Established In 1989

White Shark Projects is a long-established shark cage diving, research and conservation company based in Kleinbaai, just outside Gansbaai, South Africa. Embark on an ocean adventure, where you could see great white sharks in their natural habitat. While you are out there, White Shark Projects’ marine biologist will tell you about the diversity of the marine environment that these magnificent creatures inhabit. On your trip, you may also see whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and various seabirds. Over the years, White Shark Projects has set a benchmark for responsible tourism. It proactively contributes to the preservation and growth of the local community and the environment. With that said, White Shark Projects supports sustainable job creation, upliftment projects and programmes to foster ecological awareness. Various non-profit incentives include a recycling swap shop, a youth club and an international volunteer programme.

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About
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About

White Shark Projects was established in 1989 and was the first tour operator to offer shark cage diving trips. 

The longstanding tour operator provides a unique opportunity to discover the diverse marine life in the Atlantic Ocean along the Gansbaai coastline in South Africa. 

Team

The White Shark Projects crew and staff are well-known for their functional and technical expertise. Armed with industry-related qualifications, certifications and degrees related to marine biology, site guiding, safety at sea, and first aid, you can relax and enjoy your white shark experience. The team includes:

  • Skipper (sailed the seas for over two decades)
  • Marine Biologist
  • Dive Master
  • Shark Experts
  • Conservationist & Ecotourism Experts
Boat
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Shark Team is a custom-built 11-metre catamaran fitted with the latest maritime equipment. 

With a capacity of 20 passengers plus crew, the vessel is designed to provide ample space and comfort during the trip.

Health and Safety

White Shark Projects is fully insured for public and passenger liability and operates in strict accordance with Marine Coastal Management and local authority regulations.

On board, you’ll find all the required safety equipment, including first aid supplies, a life raft, and toilet facilities.

Certifications & Awards
  • Travellers Choice Award 2024 & 2023
  • Top Tripadvisor Award 2024 & 2023
  • Fair Trade Volunteer Programme
  • SATSA (South African Tourism Services Association)
  • PETCO Award
  • Fair Trade in Tourism Certified (since 2006)
  • Certified in 101 Adventure Activities in SA
Memberships
  • Cape Town Tourism
  • Hermanus Business Chamber
  • Skal International
  • ORITAG (Oceanographic Research Institute Co-operative Tagging Project)
  • ELMO (Elasmobranch Monitoring SA)
  • Women in Tourism
Shark Cage Diving
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Shark Cage Diving

White Shark Projects invites you on a thrilling shark cage diving journey of discovery and education, where you will have the chance to see the ocean's number one apex predator, the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias).

Rates:

  • R2,600 per person per trip (excluding transfers)
  • South African Residents - 40% OFF (with valid SA ID number)

Trip Duration: 

  • Approximately three to four hours (excluding travel time)

Includes:

  • Five-Star Lodge (access to modern ablution facilities)
  • Continental Breakfast
  • Pre-Trip Safety Briefing and Orientation
  • Snacks and Beverages (onboard)
  • Marine Life Lecture (onboard)
  • Wetsuit (7mm)
  • Hoodie
  • Booties
  • Diving Mask
  • Weight Belt
  • Towels
  • Hot Soup (served on your return to shore at the Shark Team Crew House)
  • Dive Experience Certificate (awarded via email)
  • Life Jacket

Also Available:

  • Video Footage of Your Trip (available to purchase)

What to Bring:

  • Swim Suit
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunblock
  • Jacket (can get nippy out at sea even on the warmest days)
  • Camera
  • Seasickness Tablets (for effectiveness, these need to be taken ahead of time)

Please Note:

  • Trips are weather-dependent
  • Trips and launch times are confirmed the day before your booking (according to the weather and tide)
  • The ocean has no fences, and sightings are not guaranteed
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Community Projects

Community Projects

White Shark Projects believes environmental education and community upliftment go hand in hand, and runs initiatives that support both the conservation of marine ecosystems and the well-being of the communities that depend on them.

Recycle Swop Shop
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Children from Masakhane collect plastics and paper from home, school, and the streets, and in return, receive school stationery, toiletries, pre-loved clothing, blankets, and toys.

The shop and its soup kitchen rely on donations and help from volunteers. 

Swop Shop - Contact Details:

  • 079 454 9595 (White Shark Projects)
  • wsp@whitesharkprojects.co.za
Beach Clean-Ups
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Community volunteers and school groups regularly come together for beach clean-ups to protect Gansbaai’s coastline. 

Each year, nine million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean, the same as a garbage truck dumping its load every minute. 

Join the clean-ups and help fight ocean plastic, one bag at a time!

21 Days for The Environment

Communities along the Cape Whale Coast learn how they can help with ocean conservation over 21 consecutive days during this annual campaign.

The focus is on everyday activities that may seem harmless but can have a serious impact on marine life.

Campaign Activities:

  • Beach Clean-Ups
  • Educational Talks (schools) 
  • Radio Interviews
  • Social Media Campaigns
  • Competitions
  • Fundraisers
  • Creative Projects 
Ocean Defenders Youth Club

The non-profit organisation allows children from the local community to learn and interact with marine biologists. 

This incentive is a hands-on opportunity for them to learn about the far-reaching effects of marine and land pollution on the environment.

