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White Shark Cage Diving
& Viewing Tours
White Shark Ecoventures (established 1992) offers daily shark
diving/sighting tours (weather permitting) off Gansbaai, a
mere stone-throw away from the most southern tip of the African
Continent. Approx. 12km offshore from Gansbaai (2hrs drive
from Cape Town) we find two islands situated next to each other.
Due to a number of geographical reasons - one being the shallow
and narrow channel that runs between these two islands - Dyer
Island has become known as one of only two unique areas in
the world, where the chances to view the great white shark,
rises exceptionally high. A colony of approximately 40000 Cape
Fur Seals inhabit the smaller Island (Geyser Rock). Other wildlife
species such as Cape Gannets, Cape Cormorants, African Penguins,
whales and dolphins are also likely to be sighted.
Once anchored in the channel, we make use of a securely designed
6-man steel cage, which floats on the surface, with divers no more than 1m below the surface. Experienced divers are able
to dive on scuba while inexperienced divers are able to enjoy
the same experience on snorkel. Snorkeling is equally comfortable
and safe.
White sharks are indeed surface feeders, providing brilliant
surface viewing from the safety of the shark-viewing deck of
the boat. Our shark handlers are trained to bring the sharks
close-up against the side of the boat, with the head and the
jaws clearly visible.
We are in possession of a valid White Shark Cage Diving Operators
Permit (issued by government), enabling us to work within the
Dyer Island nature reserve area (copy of permit available upon
request). Only long-standing operators who are in compliance
with certain safety regulations and code of conduct, are entitled
to this permit. All our facilities are closely inspected by
authorities on an annual basis, ensuring maximum safety for
all our guests.
We have just acquired the largest, most modern and luxurious
boat available in the shark diving industry. Megalodon II is
a newly built stable catamaran, measuring 11 x 3.8 meters and
therefore offering the ultimate stability at sea. She undertook
her first shark diving tour on the 1st of July 2005 and although
she can accommodate 50 SEATED passengers, we had her licensed
for a maximum of 30 passengers only. This ensures plenty of
extra room and maximum cage diving time for all divers. Our
boat offers state-of-the-art facilities which includes; sophisticated
and securely structured 6-man steel cage, spacious cabin, large
upper shark-viewing deck, sunbathing area, private lockable
toilet, fresh water showers, private restroom with bed, fresh
drinking water, wet deck and separate dry-deck for maximum
comfort. She is fully licensed to SA safety standards and is
equipped with 2 radio's, radar equipment, navigation equipment,
depth finder, echo sounder, medical first aid kit (including
oxygen an fluid replacement), current safety equipment, life
vests for all passengers and a 50-man life raft. Our boat,
cage and life raft are inspected on an annual basis, ensuring
maximum safety for all our passengers
We own 2 luxurious Mercedes Sprinter shuttle busses (14 and
21 seater), fully equipped with air-conditioning, PA system
and CD player. We have fully comprehensive insurance on our
boat and both our shuttle busses, which include adequate Passenger
Liability and 3rd party cover. We hold valid Road Carrier Permits
on our busses, and our drivers are all Public Drivers Permit
holders.
Each crew member is highly qualified in his/her specific field
and together have more than 12 years experience with the white
sharks. Crew qualifications consist of; A1 (1) commercially
licensed skippers, level 3 Medics; Satour Registered specialised
tour guides; Dive Masters and qualified shark handlers. Our
skippers are licensed with ICASA (Independent Commission Authority
of SA as well as SAMSA (SA Maritime and Safety Authority. A
step-by-step emergency flow chart is available inside the cabin
of our vessel.
Capture this once-in-a-lifetime personal experience on film
and take it home to show to your friends and family. We offer
the services of a professional underwater videographer who
is highly experienced in this field. Your personal experience
will be captured on a high quality video / DVD (above and underwater)
and a copy will be made available to you after the tour at
a minimal cost.
We offer the following items on sale; underwater disposable
camera’s, T-Shirts, P-Caps, Wine, Video’s, DVD’s
etc. Please ask your tour guide on the day of the tour.
(Rates apply to divers and non-divers)
Rates are valid until the 31st of December 2006
Tour Offers
For the very best opportunity to successfully view and dive
with the great whites at “Shark Alley”, multiple
day packages during months April to October, is highly recommended.
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1 DAY
TOUR – R 1375.00 P/P (full day tour, incl. transfers)
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Should our transfers not be required, please deduct
R250.00 p/p, off the above rate.
