Shark cage diving has historically involved diving in heavy metal cages in the cold waters of the Cape, specifically targeting the large Great white sharks that inhabit this region.

However, in the much warmer waters of Kwa-Zulu Natal we are spending time with a different species of shark, the Blacktip shark. Because this species is much smaller than the Great white and their main diet consists of small schooling fish, a much lighter "soft" cage can be used.

It is a lot to ask someone really nervous of sharks or the ocean just to “jump in” with these magnificent animals in order to learn why we need to protect them. The soft cage is actually really a “netted viewing pen”, allowing non divers and people unfamiliar with the ocean & sharks, or for people familiar with the ocean but nervous of sharks, to observe these magnificent animals in their natural environment initially from within this netted viewing pen.

Once people are comfortable in their surroundings, only then can observation and education take place.

Everyone that has taken part in this excursion has felt so incredibly comfortable and in awe that, within 5 minutes of getting comfortable, they have willingly hopped over the side and snorkelled outside of the soft cage, completely free with the blacktip sharks, who seem to pay absolutely no attention to anyone.

By participating in a "soft" shark cage dive with us, you are contributing to the value of live shark populations, which is a vitally important shark conservation element. “You cannot protect something that you know nothing about”.

Many people are afraid of the ocean or afraid to see sharks in their natural environment because of the incredible damage that the “Jaws” era imposed on all shark species. By participating in this experience, you are not only learning more about sharks and the ocean, you are gaining knowledge of their value in our oceans, how they do not deserve the bad reputation that the media has given them and, most importantly, how vitally important education is in ensuring that these apex predators remain in our oceans for generations to come.

Maintaining the Balance

The role of the “apex” or top predator in an ecosystem can not be underestimated. The depletion or removal of sharks is likely to destabilise marine ecosystems and affect prey species in ways that cannot currently be predicted.

Maintaining Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the variability among living organisms and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. Many marine experts believe that sharks are vital in maintaining marine biodiversity and concern has been raised that some species may become extinct before their ecological role is fully understood.

Maintaining Genetic Fitness

Predators by nature target the 'easiest to catch' prey specimens. This invariably results in sick and weaker fish being caught first. Through this process the weaker genes are removed from the pool, ultimately maintaining the overall genetic "fitness" of prey populations.

Sharks are Vulnerable

Sharks are typically slow growing creatures with low reproductive capacities. This means that high levels of unnatural mortalities can quickly push shark populations to the brink of collapse and ultimately extinction.

A maximum of 4 people at one time, although everyone that has participated has felt so comfortable that they have left the soft cage within 5 minutes and happily floated around freely, leaving the soft cage empty.

Blacktip sharks are present all year round and for people that are nervous of sharks, a Blacktip shark is a shark and this is an ideal animal to spend time with as you are guaranteed the sighting and educational encounter, which will leave you with a whole new opinion and view of sharks in our oceans.

From November to July, excludes the windy months of August to October, subject to weather and ocean conditions.

A minimum of 4 people is required to undertake this activity.

YOU - By taking part in this activity, you are actually educating yourselves about sharks, their role in their environment, dispelling the attitude that the Jaws era has given the world and changing your perceptions about sharks in our oceans through this, thereby ensuring their future as a living resource and not a dead one.

US – We are the first to launch this product in KwaZulu-Natal, and for each trip that we undertake, a % of profits are put back into shark conservation / awareness drives with our implementing member NPO SharkLife – www.sharklife.co.za.

Please contact us for the cost of this excursion.

Full snorkelling gear i.e. wetsuit, mask, snorkel & fins are supplied in the cost.

Various celebrities have taken part in this ocean / shark educational excursion and articles have been published on this in People Magazine, Sunday Times & Top Billing magazine programme. Here is a copy of the People magazine article.

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