MOST POPULAR
Shark Cage Diving
in Simonstown, Cape Town
False Bay · Simonstown · Cape Town
3.5 hours at sea
Max 12 guests
Departs 08:00 - 11:30
About This Trip
Shark cage diving experience
in Simonstown, Cape Town
Dive into adventure with African Shark Eco-Charters, the premier shark cage diving operator in Simon’s Town, Cape Town. Our Morning Shark Cage Diving Trip offers an unmatched opportunity to witness the raw beauty of sharks in their natural habitat, all while ensuring your safety and comfort.
Why Choose Our Morning Shark Cage Diving Trip?
Encounter a Variety of Shark Species
Simon’s Town in False Bay is home to an array of incredible shark species, including the Great White Shark (seasonal), the Broadnose Sevengill, the sleek Blue Shark, the agile Mako Shark, and the impressive Bronze Whaler Shark. Witness these awe-inspiring creatures up close!
Unrivaled Location
Your dive will take place Seal Island, chosen for optimal shark activity and ocean conditions. The scenic backdrop of False Bay adds to the magic of your adventure.
The Morning Advantage
Mornings in False Bay often provide the best conditions for visibility and shark activity, offering you the best chance for a thrilling and memorable encounter.
Aboard the Blue Pointer
Experience the thrill from both the deck of our specialized diving boat, Blue Pointer, and within the shark cage. Our vessel is designed for comfort, ensuring a seamless trip for all guests.
Your Safety is Our Priority
At African Shark Eco-Charters, we are committed to your safety and satisfaction. We carefully monitor ocean conditions and will only proceed when it’s safe. With a team of experienced, licensed professionals and a top-rated reputation on TripAdvisor, you’re in the best hands.
Ready for a Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure?
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, our Morning Shark Cage Diving Trip will leave you in awe.
Book your spot now and get ready to make memories that will last forever! Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out.
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 DIVING ITINERARY
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 to the breathtaking 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 do a tour around Seal Island, assessing 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! We’ll set up a bait line to attract these magnificent surface feeders, known for their curious nature—rest assured, our aim is not to feed them.
Dive in or Just Enjoy the View!
Dive gear is provided, so all you need is your swimsuit underneath your clothes. We have changing facilities and a toilet 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!
BEST TIME TO SHARK CAGE DIVE
We are currently diving all-year around with the Bronze Whaler and Seven filled Cow sharks.
JANUARY TO APRIL: Shark cage viewing and shark cage diving with Bronze Whaler sharks and the Broadnose Seven Gilled Cow Sharks.
MAY TO AUGUST: This was traditionally the Great White Shark season, but we have not had great white sharks in Cape Town for a while now. with Bronze Whaler Sharks and the Broadnose Seven Gilled Cow Sharks. 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. We typically dive with the Bronze Whaler sharks, the Blue and the Mako sharks and the Broadnose Sevengilled Cow sharks.
WHAT TO BRING
**Important Reminder for Your Shark Cage Diving Experience**
To ensure your comfort and enjoyment during your shark cage diving trip, we kindly ask that you bring the following items:
1. **Clothing and Swimwear:** Please wear your swimsuit underneath your clothing, as you will change into a wetsuit provided by us on board.
2. **Weather Preparedness:** We will provide a brief weather update in your Trip Confirmation Email, sent the day before your scheduled trip. Please dress accordingly for the conditions.
3. **Motion Sickness Prevention:** We strongly recommend taking motion sickness medication the night before and the morning of your trip. Please note that we do not sell motion sickness medication on-site, but it is available over-the-counter at any pharmacy. We do offer drug-free anti-nausea and motion sickness bands for purchase at our facility.
4. **Sun Protection:** It’s essential to apply sunscreen and wear a hat, even on cloudy days. The sun’s reflection off the water can be intense, especially in South Africa.
5. **Towel:** Please bring your own towel, as this helps us greatly in maintaining efficiency on board.
6. **Weather Gear:** A rain or wind jacket is advisable, as conditions can become cold and windy out at sea.
7. **Beanie and Scarf:** These items can be helpful for added warmth. We do sell beanies at our shop in case you forget to bring one.
8. **Camera:** If you’d like to capture your adventure, consider bringing a camera. We offer universal waterproof cell phone pouches for sale, allowing you to record underwater footage directly on your phone.
9. **Evening Prior to Your Trip:** We advise against overindulging the night before your excursion and encourage an early night’s rest. Overindulgence can lead to seasickness, which is an unpleasant experience. Please note that we do not offer a “seasick” discount.
Thank you for your attention to these details. We look forward to providing you with an unforgettable shark cage diving experience!
IMPORTANT TO NOTE
**Important Notice:**
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 transferable vouchers 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.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to your adventure with us!
