The Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias)
What is shark breaching and natural predation?
Breaching is part of an amazing hunting (predatory) technique used by Great White sharks use when they attack their prey with such force and explosive energy that it propels the shark right out of the water. To witness a breaching great white shark is a spectacular sight, and will definitely leave you with a lasting impression.
This behaviour is seen nowhere on the planet as regularly as during our shark season in False Bay. By joining us on one of our AIRJAWS trips you stand a chance of witnessing a breaching great white shark “AIRJAWS” for yourself.
Departure is early in the morning as this is when the great white’s natural predatory interaction with the Cape Fur seal is the most intense. The activity lasts for around an hour and a half.
We try to get as close to a predatory event as possible, however every effort is made to avoid blocking a seal’s escape path to the Island.
When the natural predation activity has quieted down we try for a decoy tow using a fake soft cushion cut out “dummy” seal, in which we attempt to get the great white shark to breach. Towing of the decoy allows for the best photographic opportunity. Being eco-sensitive we only do this for a very limited period.
When is the best time of year to interact with the Great White Sharks of False Bay?
- Intermediate Season is from February to mid-April. Our trips mainly focus on the cage diving and surface viewing.
- Peak season is from mid-April to end of August. The best months for the predation and breaching activity are during June, July and August
- September is intermediate season.
- We have a very high success rate, however with all wild animals, shark sightings, activity, predation activity and breaching can vary from day to day, and even during the height of the peak season there may be days when we do not see any breaching or predatory events. Guests need to aware of this, so you do not arrive with unrealistic expectations. Rather come hoping to see these natural events, than expecting.
Morning & Afternoon Trips:
- All trips depart from Simon’s Town pier.
- Morning trips focus on the natural predation, breaching, cage diving and surface viewing all on one trip. Morning trips depart at 07h00 and return around 12h45.
- Afternoon trips focus on cage diving and surface viewing only. Afternoon trips depart at 13h15 and return around 17h00.
What is included?
- All dive gear (sizes S –XXL)
- Light snacks and refreshments
Why choose us?
African Shark Eco-Charters is a dynamic, professional & environmentally sensitive shark diving company operating in False Bay since 1996. We specialize in great white shark breaching, viewing and diving trips. If you love great white sharks and want to go with an ethical company that shares your love for them, then look no further! Why choose African Shark Eco-Charters?
- We operate from Simon’s Town, only 40 min from Cape Town.
- We are the only False Bay operator to be accredited by “Fair Trade in Tourism”. You can be rest assured that your shark cage diving experience will be managed in an ethical and socially responsible manner.
- We cater for small groups of 8-12 people so you can expect a more personal experience.
- No diving experience necessary. We use snorkel and scuba gear. Only 2 people at a time in the shark cage.
- False Bay is home to the breaching great white sharks. It is a protected bay and we are not as affected by bad winter storms as are some other areas.
- During peak season, you can experience great white shark cage diving and breaching all on one trip.
- We are an environmentally sensitive operation, meaning the great white is always put first! This means that we attract serious shark lovers, photographers, film crew, as well as guests wanting a quality trip.