For more than three decades, Great White Shark cage diving in Cape Town has captured the imagination of wildlife enthusiasts around the world. Towering dorsal fins slicing through the water, spectacular breaches at Seal Island, and heart-pounding encounters with one of the ocean’s most iconic predators transformed False Bay into one of the most famous shark destinations on Earth.

For many travellers, witnessing a Great White Shark in its natural environment became a once-in-a-lifetime dream.

Today, the story is different—but no less fascinating.

The marine ecosystem of False Bay has changed considerably over the past decade. While Great White Sharks still occur in South African waters, sightings in False Bay have become increasingly rare. In their place, magnificent Bronze Whaler Sharks have become the primary species encountered on shark cage diving trips, providing thrilling underwater experiences and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

At African Shark Eco-Charters, we believe visitors deserve honest, up-to-date information before booking a shark cage diving adventure. Rather than promising something nature cannot guarantee, we prefer to explain how False Bay has evolved, why Great White Shark sightings have declined, and why shark diving here remains one of South Africa’s most extraordinary marine experiences.

Having operated in False Bay since 1996, we’ve witnessed these changes firsthand. Our team has spent nearly three decades on the water, observing the changing behaviour of sharks, documenting the remarkable biodiversity of False Bay, and introducing thousands of guests from around the world to this incredible marine ecosystem.

Whether you’re hoping to learn about Great White Sharks, understand why their presence has changed, or simply experience one of Cape Town’s greatest adventures, this guide will tell you everything you need to know.

The History of Great White Sharks in False Bay

Long before social media and viral wildlife videos, False Bay was quietly becoming one of the most extraordinary marine ecosystems on the planet.

Situated on the southwestern tip of Africa, False Bay has always been a meeting place of powerful ocean currents, rich marine biodiversity and abundant wildlife. Its nutrient-rich waters supported vast populations of fish, Cape Fur Seals, dolphins, whales and sharks, creating the perfect environment for one of nature’s greatest predators—the Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias).

Although Great White Sharks had been present in False Bay for centuries, it was during the 1990s that the region began attracting international attention.

Researchers, photographers and marine guides started documenting something that had rarely been seen anywhere else in the world.

Great White Sharks weren’t simply hunting seals beneath the surface—they were launching themselves completely clear of the water.

These spectacular breaches, sometimes reaching heights of several metres, occurred as sharks accelerated from deep below their prey before exploding out of the ocean in pursuit of unsuspecting Cape Fur Seals. The sheer power, speed and precision of these attacks captivated scientists and filmmakers alike.

Seal Island, home to more than 60,000 Cape Fur Seals, soon became recognised as the world’s premier location for observing this remarkable hunting behaviour.

What followed transformed False Bay forever.

International film crews arrived from across the globe. Wildlife photographers spent months on the water documenting these extraordinary events, while documentaries broadcast the incredible footage into millions of homes.

Television series such as Discovery Channel’s Shark Week and the award-winning Air Jaws documentaries introduced audiences to the breathtaking spectacle of breaching Great White Sharks, firmly establishing False Bay as one of the world’s most iconic shark destinations.

Among those who spent countless hours documenting these incredible animals were wildlife photographer Chris Fallows and Rob Lawrence, owner of African Shark Eco-Charters. During the early years of shark ecotourism in False Bay, Rob was one of the pioneers regularly observing Great White Sharks around Seal Island and witnessed firsthand the spectacular breaching behaviour that would later become famous around the world.

Rob recognised that these animals deserved admiration rather than fear. Long before shark conservation became widely discussed, he believed that responsible ecotourism could help change public perceptions by allowing people to experience sharks in their natural environment.

That philosophy remains at the heart of African Shark Eco-Charters today.

For nearly 30 years, the company has shared the incredible marine life of False Bay with visitors from around the world while promoting respect, education and conservation.

Although Great White Shark sightings are now far less common than they once were, the history of False Bay remains one of the most important chapters in modern shark research and wildlife filmmaking.

Its influence can still be seen today in documentaries, conservation initiatives and the countless people whose fascination with sharks began by watching a Great White breach high above the waters of Seal Island.

Why False Bay Became World Famous

False Bay was never famous simply because it had Great White Sharks.

