How Shark Cage Diving Works
Requirements & Safety
On most trips, guests can choose between surface cage viewing or, if qualified, limited scuba in the cage. The pen typically holds up to three people slightly below the surface, with crew signaling when to dip beneath the water for a close-up. Operators supply a 5 mm wetsuit, booties, gloves, weight belt, and mask, and deliver comprehensive briefings on behavior, hand placement, and communication. Children aged ten and older may enter the cage when accompanied by an adult. Even if you stay on deck, you will enjoy outstanding views because great white shark often patrol the surface.
Season, Wildlife & Conditions
Winter brings the best combination of visibility and shark activity in False Bay and Gansbaai, though departures run throughout the year. Sightings vary by day and season, and recent orca predation has influenced great white shark behavior and presence along the coast. Expect encounters to include copper shark and broadnose sevengill when conditions favor them. Sea state and wind dictate the exact plan, so operators may adjust departure times or sites for comfort and safety. Motion-sickness medication, warm layers, and sun protection are strongly recommended for all guests.
Ethics & Choosing an Operator
Responsible cage diving is wildlife observation—not a thrill ride at the animal’s expense. Reputable crews avoid touching and feeding, maintain appropriate distances, and follow strict local regulations. Choose an operator that emphasizes natural behavior, small group ratios, and clear safety protocols. Look for transparent conservation messaging and trained guides who interpret behavior and biology. Your experience should leave you with a deeper respect for the shark and the ecosystem, from Seal Island’s Cape fur seal colony to Dyer Island’s protected waters, and a clear understanding of how to minimize human impact.
