MOST POPULAR
Morning Shark Cage
Diving Trip
False Bay · Simon’s Town · Cape Town
3.5 hours at sea
Max 12 guests
Departs 08.00- 11.30
About This Trip
The most personal shark cage
diving experience in Cape Town
If you are searching for shark cage diving in Cape Town, you want more than just a boat trip — you want a safe, professional, and truly immersive marine experience.
African Shark Eco-Charters operates in the world-renowned waters of False Bay, just 45 minutes from central Cape Town. Known for its dramatic scenery and rich marine ecosystem, False Bay offers one of South Africa’s most iconic wildlife encounters.
With an experienced crew, strict safety protocols, and a unique hookah surface-supplied air system, we deliver one of the most immersive shark cage diving experiences available anywhere. Whether you are planning ahead or already in Cape Town looking for a last-minute adventure, this is a bucket-list experience not to miss.
Why Choose Us
30 Years' Experience
Operating safely in False Bay since 1996 — the most established operator in Cape Town.
Maximum 12 Guests
Small groups only — no crowds, no waiting your turn while 24 people rotate through a cage.
Hookah Air System
Our unique surface-supplied hookah system means you breathe freely — no scuba certification needed.
TripAdvisor Excellence
Awarded the Certificate of Excellence every year since 2015 by our fully satisfied guests.
3 Departure Locations
Simonstown, Gansbaai, and Mossel Bay — choose the closest to your Cape Town base.
Ethical Wildlife Practices
We observe and never interfere — responsible shark encounters guided by marine experts.
Trip Details
SHARK CAGE DIVING OVERVIEW
African Shark Eco-Charters offers personalised tours with a small group experience. This thrilling adventure is perfect for adrenaline seekers and marine lovers alike.
Our cage holds 5 divers at a time, with approximately 20 minutes of cage time each. You’ll be immersed alongside the various shark species of False Bay — an experience that stays with you long after you’ve dried off.
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Shark Cage Diving Adventure!
Prepare for an adrenaline-pumping day as you dive into the thrilling world of sharks! We’ll share all the essential details about your exciting shark cage diving trip in your confirmation email, which will be sent out the day before your adventure. Rest assured, we’ll also double-check your wetsuit size upon your arrival that morning.
Seamless Transfers Available!
Want to make your experience even easier? We can arrange a return transfer for you at an additional fee.
Be On Time for an Epic Experience!
Don’t miss the boat—literally! The vessel departs promptly at 08:00 AM (subject to change), heading a short distance away from Seal Island in False Bay. It’s just a 25-minute ride to adventure! To ensure you arrive on time, leave your accommodations with plenty of time to spare. Need a “Google Live Location” pin? Just send us a WhatsApp at +27 82 838 2309, and we’ll send it right over.
Experience the Thrill!
Once we arrive, our crew will assess the best spot to anchor based on the wind and swell. Get ready for the moment when the shark cage is lowered into the water, and we start the dive!
Dive in or Just Enjoy the Views!
Dive gear is provided. We have changing facilities and a private lavatory on board for your convenience. And here’s a bonus: we’re the only operators offering scuba gear for every dive at no extra cost! If diving isn’t your thing, you’ll still have fantastic views of the sharks from our spacious viewing deck. And don’t worry—if you change your mind about diving, we’ll have a wetsuit ready for you!
Get ready for an exhilarating day you’ll never forget. Join us for an unforgettable encounter with these incredible creatures!
SHARK DIVING ITINERARY
All trips are weather- and tide-dependent. Departure times cannot be confirmed in advance. Guests must have the entire day available, as exact times are confirmed the day before and are non-negotiable.
Approximate departure windows:
First trip: 08.00 – 11:00
Second trip: 09:00 – 13:00
Trips last approximately 3.5 hours depending on conditions. The time slot booked is not the meeting time — exact details will be confirmed the day before.
- Pick up in Cape Town (Optional). Times are not fixed and are flexible depending on the weather.
- Arrive in Simon’s Town, sign disclaimers, receive your wetsuit and listen to a briefing of the trip.
- Depart for your shark diving adventure.
- Anchor at the dive spot and start diving.