Many places around the world are home to Great Whites.

What made False Bay unique was the perfect combination of geography, oceanography and wildlife.

Stretching between Cape Point and Cape Hangklip, False Bay is one of South Africa’s largest natural bays. Here, the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Benguela Current interact with the warmer influence of the Agulhas Current, creating one of the country’s most productive marine ecosystems.

This constant mixing of water fuels enormous blooms of plankton, which support baitfish, squid and countless other marine organisms. These, in turn, attract larger fish, seals, dolphins, whales and sharks, forming a rich and interconnected food web.

At the heart of this ecosystem lies Seal Island, a small granite outcrop that supports tens of thousands of Cape Fur Seals. Every day, young seals leave the safety of the colony to forage in the open waters of False Bay before returning home.

For Great White Sharks, this provided an ideal hunting opportunity.

Instead of scavenging, Great Whites in False Bay developed one of the most spectacular hunting strategies ever documented. By approaching seals from below at incredible speed, they used surprise and explosive acceleration to launch themselves completely out of the water during an attack.

Nowhere else on Earth were these breaches observed with the same frequency and consistency.

This unique behaviour turned False Bay into a living laboratory for marine scientists and a dream destination for wildlife filmmakers, photographers and shark enthusiasts.

But False Bay’s appeal extended far beyond Great White Sharks.

Visitors also encountered Southern Right Whales, Bryde’s Whales, common dolphins, Cape Fur Seals, African Penguins, Sunfish (Mola mola) and an astonishing diversity of seabirds, making every trip a complete marine safari rather than simply a shark excursion.

This extraordinary biodiversity is one of the reasons False Bay remains one of South Africa’s premier wildlife destinations today, even as the dominant shark species has changed.

Great White Shark Cage Diving: Then vs Today

One of the biggest questions visitors ask is:

“Is shark cage diving in Cape Town still the same as it was 20 years ago?”

The honest answer is no.

Like every natural ecosystem, False Bay has evolved. Great White Sharks have become far less predictable, while Bronze Whaler Sharks have emerged as the primary species encountered on shark cage diving trips.

Rather than seeing this as the end of an era, many marine guides view it as the beginning of a new chapter in False Bay’s remarkable story.

20 Years Ago	Today
Regular Great White Shark sightings	Bronze Whaler Sharks are the primary species encountered
Seal Island was the main focus	Shark cage diving departs from Simon’s Town
Great White Shark-focused experiences	Multi-species marine wildlife adventures
Famous breaching behaviour	Extended underwater encounters with Bronze Whaler Sharks
Seasonal Great White Shark activity	Reliable seasonal Bronze Whaler Shark encounters
International documentaries focused on Great Whites	False Bay remains one of South Africa’s premier shark and marine wildlife destinations

The ocean has changed, but the thrill of coming face-to-face with a wild shark has not.

In fact, many guests are surprised to discover that Bronze Whaler Sharks often provide longer, closer and more interactive underwater encounters than Great White Sharks ever did.

And for those fortunate enough to witness a Great White Shark today, the experience is even more special because of its rarity.

Can You Still See Great White Sharks in Cape Town?

One of the questions we’re asked most often at African Shark Eco-Charters is:

“Can you still see Great White Sharks in Cape Town?”

The honest answer is yes—but sightings are now rare.

Great White Sharks have not disappeared from South African waters. They continue to be recorded along different parts of the coastline, and occasional sightings are still reported in False Bay. However, unlike the 1990s and early 2000s, when Great White encounters around Seal Island were relatively predictable during certain seasons, they can no longer be relied upon for shark cage diving trips.

This change has understandably led to many questions.

Where did the Great White Sharks go?

Why did they leave False Bay?

Was it because of the Orcas?

Or is there something much bigger happening beneath the surface?

The truth is that nature is rarely simple.

Marine ecosystems are constantly changing, and apex predators such as Great White Sharks respond to those changes. Rather than remaining in areas where food becomes less abundant, sharks naturally move to locations where conditions are more favourable.

That is exactly why African Shark Eco-Charters has chosen to be completely transparent with our guests.

We won’t promise a Great White Shark if we know the chances are extremely low.