INCLUDES:
- Luxurious return transfers from Cape Town (Air-conditioned,
Mercedes Sprinter Bus);
- Tasty aircraft style breakfast
served on-board our bus;*
- Hot tea and coffee
upon our arrival in Gansbaai;
- Scrumptious,
3-course hot lunch served on-board our bus, upon
our return;*
- Complimentary beer and wine to
accompany your lunch;
- A fast, yet safe 20
minute boat ride to Dyer Island;
- Snacks, drinks
and sweets on-board the boat;
- Educational presentation
and safety briefing;
- Diving equipment and wet-suits
available at no additional cost;
- Scuba diving
in the cage for experienced divers;
- Assisted
snorkeling in cage for inexperienced divers;
- Unlimited
cage diving;
- Spectacular surface viewing for
non divers;
- Waterproof rain jackets available
on the boat.
- View the Cape Fur Seals and African
Penguins from the boat (subject to good weather
conditions);
- Complimentary Shark Project Workbook,
sponsored by Dr. Erich Ritter, (while stocks
last).
- Logbook stamp after the tour;
- Enjoy land-based
whale watching in Hermanus (July – Dec);
- Drop-off
at Cape Town International Airport at no additional
cost.
- En-route tour of the indigenous fynbos
in the Overberg area, the export apple orchards
of
Elgin and the informal settlements in Cape Town.
- DVD’s,
video’s, underwater camera’s,
T-shirts, P-caps and various other gifts on sale;
- Services of a professional underwater cameraman
available at an additional cost;
* Persons not making use of our transfers, will receive
a packed breakfast upon arrival and a hot lunch
after the tour.
EXCLUDES: Towel, sea-sick tablets.
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ITINERARY: (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
05h30 - Door-to-door collection from the Cape Town
metropolitan area. Breakfast served on-board.
08h00 - Arrival at our
Coffee Shop, where we will enjoy a cup of hot coffee
or tea, while the safety
Briefing and other formalities takes place
08h30 - The boat launches from Kleinbaai Harbour.
20 min later, anchor in or nearby “Shark Alley”
13h00
- Return to Kleinbaai harbour
13h03 - Shuttle departs
departs for Cape Town, with a brief stop at our
art learner-ship project
(when
available). A hot lunch and complimentary drinks
are served on-board our shuttle bus.
Please note : The above itinerary is merely a guideline
and exact collection times will only be confirmed
at 16h00 the day prior to your tour.
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2 DAY
TOUR – R 2800.00 P/P (2 days, 1 night,
incl. transfers)
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Should
our transfers not be required, please deduct R250.00
p/p, off the above rate.
INCLUDES: 2 days shark diving, 1 night’s
comfortable accommodation, return road transfers
from
Cape Town; breakfast; light lunch snacks and drinks
on board; diving gear / equipment and approx. 5
hours at sea.
EXCLUDES: Dinner, towel, sea-sick
tablets.
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ITINERARY:
On day 1 you will be collected from your accommodation
in Cape Town for the two hour journey to Gansbaai.
On-board the bus you will be served a tasty air-craft
style breakfast, while enjoying the scenery. Formalities
and safety briefing is completed upon our arrival
at the harbour before the boat departs. Depending
on shark activity and weather conditions, the duration
of the tour out at sea is approx. 5 hours. Snacks
and drinks are served on-board the boat and a hearty
lunch is served upon our return to shore. You are
returned to your Guest House to freshen up before
dinner. On day 2 you will be collected from your
Guest House and transferred to the harbour where
the boat will await you. After the tour you will
be returned to your own accommodation in Cape Town.
Please make sure your luggage is ready and packed
at your accommodation, before leaving on your shark
tour on day two. (Exact times will be confirmed
the day prior to the tour).
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3 DAY
TOUR – R 4100.00 P/P (3 days, 3 night’s,
Self-drive)
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Should
our transfers be required, an additional rate of
R400.00 p/p would apply.
INCLUDES: 3 days shark diving, 3 night’s
comfortable accommodation, breakfast; light lunch
snacks
and drinks on board; diving gear / equipment and
approx. 5 hours at sea.
