About us
Not just another
shark dive company
Thirty years of experience, a maximum of 12 guests, use of scuba, and a genuine passion for sharks. Here’s why the difference matters.
Our Philosophy
Built around quality,
not quantity.
Most shark cage diving operators are in the business of volume — packing as many guests onto a boat as possible and cycling them through a cage as fast as they can. African Shark Eco-Charters has never worked that way.
Since 1996, we have kept our groups intentionally small, our approach deeply personal, and our commitment to the ocean and its wildlife absolute. Every decision we make — from boat size to cage design to crew selection — is made with your experience and the sharks’ wellbeing in mind.
The result is something genuinely different: a shark encounter that feels wild, immersive, and meaningful rather than rushed and commercial.
9 Reasons to Choose Us
What makes us
genuinely different
01
Small Groups — 12 Max
While other operators pack 40 guests onto a boat, we take a maximum of 12. No crowds, no waiting your turn, no rushed rotations. Just a calm, personal experience where you actually get meaningful time in the water.
02
Longer Time in the Water
Our trips are longer. With only 4–5 divers in the cage at a time, you spend more time with the sharks, dive for longer, and come away with a far more enjoyable and immersive experience.
03
Hookah Scuba System
We use scuba gear with a hookah surface-supplied air system. This means you breathe comfortably underwater without holding your breath — giving you the freedom to really take in the experience rather than just survive it.
04
Simon's Town Location
We operate from Simon’s Town in False Bay — just 45 minutes to 1 hour from Cape Town CBD. False Bay is one of the world’s most extraordinary marine environments and gives you a far more authentic wild encounter than more commercialised alternatives.
05
Top Rated Since 2010
We have been voted the Top Shark Tour Operator on TripAdvisor continuously since 2010. That’s not luck — it’s the result of consistently delivering exceptional experiences to thousands of guests from around the world.
06
Safety First, Always
We are ethical, eco-friendly, and deeply safety conscious. Every aspect of our operation — from the engineered aluminium cages to our crew protocols — is designed around your safety and the wellbeing of the marine environment.
07
Cage Diving & Viewing in One
Our trips combine cage diving and surface viewing in a single experience. Whether you get in the cage or prefer to watch from above, every guest goes home having truly seen these magnificent animals up close.
08
As Seen on BBC & Nat Geo
Our work and our sharks have been featured on the BBC, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and Animal Planet. When the world’s top wildlife broadcasters want authentic great white shark footage, they come to False Bay — and to us.
09
A Genuine Passion for Sharks
This isn’t a business built on a trend. African Shark Eco-Charters was born from a genuine, deep love for great white sharks. Our mission has always been to help guests move from fear to understanding — and to leave with lasting respect for these remarkable animals.
Guest Voices
Heard it from our guests
A TRUE representation of Great White Sharks in the greatest place on earth to view them, with the greatest expert, Rob Lawrence. The love of these truly magnificent animals, respected in their own environment with no artificial interference, was both an honour and an inspiration to see.
By far the best thing I have ever done. The breaches are unbelievable and the dive was such an adrenaline rush! You must do this.
It was amazing and fulfilled a life-long dream to see a Great White. You guys were totally amazing and friendly and made it just that bit more special. I would happily recommend you to anyone thinking of going.
Ready to go?
Come and see for
yourself
30 years. Thousands of guests. One consistent promise — the most personal, immersive shark cage diving experience in South Africa.