Travel bucket list idea:
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Bucket List Experience
While Great White Sharks have been the star attraction of Cape Town’s marine adventures for years, shark-lovers and ocean adventurers can also head into the waters south of Cape Point to free-dive, snorkel and scuba dive with the mako and blue sharks that patrol these waters.
Alongside these graceful deep-sea sharks, there is also the opportunity to spot yellowfin tuna, bonito and sunfish, as well as a range of pelagic birds including albatross, petrels and skua.
Full-day excursions depart from Simon’s Town harbour, and all equipment is provided. A valid certification is required for those wishing to scuba dive.
Tour operators depart from Simon’s Town harbour, a 45-minute drive from the city centre.
All equipment is provided, and experienced dive masters lead all dives/snorkelling. Sea conditions can be rough, so take anti-nausea medication if you are susceptible to sea sickness.
Pelagic shark trips are offered November to June, although winter conditions can be rough and cold. March-April offers perhaps the finest weather, with mild temperatures, sunny days and less of the Cape’s infamous south-easterly wind.
Divers meet at 6am for pre-trip briefing and equipment allocation, before the boat departs at 7am to enjoy sunrise views of Cape Point on the trip south. The trip returns around 2pm for lunch (included) at the dive centre.
Our writer’s recommended tour operators to book with
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Highly experienced and professional shark diving specialist offering diving/snorkelling with blue and mako sharks, and cage diving with great white sharks, in Cape Town. They also organise diving trips to see the Sardine Run, and shark diving in Bimini to see hammerheads and tigers.
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Western Cape, South Africa
Destination guide
A vibrant, multicultural city with dramatic scenery, adrenaline adventure galore, Africa’s best art scene, golden beaches world-class wine regions and outstanding gastronomy. All in the shadows of the mighty Table Mountain.
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
Inspiration
Get in the water with the so-called ‘man-eaters’ – great whites, tiger, bull and hammerhead sharks – to appreciate these magnificent but sadly maligned creatures .