Quick Trip Info - FAQ's About The Dive

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW MUCH DOES A SHARK CAGE DIVING TRIP COST?

2024 Shark Cage Diving Prices                           Price/Person

Adult Diver                                                                     R2,300.00

Child (8 - 11 years)                                                       R1,500.00

Transport                                                                         R750.00

Please note:

• No pre-payments are taken when making a booking
• Your credit card will only be debited on arrival at the crew house
• The credit card must be available on the day of the dive
• No booking fee is charged
• A 48-hour cancellation fee is applicable and the full amount will be deducted from your credit card should you not arrive for the dive (no show)
• No credit card transaction fee is charged

 

WHAT ARE THE TRIP TIMES?

The trip starts between 7h00 – 12h00 in the morning, depending on the tides and the weather. The person making the booking ( mobile number) will be informed of the launch time at 17h00 the night before the trip. A trip normally takes between 3 -4 hours depending on the shark activity.

 

HOW DO I MAKE A RESERVATION?

• To make an instant confirmed booking; click on the  BOOK NOW  button on the website's Home Page.

• We accept VISA and MASTERCARD credit cards. 

• By e-mailing Great White Shark Tours on the booking form on the contact page including your credit card details.
  

• By telephone +27 (0)28 384 1418 or 083 300 2138

• Please call our +27 (0)28 384 1418 / 083 300 2138  for a weather update if travelling on your own to Kleinbaai on the day of your day of a standby trip

 

DO I NEED TO BOOK IN ADVANCE?

Yes. Please book well in advance and allow two days for bad weather.

 

WHEN DO YOU CONFIRM THE PICKUP? MEETING TIME?

Our office will be in contact with you (via text message/e-mail/WhatsApp) on the day prior to your dive;  between 17h00-18h00 to confirm your meeting time/collection time.

 

IS THERE TRANSPORT AVAILABLE FROM CAPE TOWN?

 Yes. Our luxury, air-conditioned coach does pickups and drop-offs from designated points in central Cape Town, Sea Point, Camps Bay and the Waterfront to Kleinbaai.

The transport cost is R750 per person for return to Cape Town and to R750 for return from Hermanus.

 

IS THERE SECURE PARKING FOR MY CAR?

Yes, your vehicle will be parked at our crew house from where your trip will start. The crew house is never deserted and we lock up long after the visitors have left.

 

WHERE DOES THE TRIP START?

 The trip starts at Kleinbaai harbour, 7km from Gansbaai, 44 km from Hermanus & 160 km from Cape Town.

(GPS coordinates: 34°36’52″S – 19°21’18″E)  MAP

 

HOW LONG IS TRIP?

Between 3 and 4 hours depending on shark activity.

 

AT WHAT AGE CAN CHILDREN PARTICIPATE IN THE TRIP?

From 8 years upwards under the supervision of a parent or guardian. Remember that the trip can be up to 4 hours at sea.

 

WHAT IS THE DISTANCE FROM CAPE TOWN TO KLEINBAAI AND HOW LONG IS THE DRIVE TO KLEINBAAI?

The distance is 160 km and approximately 2 1/2 hours. Please compensate for the Stop&Go holdup between Hermanus and Stanford that can be up to 30 Minutes extra.

 

AM I GUARANTEED TO SEE A SHARK?

No. However, the chances are very high. Gansbaai is one of 3 locations worldwide where you can be safely cage dive with Great White Sharks. The other 2 places are Australia and Guadalupe Island in Baja, Mexico. Great White Shark Tours will use all their skill and expertise to attract the sharks close to the boat.

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE SEA AND WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE NOT SUITABLE?

We constantly monitor the weather and respond professionally to any changes. This may mean a trip might be cancelled at short notice. Passenger comfort and safety are always our highest priority.

 

IF MY TOUR IS CANCELLED, WILL I BE TRANSFERRED TO THE NEXT ONE?