Instead, we’ll explain the current situation honestly, introduce you to the incredible Bronze Whaler Sharks that now dominate our shark cage diving trips, and give you the opportunity to experience one of South Africa’s richest marine ecosystems with realistic expectations.

We believe that’s the right way to operate.

Why Have Great White Shark Sightings Declined?

If there were one simple answer, scientists would already have solved the mystery.

Instead, marine researchers generally agree that several factors have likely contributed to the decline in Great White Shark sightings around False Bay.

The ocean is an interconnected ecosystem where every species depends on another. Changes to prey populations, fishing pressure, ocean conditions and predator behaviour all influence where sharks choose to spend their time.

One of the most significant long-term changes has been the decline of several important prey species.

The Importance of Smoothhound and Soupfin Sharks

When most people think about Great White Sharks, they immediately picture seals.

Cape Fur Seals are certainly an important food source for adult Great White Sharks, particularly around Seal Island, but seals are not the only animals they hunt.

Great White Sharks are opportunistic predators whose diet changes with age, size, location and seasonal food availability. Along the South African coastline, they are also known to prey on other sharks and large fish.

Two species that have historically formed part of this food web are the Smoothhound Shark (Mustelus mustelus) and the Soupfin Shark (Galeorhinus galeus).

These medium-sized sharks were once abundant throughout False Bay and the surrounding coastline.

Over time, however, both species have experienced significant fishing pressure and have now been declared commercially depleted in South Africa.

One of the contributing factors has been the continued harvesting of these sharks through demersal longline fishing.

Although marine ecosystems are extremely complex, a reduction in available prey inevitably affects the predators that rely on them.

Simply put, if the food becomes less abundant, predators move.

This is a natural ecological response observed throughout the animal kingdom.

Nature Always Follows the Food

Every predator, whether it’s a lion on the African savannah or a Great White Shark in False Bay, must constantly balance energy with opportunity.

If prey becomes harder to find, remaining in the same location simply makes less biological sense.

Instead, animals naturally explore other areas where feeding opportunities are better.

This doesn’t mean Great White Sharks have vanished.

It simply means they are spending less time in the places where people once expected to find them.

That distinction is incredibly important.

The phrase “Great White Sharks have disappeared” is often repeated online, but it isn’t accurate.

Their distribution has changed.

For visitors planning a shark cage diving trip, understanding this difference helps set realistic expectations while also highlighting how dynamic and fascinating marine ecosystems really are.

Did the Orcas Make Great White Sharks Disappear?

Perhaps no story has attracted more global media attention than the arrival of two Orcas known as Port and Starboard.

These two male Killer Whales became internationally famous after several Great White Sharks were discovered washed ashore with their livers precisely removed.

It was a remarkable reminder that even the ocean’s most famous predator has natural enemies.

Researchers believe these Orcas have developed a specialised hunting technique that allows them to target the nutrient-rich livers of large sharks.

Following several documented encounters, Great White Sharks appeared to avoid areas where the Orcas had recently been hunting.

This led to headlines around the world suggesting that the Orcas had driven Great White Sharks out of False Bay.

While there is little doubt that Orcas influence shark behaviour, the reality is probably more complex.

Most marine scientists now consider the Orcas to be one important factor among several.

If prey availability had remained exceptionally high, Great White Sharks may well have returned more consistently once the immediate threat had passed.

Instead, they encountered an ecosystem that was already changing.

When reduced prey availability, fishing pressure and occasional Orca predation are considered together, a much more complete picture begins to emerge.

Nature rarely changes because of a single event.

It evolves through the interaction of many factors over time.

The Science Behind False Bay’s Changing Ecosystem

False Bay is one of the most biologically productive marine environments in South Africa.

Its remarkable diversity is the result of an intricate food web that has evolved over thousands of years.

Tiny plankton support schools of baitfish.

Baitfish feed larger fish, squid and rays.

Those animals support sharks, dolphins, seals and whales.

At the top of this food web sit apex predators such as the Great White Shark.

Because they occupy the highest level of the ecosystem, they are often the first animals to reflect broader environmental changes.

When prey populations decline, predators adjust their movements.

