FAQ’s

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

1. Where is Dyer Island?
160 Kilometres from Cape Town you will find a small village called Gansbaai. Dyer Island is situated 5.2 nautical miles off the coast and we anchor in and around this area.

2. How long have we been operating?
Sharklady Adventures pioneered White Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai, S.A. since 1992.

3. When is the low season for sharks?
The sharks are all year round and the low season is round about the month of January when there is less shark activity, but sharks are still seen.

4. When is high season for sharks?
The high season starts around mid February with our best months being March through to September.

5. What diving qualification do I need? None, unless you wish to use SCUBA.
You will need at least an Open Water One diving qualification to dive on scuba in the cage. Scuba divers are required to produce their in date dive card. Unqualified divers may breath hold or snorkel in the cage. Your own safety is our concern and surface viewing from the boat is truly spectacular as the Great White is a surface feeder.

6. What is the diving procedure?
The cage is a floating, and three divers enter the cage at any one time. The air is fed via a hose from the boat to the cage. There is a 300mm freeboard above the water line which allows you to float on the surface whilst breathing normally in the confines of the cage.

7. Will non-divers enjoy the trip?
Absolutely, the surface viewing of the Great White sharks is spectacular and can be observed closely from right next to the boat. Please see photo gallery.

8. Are we a registered Shark operator with a permit to operate our tours?
Yes we hold a permit from Marine & Coastal management to operate our shark diving tours. We operate our business according to a very strict code of conduct set out by Marine & Coastal Management who govern our coastline.

9. Is our crew qualified and what qualifications do they have?
All our crew are passionate, qualified and well experienced in the shark industry. Our crew carry the following qualifications:

• Registered Tour Guide
• Qualified Dive Master
• Medic
• Passenger Skipper
• Shark Handler

10. Are we prepared in the unlikely event of an accident?
Yes we most certainly are. We carry oxygen on board, all crew are qualified in CPR management and we have a media flow chart on board in case of an emergency. Our vessel also carries all the latest safety equipment and surveys in date.

11. Do I have to bring my own diving equipment?
No, we supply everything free of charge, including towels.

12. How far in advance must we book?
It is recommended that you book well in advance. Allow at least 2 days for diving in case the weather is unfavourable.

13. What kind of boat do we use?
Our vessel is a 12 metre long and 4 metre wide catamaran which we specifically designed for shark cage diving and viewing.

14. Are your boats safe?
Yes our boats and safety equipment are surveyed and checked by SAMSA annually.

15. Are your cages safe?
Yes, the cages are made from 12mm steel is fully galvanised. Our cages are checked daily after each tour and we have an engineering clearance certificate.

16. How long are we at sea?
Our tours depart twice daily and the duration is 3-4 hours. We launch at 08h00 and 13h00 in the Summer months which is November – April. We launch at 09h30 and 13h30 in the winter months which is May – October. This sometimes varies due to the tides, full moon, wind & weather conditions.

17. Do you offer accommodation?
Yes, we have a variety of accommodation to suit your budget. This varies from luxury, B and B, Garden Cottages and self catering at our Lodge. (See Accommodation)

18. Do sharks attack the cage?
It is not in the nature of the sharks to attack the cage, as it is not in the nature of a lion to attack a car.

19. What should we bring along?
Your diving card, warm jacket, sun glasses, peaked cap, towel, costume, sun block, comfortable shoes, a change of clothing & cameras (we do stock disposable underwater cameras at reasonable prices). Should you be prone to sea sickness then we recommend that you speak to a pharmacist who can prescribe Sea Sick tablets, which are usually taken 2 hours before the tour. No diving gear necessary except prescription masks if necessary.

20. What size are the sharks?
Sharks range anything from 2.5m – 5m.

21. How many sharks are there?
In our peak season, May to August, we can get up to 10 sharks at a time. The water visibility is very good over these months.

22. Is cage diving always possible?
Diving is always subject to the water conditions on the day which can only be established when we reach the dive site. Your safety is our concern and this decision is made by our Dive Master. There are very few days that cage diving is not possible as we do not go to sea if the weather conditions are unfavourable and unsafe. It can happen occasionally that weather conditions change whilst we are at sea.

23. Do I get a refund if we do not see sharks?
Because we are dealing with wild animals, it is not possible to refund, but another trip at a lower tariff can be arranged for you. Remember it is in our interest to satisfy the client by giving them what they paid for.

24. What else can we see at Dyer Island?
A very active area buzzing with life. You will be able to see up to 70 000 Cape Fur seals, birdlife, penguins and Southern Right whales in July, up to peak months in September to December.

25. Do you offer transport for clients?
Yes, we collect in central Cape Town and surrounds with our Sharky Shuttle. We also offer exclusive chauffeurs for couples and/or groups as well as a private helicopter/aeroplane charters. We collect and drop off from the helipad in Kleinbaai.

26. Why should I choose to go with Sharklady?
We are the passionate pioneers in the industry and stand out miles from our competitors. We take out small groups and depart twice daily for your convenience. We offer silver service and UNLIMITED, quality cage dive time. We offer a full educational on the Great White so that you come away learning about this awesome, apex predator. We do not harm or feed the sharks on our tours. Our motto says it all “We Care, Protect and Educate”.

27. Are Children Allowed?
Absolutely, as long as they are accompanied by an adult.