INFO ABOUT SHARK CAGE DIVING
Shark Cage Diving Trips from Simon’s Town, Cape Town
Our shark cage diving excursions are conducted from Simon’s Town, conveniently located just 45 minutes from the Cape Town CBD. We offer two daily tours: one meeting at 07:30 and the other at 11:00, subject to weather conditions. Each trip accommodates a maximum of 12 guests, with a minimum of 6 required for the tour to proceed.
We take pride in being the only shark cage diving operator to include scuba diving at no extra cost. No prior experience is necessary, as we utilize the hookah method for diving. Please note that our age requirements are 8 years for boat participation and 10 years for shark cage diving; unfortunately, we are not equipped to accommodate younger children. The cost of the trip is R3,295.00 per person, which covers your space on the boat, regardless of whether you are participating in shark viewing or cage diving.
For your convenience, round-trip transfers are available at an additional cost of R750.00 per person, or R1,500.00 for a single traveller.
Our shark cage diving activities are available year-round, with the type of sharks you may encounter varying by season. We frequently dive with Bronze Whaler Sharks, the distinctive Broadnose Sevengill Sharks, as well as Blue and Mako Sharks. Occasionally, Hammerhead Sharks visit our waters, and a variety of other shark species can also be spotted.
In addition to our focus on shark cage diving, we are fortunate to sometimes witness the Marine Big 5. Depending on the season, you may have the opportunity to observe Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, and Bryde’s Whales as they migrate to our bay or reside here. There’s also the chance to encounter Orcas (Killer Whales) and be accompanied by playful dolphins on our journey to the dive site.
If you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to reach out.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard and ensuring you have an unforgettable experience.
ABOUT SIMONSTOWN
**Discover Simon’s Town: A Coastal Gem in the Western Cape**
Nestled along the shores of False Bay on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula, Simon’s Town (sometimes spelled Simonstown) is home to the South African Navy’s largest base, Naval Base Simon’s Town. With a rich naval history spanning over two centuries, this charming town offers a wealth of activities for visitors.
### Things to Do in Simon’s Town
1. **Visit the Penguins at Boulders Beach**
Experience the delightful sight of African penguins in their natural habitat at Boulders Beach, a unique and memorable attraction.
2. **Kayaking Adventures**
Explore the stunning coastline and marine life from a different perspective with a kayaking adventure.
3. **Water Biking**
Enjoy a fun and active day on the water with water biking, perfect for families and friends.
4. **Snorkeling in the Kelp Forest**
Dive into the vibrant underwater world and explore the fascinating kelp forests teeming with marine life.
5. **Scuba Diving at Wreck Sites**
For diving enthusiasts, explore the various wreck sites scattered throughout False Bay, offering a glimpse into maritime history.
6. **Hike to Just Nuisance’s Grave**
Take a short hike to visit the grave of Just Nuisance, the famous naval dog, and learn about his heartwarming story.
7. **Enjoy Fish and Chips on the Pier**
Treat yourself to delicious fish and chips at one of the local spots on the pier while soaking in the beautiful views.
8. **Visit Mineral World**
Play a round of cave golf or browse a stunning selection of semi-precious and precious gems at Mineral World.
9. **Explore Cape Point Nature Reserve**
Visit this breathtaking reserve and enjoy the scenic galleries and quirky stands along the way.
10. **Discover Simon’s Town Museums**
Learn about the rich history and culture of the area by visiting the local museums.
11. **Savor Local Cuisine**
Experience the diverse culinary offerings at one of Simon’s Town’s many restaurants, ranging from sushi to smoked meats.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker or looking to relax and take in the stunning scenery, Simon’s Town has something for everyone. Enjoy your visit!
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 areas, these sharks have now been spotted more frequently in False Bay. We have been seeing them on our day tours in the summertime. 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 day 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 Orca’s on our trips, especially the infamous shark eating “Port” and “Starboard”.
Great White Sharks
Although the Great White Shark has not been spotted for many seasons, we remain hopeful for their return at the end of the sentence.
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
The cost for our shark cage diving trips starts at R3,750.00 per person, excluding transfers. If you require a transfer, it is available at R850.00 per person, with a flat rate of R1,700.00 for a single-person transfer.
Please note that the trip price remains the same whether you choose to dive or simply enjoy the spectacular views from the boat, as both options secure your space on board. The experience from the boat offers breathtaking sights!
Age Restrictions:
For the comfort of all guests, we do not recommend bringing children under the age of 8, as it can be a long day at sea, and seasickness may be a concern. If your child is over 10 and wishes to participate in shark cage diving, they must be accompanied by a parent, and participation will be at the discretion of the skipper.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to providing you with an unforgettable experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
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
- No Scuba certification required
- Hotel transfers (available extra)
Secure your spot on the next departure. Small groups fill fast.