No. When a trip is cancelled, we will do our best to accommodate you on another trip. However, you need to request this.

 

DO YOU FEED THE SHARKS? 

No. We will use a rubber seal cut out ( fondly named Gladys) and a secret chum mixture to attract the sharks to the boat. WE DO NOT AT ANY STAGE FEED THE SHARKS nor use any part of shark products in our secret chum mixture and have signed a mandate to this effect.

 

HOW LONG WILL THE WHOLE TOUR LAST?

You can put the whole day aside for your shark cage diving adventure. Transfers from Cape Town & back could be 3 hours each way. Upon arrival, you will be met at the crew house and enjoy breakfast on the deck which overlooks Kleinbaai harbour, do payments & have a safety briefing before the 2-minute walk to the boat. The actual time on the water is up to 4 hours. Allow 1/2 hour after the trip for lunch and watch the video footage of your trip.

 

CAN I BUY A FOOTAGE OF MY TRIP?

Yes. A videographer will capture your complete trip on film. We will then show the footage during lunch after the trip. You will have to opportunity to buy a flash Disc with the trip footage and take it away with you. Cost R 300/ video link.

REMEMBER: You will receive a link to your day trip ( value R300) Fre of Charge if you BOOK ONLINE

 

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME ON MY SHARK CAGE DIVING TRIP?

You must bring warm clothing for after the dive, including a change of underwear, a swimsuit, cap, sunblock, camera & film.

 

WHAT IF I SUFFER FROM MOTION SICKNESS?

If you are susceptible to motion sickness you should take the necessary precautions prior to arrival according to the prescribed medication. You should consult a pharmacist prior to the trip who will prescribe the necessary medication for the prevention of motion sickness. We suggest Stugeron.

 

CAN I BUY BATTERIES OR MEMORY CARDS ON BOARD THE BOAT?

No. So please stock up on these items before departure.

 

ARE SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT?

Yes. As soon as possible please mention your request when making a booking.

 

DO YOU SERVE BREAKFAST BEFORE THE TRIP?

Yes. We serve a full continental breakfast (without bacon & eggs as fatty food might result in seasickness).

 

WILL THERE BE FOOD AND DRINKS AVAILABLE ON THE BOAT?

Yes. Please help yourself to a variety of fresh bread rolls, cool drinks, water, fruit, crisps, and snacks.

 

DO YOU SERVE LUNCH AFTER THE TRIP?

Yes. We serve a hot meal after the trip. Coffee, tea and juice are always available.

 

DO I NEED TO BRING ANY DIVING EQUIPMENT FOR MY SHARK CAGE DIVE?

No. We supply all the diving equipment at no additional cost; including towels and protective jackets for the cold and water spray depending on the sea conditions.

 

DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL DIVING SKILLS?

No. No previous diving experience is necessary to go in the cage. Shark diving with us does not require scuba certification.

 

DO WE DIVE WITH AIR?

No. Once inside the cage it just breath-holding under a half meter of water.

 

DO WE REQUIRE A LICENSE OR DIVING EXPERIENCE?

No. No previous diving experience is necessary.

 

HOW BIG IS THE CAGE (HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN IT TAKE AT ONE TIME)?

The rectangular cage is custom designed and built; 4.2 meters long, 1 meter wide and can take 8 divers at a time.

 

HOW SAFE IS IT IN THE CAGE?

The cage floats right next to the boat to enable the divers to climb in and out easily. It is made of 12mm galvanized steel mesh and attached to the boat with a rope at all times. Great White Sharks are surface feeders and can be seen from above and below the surface. The divers are no more than half a meter below the surface. A highly skilled divemaster and a Level Three Medic with O² Management supervise all the dives.

 

HOW LONG DO YOU SPEND IN THE CAGE?

It depends on shark activity and we try to give each guest a similar diving experience.

 

WHERE CAN I BOOK MY SHARK CAGE DIVING ADVENTURE?

You can book your dive HERE