When ocean temperatures shift, migration patterns can change.

When new predators appear, behaviour adapts.

This constant balancing act is part of what makes marine ecosystems both resilient and unpredictable.

It also explains why no single explanation can fully account for the changing distribution of Great White Sharks in False Bay.

Scientists continue to study these changes, collecting valuable data that improves our understanding of one of the world’s most iconic marine predators.

What remains unchanged is the importance of protecting healthy marine ecosystems.

Whether we’re talking about plankton, fish, seals, Bronze Whaler Sharks or Great White Sharks, every species plays a role in maintaining the delicate balance of life beneath the surface.

At African Shark Eco-Charters, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing these changes over nearly three decades on the water. While the species we encounter most frequently has evolved over time, our commitment has never changed: to educate our guests, support responsible ecotourism, and foster a deeper appreciation for the remarkable marine life of False Bay.

Meet the Bronze Whaler Sharks: The New Stars of Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town

Although Great White Sharks remain one of the world’s most iconic predators, today’s shark cage diving experience in False Bay is centred around another remarkable species—the Bronze Whaler Shark (Carcharhinus brachyurus), also known as the Copper Shark.

Elegant, inquisitive and incredibly powerful, Bronze Whaler Sharks have become the primary species encountered during our shark cage diving trips from Simon’s Town. For many guests, they provide an even more interactive underwater experience than Great White Sharks ever did.

Unlike Great Whites, which often make brief investigative passes, Bronze Whaler Sharks are naturally curious and frequently spend extended periods around the cage. It is not unusual to have several sharks circling at the same time, allowing guests to observe their graceful movements from every angle.

Watching a Bronze Whaler glide effortlessly through the clear waters of False Bay is an unforgettable experience. Their sleek bronze colouring catches the sunlight beautifully, while their calm, confident movements reveal the efficiency of a predator perfectly adapted to its environment.

Growing to more than 3.3 metres (11 feet) in length, Bronze Whaler Sharks are among South Africa’s largest coastal shark species. They are fast, athletic and highly intelligent, yet they generally display calm, inquisitive behaviour around the cage.

For underwater photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, these prolonged encounters provide exceptional opportunities to appreciate the beauty of sharks in their natural environment.

Why Bronze Whaler Sharks Make Incredible Cage Diving Sharks

Every shark species behaves differently.

While Great White Sharks became famous for explosive hunting events around Seal Island, Bronze Whaler Sharks offer something equally special—time.

Their natural curiosity often results in longer interactions with the cage, allowing divers to study their behaviour in remarkable detail.

Guests regularly comment on:

• Extended underwater encounters
• Multiple sharks around the cage
• Incredible photographic opportunities
• Graceful swimming behaviour
• Better views using our Hookah scuba system
• A relaxed, immersive shark diving experience

Many returning divers tell us they are surprised by just how captivating Bronze Whaler Sharks are.

Rather than waiting for a single dramatic moment, they enjoy continuous shark activity throughout their dive.

This creates a completely different—but equally unforgettable—experience.

Great White Sharks vs Bronze Whaler Sharks

People often ask us whether Bronze Whaler Sharks are as exciting as Great White Sharks.

The honest answer is that they are different, not better or worse.

Each species has evolved to occupy its own ecological niche, and each offers something unique for divers to appreciate.

Great White Shark	Bronze Whaler Shark
Scientific name: Carcharodon carcharias	Scientific name: Carcharhinus brachyurus
Apex predator	Large coastal predator
Up to 6 metres	Up to 3.3 metres
Robust, powerful body	Sleek, streamlined body
Usually solitary	Often encountered in groups
Famous for breaching	Famous for curiosity around divers
Rare sightings today	Common during the season
Iconic worldwide	One of South Africa’s best shark diving species

Rather than comparing them as competitors, it’s better to appreciate what each species contributes to the marine ecosystem.

Great White Sharks remain one of nature’s greatest predators.

Bronze Whaler Sharks have become the ambassadors of modern shark cage diving in False Bay.

Great White Shark Facts

Few animals have captured the human imagination quite like the Great White Shark.

Here are some fascinating facts about this extraordinary species.

