Shark cage diving with Shark Explorers
The excitement in our home was running on an all time high as my eldest son, Dylan, Hamish and myself bundled ourselves into the warm car.
With the sky still dark and no hint of morning light, not only were we excited to catch the sunrise as we travelled but I had collaborated with the amazing team at Shark Explorers to allow us to experience the thrill of Shark cage diving.
The car started and we eagerly chatted away about what we were expecting, Shark facts and wondered how cold the water would be on our 45 minute journey to Simon’s Town.
Shark Explorers Diving Centre
Arriving at the Shark Explorers diving centre, we were greeted by the friendly crew and offered a much needed cup of coffee.
Whilst waiting for the rest of the group to arrive, we were given a quick overall of what to expect from our morning and once we were all assembled, indemnity forms signed and we had warmed ourselves with refreshments, we watched a short film showing us what to expect.
It was finally time to get this adventure underway.
Boarding the boat
The group divided into two. Some people drove the short distance to the marina, but we chose to walk with our guide. This really added to the adventure as we took in the local sights, ready to board the boat.
The boat was waiting for us and we quickly learned that there is a right way to board. I won’t lie, I was rather nervous boarding, as half of my one leg is metal and I’m still anxious about falling whenever I try new experiences,but the crew are experienced and quickly had me comfortable enough to fully turn around and silently pray my way down the few thin steps.
The boys needed no help and jumped on board like they had been pirates in another life. Hamish rushed to the top deck, determined not to miss the sights.
Sail away
Once on board we all made our way to sit down. Our group was of 10 but the boat can take up to 18 passengers. Seating was comfortable and inside the cabin, with additional seating on the top deck
As I was hoping to get photos, I chose to stand.
Once everyone was on board, had stowed away their bags and were seated, we were introduced to the other crew, who kept us comfortable with snacks, chats, and their ever friendly offers to take photos for us.
Our Guide
I honestly believe that in every experience, the people around you make the experience richer and our guide, Ernest, was remarkable.
Not only did it feel like we were long-time friends, but he was attentive to everyone, inclusive of Hamish, and so incredibly knowledgeable – sharing many little snippets of information with us along the way.
The highlight for Hamish, who was not diving this time but is now super eager to head back and try a dive, was being appointed as the seal spotter and he would call out from the top deck as seals approached. This small token of inclusion enriched his already amazing experience and speaks volumes for the care and attention the Shark Explorers team invest in their guests.
The brown Skau
One of the highlights, for me, of our shark experience was coming into contact with a few brown skau.These remarkable birds migrate to our Cape coasts during Winter.
We watched as our guide held up a tidbit of fish, and the bird knowingly flew in yo get it. Not afraid of humans, trusting that they would be able to get a bite to eat. They were so gentle when we fed them and can catch fish bits when thrown in the air. Each of us was given the chance to feed these remarkable birds.
Seal Island
Leaving the Harbour, we sailed past Seal Island, and the boat stopped to allow us the opportunity to take in the sight of so many seals and get our photos.
Its rare that I’m stuck for words but there is a sense of serenity and awe as you gaze out into an empty ocean and then at this tiny little island brimming with life.
Dropping anchor
Turning away from Seal island , with gulls ahead and an open clear sea infront of us we sailed to just the right spot and dropped anchor.
We had the perfect sailing weather and a clear ,open blue ocean in front of us with only the contrast of pale blue clouds on the horizon, the vision is almost surreal.
Shark cage diving Instructions
Whilst I was still soaking in the beauty of my surroundings, the crew explained in details more about the sharks and how the dive was going to be conducted.
The Shark Explorers crew handed out wet suits, goggles and booties for those who were diving to change into.
Interestingly, they do not dive with gas bottles but rather once in the cage, you are given a signal and hold your breath, submerge your head and enjoy the wonderful sights of sharks around you.
The reasoning is that seals, who we discovered, are rather cheeky with sharks, give off a lot of gas bubbles to frighten sharks away , so using the gas bottles would potentially scare off the sharks as they may mistake the oxygen bubbles for a group of seals.
Instructions were then given on how to use the cage, which has safety guards to place your hands and feet on, and when to go under to view the sharks.
In the water
As we the cage was gently lowered into the water alongside the boat, the visitors were divided into two diving groups.Each group would get a turn in the cage of about 25 minutes to view the sharks.
With their wetsuits on, adrenaline pumping and cameras ready the first group climbed into the metal cage.
From the top of the boat we watched as several seals danced in between the water, trying to grab the bait being thrown in to attract the sharks. Before long, one by one, a school of sharks appeared.
The bait is used to attract the sharks and although the sharks get really close to the cage, it’s obvious that they are much more focused on the bait.
From the top of the boat, crew use bait to direct the shark to or from the cage, ensuring that those diving are firstly safe at all times and secondly enjoy a spectacular scene of sharks gracefully gliding through the ocean.
In total we had a great viewing day, with a total of 13 sharks being viewed. From the top of the boat, the view is just as majestic and Hamish and I saw many of this beautiful creatures up close.
The Copper sharks
The sharks we envountered were vopper sharks.
The Copper Shark is a coastal and offshore shark found in tropical and temperate seas and gets its name from its grey to bronze colouration.
Though large and powerful, the copper shark is not particularly aggressive towards humans.
Homeward bound
After the dive, guests were handed towels and changed. Chatting eagerly about their experiences as they nibbled on a snack, we pulled up the anchor and headed back to land.
The trip back seemed faster, no stops to view the seals but charged with the knowledge that we had just witnessed some of the most beautiful, misunderstood creatures in the ocean and knowing that we would all do this again tomorrow.
Back at the Shark Explorers centre guests can shower and grab some merchandise to remember their trip by before heading off home.
Our experiences
Dylan was so impressed. He found the dive easy, safe and an experience of a lifetime!
Hamish is determined to go back and give it a try and as for me, I have the most amazing photos from above, proving that even from the boat you get so close to the sharks.
This was a true highlight to our year !
Book your experience
Shark explorers
Cell Phone: +27 82 564 1904 (all hours)
Email: info@sharkexplorers.com
Website www.sharkexplorers.com
