Gansbaai – a small town with some really big fish

If you are a fan of Shark Week, you would have seen that South Africa, along with Mexico, New Zealand and the United States has been featured several times as a popular location to see great white sharks. Names such as Chris Fallows, Alison Towner and Dickie Chivell may be familiar in both the educational and extreme spheres. Shark cage diving takes place in several locations all over South Africa, however one location known for being the home of the Great White Shark is Gansbaai.

Gansbaai is a fishing town in the Western Cape of South Africa, located about 2-hours’ drive from Cape Town International airport. It is well-known for its natural landscapes and beautiful beaches. Over the years, it has become a preferred tourist destination for horse riding, whale watching and is home to a colony of African penguins. It is also a place for those wishing to explore the science of marine biology and has seen several students in the area conducting research, alongside film crews and photographers.

Gansbaai is not just a place for academics and adventures, but also for those who care about nature and marine life, with incredible conservation and volunteer programmes. The shark cage diving tours offered are often led by qualified marine biologists who offer a wealth of information regarding the sharks in the area as well as other marine life.

The shark cage diving Gansbaai trip offers a great all-inclusive experience. There is usually a meal upon arrival, either breakfast or lunch along with a safety briefing, and because it is often cold out at sea, there is a light meal upon return from the 3 to 4-hours trip. There are also snacks available on board.

To enjoy the experience, it is advisable to wear your swimsuit underneath your clothing, as you will change into the wetsuit and boots provided aboard the boat. The boat has a large upper-level viewing deck, that can carry up to 40 people and 9 at a time in the cage.

Shark cage diving trips in Gansbaai used to take place in a part of the ocean called Shark Alley, accurately named at the time due to the high prevalence of Great White sharks. Nowadays the shark cage diving takes place inshore with the bronze whaler shark being a frequent visitor to the cage diving boats.

The opportunity of coming face to face with these sharks is captured on video by professional photographers. Footage can be purchased after your trip and sent to you online so that your memories are not lost.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience is one every individual should do. Regardless of the location you choose to enjoy your shark cage diving experience, you will be changed forever. Having the opportunity to see sharks, or any marine life, uninterrupted in their natural environment is guaranteed to change the way you see the world and how we all fit in it.

Gansbaai not only provides this opportunity to nature lovers just wanting a once off experience but also to those looking to get involved to make a difference which will contribute to a better future for the sharks and the oceans.

Also read: A Story of Survival