South African Shark Diving Locations

Posted on August 25, 2008
Filed Under Africa

South Africa is one of the prime locations to experience shark cage diving at its absolute best. If you want to see the Great White Shark, master predator of the ocean in action; South Africa is the place to visit. To experience a true South African, adrenalin filled shark cage diving adventure, check out the locations below:

Dyer Island and Geyser Rock
Dyer Island is situated in the Southern Coast of South Africa, just 12 km off the coast of the holiday and fishing village, Gansbaai and 160 km drive from Cape Town. It is also a nature conserved area for 7 000 Jackass Penguins. Just south of Dyer Island lies Geyser Rock, a natural habitat for the Cape Fur Seals. Both of these areas have become a popular feeding ground for the Great White Sharks. The area between Dyer Island and Geyser are more familiarly known as the Shark Alley. An area well-favoured by the Great White’s for hunting prey. If you are looking for exceptional predatory action and sharks breaching, be sure to expect just that when shark diving at Gansbaai! Daily trips are also launched from Gansbaai’s neighbour, Kleinbaai. Divers can book accommodation at some of the many Bed and Breakfast establishments in Gansbaai or Kleinbaai, and enjoy good quality food at nearby restaurants.

Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay, a Mediterranean seaside town just off the coast of the Eastern Cape Province, is situated on a sun washed peninsula embraced by the warm, Indian Ocean. It is the making of a beautiful sea life offering a diverse range of fish, seals, whales, penguins and of course plenty of Great White Sharks.

Aliwal Shoal
One of the most popular diving sites in all of South Afica, Aliwal Shoal is situated in the Kwazulu-Natal province, just off the small coastal town of Umkomaas. This shoal lies just in the inner edge of the warm, Mozambiquen current, providing great visibility for spotting sharks of up to 40 metres. This area is well-known for the Ragged Tooth Shark; a shark specie that looks very scary but is actually quite gentle by nature.

Greater St Lucia Wetland Park
This exciting diving location can be found just four hour’s drive from Kwazulu-Natal’s capital, Durban. In this area divers and interested shark cage divers can go to either Sodwana Bay, popular for Whale shark and Ragged Tooth shark spotting or St Lucia to spot Whale sharks. The water’s visibility of up to 40 meters contributes to making it a prime area for shark diving.

If you are planning a holiday to the South African coastal shores or just a short breakaway and looking for some adventure filled activities to fill your holiday with, try diving with the sharks for a not so average, adventure of a lifetime!