Great White Sharks and Right Whales of South Africa

Shark fully breaching out of the ocean to catch a seal

Most people going on safari have lions and elephants on their mind but when on safari in Southern Africa it is worth remembering the tremendous ocean resources available. Off the southern Cape of South Africa two giants ply the water, the great white shark and the southern right whale.

Seal Island within False Bay is where great white sharks are famed for doing full breaches out of the water as they hunt Cape fur seals, a phenomenon seen on film by many in the spectacular Planet Earth series and the Discovery Channel’s Air Jaws. We have partnered with APEX Shark Expeditions, the company that discovered and documented this incredible behavior, and also one of only two companies permitted to operate in this area. With group size limited to 12 on the boat this is in keeping with our philosophy of providing the most intimate wildlife viewing opportunities available. This is also the highest quality experience as the great white sharks are sighted on 95% of trips during the high season (April to mid-September, with June through August the best) and trips are centered on viewing breaching, predation activity, and cage diving for a view from below. The boat used is designed for optimal deck based viewing while the diving cage (for those who wish to enter) is attached to the side of the boat to see curious sharks from below. Dive certification is not necessary and it is possible to snorkel in the cage as well. Launch point for this spectacular trip is the ocean hamlet of Simonstown where nearby Boulders Beach has penguins that can be visited. It is also very convenient to those staying in Cape Town, approximately 40 minutes away.

The southern right whales, in addition to being the rarest whales in the world, are known for their entertaining behavior and often approach very closely to boats. Right whales are typically seen on the great white shark trip, but for those who want to focus on the whales there are numerous viewing options, including some excellent land based viewing locations.