we don't take a video.
EmilyV-Michigan
Michigan29 contributions
How has shark viewing been lately?? We have a dive trip planned week (feb.19)and I am curious if there are been a good amount of shark activity lately
AIRJAWS
Cape Town Central, South Africa38 contributions
Hi
Please email us directly and we will assist you.
EmilyV-Michigan
Michigan29 contributions
Are closed toed shoes a necessity? I am wondering if Teva sandals are sufficient.
AIRJAWS
Cape Town Central, South Africa38 contributions
Hi
I am not sure what Teva sandals are but as long as it's flat shoes it will be fine.
eimatthews123
Los Angeles, CA
Hi, I will be traveling to South Africa next week. I'm trying to find the most ethical shark diving company – one that doesn't bait sharks with blood, but rather goes into waters where they are known to gather. I'd like to know more about the eco-friendly ethics of your trips. Thanks
steve S
Auburn, WA8 contributions
African Shark Eco-Charters conducts its dives near Seal Island, not far from Simon's Town. The thousands of seals on the island naturally attract sharks to the area. (Hope that your boat isn't downwind from the island or you will gain an appreciation of how thousands of seals can perfume the wind.)
To attract the sharks to the boat, African Shark Eco-Charters does not dump blood and fish parts into the water--commonly called chumming. The crew uses fish heads attached to lines. They throw the heads into the water and pull them back into the boat and repeat. There is a constant throw and retrieve so much so that I'm sure the crew members have arms like popeye. This action attracts the sharks. Occasionally, a shark is too fast and catches a head, but this is not the intent of the crew and doesn't happen too often. When a shark does get a hold of a head, however, it's a great show for the passengers, because the shark will thrash and flail the water in its attempt to get away with the head. My best pictures are from when a shark got a head.
African Shark Eco-Charters - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
African Shark Eco-Charters Information
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