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