The best spot to go shark cage diving in South Africa

Currently, the best place to go shark cage diving in South Africa is in the action-packed town of Mossel Bay. This town is known as the adventure capital of the garden route, and for good reason. If you’re looking for a heart-racing coastal vacation, Mossel Bay should be your destination of choice.

Shark cage diving in South Africa: Spot great whites in Mossel Bay’s blue waters

Mossel Bay has probably the most accessible great white sharks in the world — yes, in the world! The bay is protected during winter and the sea conditions are generally calm and comfortable. With Seal Island located only 2km away from the harbour, sharks enjoy the ocean waters in this area.

In summer, the sharks on the far side of the bay make an appearance often. Expect a 20-30 minute ride to get to this prime location for shark cage diving in South Africa. The summer winds can affect the dive site but normally not too badly, with regularly good conditions.

Swimming with the sharks: What to expect and what to know

Is it safe?

Yes. The South African cage-diving industry is regulated by a Code of Conduct. Regulations from the Marine and Coastal Management Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. Apart from minor injuries due to the boat or cage, seasickness, or dehydration, no injuries or accidents to guests have been recorded in more than 10 years.

The best time to see white sharks while shark cage diving in South Africa

South Africa is one of the few white shark hot spots in the world. The best time of year to spot great white sharks is between May and October, the coldest months in South Africa.

At this time, sightings are more frequent. There are, however, also chances of sightings in other months of the year.

The cage in the water

Generally, a maximum of four people can enter the cage at the same time.

After anchoring, the crew will start chumming and put the cage in the water when the first shark arrives. The cage does not go underwater completely. The cage remains afloat about 30cm of the cage above the water at all times. The cage is also solidly attached to the boat with two thick ropes that further prevent it from sinking or drifting away from the boat. The bottom of the cage is about 1.8m below the surface of the ocean. When you are in the cage, your head sticks out above the water with the boat directly behind you.

If you decide to take the plunge and cage dive, you will get roughly 20 minutes on your first time in. You will almost certainly have a second chance to get in the cage.

After about 2 to 3 hours on the sea, we return to shore. Many diving companies will present you with a certificate — official bragging rights — of your day with the great white sharks.

What is chumming?

To observe the white sharks they must be attracted to the boat and the cage. Chumming is the process in which a chum slick or a scent trail is created to guide the sharks to the boat.

Chum usually consists of minced tuna meat, mashed sardines, and/or fish oil, which are mixed with seawater in a drum. This mixture is then ladled back into the ocean, and will slowly drift away from the boat, creating the chum slick. Once the shark enters the chum slick, it will track it back to its source: the boat.

Is the water cold?

January's temperature averages around 20.8°C in Mossel Bay. The coldest month is July, with 16.7°C being the average temperature. When going shark cage diving in South Africa during winter, ask your diving facility for a wetsuit to avoid the shivers.

See great white sharks from the boat

White sharks are very active at the surface and can be observed from the boat without having to go into the shark cage.

Shark visiting hours

White sharks present different personalities. One shark might come up to the lure, have a quick look and not feel confident about the situation and leave. Another shark might be more relaxed and remain around the boat for hours.

Generally the time a white shark will remain around the boat is between 5 and 10 minutes. This is completely unpredictable and no one can guarantee the length of any viewing period.

Our top recommendations for shark cage diving in South Africa

Shark Diving

Shark Diving Trips are run 7 days a week and are strictly weather-dependent. Book your trip well in advance to secure your seats on the boat as space is limited with only one boat in the water per day.

Shark Divers

Shark cage diving with Shark Divers takes place from the local Harbour. The meeting point is at our crew house in Mossel Bay near the harbour. Tours start from R1500 per child, R2500 per student or local and up to R2650 per adult.

White Shark Africa

Experience amazing shark cage diving in South Africa with White Shark Africa. Meet the crew at their office, next to the yacht club and enjoy a safety chat over breakfast. Board the boat and take a relaxing ride to the shark site.

The place to stay in Mossel Bay

The Elgin House

This beautiful self-catering apartment is the perfect stay for 4 people looking for a vacation spot in Mossel Bay. The Elgin House has a stunning open-plan kitchen with gentle natural light filtering through the balcony area.

The Elgin apartment is near popular restaurants and shops, and a plethora of attractions and activities within the Garden Route.

Vista Bonita

This is a gorgeous self-catering apartment to come back to after a long day at sea. 4 guests can enjoy the fully equipped kitchen, a luxe indoor lounge and an outdoor lounge set on a balcony with a view!

At the bottom of the block, you'll find a convenience store open until late, as well as a bookshop, hairdresser, laundromat, cafe and some curio shops.

Ready for your next thrill-seeking adventure? Get in touch with us today to book your holiday.