EXCLUDES: Dinner,
towel, sea-sick tablets. |
ITINERARY:
Every day will start with breakfast
at your Guest House, before meeting us at the harbour
for another day of adventure! Formalities and safety
briefing is completed before we depart on the shark
diving tour. Depending on shark activity and weather
conditions, the duration of the tour out at sea is
approx. 5 hours. Snacks and drinks are served on-board
the boat and a hearty lunch is served upon our return
to shore. After lunch, you are welcome to return
to your Guest House, to freshen up before dinner.
This program will be repeated daily. (Exact times
will be confirmed the day prior to your tour) |
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4 DAY
TOUR – R 5500.00 P/P (4 day’s, 4
night’s, Self-drive)
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Should our transfers be required, an additional rate
of R600.00 p/p would apply.
INCLUDES: 4 days shark diving, 4 night’s comfortable
accommodation, breakfast; light lunch snacks
and drinks on board; diving gear / equipment and
approx. 5 hours at sea.
EXCLUDES: Dinner,
towel, sea-sick tablets.
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ITINERARY:
Every day will start with breakfast at your Guest
House, before meeting us at the harbour for another
day of adventure! Formalities and safety briefing
is completed before we depart on the shark diving
tour. Depending on shark activity and weather conditions,
the duration of the tour out at sea is approx.
5 hours. Snacks and drinks are served on-board
the boat and a hearty lunch is served upon our
return to shore. After lunch, you are welcome to
return to your Guest House, to freshen up before
dinner. This program will be repeated daily. (Exact
times will be confirmed the day prior to your tour)
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5 DAY
TOUR – R 6800.00 P/P
(5 days, 5 night’s, Self-drive)
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Should
our transfers be required, an additional rate of
R700.00 p/p would apply.
INCLUDES: 5 days shark diving, 5 night’s comfortable
accommodation, breakfast; light lunch snacks
and drinks on board; diving gear / equipment and
approx. 5 hours at sea.
EXCLUDES: Dinner,
towel, sea-sick tablets.
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ITINERARY:
Every day will start with breakfast at your Guest
House, before meeting us at the harbour for another
day of adventure! Formalities and safety briefing
is completed before we depart on the shark diving
tour. Depending on shark activity and weather conditions,
the duration of the tour out at sea is approx.
5 hours. Snacks and drinks are served on-board
the boat and a hearty lunch is served upon our
return to shore. After lunch, you are welcome to
return to your Guest House, to freshen up before
dinner. This program will be repeated daily. (Exact
times will be confirmed the day prior to your tour)
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6 DAY
TOUR – R 8200.00 P/P
(6 days, 6 night, Self-drive)
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Should
our transfers be required, an additional rate of
R800.00 p/p would apply.
INCLUDES: 6 days shark diving, 6 night’s comfortable
accommodation, breakfast; light lunch snacks
and drinks on board; diving gear / equipment and
approx. 5 hours at sea.
EXCLUDES: Dinner, towel, sea-sick
tablets. |
ITINERARY:
Every day will start with breakfast at your Guest
House, before meeting us at the harbour for another
day of adventure! Formalities and safety briefing
is completed before we depart on the shark diving
tour. Depending on shark activity and weather conditions,
the duration of the tour out at sea is approx.
5 hours. Snacks and drinks are served on-board
the boat and a hearty lunch is served upon our
return to shore. After lunch, you are welcome to
return to your Guest House, to freshen up before
dinner. This program will be repeated daily. (Exact
times will be confirmed the day prior to your tour)
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7 DAY
TOUR – R 9600.00 P/P
(7 day’s, 7 night’s, Self-drive)
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Should
our transfers be required, an additional rate of
R900.00 p/p would apply.
INCLUDES: 7 days shark diving, 7 night’s comfortable
accommodation, breakfast; light lunch snacks
and drinks on board; diving gear / equipment and approx. 5 hours at sea.
EXCLUDES: Dinner, towel, sea-sick
tablets.
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ITINERARY:
Every day will start with breakfast at your Guest
House, before meeting us at the harbour for another
day of adventure! Formalities and safety briefing
is completed before we depart on the shark diving
tour. Depending on shark activity and weather conditions,
the duration of the tour out at sea is approx.
5 hours. Snacks and drinks are served on-board
the boat and a hearty lunch is served upon our
return to shore. After lunch, you are welcome to
return to your Guest House, to freshen up before
dinner. This program will be repeated daily. (Exact
times will be confirmed the day prior to your tour)
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8 DAY
TOUR – R 10 600.00 P/P
(8 day’s, 8 night’s, Self-drive)
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Should our transfers be required, an additional rate
of R1000.00 p/p would apply.
