Marine Dynamics - Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai

Marine Dynamics is an award-winning ecotourism company based in Kleinbaai, just outside Gansbaai, South Africa. The Marine Dynamics team invites you to an adrenaline-fuelled shark cage diving adventure, where you will meet some of the ocean's most loved inhabitants. Passengers can choose to dive with sharks or stay on the boat and enjoy the chance to spot the Marine Big Five (sharks, whales, dolphins, seals and penguins). Each shark cage diving trip can comfortably accommodate up to 40 passengers at a time and takes around two to three hours.

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 Boat

Marine Dynamics Shark Tours uses a purposely built vessel.

Slashfin is spacious, and her state-of-the-art cage is GoPro-friendly.

The Crew

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

Crew

Skipper
Marine Biologist
Wildlife Videographer
Volunteers

The Trip

Marine Dynamics Shark Tours offers 5-star service from the moment you meet at its headquarters at The Great White House in Kleinbaai.

Package Includes:

Breakfast / Lunch Before Your Trip (depending on your booking time)
Light Refreshments Onboard
Homemade Soup and Bread (post-trip)
Pre-Trip Dive Brief
Wetsuit
Mask
Weights
Towel
Shower Facilities
Free Entry Into the Penguin Sanctuary

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

Marine Dynamics Shark Tours answers the most frequently asked questions:

Q: Do I need a diving certificate?

A: No. The cage is attached to the side of the boat above the surface and extends two meters underwater. As a shark approaches, you will be instructed where to look and when to go down to see the shark below the surface.

Q: Can I go outside the cage?

A: No, and that goes for 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 are just like any other wild creature. They come and go as they please so there is no roster.

Q: Do you feed the sharks?

A: No. We use a scent trail of fish products called “chum” to attract the sharks in the area to our vessel. Once nearby, we keep the sharks' short attention span by using a bait and seal decoy. While sharks can get the bait, this is not done to provide them with food.

Q: When is peak viewing season for white sharks?

A: We consider our winter months, April - September, the best time of year to cage dive with white sharks because they frequent the seal colony at that time of year. However, winter is also the worst time of year weather-wise, so plan a few possible days during your holiday for your cage dive.

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 are worried about it, yes, rather be safe than sorry. Anti-motion sickness medication is inexpensive and readily available over the counter at any South African pharmacy.

Q: Does cage diving benefit sharks?

A: Like all wildlife activities, it depends on the operator. Every client that dives with Marine Dynamics directly supports white shark conservation by automatically contributing to the locally registered non-profit organisation, Dyer Island Conservation Trust.