Get face-to-face with great white sharks off Gansbaai on a guided cage dive. Expect cold water, safety briefings, and regulated encounters that prioritize viewing and education over spectacle.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You push off from the jetty and the Atlantic wind snaps at your hood; the boat shudders as the channel narrows toward the kelp beds where white fins cut the surface. Gansbaai’s raw coastline opens like a page of geological time — granite headlands, wind-polished sandstone and a sea that has long shaped local livelihoods.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; you should be able to step on and off a small boat and stand on deck for short periods.
Wildlife
History
Gansbaai’s maritime economy grew from fishing and sealing; its name reflects the early Dutch settlers and local coastal heritage.
Conservation
Tours operate under permits and many operators contribute to research and tagging; avoid operators that bait irresponsibly or lack clear education programs.
Reserve your spot on the Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress in thermal layers
Surface temperatures are cold even in summer; wear a fleece and waterproof outer layer for time on deck.
Take seasickness meds early
Start motion-sickness medication the night before or at least one hour before departure for best effect.
Secure your camera
Use a wrist or neck lanyard and a waterproof housing to capture action without risking equipment loss.
Book morning slots
Early departures tend to have calmer seas and better light for sightings and photos.
Thermal base layer
Keeps you warm between cage dives and while on deck.
winter
Sea sickness medication
Reduces nausea in choppy conditions—take before boarding.
Waterproof camera or housing
Captures close encounters without risking your device to saltwater.
Windproof jacket with hood
Protects against cold spray and gusts while the boat is underway.
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