Pelagic Shark Free Diving
On our Pelagic Shark free diving and surface viewing trips we use sophisticated low frequency sound equipment to attract the sharks. Our target species are the magnificent mako and blue sharks as well as the massive yellowfin tuna that they hunt. Whilst not as big and bulky as the great white, the mako certainly does not stand back as it is the fastest shark in the sea and coupled with it's beautiful blue and silver coloring is a truly magnificent creature, aptly described by Peter Goadby as 'Blue dynamite'.
These trips take place during our summer and autumn months and a variety of shark species are seen as well as being one of the best areas in the world to see pelagic birds. To find these animals we head out into the warm Agulhas current off Cape Point and it is this warm current and multitude of fish species that attract the great predators of the deep. Here the emphasis is on free diving but if you prefer a great time can still be had viewing these beautiful sharks from the boat as they are very curious and often swim up and alongside the boat.
To view these sharks we use sophisticated low frequency sound equipment to attract them. Once they are around the boat and conditions permitting you will then have the chance to dive with them or simply watch them cruise around the boat at your leisure. Many who have cage dived with white sharks have actually said that this open water free dive with the pelagic sharks was the real highlight of their trip. Expect the unexpected. All of our expeditions are run from high powered 28ft catamarans equipped with two new 140hp low emission 4 stroke engines and are capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots. These vessels are custom built for our activities, are safe, fast and reliable offering a well designed lay out suitable for photography, filming, diving and general surface observation.
As sharks are entirely wild animals with no boundaries we do not guarantee any sightings at any time of the year however there are certainly better times than others. Chances of seeing one or more sharks: High Season– Dec to June (90%); Intermediate season- Oct,Nov (65%); Low season- Jul to Sept (weather usually too bad offshore). Guests suffering from nausea or motion sickness are advised to take precautionary measures prior to each days scheduled departure. Warm waterproof clothing is recommended and during summer and autumn months sunscreen and a hat are advised. Includes lunch, snacks and refreshments as well as all dive gear. Maximum group size 4 pax. Minimum 2 pax. Departure times around 05h30 depending on the time of sunrise, returning 17h00 onwards. Departure from Simonstown.