Great White Shark Cage-Diving with Shark Zone
23 December 2015
The weather. Our flights. What hotels are we staying at? Seasickness.
In the middle of Shark Alley in Gansbaai Bay, a boat of strangers is filled with chatter about anything but what has driven each of us to don a wetsuit and hop into a floating cage in the hopes of coming face-to-face with a great white shark. Whether referred by word of mouth, found through TripAdvisor, or happened upon in City Sightseeing's Travel Depot, Shark Zone has drawn a diverse crowd of South Africans and globetrotters alike, with this one common goal.
Our adventure starts the day before the cage-dive, with pre-trip instructions confirming times based on optimal sighting conditions, and reminders of what personal items to bring. Once gathered at Gansbaai the next day, my fellow cage-divers and I enjoy a warm breakfast together in the Shark Zone office and receive an overview of the day to come, including safety instructions and an introduction to our videographer.
One by one, we board the aptly named Megalodon and stow our bags and loose items for a bouncy ride out into the bay. A November outing doesn't require long jaunts or terribly rough waters; within 20 minutes, we arrive at our dive site in Shark Alley. Nestled between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock, Shark Alley is prime hunting territory for great whites in search of the 50 000 Cape fur seals living nearby.
While cage-divers receive wetsuits and instructions, boat crew members scatter fish into the surrounding water to attract nearby sharks, a process known as "chumming".
Though fish and seagulls arrive to the feast within minutes, we appreciate the true vastness of the ocean during the more than hour-long period it takes to draw sharks. Slowly but surely they appear and we prepare to enter the water.
Cage-diving is a simple and thrilling experience. Shark activity is most visible near the surface level, so no scuba equipment is necessary. The cage-divers hold on to the inside of the cage, watch the water, and wait for the captain's yell to plunge. We do so quickly, watch the shark pass the cage, and surface for enough breath to see its second pass returning back out into the deep.
Groups of cage-divers take turns in the cage as four nearby sharks investigate the bait surrounding the boat: a bronze whaler, not seen by that day's captain in more than two years, and three great whites, up to 3m in length.
After each of us has had an opportunity in the cage to see a shark up close, we return to the office to eat lunch, watch the recording of the day's excursion, and share our shark sightings. Warmed up and well fed, chatter resumes.
Cage-diving with these creatures has helped us to see past their vicious reputation and appreciate their true nature: curious and fleeting. Their interest in humans extends no further than confirming that the cage is not a threat to them. Whatever called us there, this is perhaps the most important takeaway.
On land and sea, from booking to boat, we had the adventure of a lifetime.
Ali (Alexandra) Tobolsky is a User Experience consultant for the United States federal government, specialising in web usability, information architecture, and content strategy. She is an adventurous traveller, always looking for a good story. Feel free to contact her at alexandratobolsky@gmail.com.
FAQs
What should I bring for the shark cage diving experience?
For your shark cage diving experience, it's essential to bring a few personal items to ensure your comfort and safety. You should wear a swimsuit under your clothes, as you'll be provided with a wetsuit. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. It's also advisable to have a change of clothes for after the dive. If you have any seasickness medication, consider bringing that as well. Remember to leave valuables at home or securely stowed on the boat, as loose items should be kept to a minimum.
How long does the shark cage diving experience last?
The entire shark cage diving experience typically lasts around 3 to 4 hours. This includes the time spent on the boat travelling to the dive site, the actual time spent in the cage observing the sharks, and the return journey. Once you arrive at the dive site, you will have the opportunity to see the sharks for about an hour, with each group of divers taking turns in the cage. After the dive, you can enjoy lunch and watch a video recap of your adventure.
Is it safe to go shark cage diving?
Yes, shark cage diving is considered a safe activity when conducted by reputable operators. The cages are designed to keep divers secure while allowing them to observe sharks up close. Safety briefings are provided before the dive, and experienced crew members are present to guide you throughout the experience. It's important to follow all safety instructions and remain calm while in the water. Remember, sharks are curious creatures and are not typically a threat to humans when proper precautions are taken.
What types of sharks can I expect to see during the dive?
During your shark cage diving experience, you can expect to see various species of sharks, primarily the great white shark, which can grow up to 3 meters in length. Depending on the time of year and local conditions, you may also encounter other species such as bronze whalers. The dive site, Shark Alley, is known for its rich marine life, including a large population of Cape fur seals, which attract the sharks. Each dive is unique, and sightings can vary.
Can I take photos during the shark cage diving experience?
Yes, you can take photos during the shark cage diving experience, but it's important to follow the guidelines provided by the crew. While in the cage, divers are encouraged to enjoy the moment and observe the sharks, but you can bring a waterproof camera or GoPro to capture the experience. The crew may also have a videographer on board who will document the dive, and you can purchase a video recap of your adventure after the trip.