Scientific Name

Carcharodon carcharias

The name means “jagged (or sharp)-toothed shark” and refers to its distinctive serrated teeth.

How Big Can Great White Sharks Grow?

Adult Great White Sharks typically measure between 3 and 3.5 metres, although exceptionally large females can exceed 5 metres.

They may weigh over 2,000 kilograms, making them one of the largest predatory fish on Earth.

They Are Warm-Blooded Hunters

Unlike most fish, Great White Sharks possess specialised circulatory adaptations that allow them to maintain body temperatures higher than the surrounding water.

This helps them swim faster, react more quickly and hunt efficiently in cooler oceans.

Incredible Senses

Great White Sharks possess one of the most advanced sensory systems in the animal kingdom.

They can detect:

• Tiny electrical signals produced by other animals using the Ampullae of Lorenzini
• Vibrations through the lateral line
• Excellent underwater vision
• Minute traces of scent carried by ocean currents

Together, these senses make them exceptionally efficient hunters.

Teeth That Never Stop Growing

A Great White Shark may have around 300 teeth arranged in multiple rows.

As teeth become damaged or lost, they are continually replaced throughout the shark’s life.

Some individuals replace thousands of teeth during their lifetime.

They Are Built for Speed

Although they normally cruise slowly to conserve energy, Great White Sharks can accelerate rapidly when hunting.

Short bursts approaching 40 kilometres per hour have been recorded during attacks on seals.

Breaching Behaviour

False Bay became internationally famous because Great White Sharks regularly launched themselves completely clear of the water while hunting Cape Fur Seals.

This spectacular behaviour inspired numerous documentaries and remains one of the most dramatic hunting strategies ever recorded in nature.

Long-Distance Travellers

Great White Sharks are capable of travelling thousands of kilometres across entire oceans.

Satellite tagging studies have shown individuals moving between South Africa, Australia and other distant feeding areas.

Conservation Status

The Great White Shark is currently listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Threats include accidental capture, habitat pressures, slow reproductive rates and changes to marine ecosystems.

Protecting Great White Sharks also means protecting the entire ocean ecosystem they depend upon.

Great White Shark Myths vs Facts

Hollywood has created many misconceptions about sharks.

The reality is often very different.

Myth	Reality
Great White Sharks actively hunt humans.	Humans are not their preferred prey, and shark bites remain extremely rare.
Sharks are mindless killing machines.	Sharks are intelligent predators that play an essential ecological role.
Great White Sharks disappeared completely.	They are still found in South African waters but are now rarely encountered in False Bay.
Orcas alone caused the disappearance.	Orcas influenced shark behaviour, but changing prey availability and ecosystem shifts are also important factors.
Bronze Whaler Sharks are “second best.”	Bronze Whaler Sharks provide some of South Africa’s most exciting and interactive cage diving encounters.

Education remains one of the most effective ways to replace fear with understanding.

Shark Cage Diving with Scuba: The African Shark Eco-Charters Difference

One of the biggest differences between African Shark Eco-Charters and many other operators is the way we experience sharks underwater.

Rather than repeatedly holding your breath beneath the surface, we use a surface-supplied Hookah scuba system, allowing guests to breathe comfortably while inside the cage.

The system delivers a continuous supply of air through individual regulators connected to the boat, giving you far more time to enjoy the sharks instead of constantly resurfacing for breath.

No scuba certification is required.

This means almost anyone can experience the underwater world in a relaxed and comfortable way.

Our guests consistently tell us that using Hookah scuba transforms the entire experience.

Instead of rushing to catch a glimpse of a passing shark, you’ll have the opportunity to remain underwater, observe natural behaviour, take better photographs and simply enjoy the moment.

Combined with our deliberately small groups, this creates one of the most personal and immersive shark cage diving experiences available anywhere in South Africa.

Why Choose African Shark Eco-Charters?

For us, shark cage diving has never been about simply putting people into a cage.

It’s about sharing nearly three decades of experience, passion and respect for one of the world’s most extraordinary marine ecosystems.

African Shark Eco-Charters has been operating in False Bay since 1996, making us one of Cape Town’s longest-established shark cage diving operators.

