For years, one of South Africa’s great tourist attractions has been the opportunity to see, up close, one of the world’s most fearsome predators – the great white shark. But barely a single one has been spotted off the coast of Cape Town for two years now – where there used to be hundreds.
Where can you dive with sharks in South Africa? While there are wealth of shark viewing and diving opportunities in South Africa, Gansbaai and Shark Alley in particular, is one of the best areas to experience sharks in their natural habitat. Shark Alley is a channel of water between two islands: Dyer Island and Geyser Rock.
Then, Is it safe to swim in Cape Town? All Cape Town beaches are technically suitable for swimming. With that said, some beaches are a lot better for swimming than others. The chilly waters on the Atlantic Ocean side (Camps Bay, Llandudno and Hout Bay) can get pretty chilly indeed.
Are there great white sharks in Cape Town? Of the more than 500 species of shark, only the great white bull (Zambezi) and tiger shark posed a significant threat to humans. « All three of these species occur in waters off Africa, although in Cape Town we only deal with white sharks, as bull and tiger sharks do not occur in Cape waters, » she added.
FAQ
What are the chances of a shark attacking you?
So what are the chances of being attacked by a shark? In the United States, it’s one in 5 million. Survivors of shark attacks describe experiences differently, but a common description is that the attack feels similar to being punched or bumped.
Where is Shark Alley South Africa? Shark Alley is a thin stretch of water between the two Islands of Dyer Island and Geyser Rock near Gansbaai in South Africa. Shark Alley was named this because of the large number of Great White Sharks that circle the Islands and swim through the narrow channel between them.
Where can you dive with great whites in South Africa? The top-rated destination to cage dive with great white sharks remains Gansbaai. This small fishing village is also known as the Capital or Mecca of the Great White Shark. Gansbaai is a beautiful 2 ½ hour drive from the Cape Town International Airport.
When can you shark dive in South Africa? The South African winter, which is from May to October, is the best time to experience a South African shark cage dive. These months are considered to be the high season, but Sharks are generally seen throughout the year.
Is it safe to swim at Muizenberg beach?
With it’s vibriant coloured little dressing cabins, Muizenberg is a wonderful swimming beach. This beach offers sea guards and it is perfectly safe to swim here.
Are there sharks around Robben Island? Alison Kock, Research Manager at Shark Spotters, agrees that the likelihood of encountering a shark between Robben Island and the mainland is not nearly as high as it would be in other areas like False Bay or Fish Hoek.
Which beach is warmest Cape Town?
Muizenberg
Muizenberg is probably Cape Town’s ultimate family-friendly beach, with its warmer water, Blue Flag status, and quaint and colourful Victorian bathing boxes. This beautiful stretch of coastline is popular with families, dog walkers and surfers.
Did they steal a shark in SA? No sharks or other animals stolen from Durban zoo or aquarium during South African protests. South Africa has experienced several days of protests, looting and violence.
What is the biggest shark in South Africa?
whale sharks. In South Africa, we are blessed by the presence of the biggest and best of the carpet sharks, in fact, the largest living fish species of them all – the whale shark (Rhincodon typus).
Where are sharks in Cape Town?
Shark Spotters operates on 6 beaches around Cape Town, primarily in False Bay. Four of these beaches operate year round, 365 days a year (Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek & Caves, Kogel Bay), while the other two only operate during the spring summer season (Clovelly & Monwabisi).
What are you more likely to get killed by than a shark? The average human has a 1 in 63 chance of dying from the common flu, compared to a roughly 1 in 3,700,000 chance of being killed by a shark. At least underwater no one can cough on you!
What’s more common than shark attacks? For even more proof that these animals’ bad rap is undeserved, check out the many things that are more likely to kill you than a shark: Accidental poisoning. An air or space accident. A bike accident.
Will sharks eat you?
Despite their scary reputation, sharks rarely ever attack humans and would much rather feed on fish and marine mammals. Only about a dozen of the more than 300 species of sharks have been involved in attacks on humans.
Where are the most shark infested waters? New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Florida has more shark attacks each year than any other area in the world, according to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF).
Where are the deadliest sharks located?
The location with the most recorded shark attacks is New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Developed nations such as the United States, Australia and, to some extent, South Africa, facilitate more thorough documentation of shark attacks on humans than developing coastal nations.
Where do the most shark attacks happen in Africa? Eastern Cape, South Africa
Publication Owlcation reports that Port Saint Johns beach in the Eastern Cape of South Africa is “the most dangerous beach in the whole world for shark attacks.” Owlcation’s article goes on to say that the beach was the site of eight shark fatalities in the five years.
Can sharks get into shark cages?
Shark cage diving is designed to be a viewing experience. You get in the cage to go and see sharks underwater. Thick prison bars get in the way, so cages are designed with openings. The idea is that the hole – while often large – is not big enough for a shark to actually get in.
Are the great white sharks back in South Africa? In previous years, we’d see about 200 sharks during the year, before white sharks started disappearing in 2018. They’ve now started making a comeback to our shores, and it’s great that we can spot them after they’ve been gone for so long, » she said.
Can you swim with sharks in South Africa?
We invite you to join us onboard our boat, Apex Predator, for the ultimate great white shark cage diving and surface viewing adventure tour in South Africa. Gansbaai is known as the great white shark capital of the world and is only a two and a half hour scenic drive from Cape Town.
