HISTORY OF SHARK CAGE DIVING
Shark cage diving has, in recent years, become one of the most popular adventure activities amongst adrenalin junkies, divers & tourists. Shark cage diving has become hugely popular around the world and in particular in South Africa where it was started 20 years ago in Gansbaai near Hermanus in the Western Cape. Hermanus is just an hour and a half drive from Cape Town, the “Mother City” of South Africa.
South Africa has become known around the world as one of the best Shark cage diving destinations in the world. Shark cage diving is offered in many locations around the coast of South Africa, all the Shark cage diving operators are required to have a permit as well as licensed boats which are checked regularly to ensure their equipment is in peak working condition. All Shark cage diving boat crew are required to have been trained as well as many operators ensuring that their staff have received training in the Tour Guide industry.
The Shark Diving industry has ensured yet another great reason for travellers to choose South Africa as a preferred destination. This thrilling and exciting adventure activity has encouraged Tourism as well as providing many with job opportunities in areas such as Gansbaai near Hermanus where job opportunities are scarce.
Shark cage diving has also provided many tourists with a fresh insight into the Great White Shark, it’s habits, habitat and the extinction factor facing Great White Sharks due to Finning by many Asian countries where Sharks are senselessly killed for their fins. (said to be an aphrodisiac/have medical benefits)
INFORMATION ABOUT GREAT WHITE SHARKS
Great White Sharks inhabit many areas around the world, the most prominent areas are those populated by Seals and Dolphins – the Great White’s preferred meal.
Great White Sharks are endangered, so while occasional sightings of them are possible, Gansbaai, on the coast of the Western Cape in South Africa is one such place where Great White Sharks can be found.
The area between Dyer Island and Gansbaai is commonly known amongst the Shark Cage Diving operators as ‘Shark Alley’.
The reason for this name is fairly obvious in that Dyer Island is home to thousands of Cape Fur Seals – which are protected by the Dyer Island Trust.
WHO MAY GO SHARK DIVING
Shark Cage Divers from 5 yrs up Welcome
5yrs up – May be on boat – SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES
10yrs up – May enter Shark Cage – Accompanied by Adult
Our shark diving tours are designed for the complete novice, absolutely no experience is needed to participate. You don’t even have to be able to swim, but to be comfortable in the ocean is a definite advantage. Children over the age of 10 years may get in the cage, but they must be accompanied by a guardian or parent.
Although we don’t have a policy regarding the age of our passengers, we do not recommend this trip for children under the age of 5 years. Small children are more affected by sea-sickness and dehydration can occur quickly. If your small child is used to travelling by boat or you feel that they are particularly hardy, then they may accompany you at your own discretion.
