| Shark cage diving has become a permanent | | | | shark cage diving around the Cape include |
| fixture on most adrenalin-junkies' must-do | | | | picturesque Hermanus (also great for whale |
| lists, along with bungee jumping, | | | | watching in season) and the |
| paragliding, sand-boarding and the like. What | | | | Mediterranean-style town of Mossel Bay, |
| makes this experience unique is that it | | | | further up the Garden Route. So what does the |
| involves a close encounter with one of the | | | | experience involve? First off, no |
| most-feared creatures on our planet - the | | | | scuba-diving experience or training is |
| great white shark. The rush comes not from | | | | required. You do need to be brave and to stay |
| speed or height but from being inches away | | | | calm! Reputable shark cage diving companies |
| from the snapping jaws of, well, Jaws - the | | | | will run you through the basics before you |
| monster from the horror movie that gave | | | | head out on the boat. Expect to be out for at |
| children and adults of the 1970's nightmares | | | | least two hours - maybe up to six depending |
| and kept them from the ocean waves in droves. | | | | on your tour guides and the weather |
| Of course today we know that while certainly | | | | conditions. Once anchor has been dropped, |
| dangerous, sharks are incredible and | | | | bait is set out and then you need to wait for |
| beautiful creatures which have a bad | | | | the big boys to show up. The sharks are lured |
| reputation and are more than a little | | | | close to the boat to give everyone on board |
| misunderstood. Part of the experience of | | | | the chance to view these magnificent animals. |
| shark cage diving is to learn more about | | | | Then it's time for the first cager to enter |
| these incredible beasts, and if you go with a | | | | the water. The strong metal cages are moored |
| reputable company they are sure to educate | | | | to the side of the craft and are generally |
| you in this regard while teaching you about | | | | custom-made either with steel bars or with |
| the safety aspects of the cage dive itself. | | | | galvanized steel mesh, providing a totally |
| The coastal region off Cape Town, South | | | | safe environment. The tops of the cages float |
| Africa, offers some of the best shark | | | | 23cm above the water. Once inside the cage |
| sightings available in the world. 8kms off | | | | you will be able to share the watery |
| the southernmost tip of Africa at Gansbaai | | | | environment with the shark - a thrilling, |
| lies a stretch of water known as Shark Alley. | | | | heart-stopping and often emotional |
| This channel between Dyer Island and Geyser | | | | experience. For the less-adventurous even |
| Rock provides a sheltered hunting ground for | | | | viewing the sharks from the boat is a |
| the great white shark community. On the menu | | | | fantastic experience - one you'll love |
| are Cape fur seals and Jackass penguins, both | | | | sharing with friend and families back home |
| of which the waters here are full. This is | | | | time and again. Shark cage diving is an |
| one of the best locations for experiencing | | | | experience of a lifetime and those who have |
| shark cage diving in Cape Town as you are | | | | done it are full of praise for the |
| almost certain to enjoy great viewing | | | | experience. |
| opportunities. Other popular locations for | | | | |