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 like no other, 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 and 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

About

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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. 

Although the boat capacity is 30 passengers, White Shark Projects has limited its licence to a maximum of 20 passengers plus crew. This is to ensure passengers enjoy maximum space and comfort throughout the trip. 

Health and Safety
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White Shark Projects carries comprehensive public insurance and passenger liability. All safety equipment, first aid and life raft are on board as well as toilet facilities. The company complies with strict regulations laid down by Marine Coastal Management, local governing authorities and COVID-19 protocols.
 

Certifications, Awards and Memberships
  • Fair Trade Tourism
  • SATSA (Southern African Tourism Services Association)
  • PETCO Award (2017)
  • Member of ORITAG (Oceanographic Research Institute Co-operative Tagging Project). 
  • Member of ELMO (Elasmobranch Monitoring SA)
Shark Cage Diving

Shark Cage Diving

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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

  • R2,320 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)
  • White Shark Lecture (onboard)
  • Diving Gear
  • Towels
  • Hot Soup (served on your return to shore at the Shark Team Crew House)
  • Dive Experience Certificate (awarded via email)
  • Life Jacket

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 dependant
  • 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

The team at White Shark Projects believes that environmental education and community upliftment incentives are vital. The team is always busy with projects that aid the conservation of marine ecosystems and the communities that live around them. 

Recycle Swop Shop
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Children from Masakhane and Blompark exchange recyclable plastics and paper that they have collected from home, school and the streets for school stationery, toiletries, pre-loved clothing, blankets and toys. 

The shops rely on donations to stay self-sustainable. You can be the change you want to see in your community by volunteering or by donating stock for the shop. 

Both venues run community soup kitchens. 

If you want to find out more about the Swop Shop and volunteer programme, contact Charmaine at 076 245 5880. 

Donations are gratefully accepted! Please contact the team at wsp@whitesharkprojects.co.za
 

Beach Clean-Ups
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Each year about nine million tonnes of discarded plastic makes its way into the ocean. This is the equivalent of one garbage truck dumping a load of rubbish into the sea every minute of every day for a year. 

The White Shark Projects team organises regular beach clean-ups with school groups and volunteers to help conserve Gansbaai’s coastline.

21 Days for The Environment

This annual awareness campaign serves to educate communities on the Cape Whale Coast on how they can be more responsible when it comes to ocean conservation. 

For 21 consecutive days, White Shark Projects highlights seemingly innocent activities that harm the ocean and its inhabitants. The campaign reaches the community in the following ways:

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

The Ocean Defenders Youth Club is a non-profit organisation that 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 that marine and land pollution have on the environment.

Sport

Sports projects include a soccer team in Masakhane and a netball team in Blompark.

Education
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Educational outreach programs regarding plastic waste and people’s plastic habits, are provided by the White Shark Projects team and include:

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

     
Become a Volunteer

Become a Volunteer

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If you are reading this, it probably means that you are keen to embark on a volunteering adventure of a lifetime with White Shark Projects. 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 throughout the year from the 1st and the 15th of the 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 the 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 onboard
  • Making sure chumming equipment is onboard
  • Making sure catered food and beverages are onboard
  • 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 wet suits 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 double-story home just a short stroll away from Kleinbaai Harbour. The house has everything to make it a home away from home.

An outdoor entertainment area boasts magnificent views of the ocean and the harbour action when boats with excited passengers head out to sea. There is a covered braai so you can experience one of South Africa’s favourite cooking techniques whenever you are in the mood.

The house has a fully equipped open-plan 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 house is within walking distance of a superette that sells basic groceries, toiletries and treats. There are weekly trips into Gansbaai to stock up on 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

“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. So we researched the most ethical and kind way to do this and we booked with WSP. 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 every question we had for them. 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 with a marine biologist who answered all of my questions regarding sharks (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 make sure 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
“White Shark Projects, thank you for making my bucket list experience so memorable!”  Candace Nold
“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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