If you are into shark diving — as in really into shark diving — you should put South Africa on your “must go” list. It's a destination that's justifiably famous for great white shark encounters and the adrenaline rush of the annual sardine run, but there's actually a lot more shark action going on. In the waters of South Africa, divers can interact with more than two dozen diverse species of sharks in ecosystems that range from kelp forests to coral-covered shoals and blue water.
Cool Adventures at The Cape
Rich in history and steeped in scenic beauty, Cape Town is South Africa's most popular destination. The city's southern shore opens to the emerald waters of False Bay which offer a wealth of diving experiences. The bay is littered with hundreds of wrecks, many of which are covered in colorful patinas of soft corals and anemones. Reefs and rock formations hold colorful collections of fish and invertebrates, and kelp forests reward divers with fur seals and up to 27 species of sharks and rays, including lesser-known and rare species such as the spotted gully shark, shyshark, hound shark and pyjama shark.
Divers looking to meet some of the larger and toothier members of the shark family can opt for cage diving excursions where large seven gill sharks are often the stars, along with appearances by bronze whalers, dusky and thresher sharks. White sharks are occasionally seen in False Bay, but more reliable encounters await elsewhere. Trips farther afield from False Bay into the blue water realm add blue sharks and makos to the mix, while boat rides to and from dive sites often yield whale and dolphin sightings.
Jaws – For Real
Waters to the east of Cape Town are prime hunting grounds for Carcharodon carcharias — the great white shark. And since these apex predators prefer to stalk their prey near the surface, the best — and safest — way to view them is from a floating cage. Ground Zero for great white encounters in South Africa is the fishing village of Gansbaai, which is an easy day trip away from the Cape Town resort area. Great White cage dives are also staged from Mossel Bay, which lies some 200 miles east of Cape Town.
Great white sightings are possible year-round in Gansbaai waters and Mossel Bay, as there is a year-round population of resident sharks. But numbers swell during winter months as migrating sharks join the locals. As a result of these seasonal shifts, the question of which is the best time of year for a cage dive somewhat depends on personal comfort levels. Rougher seas, reduced visibility and water temperature in the low 60s may deter some from a winter cage dive, despite the greater number of sharks. Summer months from December to March bring water and calmer waters, but fewer sharks. For many divers, the transitional months of June and September provide the best combination of clear water and shark sightings.
Tigers in a Cage
More shark adventures await when divers travel east and north from Cape Town to the city of Durban. In the past, this region was known mostly as a launching point for open water dives during the seasonal sardine run, as boats can depart from the harbor rather than launching through the surf. But Durban diving has come into its own in recent years, offering a mixed bag of reefs, shallow and deep depths and... sharks!
Sitting in a transition zone between the cooler currents of the south and the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean, Durban dive sites bring in an A-list of apex predators that includes tiger sharks, bull sharks, dusky sharks, blacktips, spinner sharks and more. Sights are possible on any open water dive, while a number of local dive operators offer baited cage diving trips that bring the sharks in big numbers. A local favorite that can be spotted year-round outside the cage are the “raggies” — aka sand tiger sharks — and there are seasonal chances of spotting whale sharks and even migrating whales.
Sharks on the Shoals
Cages aren't a thing when diving on a pair of undersea ridges located a few miles south of Durban. At Aliwal Shoal, divers can immerse in swirling schools of oceanic black tips sharks. Nearby Protea Banks is famous for regular encounters with Zambezi (bull) sharks, and both sites provide a good chance ragged-tooth (sand tigers), tigers, hammerheads, whale sharks and manta rays.
These coral-covered undersea ridges attract a wide range of marine life including turtles and plenty of dolphins. Depending on conditions, diving the shoals can involve a relaxing swim or an exciting drift dive. In spring and fall, migrating humpback whales pass close to shore, and to round things out there's there is wreck diving, plenty of tropical and sub-tropical reef fish, large schools of pelagic species and a wealth of invertebrates hiding in the nooks and crannies of the reefs.
It's a Total Vacation
While sharks may be the big attraction for some divers, South Africa has a lot more to offer. Beach lovers can choose from first-class resorts or intimate coastal lodges. A drive through the Cape Winelands combines scenic beauty with visits to some of the world's most acclaimed vineyards. The capital of Johannesburg is a world-class destination for food, art and commerce. And no trip would be complete without a visit to a game park, whether as day trip to Kruger National Park, which is one of the largest game reserves in the world, or a week-long stay in one of country's the acclaimed game lodges.
Caradonna Adventures has established relationships with some of South Africa's premier tour companies. and dive operators. We can custom-tailor a vacation package that showcases the country's best adventures and experiences, including diving, land activities, airfare and all details of travel. Get started with Caradonna's Digital Africa Dive and Travel Guide www.caradonna.com/africa-digital-guide . Then, when you are ready to make it happen simply dropping a note to sales@caradonna.com or calling 800-329-9989 to let Caradonna's experienced agents turn your dreams of South Africa travel into a reality.