- Return back to Simon’s Town pier.
- Transfer back to Cape Town (Optional)
BEST TIME TO SHARK CAGE DIVE
JANUARY TO APRIL: Shark cage viewing and shark cage diving with Bronze Whaler sharks and the Broadnose Seven Gilled Cow Sharks.
JUNE TO AUGUST: Normal viewing and shark cage diving. The sightings may be lower due to the colder water temperature.
SEPTEMBER TO JANUARY: Shark cage viewing and shark cage diving. Typically sharks seen during these months are the Bronze Whalers, Broadnose Sevengilled Cow Shark, the Blue and the Mako Shark. (on the pelagic trips)
WHAT TO BRING
- Rain/wind jacket
- Sun block and Hat
- Beanie and scarf
- Your swimming costume
- Camera
- Take sea sick tablets – we do sell sea-bands a drug free answer to sea sickness
- Do not over indulge in alcohol the night before as you will be horribly sea sick.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE
Please Note: While we pride ourselves on a high success rate for shark sightings, please remember that we are working with wild animals. As such, we cannot guarantee shark sightings or activity. Even during peak season, there may be days when sightings are lower than anticipated.
In the event of no sightings, we do not offer refunds; however, we provide a voucher valid for two years, allowing you to join us for another shark trip.
Additionally, we recommend refraining from overindulging the night before your excursion and ensuring you have an early evening. This will help mitigate the risk of seasickness, which can be quite unpleasant. Please note that we do not offer a “seasick” discount.
ABOUT SIMONSTOWN
Simon’s Town, sometimes spelt Simonstown, is a town in the Western Cape, South Africa and is home to Naval Base Simon’s Town, the South African Navy’s largest base. It is located on the shores of False Bay, on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula. For more than two centuries it has been a naval base and harbour.
MARINE LIFE WE SEE ON OUR TRIPS
Bronze Whaler Sharks
African Shark Eco-Charters is now diving with the beautiful Bronze Whaler Sharks. The tours are very exciting and the sharks are interactive around the boat. This makes for a great shark diving trip.
Bronze Whalers are also known as “Bronzies”, or Copper Sharks. With the decline of the Great White Shark in the area, these sharks are now frequently in False Bay. We have been seeing them daily. They can reach up to 3.5m in length, but we generally see sharks around the 2.5m mark.
Broadnose Sevengilled Cow Sharks
Over the last few years, we have seen a distinctive increase in Broadnose Sevengilled Cow Shark sightings around Seal Island. This is an astounding shark to dive with, as it is primitive looking and has calm slow movements. This shark was primarily seen in Cape Town in the shallows and in the stunning protected reefs in the Kelp forests along the Cape Peninsula marine reserve. However, in the last few years, they have moved to Seal Island and we have been privileged to be able to dive with them on our shark cage diving tours.
Hammerhead Sharks
It’s not often we see hammerhead Sharks in False Bay, but we have seen a few of them on our trips when the warm water has pushed into the bay. They are named for the distinctive shape of their heads. It’s a great privilege to see them in False Bay.
Sting Rays
Occasionally we have been graced by Short-tailed Stingrays. We love these weird-looking creatures. They are the largest stingrays in the world and can reach upwards of 2.1m across and 350kg in weight.
Penguins
Did you know that you can see African Penguins on Seal Island? There are not a lot of penguins found on the island. Their numbers vary, but we roughly see around 50-80 penguins. They are very cute and happily live with the Cape Fur Seals.
Whale Watching
Whales are often seen on our trips in False Bay. We see Brydes whales, Southern Right whales and Humpback whales. We have also spotted Orcas on our trips, especially the infamous shark eating “Port” and “Starboard”.
Great White Sharks
The iconic shark of all sharks is the Great White Shark. Sadly we have not spotted them for several seasons and remain hopeful for their return.
Short Fin Mako Sharks
This extremely fast pelagic shark can be found on our Blue and Mako shark trips off Cape Point. This is a full day trip. We can go anything from 5-20 miles off Cape Point in search of warmer “blue water” where they are found. They are also known as the Blue Pointer or just Mako Shark. They are classified as endangered.