Over those years, we’ve witnessed the rise of Great White Shark ecotourism, the famous breaching years at Seal Island, the changing ecosystem of False Bay and the emergence of Bronze Whaler Sharks as today’s dominant species.

Few operators can genuinely say they have experienced the full story firsthand.

As a family-run business, we have always believed that quality is more important than quantity.

That’s why we limit our trips to a maximum of 12 guests, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere, personalised service and more opportunities to enjoy your time on the water.

Our experienced crew knows False Bay intimately, not just as a workplace, but as a remarkable ecosystem we have come to know and respect over nearly thirty years.

When you join African Shark Eco-Charters, you’re not simply booking a tour.

You’re sharing a day on the ocean with people who genuinely love what they do and who are committed to providing an honest, educational and unforgettable shark diving experience.

Why Simon’s Town is the Best Place to Start Your Shark Cage Diving Adventure

When people think about shark cage diving in Cape Town, they often focus on the sharks themselves.

But your adventure begins long before you step aboard the boat.

Nestled on the shores of False Bay, Simon’s Town is one of South Africa’s most historic and picturesque coastal towns. Home to the South African Navy for more than two centuries, it combines rich maritime history with breathtaking scenery, vibrant cafés, boutique shops and some of the Cape Peninsula’s most spectacular marine wildlife.

Unlike destinations that require several hours of travel, Simon’s Town is only around an hour’s drive from Cape Town, making it an easy and rewarding day trip.

Many of our guests choose to spend the entire day exploring the area before or after their shark cage diving adventure.

Within minutes of our departure point you can visit:

• Boulders Beach, home to one of the world’s most famous colonies of endangered African Penguins.
• The dramatic coastline of Cape Point Nature Reserve, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans appear to meet.
• Scenic drives along Chapman’s Peak Drive, consistently rated among the world’s most beautiful coastal roads.
• Historic museums, waterfront restaurants and artisan coffee shops that capture the charm of this unique seaside town.

When you combine shark cage diving with everything Simon’s Town has to offer, your experience becomes much more than simply a boat trip—it becomes a memorable Cape Peninsula adventure.

More Incredible Marine Wildlife You’ll See

One of the greatest surprises for many first-time visitors is discovering that shark cage diving is about far more than sharks.

False Bay is one of South Africa’s richest marine ecosystems, and every trip offers the opportunity to encounter a remarkable variety of wildlife.

Depending on the season and ocean conditions, you may also see:

Cape Fur Seals

Playful, inquisitive and endlessly entertaining, Cape Fur Seals are a constant presence in False Bay and play an important role in the region’s marine ecosystem.

Southern Right Whales

Between winter and spring, Southern Right Whales migrate to the South African coastline to breed and calve.

Seeing a whale breach in the distance is every bit as memorable as seeing a shark.

Bryde’s Whales

Unlike Southern Right Whales, Bryde’s Whales can be found in False Bay throughout much of the year.

These sleek baleen whales are fast-moving predators that feed on schooling fish.

Dolphins

Pods of Common Dolphins and Bottlenose Dolphins are frequently encountered offshore.

Watching them surf the bow wave of the boat is always a guest favourite.

Sunfish (Mola mola)

The extraordinary Ocean Sunfish is one of the strangest fish in the sea.

Despite growing to over a tonne in weight, these gentle giants often drift lazily near the surface.

African Penguins

False Bay is home to one of the world’s most accessible African Penguin colonies at nearby Boulders Beach.

Many guests combine their shark diving experience with a visit to these charismatic birds.

Seabirds

Keep an eye on the skies.

Cape Gannets, White-breasted Cormorants, Kelp Gulls and numerous other seabirds provide constant reminders of just how rich False Bay’s ecosystem truly is.

Every trip is different.

That’s one of the reasons people return again and again.

Nature always has something new to reveal.

Shark Conservation in South Africa

Great White Sharks have become global symbols of marine conservation.

Yet protecting sharks means far more than protecting a single species.

Healthy shark populations help maintain healthy oceans.

As apex predators, sharks play an essential role in balancing marine ecosystems by influencing the abundance and behaviour of other species.

When sharks disappear, the effects can ripple throughout the food web.

At African Shark Eco-Charters, conservation has always been at the heart of what we do.