INCLUDES: 8 days shark diving, 8 night’s comfortable
accommodation, breakfast; light lunch snacks
and drinks on board; diving gear / equipment and
approx. 5 hours at sea.
EXCLUDES: Dinner, towel, sea-sick
tablets. |
ITINERARY:
Every day will start with breakfast at your Guest
House, before meeting us at the harbour for another
day of adventure! Formalities and safety briefing
is completed before we depart on the shark diving
tour. Depending on shark activity and weather conditions,
the duration of the tour out at sea is approx.
5 hours. Snacks and drinks are served on-board
the boat and a hearty lunch is served upon our
return to shore. After lunch, you are welcome to
return to your Guest House, to freshen up before
dinner. This program will be repeated daily. (Exact
times will be confirmed the day prior to your tour)
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9 DAY
TOUR – R 11 350.00 P/P
(9 day’s, 9 night’s, Self-drive)
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Should
our transfers be required, an additional rate of
R1100.00 p/p would apply.
INCLUDES: 9 days shark diving, 9 night’s comfortable
accommodation, breakfast; light lunch snacks
and drinks on board; diving gear / equipment and
approx. 5 hours at sea.
EXCLUDES: Dinner,
towel, sea-sick tablets. |
ITINERARY:
Every day will start with breakfast at your Guest
House, before meeting us at the harbour for another
day of adventure! Formalities and safety briefing
is completed before we depart on the shark diving
tour. Depending on shark activity and weather conditions,
the duration of the tour out at sea is approx.
5 hours. Snacks and drinks are served on-board
the boat and a hearty lunch is served upon our
return to shore. After lunch, you are welcome to
return to your Guest House, to freshen up before
dinner. This program will be repeated daily. (Exact
times will be confirmed the day prior to your tour)
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10 DAY
TOUR – R 12 300.00 P/P (10 day’s,
10 night’s, Self-drive)
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Should
our transfers be required, an additional rate of
R1200.00 p/p would apply.
INCLUDES: 10 days shark diving, 10 night’s
comfortable accommodation, breakfast; light lunch
snacks and drinks on board; diving gear / equipment
and approx. 5 hours at sea.
EXCLUDES: Dinner, towel, sea-sick
tablets.
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ITINERARY:
Every day will start with breakfast at your Guest
House, before meeting us at the harbour for another
day of adventure! Formalities and safety briefing
is completed before we depart on the shark diving
tour. Depending on shark activity and weather conditions,
the duration of the tour out at sea is approx.
5 hours. Snacks and drinks are served on-board
the boat and a hearty lunch is served upon our
return to shore. After lunch, you are welcome to
return to your Guest House, to freshen up before
dinner. This program will be repeated daily. (Exact
times will be confirmed the day prior to your tour)
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SELF DRIVE PACKAGES
As there are no public transportation available in Gansbaai,
self drive packages are recommended , whenever you intend to
overnight in Gansbaai. This will also allow you more flexibility
and freedom to explore nearby places of interest along this
beautiful coastline, at your own leisure (in between the shark
tours). You will also be assured of easy transportation between
your guest house, various restaurants, grocery stores, the
harbour etc. We therefore strongly advise that you hire a car
upon arrival at Cape Town International airport, where there
is a 24hr car rental service available. Detailed directions
will be supplied to you prior to your departure, ensuring that
you know exactly how to get to your destination from the airport.
PLEASE NOTE : When converting your self–drive package
so that it includes our daily transfers, you will automatically
forfeit 1 night’s accommodation in Gansbaai. This is
due to the fact that we return to Cape Town directly after
the last day’s tour, and you will therefore no longer
require accommodation on the last night. Please deduct 1 night’s
accommodation off the package price.
TRANSFER
OPTION
We appreciate the fact that you are coming to a foreign country
and may not be comfortable with a self-drive option. We therefore
do offer transfer option on the above packages – please
ask us about these rates.
TRANSFERS
ON PACKAGE TOURS
Please note that our shuttle from Cape Town to Gansbaai only
runs on days when the weather allows the shark diving tour
to go ahead. Should you be booked on a multiple day package
tour which includes our return transfers, you will only be
transported to your accommodation in Gansbaai if and when the
tour is scheduled to go ahead. Should the weather not allow
us to go ahead on day 1 of your tour, our shuttle will not
run to Gansbaai and your first night’s accommodation
in Gansbaai would therefore be cancelled and deducted off your
total tour price. This means that you would have to arrange
an alternative night/s accommodation in Cape Town, until the
weather allows us to go ahead.