Blue Sharks
These open ocean sharks are found in temperate to tropical waters. They are long pointy sharks, of a blue shade on the top with white underneath and have long pectoral fins. They are also called the Great Blue Shark. They are most frequently seen on our pelagic shark trips.
Cape Fur Seals
Seal Island is heaving with Cape Fur seals. Depending on breeding season, the rock can boast anything from about 40 00-70 00 seals. They are large muscular seals, extremely noisy animals and bleat like lambs.
Common Dolphins
These beautiful sleek dolphins can be found in their hundreds in False Bay. We see them on many of our shark trips.
So, now that you know what False Bay has so much to offer, it’s like going on a marine safari!
Book your spot now for the trip of a lifetime!
PRICING
R3,750 per person — includes all dive gear, snacks, muffins, fruit, and tea/coffee.
Small group use of scuba gear (hookah) only R3,750pp. Enquire for group bookings and multi-day packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Book Shark Cage Diving Last Minute in Cape Town?
Yes.
Many of our guests are already in Cape Town when they book. Subject to availability and weather conditions, last-minute bookings are welcome.
Check live availability online or contact our team directly to secure your place.
Do I need scuba certification?
No. The hookah breathing system allows underwater breathing without scuba training.
Can children participate?
Age requirements apply. Please contact us for details.
Cancellation Policy
For full details regarding cancellations and rescheduling, please refer to our official cancellation policy available on the Contact Us page.
Is shark cage diving safe?
Yes. Strict safety standards and professional supervision are maintained at all times.
How long is the trip?
Approximately 3–4 hours from departure to return.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing with swimwear underneath and a warm layer for after the dive.
What to Expect on the Day
Your shark cage diving experience typically includes:
- Check-in at Simon’s Town Harbour
- Safety briefing and equipment fitting
- Scenic boat ride into False Bay
- Shark viewing and cage rotations
- Return to harbour after approximately 3–4 hours
Wetsuits and all necessary equipment are provided. Guests often enjoy sightings of seals, seabirds, and dolphins during the trip.
What sharks can you see in False Bay?
False Bay is historically famous for its great white shark activity, particularly around Seal Island.
Depending on seasonal patterns and natural marine movement, guests may encounter:
- Bronze whaler sharks
- Sevengill sharks
- Great White Sharks are currently not spotted, although we are hopeful for their return
As this is a natural wildlife experience, sightings vary with ocean conditions and seasonal activity. Each trip is shaped by nature — making every encounter unique.
What makes our hookah system different?
African Shark Eco-Charters uses a surface-supplied hookah breathing system, allowing guests to remain underwater comfortably without scuba certification.
This means:
- You breathe naturally while submerged
- You can stay underwater for the full duration of your dive session
- No heavy scuba gear required
- No prior diving experience necessary
Unlike brief breath-hold dips offered elsewhere, the hookah system allows you to settle into the experience and observe sharks calmly in their natural environment.
It transforms shark cage diving from a quick thrill into a truly immersive marine encounter.
Why African Shark Eco-Charters Offers the Best Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town
Not all shark cage diving experiences are equal.
African Shark Eco-Charters stands out for:
- Years of operating experience in False Bay
- Professional, qualified marine crew
- Strict safety standards
- Small-group cage rotations
- Ethical wildlife practices
- Extended underwater viewing using a hookah system
Operating from Simon’s Town Harbour, the team has in-depth knowledge of local shark behaviour, seasonal patterns, and marine conditions — giving guests the best possible opportunity for meaningful wildlife encounters.
For many international visitors, shark cage diving in False Bay becomes the highlight of their South African holiday.
Ready to Experience Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town?
Join African Shark Eco-Charters in False Bay for a professionally operated, safety-focused, immersive shark encounter.
Ready to dive in?
Book your place today.
Cape Town’s most personal shark cage diving experience — since 1996.
Quick Trip Info
What’s Included
- All scuba gear & hookah system
- Snacks, muffins & fruit
- Tea & coffee
- Experienced marine crew
- Safety briefing & instruction
- Hotel transfers (available extra)
- Scuba certification required
Secure your spot on the next departure. Small groups fill fast.