How to Plan Your Shark Cage Diving Experience in Gans Bay

Are you ready for a thrilling adventure of a lifetime? Experience the excitement of meeting one of the most incredible creatures on the planet, the great white shark. South Africa is one of the best places to see them up close, and Gans Bay is the ultimate destination for shark cage diving. This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the thrill of being up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. In this guide, we will show you how to plan your shark cage diving experience in Gans Bay with ease.

What to Expect

This full-day shark cage diving tour will give you an opportunity to view an array of Southern Africa’s sharks from the safety of a cage. You’ll be in a safe environment up close and personal with sharks, and you’ll spend the day in the company of a very experienced crew. The crew will also teach you about the conservation of Great White, Seven Gill, Cow Sharks, and more. The tours are offered with different pickup locations for your convenience.

How to Get There

Gans Bay is located in the Western Cape, which is about a two-hour drive from Cape Town. If you’re staying in Cape Town, you can book a tour that includes hotel pick-up. Alternatively, you can opt for a self-drive tour to meet the boat directly in Gansbaai.

What to Bring

Here’s a list of things you should bring with you:

• Warm jacket and comfortable clothes
• Comfortable shoes
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats
• Swimming costume and towel
• Camera or GoPro (water-resistant housing is a must)
• Any medication you may need

What’s Included

Your shark cage diving experience comes with a host of inclusions to make sure you have a fantastic day. Here’s what’s included:

• Breakfast and lunch to keep you energized
• Boat trip to the diving location
• Guide to help you with any queries you may have
• Skipper to navigate the waters safely
• Diving equipment, wetsuits
• Snacks and refreshments while onboard
• Shark cage dive to give you an up-close view of the sharks
• Certificate to commemorate your experience
• Merchandise to remind you of your adventure

What to Expect on the Day

Your day will begin early, with you traveling to the pickup location either in Hermanus or Cape Town or heading directly to the boat in Gansbaai. The crew will introduce themselves and give you a briefing about the day’s activities. You’ll head out on the boat for about 20 to 30 minutes to the diving location. Once the crew anchors the boat and baits the area, you’ll get suited up in your wetsuit and diving gear. The cage will be lowered, and a maximum of nine divers will get into the cage. One diver at a time will enter the water, and you’ll be lowered into the water inside the cage. You’ll then wait for the great white sharks to approach the bait. During the dive, the crew will ensure that you have a memorable and safe experience. Once everyone has had their chance to dive and view the sharks, the crew will haul the cage back onto the boat, and you’ll head back to the harbor.

The Bottom Line

Shark cage diving is a unique and thrilling way to experience nature’s most magnificent creatures. With Gans Bay’s beautiful coastline, clear waters, and experienced crew, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. By following our guide, you can plan your shark cage diving experience with ease. So, are you ready to take the plunge? Book the tour here and experience the thrill of a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gans Bay

Gans Bay is a small coastal town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Known for its picturesque ocean views and abundance of marine life, Gans Bay is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. In this FAQ, we will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about Gans Bay.

1. What is the best time to visit Gans Bay?

The best time to visit Gans Bay is during the summer months, from December to February, when the weather is warm and sunny. This is also the prime time for whale watching, as the Southern Right Whales migrate to the bay to mate and give birth. However, if you prefer cooler temperatures and smaller crowds, the winter months from June to August can also be a good time to visit.

2. Can you go shark cage diving in Gans Bay?

Yes, Gans Bay is one of the best places in the world for shark cage diving. The area is home to a large number of Great White Sharks, and there are several companies that offer shark cage diving tours. These tours typically last around 2-3 hours and involve being lowered into the water in a sturdy cage to get up-close-and-personal with the sharks.

3. What other activities can you do in Gans Bay?

Aside from shark cage diving and whale watching, there are plenty of other activities to do in Gans Bay. The town is surrounded by natural beauty, so hiking and outdoor activities are a popular choice. You can also take a boat tour of the bay, go fishing, or simply relax on the beach.

4. What is the best way to get to Gans Bay?

The closest airport to Gans Bay is Cape Town International Airport, which is about 160km away. From there, you can rent a car and drive to the town. Alternatively, there are shuttle buses and private transfers available. If you are driving, take the N2 highway from Cape Town and follow the signs to Gans Bay.

5. What types of accommodation are available in Gans Bay?

Gans Bay has a range of accommodation options to suit any budget. There are several hotels and guesthouses in the town, as well as self-catering apartments and holiday homes. If you prefer camping or caravanning, there are several campsites in the area as well.

6. What are some popular restaurants in Gans Bay?

Gans Bay has a variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from. Some of the most popular options include Harbour Lights Restaurant, Blue Goose Restaurant, and Great White Shark Restaurant. These restaurants specialize in seafood and offer stunning views of the bay.

