Yes, we are Eco orientated and believe in participating , facilitating and supporting the following;

• minimization of tourism’s own environmental impact;

• conservation of biological and cultural diversity, through the protection of ecosystems;

• affordability and lack of waste in the form of luxury;

• promotion of sustainable use of biodiversity, by providing jobs to local populations;

• sharing of socio-economic benefits with local communities and indigenous people by having their informed consent and participation in the management of ecotourism enterprises;

• increase of environmental & cultural knowledge;

• local culture, flora and fauna being the main attractions.

No it is not true;

Sharks are not resident in our area of operation

We do not touch the sharks.

We do not feed the sharks.

We chum responsibly and within the given code of conduct guidelines of bait allowance on the boat.

Through enforcing the above, we do not condition the sharks in any way.

Our motto; “Research, Education, Preservation” prevails, as our 3 company directors are extremely passionate about wildlife and sharks in particular.    Our company serves on various national and international wildlife conservation boards and trusts, thereby ensuring that our crew remain focussed on research and conservation at all times.  Every excursion we undertake, is based on creating awareness that the great white shark is an endangered specie and that each one of us can make a difference.  We aim at educating young and old, that sharks are highly misunderstood and forms a vital part of our marine eco-system.  Therefore it is vital that they should be protected, not harmed.  We also focus on the anatomy of the shark, the reasons why we have to dive responsibly with them and also explain that great white shark by-products reach high prices on the international markets, being the main reason for their slaughter.

Our Managing Director is acknowledged worldwide as an international wildlife facilitator and rehabilitator and an expert in oiled wildlife and has dedicated most her life to rehabilitation of wildlife.  Mariette grew up as animal rehabber under the watchful eye of her grand father who was also a well-known hands-on animal rehabber. Her passion lies predominantly with marine animals and the rescue of sea birds.  Mariette was the logistical co-ordinator for the largest oil spill in the history of mankind, “The Treasure Oil Spill”.  She has been involved with marine bird rescue since 1990, and forms part of the global oiled wildlife networks by supporting them with hands on logistical advice.   Mariette was the chairperson of the SANCCOB Executive committee from 2001 – 2002 and has recently been elected Chairperson of the SANCCOB Board of Directors.  Mariette was also the founder of the Great White Shark Protection Foundation, a non-profitable organization where she served in the chair for more than 12 years.  She was also elected as spokes person for the non-consumptive fishing sector in National Parliament. Mariette was appointed Zoo Administrator under Sen. Paul Bremmer in Iraq to save the war stricken wild animals belonging to Saddam Hussein from severe death while there was a raging war.   Her tremendous efforts and input over the years has been recognised across the globe with various NGO’s and she most often do presentations on her animal rescue endeavours.   A lot of her hands on work and courageous efforts to save wild life have been captured in written books and well known global magazines.

Mariette is a well-respected figure amongst international emergency relief teams worldwide, and as contract member, is on 24 hour call to assist with any wildlife crisis globally. Mariette also dedicates her time to the mitigation of “human impact on aquatic birds, marine life (including sharks) and other wildlife”   worldwide, which is achieved through participating in emergency response and rehabilitation.   Mariette unconditionally dedicates her time to the education, research and planning of operational wildlife projects and regularly receives invites to give lectures on the successful facilitation and rehabilitation of marine and other wildlife.

Throughout our tours, we strive to raise public awareness and a better understanding towards this highly misunderstood predator, who nearly faced extinction due to brutal and   unnecessary killings over the years.   We work towards putting the “jaws perception” back into perspective and encourage our visitors to contribute towards preserving our heritage.   Informative educational   information is provided, with an emphasis on conservation and preservation, thereby ensuring the continued existence of Great White shark.

Our tours are 100% eco-friendly and we refrain from using anything other than natural products, to attract the sharks.   Utter care is taken when handling the sharks, ensuring that they are not harmed or unduly disturbed in any way.

Our Tour Guide daily collects data on the size, sex, scar markings and times that sharks are sighted.   Areas visited and where sharks have been encountered are plotted on our Global Positioning System, and all data forwarded to Marine and Coastal Management in Cape Town, for further analysis.   This information is also made available to scientists.

Yes,  our company respect the guidelines and regulations that is in place to mandate your safety and that of the sharks.

We have a commitment towards the protection of sharks, the marine environment, education and conservation.

We can organise transport and accommodation for your excursion and visit to Gansbaai.

BUSSES –  We own two brand new 22-seater luxurious buses, fully equipped with TV and air-conditioning for your comfort.  Buses are driven only by PDP licensed drivers and tour guides.  We are the only company in the industry that is in possession of a valid permit to operate our buses between Cape Town and Gansbaai.

Aerial Transport

Accommodation upon request – Various Options.

Every day is different at sea, and we can never forecast what the conditions, situations or encounters will be like. Through experience we have learnt that  a 1-day tour is adequate to enjoy the great white shark.  Should availability allow, bookings can be made on short notice – a day prior to the tour.  If you are a Shark lover, we would recommend our 3 day tour.

Gansbaai has become a popular tourist coastal town over the past decade. The town of Gansbaai stretch over a distance of 20 kilometres of coastline from De Kelders to Pearly Beach, and offer amazing walks along the rocky shore of De Kelders, or along the beautiful beach of Uilenkraalsmond. De Kelders offers some beautiful shore based whale watching from June to December. Walks in the unique Fynbos Biome can also be undertaken, and a guided tour is highly recommended so that you can learn more about the hundreds of indigenous plant species. Gansbaai is definitely a place where you can get in touch with nature on a different level.

Yes – We have accommodated various handicapped people on our trip and in the cage.  We are the only operator with handicapped facilities.

We do not recommend that woman pregnant more 2 months dive in the cage.

It takes between 20 and 30 minutes from Kleinbaai harbor to the anchor location in Shark Bay. The time will also vary depending on the sea and weather conditions, as strong seas and/or strong headwinds can lengthen this time considerably.

No.

We cannot guarantee that you will see Great White Sharks from the surface or from the cage. Wildlife is unpredictable and cannot  be guaranteed. However, we can confirm that our success rate is approx. 98%.

No, sharks are wild animals and cannot be guaranteed. However, should you have the misfortune of not seeing a shark on any specific tour, we will offer you a second tour free of charge (transport excluded).

Approx. 3 hours.

Many diving magazines and books have wrongly inferred that Shark Alley is the main location to anchor and see Sharks in Gansbaai throughout the year. However, various factors play a part in where we choose to go and ‘look for Sharks’.

The two main criteria we consider when launching are:

1. a) Weather conditions, which ultimately affect client comfort and safety on board;
2. b) Where the sharks have been sighted previously. Shark sightings are seasonal in the area and their presence can fluctuate between an inshore reef system and various spots around Dyer Island.

If conditions allow us to safely enter Shark Alley, we will make a journey through there after/before a cage dive to view the seal colony. However, this narrow stretch of water is a very delicate marine environment and certainly not the only – or ‘best’ spot to see White Sharks in the area.