Cape Town Shark Cage Diving Trips

The seas around Cape Town contain the third largest population of Great White Sharks in the world. Shark cage diving has become an extremely popular activity for visitors from all over the world.

In Cape Town this species of shark is known to breach far more than its counterparts in the USA or Australia. A breach by definition means the shark actually leaves the water in a magnificent display of its prowess to hunt. It propels itself far beneath the water; positioned under its prey then breaks the surface and in the process grasps its target in its powerful jaws.

Chris Fallows is a world renowned photographer who captured famous images of Great Whites breaching. Using ordinary household carpet he cut out a shape of a seal which he dragged behind his boat. In this way he was able to capture breathtaking images of Great Whites breaching.

Gansbaai, about an hours' drive from the city, is a popular base for many cage dives. The little village is a gathering place for shark fanatics because it's the closest harbour to Seal Island where numerous Great Whites hunt Cape Fur seals.

Thousands of seals live on this island as it is not inhabited by man and is large enough for the seals to feed, reproduce and raise their cubs. The seals form a big part of the Great White Sharks food source. Great Whites circle Seal Island for seals that pass to and from the island and prey especially on juvenile or injured seals.

The Great White Shark is an endangered species and it enjoys international protection. For this reason shark cage dive operators are regulated in terms of licensing and must ensure strict codes of conduct and safety.

A normal shark cage diving day starts with breakfast and a briefing of what lies ahead. The group will then take a short boat trip to Seal Island where they will look for a good spot to lower the cage. A trail of scent is laid to attract sharks to the vicinity of the cage and they usually start arriving quickly. They circle the area and many will remain for an hour or more as sharks are naturally curious creatures.

Shark cage diving is one of those truly once in a lifetime experiences that should not be missed.

Article Source: TravelFreeGuides.com

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Learn more about Cape Town shark cage diving. Stop by the Kingdom Tours and Transfers website where you can find out all about this and other Cape Town tours packages.

by: Paul Lawrence

Total views: 3 Word Count: 399 Date: Sat, 16 Jan 2010 Time: 5:30 PM - 0 comments

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