From Cape Town: Shark Cage Diving and Penguin Tour

Exploring the natural wonders around Cape Town has never been more thrilling. Visitors can now embark on a captivating day tour that combines the adrenaline of shark cage diving with the delight of observing an African penguin colony. This unforgettable experience promises a unique blend of adventure and wildlife observation, all while learning about the importance of conservation efforts for these remarkable species. With convenient hotel pickup, meals, and transportation included, this tour offers a seamless way to make the most of your time in the region. What unexpected surprises might this excursion hold for those who decide to take the plunge?

Good To Know

• This 9-hour excursion from Cape Town offers a unique combination of shark cage diving in Gansbaai and a visit to the African penguin colony at Stony Point Nature Reserve.
• Priced from $225.93 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, transportation, experienced guide, entrance fees, light meals, and bottled water.
• Shark cage diving takes place over a three-hour sailing, with crew engagement to provide ample observation opportunities of great white sharks from the safety of the cage.
• The tour also includes a visit to the Stony Point Nature Reserve, home to a large breeding colony of African penguins, where participants can observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues, and sightings of great white sharks are dependent on weather and sea conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers an exhilarating experience combining shark cage diving in Gansbaai and a visit to witness the African penguin colony at Stony Point Nature Reserve.

Priced from $225.93 per person, the 9-hour excursion departs from Cape Town and is available in English and French. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s an option to reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, transportation, an experienced guide, entrance fees, light meals, and bottled water.

However, it’s not suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues. Weather and sea conditions may lead to tour cancellations with full refunds.

Pricing and Inclusions

At a starting price of $225.93 per person, the tour offers an inclusive package for the shark cage diving and penguin viewing experience.

The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, shared air-conditioned transfers, an experienced driver and guide, bottled water, entrance fees, light breakfast, and lunch.

Plus, the package includes a DVD of the diving footage, which can be purchased.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, or those with mobility impairments.

It’s important to note that the tour is weather and sea dependent, and there’s no guarantee of seeing great white sharks.

Shark Cage Diving Experience

Adrenaline-seekers embark on a thrilling voyage to Gansbaai, located about 2.5 hours from Cape Town, where they’ll have the chance to go cage diving with the majestic great white sharks.

After a briefing on the diving experience, participants sail for three hours, eagerly anticipating their up-close encounter with these apex predators.

The crew works diligently to engage the sharks, providing guests with ample opportunities to observe their power and grace from the safety of the cage.

Upon returning to shore, divers can warm up, review the DVD footage, and reflect on their exhilarating adventure.

Penguin Viewing

After the exhilarating shark diving experience, the tour takes guests to Stony Point Nature Reserve to witness the captivating African penguins.

This protected area is home to one of the largest breeding colonies of these flightless birds. Visitors can observe the penguins in their natural habitat, waddling along the rocky shores and nesting in the vegetation.

The tour provides an opportunity to learn about the conservation efforts to protect this vulnerable species.

With their distinctive black and white plumage, the penguins are a delightful sight to behold, capping off the day’s adventure with an up-close encounter with South Africa’s diverse wildlife.

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Itinerary and Schedule

The tour begins with an early morning pickup from accommodations in Cape Town, providing a convenient start to the day’s adventure.

After a light breakfast upon arrival in Gansbaai, participants receive a briefing on the shark diving experience before sailing for three hours.

The highlight is the cage diving encounter, where the crew engages the sharks for close views.

Following the dive, guests return to shore for a warm shower and group DVD viewing.

The tour then visits Stony Point Nature Reserve to observe the captivating African penguins before the scenic return journey to Cape Town via the R44 coastal route.

Suitability and Restrictions

This tour may not be suitable for all travelers. Children under 6 years, pregnant women, and those with mobility impairments aren’t permitted on the excursion.

The shark cage diving activity requires a certain level of physical fitness and comfort in the water. Plus, there’s no guarantee of seeing great white sharks, as the tour is weather and sea-dependent.

Participants should come prepared with swimwear and towels. While the overall customer feedback is positive, with a 4.5/5 rating, some reviews have noted communication and experience quality issues.

Travelers should consider these factors before booking to ensure the tour aligns with their preferences and abilities.

Cancellation and Weather Considerations

Given the weather and sea-dependent nature of the shark cage diving activity, tour operators allow for full refunds if the excursion is canceled.

While sightings of great white sharks can’t be guaranteed, the tour does its best to provide an unforgettable experience.

Key considerations include:

• Tours may be canceled due to inclement weather or unsafe sea conditions for the cage diving portion.
• In such cases, guests receive a full refund with no penalties.
• Flexibility is crucial, as the shark viewing is highly dependent on unpredictable natural factors.

Customer Feedback

According to reviews, customer experiences with the shark cage diving and penguin tour have been mixed.

The tour has an overall rating of 4.5/5 based on 8 reviews, indicating that most customers were satisfied.

However, there have been some complaints about communication and the quality of the overall experience.

While some customers raved about the adrenaline-filled shark diving and stunning penguin sightings, others felt the tour didn’t quite live up to their expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Camera for the Shark Dive?

Yes, customers can bring their own camera for the shark dive. However, the tour operator recommends using a waterproof camera as the shared tour footage is available for purchase after the dive.

Is the Cage Fully Submerged or Just Partially Underwater?

The shark diving cage is partially submerged, allowing divers to safely view the sharks from just below the water’s surface. This design provides an up-close encounter while keeping participants out of the water.

Will I Get to See the Penguins up Close?

The tour includes a visit to the Stony Point Nature Reserve, where visitors can see African penguins up close. The guide will lead the group to areas where the penguins can be observed in their natural habitat.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour itinerary doesn’t mention an option to extend the duration. The tour is a set 9-hour experience, including the shark diving and penguin viewing activities. There’s no information provided about the possibility of adding more time to the tour.

How Many People Are Typically in Each Tour Group?

The tour typically accommodates small groups, with an average size of 8-12 participants. The intimate group size allows for a more personalized shark cage diving experience.

The Sum Up

This tour offers an exhilarating opportunity to observe great white sharks and charming African penguins in their natural habitats. At $225.93 per person, the 9-hour excursion provides a comprehensive experience with transportation, meals, and guided activities. Travelers can expect an unforgettable day exploring the wildlife and conservation efforts around Gansbaai and Stony Point Nature Reserve.

You can check availability for your dates here: