African Shark Eco-Charters, Simon's Town

A third False Bay option, run by African Shark Eco-Charters and rated 4.5 across 163 reviews. The trip runs about 3 hours 30 minutes with free cancellation.

Overview

This trip runs out of Simon's Town, from the operator's base at 1 Wharf Street. Travellers sign in there, meet the crew, and head out along the coast on a small-group excursion capped at 12 people. Before anyone gets in the water, the crew talks through shark biology and behavior, so the dive comes with context rather than just adrenaline.

The cage works differently from many shark dives. Scuba equipment is included, which means you stay below the surface on a regulator instead of holding your breath between dips. Reviewers describe sharks coming close to the cage, and the ride out and back often adds seals, dolphins and the occasional whale. Snacks and drinks are served on board. The whole outing runs about three hours and thirty minutes.

It suits most travellers, with a few firm limits. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, the trip is not recommended for pregnant travellers, and anyone with a serious heart condition should not book. Hotel pickup is not included, though transfers can be arranged for an extra fee if you enquire ahead. Departure times depend on the weather and are confirmed the day before, so plan to keep the entire day free.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Wharf StreetSign in at the operator's office at 1 Wharf St, Simon's Town. Exact departure times are confirmed the day before and depend on conditions.
2. Boarding and briefingThe crew covers shark biology and behavior before departure. The tone is educational as well as practical.
3. Cruise to the dive siteThe ride out often passes seal colonies and dolphin pods. Several reviewers describe these sightings as a highlight in their own right.
4. Cage dive with scubaScuba equipment is provided so you can stay underwater and watch the sharks clearly. Reviewers describe sharks coming close to the cage on good days.
5. Snacks on the waterSnacks and drinks are served on board during the trip.
6. Return to Simon's TownThe excursion ends back at the Wharf Street meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this day goes, from the water temperature to the way departure times are set.

• Take seasickness pills. Reviewers recommend taking motion sickness medication beforehand if you are prone to it. The cage has a lot of motion, as one traveller described it.
• Pack for cold water. The water is cold, so wear your swimsuit under easy-to-change clothes. Bring your own towel, since towels are not provided, and one reviewer suggested a hat for afterwards.
• Scuba, not snorkeling. The included scuba gear lets you stay underwater rather than surfacing between breaths. One reviewer found prior scuba experience helpful.
• Small group. The trip takes a maximum of 12 travellers. Reviewers describe a personal atmosphere and mention meeting other travellers easily on board.
• Keep the day free. All trips are weather dependent, and departure times cannot be confirmed in advance. Exact times are set the day before and are non-negotiable, so the operator asks that guests have the entire day available.
• Wildlife beyond sharks. Shark sightings are never guaranteed. Reviewers regularly report seals, dolphins and sometimes whales, and some describe bronze whaler sharks up close.

Common issues. The honest catch is that sharks do not always appear, and the operator sometimes hands out vouchers for a complimentary return visit when they do not. Weather cancellations happen, occasionally days in advance, and one reviewer was unhappy with the alternative offered, while another praised the team for rearranging a trip rather than sending guests out in rough conditions. On the practical side, there is no hotel pickup, transfers cost extra, and the boat is not wheelchair accessible.

Choosing Your Dive