Education
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Outreach programs regarding plastic waste and people’s plastic habits are provided at:

  • Client Interaction on Shark Diving Trips
  • Presentations at Schools
  • Beach Clean-Ups


 

Become a Volunteer

Become a Volunteer

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White Shark Projects invites you to join them on a volunteering adventure. 

Not only will you have multiple bucket-list experiences and memories to last you a lifetime, but you will also make a difference and inspire others to become Shark Ambassadors & Ocean Defenders!

Requirements

  • A love for the ocean and sharks
  • A deep personal connection with people
Volunteering Programme
  • The programme duration is usually 21 days. However, volunteers can stay on for longer if they wish (14 days are the recommended time)
  • The programme runs year-round, with start dates on the 1st and 15th of each month
  • Accommodation is included and provided in the volunteer house 
  • Meals are not included in your volunteering package. You will need to prepare these for yourself in the volunteer house’s communal kitchen
  • Onboarding and orientation provided by a White Shark Projects team leader
  • Lectures on a variety of shark-related topics
  • Duties at sea and onshore
  • On bad weather days, team outings include trips to Hermanus, Betty’s Bay, and Cape Agulhas (the southernmost tip of Africa)
  • The boat can be chartered exclusively for you without tourists on pre-arranged days
Duties

Volunteers work with a qualified White Shark Projects crew member, and the duty list changes daily. 

Below is a list of some of the daily duties expected of you: 

  • Ensuring the boat is clean before and after each trip
  • Making sure wetsuits and diving gear are clean and on board
  • Making sure chumming equipment is onboard
  • Making sure catered food and beverages are on board
  • Assisting with anchoring 
  • Assisting with securing the cage 
  • Education and general interaction with clients 
  • Helping clients as needed
  • Shark spotting 
  • Pointing out sharks to the crew, clients and fellow volunteers 
  • Preparing and distributing wetsuits for clients 
  • Data recording 
  • Data capturing 
  • Blog writing 
  • Assist at the recycle Swop Shop on Tuesdays
Training & Qualifications

Training is provided and includes:

  • How to work on the shark cage diving boat 
  • Marine identification
  • Client interaction
  • How to collect observational data on sharks

Depending on which university volunteers plan to attend in future, students can get university credits for their volunteering experience. 

Accommodation

Volunteers stay in a comfortable home just a short stroll away from Kleinbaai Harbour. 

An outdoor entertainment area has magnificent views of the ocean and harbour action. There is a covered braai so you can experience one of South Africa’s favourite pastimes whenever you are in the mood.

The house features a living area with a fully equipped kitchen, dining area and lounge. 
Dorm-style bedrooms include bedding. 

Couples, families or friends volunteering together can reserve private or double rooms for an additional monthly fee.

The volunteer house is within walking distance of a superette offering basic groceries, toiletries, and treats. Weekly trips to Gansbaai are organised for restocking supplies.

Amenities:

  • Wi-Fi
  • Television
  • DStv
  • DVD
  • Board Games
  • Outdoor Braai
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Contact White Shark Projects for more information about becoming a volunteer.

Reviews

Reviews

“White Shark Projects, thank you for making my bucket list experience so memorable!”  Candace Nold
“I can say without hesitation that today's experience with White Shark Projects was extraordinary and not just because of the thrilling close encounters. What truly set this dive apart was witnessing White Shark Projects' deep commitment to marine conservation and their profound respect for these magnificent creatures and their ocean habitat. This was the best shark dive I've experienced in ten years and a powerful reminder of why conservation efforts like those championed by WSP are vital to protecting our oceans and the incredible creatures that inhabit them.”  Shark Lover
“To say I was petrified at the thought of this trip with White Shark Projects is an understatement! When asked what would make his 50th birthday memorable and special, my husband requested cage diving with sharks. We researched the most ethical and kind way to do this, and finally booked with White Shark Projects. Don't let the 04.15 pick-up time put you off or the drive if you're staying a little way out. It was one of the most incredible things I have ever done. The people on our bus were all as excited and nervous as we were. The boat crew were amazing. They are experts and answered all our questions. When it was time to dive, I climbed into the cage with the first group of 5. I was blown away by the size and grace of these sharks, which are not aggressive. The moment will stay in my memory forever. We were lucky to see migrating whales, too. Thank you for the experience of a lifetime. #pushyourselfoutyourcomfortzoneandlive”  Fiona
“I had an amazing experience with White Shark Projects. It was worth every single penny! They have a fabulous crew! There was a marine biologist on board who answered all my questions about sharks (and there were so many, lol)! Shark interaction was superb, and we had 14 sharks around the boat at one point. I felt very safe, and the crew went out of their way to ensure everybody had a good experience. The food served before and after the trip was great, especially the homemade soup. I highly rate this experience, and would highly recommend this company.”  Lisa C
“We had an incredible experience with White Shark Projects. All the staff and crew were extremely friendly and professional. The marine biologist did a brilliant job educating us on shark behaviour and cleared up all the myths concerning these creatures. I have a newfound love for sharks and our two boys were ecstatic. I highly recommend this experience.”   S.Van Zyl
“White Shark Project is professional and the team takes your safety very seriously.”  Charl Hanekom
“White Shark Projects helps us understand the importance of great white sharks in the oceans, a vital part of the ecosystem.”  Alex Miller
“White Shark Projects has a lovely new extension with lots of showers and toilets.  Great breakfast and then scrumptious soup afterwards. The sharks were the highlight of the show!”  Hennie Van Niekerk

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