Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai

Old Dec 12th, 2011, 01:29 PM
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Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai

First week in january is already low season for shark activities over there but I cannot change it. We just have that week before school starts again.

Shark Diving Unlimited leave early in the morning at 6:30am when sharks should be more active.
Great White Shark Tours leave later, after 9:30 when direct overhead sunlight should give better visibility during the dive. They only operate 1 trip per day in order not to work in a time constraint.
White Shark Diving tours (www.skarkbookings.com) also leave at 9.

I have read good reviews on all three of them. Which would you peak ? and what about leaving earlier or later ?
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Old Dec 12th, 2011, 02:07 PM
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I just got back from a trip to South Africa (late Nov.), during which we went cage diving with www.sharkcagediving.net.

As a lifelong shark week fan, it was one of my most memorable experiences. The company only runs 1 tour a day, which was great because the shark sightings were sporadic at first, but we were able to stay out all day until the bigger sharks showed up (3.5 meters). It was an 8-person cage, but because there were no time constraints everyone who wanted to get in the water did and saw sharks, and some of us were able to take 3 turns.

We also made a trip to Dyer Island to check out the seals, and on the way to Gansbaai we stopped in Hermanus and saw some Southern Right Whales and calves.

The water was warmer than expected (about 60 degrees!) though visibility was poor (about 1 meter). The light/time of day weren't as much of a factor as the weather - a storm was on its way and the water was churned up. That said, the low visibility made the shark cage more exciting because you'd just see a shape until the shark was RIGHT there in front of you.

For the later-in-the-day trip, I was able to shoot some great photos using a circular polarizer filter on my camera. It really helped cut the sun's glare and capture the sharks in the water. I also rented an underwater digital camera from our driver (the company offers transportation to/from Cape Town for an additional fee) and got some great footage and underwater shots, though the low visibility was not ideal.

Also, I STRONGLY recommend taking dramamine or another anti-seasick medicine before the trip (though careful if you're driving; it can make you drowsy). While we had a relatively calm day, it still was rocky, and if one person gets seasick it can cause a chain reaction. I'm not sure if the dramamine did anything to keep me from feeling ill, but I'm glad I took it to be safe.

Sharks are such impressive, awesome animals. I hope you have an amazing time with them!
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Old Dec 12th, 2011, 02:27 PM
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Thanks a lot for the reply !

sharkcagediving.net is on my above list as Great White Shark Tours, lead by Brian, and they were also the first to reply to my email on sunday, so another point for them ! thanks for the suggestions !
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Old Dec 14th, 2011, 02:02 AM
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just booked with sharkcagediving.net ! can't wait to be there !

I read somewhere that water temperature in that area is higher in winter than in summer. Can it be ? Hope it will not be too cold !
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Old Dec 15th, 2011, 11:09 AM
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I heard that's the case too. It was definitely chilly, but we had a "warm" day (water was 16 degrees celcius). You get a wet suit with a hood and boots, and a coat to wear and warm up in afterwards, and hopefully you'll have enough excitement/adrenaline pumping to keep warm!
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Old Dec 18th, 2011, 11:31 AM
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thanks Jess ! Now I cross fingers for the weather and for the show up of some whites, despite the low season !

grazie e ciao
fabio
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