Shark Cage Diving near Hermanus, Western Cape / South Africa
Shark Cage Diving in Hermanus
The Great White Shark is a predator of the ocean and South Africa was the first country to protect them. An important part of the Great White Shark’s diet are Seals and therefore Dyer Island which lies just off the shore in South Africa is an important feeding ground for the endangered shark. It is one of the last places where Great White Sharks still occur in large numbers.
Permits are required for operators of shark cage diving from Cape Nature Conservation and the Sea Fisheries Research Institute to operate in the channel between the two rocky reefs of Dyer and Geyser Islands where the sharks are usually found. A 6.2 metre monster was accidentally caught in a trawling net near Dyer Island a number of years ago. Its jaws and photographs can be seen in a local fish shop in the Gans Bay harbour. It is not uncommon to see sharks of over 4 metres in this ocean channel.
The best time to film or view white sharks is during South Africa’s winter from May to September when these animals congregate near seal colonies in Dyer Island. It is not uncommon to see a white shark breaching here, its massive body clearing the water, sometimes with a seal in its mouth. The white shark relies on speed and surprise as, once the seal sees the shark, it can often out-manoeuvre it. Immediately after a successful hit the sky is filled with screeching seagulls, clamouring for the bits left by the shark. Nothing goes to waste. Badly bitten seals are a common sight on the island, grim evidence of the seals that managed to escape. Shark viewing trips are offered by various operators in this region of South Africa.
The Great White Shark
Why Shark Cage Diving?
Diving with Great White Sharks was started with the main intention of educating the public. This is a wonderful thrillling and exhilarating adventure, the adrenalin pumps through your veins. The Great White Sharks are a species which is near extinction due to unscrupulous fishing and killing of them, it is also a known fact that they’re are not predatory towards humans.
Visibility changes from day to day and is weather dependent, so even if the sea is a bit rough you will still have the pleasure of seeing the Great White Sharks from the deck, as they are surface feeders. Shark cage diving is an awesome experience from both above and below the surface. Getting close to this most magnificent apex predator leaves you feeling exhilarated to say the least.
Should you wish to book this amazing adventure, please do not hesitate to contact us:
South African Tourism Company
Tel: +27 (0)21 794 9050
Mobile: +27 (0)827 823 142
Fax: +27 (0)21 794 9995
Email: africa@golfing-safaris.com
Website: http://www.south-african-hotels.com
Website: http://www.south-african-lodges.com
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