Last Updated on February 12, 2024 by Travelationship
Your adventure starts early at White Shark Diving Company in Kleinbaai Harbour in Gansbaai, South Africa. The team at WSDC takes safety very seriously. About an hour was spent teaching each adventurer what to do and what NOT to do while on the boat or in the cage. We both felt safe with the instruction we received and with the staff. Snacks and drinks are provided during the training and on the boat. Spend the time chatting with and getting to know your crew and fellow divers. The camaraderie helps pass the waiting time and helps to reduce nervousness for those anxious.
Heather’s White Shark Experience
Wetsuits and towels are provided. I highly recommend you try on your wetsuit before boarding the boat and, if possible, carry your gear to the boat yourself. My X-Small wetsuit somehow turned into a medium between the shore and the anchored location. Without a properly fitting wetsuit, the experience was highly chilling because I had zero suit to help insulate me from the cold water. I also had to wear extra weight to hold myself down in the cage because the different suit and the water/air gaps between my body and the case made me too buoyant, and it was tough for me to hold myself under the water. Mistakes happen; adjust and make the best of the situation with what you have. I still had a great time despite the issues.
The cage is not a dive like a scuba dive or swimming. It was standing upright in a cell while pushing and holding yourself down under the water’s surface while you held your breath. To help myself not panic about the cold temperatures, I created a mental repetition of push down, hold down, arms/legs in the cage, and don’t forget to breathe. Finding something to do in my head prevented me from thinking I was freezing and allowed me to calm down faster. I recommend figuring out how to control your breathing to maximize underwater viewing time. Spend the beginning of your first dive perfecting your breathing and holding yourself under. The faster you get comfortable with holding yourself under and your breathing technique, the more time you will have to view the sharks instead of spending time-fighting yourself to get comfortable.
Great White Shark Stats
We were fortunate during our trip. We saw nine different white sharks, and the 1st shark appeared within the first 5 minutes of anchoring. There were 14 people on our boat and rotated 4 per cage, three dives with an option of a 4th dive. Each cage time was about 20 -25 minutes, which was more than enough considering the frigid temperatures. The boat had an upper deck, which provided spectacular views of Dyer Island, the shorelines, and the sharks from above.
Although seeing the sharks beneath the water was incredible, I loved watching from above. Observing how their fins sliced through the surface or how they swam around each other but never too close to each other. One shark was an established authority because the other sharks would scatter in its company. The largest shark made giant tail slaps against the water more often than the others would – obvious communication and perhaps a territorial warning? Be sure to take in the whole experience; don’t get obsessed with only observing under the surface.
The Cage Diving Debate
There is a great debate on whether shark cage diving is ethical. The controversy stems from the dive boat operators chumming (dumping a mixture of fish parts and blood into the water) the water to lure the sharks closer to the boat or to provoke a specific type of feeding behavior from the animal. I had a hard time writing this post because, at this time, I believe there are pros/cons to both sides of the debate. There must be a better way to provide an up-close view of the sharks than chumming the water.
I also believe cage diving offers an amazing way to educate the public and spread the plight of these fascinating creatures. As the scientific community learns more about white sharks and ocean life and temperatures keep changing, this debate will keep adding more layers. As more people get involved and ask for and demand stricter cage diving regulations, the debate will continue to grow and change. The issues are not as cut and dry as some may think; even the scientific community is split on different aspects of this heated issue.
If you are considering participating in a cage dive, DO YOUR RESEARCH. Find a boat operator with a solid reputation. Ask questions. How does your organization assist/support shark protection and preservation? How does your company educate the public to help protect sharks? Ask what affiliations and memberships they possess. Does your company assist the local researchers by taking pictures to help identify local populations? How does your company assist with injured sea life in the area? Be conscious of your choice.
Matthew Meets Sharks
I am pretty certain the main reason for our visit to South Africa was because Heather loves sharks. And Gansbaai, South Africa, is one place synonymous with seeing White Sharks in action. I had a slight reservation about this adventure, and it was not the one you were thinking. I am one of those lucky people who get motion sickness. Nonetheless, I was determined not to ruin this for Heather and have a kick-ass time to boot.
The journey out to the dive spot was smooth, and the buzz of excitement was on everyone’s lips for the day’s activities. The views were nice, and the time passed relatively quickly before you knew it we were on station and ready to get in the water. The call for the first volunteer came, and Heather’s hand shot up so fast I could swear I felt the whoosh. The divers were split into four groups, with each group getting the option to go up to three times. Being in the water with these curious, majestic creatures was enthralling. They are so sleek and powerful, with every inch of them seeming to have a purpose.
Training Pays Off
Safety was involved in all aspects of the adventure, and the crew closely watched all activities on and off the boat. They were also very adamant about the most important rule: no one was to breach the cage with any part of their body, and doing so would put an immediate end to the adventure and would have us steaming for shore. As beautiful as they were, a healthy dose of respect was required to share the same space as the white sharks.
The water was icy, and even though the wetsuit provided some insulation, eventually, the temperature difference had eaten up a lot of energy. Lunch was perfectly timed, and with all the excitement, I hadn’t realized how much I needed it. With the batteries charged and a giant smile across Heather’s face, I was sure this day was going in the books as one of our best.
Our Larger Experience
Celeste with The White Shark Diving Co. was a breeze to work with; not only did she help us arrange our diving experience, but she also secured a guesthouse for us. We stayed at the Marine Guesthouse, which had seen its share of divers; all of the other guests were also there in search of the Great White. Food was your responsibility at the guesthouse, and the host family was warm and accommodating. If we ever return to Gansbaai, we will feel at ease staying at the Marine Guesthouse.
Logistics:
White Shark Diving Company: is a cage diving company that runs off the western coast of South Africa in the town of Gansbaai. They specialize in allowing you to observe the magnificent White Shark in its natural habitat. More info can be found on their website.
Location: 9 Kus Dr, Van Dyks Bay 7220, South Africa
Duration: Total time is 4 1/2 + hours, with 3+ of those hours on-site diving and viewing sharks.
Who Should Do It: Adventurers with healthy respect and curiosity for the great white shark. As we said above, do your research for a reputable dive boat operator before you reserve your spot.
Things to know before you go:
If you get seasick, take precautions! There are a lot of anti-seasickness options out on the market. If you have the time, try a few different types before your big adventure. I always take 2 Dramamine because I would rather be safe than sorry.
If you hate the smell of fish, bring a small cloth spritzed with a pleasant odor to cover your mouth and nose. Don’t use too much perfume because that could cause you and your fellow divers sick. You can also try using Vicks vapor rub or some menthol smell to rub under your nose to help deter the fish smell.
Bring something warm to wear in between your cage time and on the way back. A towel was provided, but I wish I had brought an extra towel and a sweater or sweatshirt. I bought one sweatshirt and waited to wear it until the end because I didn’t want it to get wet.
In between dives, unzip and remove the top part of your wetsuit. It will help to keep your upper body drier and warmer.
Bring wet wipes or wet clothes to clean the salt water off your face and hands.
Cost:
Costs vary dramatically between the season you want to go and the different companies. There are also a number of options in the intended target of your sightseeing that will affect your price.
Money: South Africa uses the Rand (ZAR), and the best exchange rate is given at the ATM. You would be advised to carry a mixture of cash and cards. Cards will be acceptable almost everywhere, but if the occasion calls for cash ATM’s are not as readily available outside the major metropolitan centers. Keep foreign transaction and conversion fees in mind when making transactions. Using travel cards that have no foreign transaction fees are advised for all international travel.
Recommendable: Yes! 100%, Yes!
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