Shark Cage Diving South Africa
Monday 2 April 2018
I had watched the footage on You Tube about seeing Sharks in their own environment and people in cages. Some scary but always thought safe. So when we booked our holiday in South Africa I had to give it a go. People said I was crazy but I thought to myself so many people do it so must be ok.
Monday 2 April 2018
I had watched the footage on You Tube about seeing Sharks in their own environment and people in cages. Some scary but always thought safe. So when we booked our holiday in South Africa I had to give it a go. People said I was crazy but I thought to myself so many people do it so must be ok.
The day started at 3.00am. I was picked up from my flat in Camps bay.[Not far from Capetown].
Two hour journey to Kleinbaai where we were met by the Marine Dynamics team. They are based at the Great White house. They supplied us with breakfast. I didn't eat much food. On a boat for a few hours-- didn't seem to mix well.
Two hour journey to Kleinbaai where we were met by the Marine Dynamics team. They are based at the Great White house. They supplied us with breakfast. I didn't eat much food. On a boat for a few hours-- didn't seem to mix well.
Slashfin- our specially built catamaran
The staff gave us a briefing on what to expect during our time searching for the Great White Shark. We were given our safety guidelines and a talk about the sharks we may see. I enjoyed that. I learned there are less than 5000 Great White Sharks left and that 2000 are to be found in the sea off South Africa.
I was asked my size for the wetsuit. As you can see above I don't really look like James Bond. Getting into it wasn't easy.
I was asked my size for the wetsuit. As you can see above I don't really look like James Bond. Getting into it wasn't easy.
When everyone was onboard. We leave from the small harbour.
The Marine Dynamics staff were very friendly and helped us settle onboard. After a couple of hours we hadn't seen a single shark. Over The last few weeks Killer Whales-Orca's had been seen hunting for the Great White.
The day before, the divers had no joy. They were offered a chance to see the sharks the following day.
The captain then decided to move the boat a few miles.This was successful. We begin to see the fish swimming round our boat.
The Marine Dynamics staff were very friendly and helped us settle onboard. After a couple of hours we hadn't seen a single shark. Over The last few weeks Killer Whales-Orca's had been seen hunting for the Great White.
The day before, the divers had no joy. They were offered a chance to see the sharks the following day.
The captain then decided to move the boat a few miles.This was successful. We begin to see the fish swimming round our boat.
Everyone is given a number. I got number two. That meant I had to go the second cagedrop. The crew drops the the bait line.
This a magnet for the fish. The shark circles the boat.
The first group climb in to the cage. When the shark passed the crew scream down down. You have to duck down into the icy water. My turn was next. Bit edgy but raring to go.
I get in the cage and we all start laughing with fear.
Down down we go. The shark swims very close to the cage.
We all come up for a breath of fresh air. Back down to see the Great White flashing it`s teeth as it bites into the fish bait. We are in the cage/water for about 15 mins. We have to return to the boat to let others enjoy the dive.
This a magnet for the fish. The shark circles the boat.
The first group climb in to the cage. When the shark passed the crew scream down down. You have to duck down into the icy water. My turn was next. Bit edgy but raring to go.
I get in the cage and we all start laughing with fear.
Down down we go. The shark swims very close to the cage.
We all come up for a breath of fresh air. Back down to see the Great White flashing it`s teeth as it bites into the fish bait. We are in the cage/water for about 15 mins. We have to return to the boat to let others enjoy the dive.
4.6m long
Sightings of white sharks have crashed over this year in Cape Town.—one of the best-known hot spots of the predators in the world—and scientists aren't sure why. Orcas, which love to dine on shark liver, may have scared them off, researchers say, but human activities could also play a role.
largest predatory fish
On the Slashfin we are given a cup of hot chocolate. This was spot on after our time in the cold sea. We stand and watch this wonderful creature swim around the boat. Never forget you.
We return to shore for debrief and enjoy soup and bread to warm us up. Then back to Capetown. What a day
We return to shore for debrief and enjoy soup and bread to warm us up. Then back to Capetown. What a day
They eat sea lions, seals and small whales.
Don`t worry sharks only eat you when you are wet.
Great Travel Video--Shark Diving