7. Is Gans Bay a safe place to visit?

Like any tourist destination, Gans Bay has some crime, but it is generally a safe place to visit. It is important to take the usual precautions, such as not leaving valuables visible in your car and staying aware of your surroundings. If you are planning on hiking or doing any outdoor activities, it is recommended that you go with a guide or in a group.

8. Is Gans Bay wheelchair accessible?

Most of the main attractions in Gans Bay are accessible for wheelchair users, but it is important to note that the town is quite hilly and some areas may be difficult to navigate. It is recommended that you contact the individual attraction or accommodation beforehand to check their accessibility.

9. What is the currency used in Gans Bay?

South Africa’s currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Most businesses in Gans Bay accept credit cards, but it is a good idea to carry some cash with you as well.

10. What is the culture of Gans Bay like?

Gans Bay has a laid-back, relaxed vibe that is typical of coastal towns. The town is predominantly Afrikaans-speaking, but English is also widely spoken. The local culture centers around the ocean, so fishing and other marine activities are an important part of daily life. Visitors to Gans Bay are expected to respect the natural environment and the local culture.

Book Your Tour Now

Gans Bay is a beautiful coastal town with plenty to see and do. Whether you are interested in whale watching, shark cage diving, or simply relaxing on the beach, there is something for everyone in Gans Bay. By following these tips and recommendations, you can make the most of your visit and have a memorable experience in this unique part of South Africa.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Gans Bay

If you are planning a trip to South Africa, then you should definitely add Gans Bay to your itinerary. It’s a beautiful seaside town located in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The town has a lot to offer to the tourists, from adventure activities to a peaceful holiday experience. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to spend your time as a tourist in Gans Bay.

1. Shark Cage Diving

Shark cage diving is the most popular adventure activity in Gans Bay. You can experience the thrill of being up close with one of the ocean’s apex predators. There are various tour operators offering shark cage diving packages. Typically, a shark cage diving tour starts with a briefing on the behavior of sharks and safety guidelines. Then you board a boat and head to the shark diving site, which is about 15 minutes away from the shore. Once you reach the site, you will be given a wetsuit and a diving cage. The cage is then lowered into the water, and you spend about 20 minutes in the cage, observing the sharks. Most tour operators also take photos and videos of your diving experience, which you can purchase at an additional cost.

2. Whale Watching

Gans Bay is also known as the whale watching capital of South Africa. Southern Right Whales migrate to the bay every year between June and December. You can see these gentle giants from the shore or take a boat trip to get closer. During whale watching tours, you can see the whales breaching, tail-slapping or just floating peacefully in the water. Some tour operators also provide expert guides who give a lot of information about the behavior and life cycle of whales.

3. Dyer Island Cruise

Dyer Island is a small island located near Gans Bay, home to thousands of Cape Fur Seals and African Penguins. A popular way to experience the island wildlife is by taking a Dyer Island Cruise. These cruises start from the nearby town of Kleinbaai and take you to the island by boat. During the cruise, you can see the seals, penguins, dolphins and a variety of bird life. Some tours stop at Geyser Rock, where you can see a colony of 60 000+ Cape Fur Seals.

4. Beaches

Gans Bay has several beautiful beaches where you can relax and soak up the sun. The most popular beach is Walker Bay, which is a wide, sandy beach with calm waters. It’s great for swimming, sunbathing or even a game of beach volleyball. Another beautiful beach is De Kelders beach, which is located below the cliffs of De Kelders. It’s a perfect place to watch the sunset and admire the stunning ocean views.

5. Hiking trails

If you prefer more active holiday experiences, then hiking is a great option in Gans Bay. The town has several hiking trails with beautiful views of the ocean and the mountains. The Stanford Hills Estate Hike is a popular trail with a variety of fynbos vegetation and beautiful views of the Overberg region. The Klipgat Trail is another popular hiking trail that takes you to a cave where you can see a variety of rock paintings.

6. Wine tasting

Gans Bay is located in the heart of the Western Cape wine region, so it’s a great place to do some wine tasting. There are several vineyards near Gans Bay, which offer wine tasting tours. One of the most popular is the Whalehaven Winery, which produces a variety of award-winning wines. The winery also has a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal with a glass of wine while looking out over the vineyard.

Book Your Tour Now

There is no shortage of things to do in Gans Bay. From shark cage diving to wine tasting, the town has a lot to offer to tourists. We hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Gans Bay and gives you some ideas on how to spend your time there. Don’t forget to engage with the locals, try some of the delicious seafood and enjoy the beautiful sunsets over the ocean.