Marine Dynamics Shark Tours

About

Marine Dynamics Shark Tours is passionate about making a difference through research, conservation and education.

Accreditations

• African Responsible Tourism Award 
• Fair Trade Tourism Certified 
• Blue Flag Certified Vessels 

The Crew

Marine Dynamics Shark Tours has a qualified crew with years of experience.

Crew

• Skipper
• Marine Biologist
• Wildlife Videographer
• Volunteers

Rates

Marine Dynamics Shark Tours has two pricing packages.

South African Rack Rates (35% Discount)

• R1,900 per adult
• R935 per person for kids under 12 
• Free for children under five
• Excludes an additional R100 per person conservation fee (including infants)

International Rack Rates

• R3,050 per adult
• R1,730 per person for kids under 12
• Free for children under five
• Excludes an additional R100 per person conservation fee (including infants)

Exclusive-Use Rack Rates

• 1 - 8 Passengers - R55,150
• 9 - 20 Passengers - R83 710

FAQs

Curious about what to expect on your shark tour? Marine Dynamics Shark Tours compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions to ensure you are well-prepared for an exhilarating and safe shark adventure. 

Q: Do I need a diving certificate?

A: No. The cage is mounted to the side of the boat, extending two metres underwater. As a shark approaches, you will receive instructions on where to look and when to descend to view the shark beneath the surface.

Q: Can I go outside the cage?

A: No. You stay inside the cage (that applies to your arms and legs too).

Q: Do I need to get into the cage to see sharks?

A: No. The high viewing deck on Slashfin makes surface viewing a pleasure.

Q: Do I need to bring a wetsuit, a mask, weights and a towel?

A: No. All you need to bring is your bathing suit, sunscreen, a camera, and something warm to wear. Even on a hot day, it can get chilly out at sea. Everything else is supplied.

Q: Are there any age restrictions?

A: No. The oldest cage diver was 100 years young, and the youngest shark enthusiasts have still been in nappies.

Q: What time will the sharks arrive?

A: Sharks, like all wild creatures, come and go as they please, so there isn't a set schedule or roster for their appearances.

Q: Do you feed the sharks?

A: No. We create a scent trail using fish products, called 'chum,' to draw sharks to our boat. Once they arrive, we use bait and a seal decoy to keep their attention. The bait isn't meant to feed them but to maintain their interest.

Q: When is peak viewing season for white sharks?

A: We consider our winter months (April to September) the best time for cage diving with white sharks as they frequent the seal colony during this period. However, winter also brings challenging weather conditions, so it's wise to plan a few flexible days for your cage dive during your holiday.

Q: How long does a trip last?

A: Typically, trips last three to four hours. However, the duration of a trip depends on shark activity, weather conditions, and tides. Set aside a day for this adventure.

Q: Do you offer a shuttle service to and from Cape Town?

A: Yes! The shark shuttle runs return trips to Cape Town city centre daily.

Q: Should I take anti-motion sickness medication?

A: If you're concerned about seasickness, it's advisable to take precautions. Anti-motion sickness medication is affordable and easily available over the counter at any South African pharmacy.

Q: Does cage diving benefit sharks?

A: Like all wildlife activities, the impact can vary by operator. When you dive with Marine Dynamics, you directly support white shark conservation, as a portion of your contribution automatically benefits the locally registered non-profit organisation, Dyer Island Conservation Trust.

Reviews

“I loved it! It was an experience I will carry with me and remember forever! Despite the odds, Marine Dynamics were able to take us out for a fantastic day with three shark sightings. And if that isn't enough, we also saw a few southern right whales. I would recommend them again and again!”  Indigo French

“We went shark cage diving with Marine Dynamics and it was a spectacular experience. The staff and the marine biologist on board were bubbly and friendly. Everything you need is provided. All you have to bring is your bathing suit. The rates include a light meal before the trip and hot soup when you return. While on board, they provide snacks and sweets to help with motion sickness. There is hot chocolate when you get out of the water. Wet suits, masks, towels and blankets are supplied. I felt well taken care of. The whole experience is filmed using a GoPro and is offered to you to purchase at the end. We had a memorable time. We saw several bronze whaler sharks and three broadnose sevengill sharks.”  Kimone Pillay

“We had a fantastic time shark cage diving with Marine Dynamics. We chose them after researching the ethics of the activity. MD stood out among the rest for the methods used during the dives and also for their extensive conservation work. They are part of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. As their website indicates, great white sharks are a rare sighting, and we did not see any. However, we saw plenty of bronze whaler sharks, a Cape fur seal, and hundreds of Cape cormorants. The guide on the boat was very informative. They provided an orange waterproof jacket, a wetsuit, booties, goggles, a shoulder weight, and a life jacket. A videographer was on board and the video is sent to you if you buy it. You can also bring your own GoPro. They had a driver collect us and others from our hotels in Cape Town to drive us there and back (two hours each way). To get this you must choose the package with the return trip option (for Americans reading this, "round trip" in South Africa means "return"). The drive to Kleinbaai was beautiful and provided an excellent chance to see the countryside. Our driver was friendly and answered all our questions along the way. We learned interesting things about the country by talking with him. It was a great experience. Highly recommended!”  K Reu