Since 1996, our goal has been to replace fear with understanding by allowing people to experience sharks in their natural environment.

Responsible ecotourism creates opportunities for education, scientific awareness and a greater appreciation of marine life.

Every guest who leaves our boat with a new respect for sharks becomes an ambassador for ocean conservation.

We believe that people protect what they understand.

That simple philosophy continues to guide everything we do.

Three Decades on False Bay: What We’ve Learned

When you’ve spent nearly thirty years on the same stretch of ocean, you begin to understand something important.

The ocean is never static.

Species come and go.

Seasons change.

Water temperatures fluctuate.

Prey populations rise and fall.

Sharks adapt.

False Bay today is not the same False Bay that welcomed the first wave of Great White Shark enthusiasts in the 1990s.

But it remains every bit as remarkable.

At African Shark Eco-Charters, we’ve been privileged to witness this evolution firsthand.

From the spectacular breaching Great White Sharks of Seal Island to today’s incredible Bronze Whaler Shark encounters, we’ve watched one chapter of False Bay’s story give way to another.

Rather than resisting change, we’ve chosen to embrace it.

Our responsibility is not to recreate the past.

It is to introduce our guests to the ocean as it exists today—with honesty, respect and genuine enthusiasm.

That commitment has never changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you still see Great White Sharks in Cape Town?

Yes, but sightings in False Bay are now rare. Great White Sharks have not been seen in False Bay since 2000.

What sharks will I most likely see?

Bronze Whaler Sharks are currently the primary species encountered during our shark cage diving trips.

Are Bronze Whaler Sharks dangerous?

Like all wild sharks, they deserve respect. Around the cage, they are generally inquisitive and provide outstanding viewing opportunities.

Is shark cage diving safe?

Yes. Shark cage diving is conducted using professionally maintained equipment, experienced crew and strict safety procedures.

Do I need scuba certification?

No.

Our Hookah scuba system requires no scuba certification and is suitable for beginners.

Why do you use Hookah scuba?

Hookah scuba allows guests to remain comfortably underwater for longer, providing better shark viewing and photography opportunities.

How many people are on the boat?

African Shark Eco-Charters limits trips to 12 guests, creating a more personal experience than larger operations.

Where do your trips depart from?

All shark cage diving trips depart from Simon’s Town in False Bay.

How long is the trip?

Most trips last approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on sea and weather conditions.

Will I definitely see sharks?

Wildlife can never be guaranteed.

However, Bronze Whaler Shark sightings are generally very reliable during the season.

Why did Great White Sharks leave False Bay?

Scientists believe the answer involves several factors, including changing prey availability, ecosystem changes, commercial fishing pressure and the temporary influence of Orcas.

What role did the Orcas play?

Orcas almost certainly influenced Great White Shark behaviour, but most researchers consider them to be only one part of a much larger ecological picture.

Can children go shark cage diving?

Yes.

Children are welcome, provided they meet the minimum age requirements and are accompanied by a responsible adult.

Is shark cage diving suitable for non-divers?

Absolutely.

Many guests choose to remain on board and enjoy watching the sharks from the deck.

Why choose African Shark Eco-Charters?

Because we believe honesty matters.

We’ve operated in False Bay since 1996, pioneered shark ecotourism in the region, keep our groups small, use Hookah scuba and are passionate about providing an unforgettable marine wildlife experience.

Experience the Best of Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town

If you’re searching for Great White Shark cage diving in Cape Town, you deserve honest information before making your decision.

Great White Sharks remain one of the ocean’s most extraordinary predators, but nature has changed. Today, Bronze Whaler Sharks provide the unforgettable underwater encounters that have made False Bay one of South Africa’s premier shark diving destinations.

At African Shark Eco-Charters, we won’t promise you something the ocean cannot guarantee.

What we can promise is a professionally guided, ethical and unforgettable shark cage diving experience built on nearly three decades of firsthand knowledge, a passion for marine conservation and a genuine love for sharing the incredible wildlife of False Bay.

Whether you’re stepping into a shark cage for the first time or returning for another adventure, we look forward to welcoming you aboard and introducing you to one of the most spectacular marine ecosystems on Earth.