ACCOMMODATION – STANDARD
UPMARKET B+B OVERLOOKING WALKER BAY, WITH BREATH TAKING SEA
VIEWS. THIS ACCOMMODATION IS INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE QUOTED PACKAGES.
An additional R175.00 p/p, p/night would be applicable for
a single supplement.
This centrally situated B+B, overlooks an unspoiled traditional
fishing harbour and is centrally situated in the heart of Gansbaai.
Watch the waves break on the rocks from your own private veranda,
with extensive sea views across the bay to Hermanus and Cape
Point. Facilities include an A’ la Carte Restaurant,
fully licensed bar, Bureau de Change, fax facilities and plenty
more. All suites have DSTV, Telephones, workstations with Internet
connections, electric blankets, overhead fans, heaters, radio
alarm clocks, comfortable lounges in each suite, private view
verandahs/patios, tea & coffee making facilities. The B+B
also offers a laundry service and all rooms are fully serviced
daily. True South African hospitality at it’s absolute
best. Standard suites are non sea-facing.
ACCOMMODATION – LUXURIOUS
THE SAME B+B AS DESCRIBED
ABOVE, EXCEPT IT IS SEA-FACING.
An additional R375.00 p/p p/night
sharing for this option, plus an additional R225.00 p/p p/night
for a single supplement.
BEST SEASON
Our tours run each and every day of the year, as Dyer Island
is a good place to see the sharks all year round. The absolute
best season is probably in our winter months, when sharks are
particularly active in their feeding pattern. The following
guide-line is based on tours we have done over the past 8 years
and months may overlap slightly.
| HIGH SEASON |
APRIL to OCTOBER |
(90 – 99% success
rate) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED* |
| INTERM. SEASON |
NOV. and DEC. |
(70 – 90% success rate) |
| LOW SEASON |
JAN to MARCH |
(50 – 70% success rate) |
Water temperatures vary between 16 and 20 degrees celsius
during our high season, and between 10 and 16 degrees celsius
during our intermediate and low seasons.
WHAT TO BRING
Towel, warm weather proof clothing, sunscreen and hat, camera
and binoculars, sea-sick tablets and dive card.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Tour cancellation must take place at least 24 hrs prior to
tour departure time. Should the client cancel their tour less
than
24 hrs prior to tour departure time from Cape Town, a 100%
cancellation fee will be applicable. Should the client not
arrive for their
tour (“No Show”), a 100% cancellation fee would be
applicable. Thorough weather checks are done prior to any trip.
Should inclement weather prevent us from proceeding with the
trip on any particular day, the clients would be informed and
an alternative date would be negotiated or an entire refund would
be given. Should the clients and White Shark Ecoventures’ team
find themselves in Gansbaai already (based upon a good weather
prediction) and sudden strong winds pick up, preventing the boat
from being put to sea and to ensure the safety of our passengers,
10% of the price will be retained for meals, stand-by and preparation
costs. i.e. an 90% refund would be given (transport costs of
R250.00 is separate and payable in full). However, a 10% discount
would be offered on the day the trip is actually taken (valid
for a 2 year period). Should strong winds pick up whilst out
at sea and return to shore is required for the safety of passengers
and crew, a refund will not be applicable. Credit card payments
(VISA / MASTER / AMEX) are accepted at an additional 5% surcharge
fee. We are dealing with wild animals and sightings are therefore
not guaranteed. Refunds will therefore not be considered in the
event of non-sightings, however, a second tour will be offered
at a 50% discounted rate. Due to variable weather conditions
and shark activity, diving may not always be possible and is
therefore not guaranteed. The boat tour we offer consists of
approx. 5 hours at sea. Should it be required, White Shark Ecoventures
reserves the right to run two consecutive tours per day, of 5
hours each at sea. Time related itinerary’s and collection
times are dependent on tides, weather conditions and the amount
of tours we have scheduled on that particular day. Exact collection
times are therefore only available after 16h00 the day prior
to the tour, and may vary between 5:00 and 10:00 am daily.
Should our vessels be out of the water for a certain period
(due to
maintenance or any other reason), we will continue to run our
tours by chartering another vessel (also adequately registered
for shark cage diving).
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