If you’re like me and have a fascination and fear of sharks, then I recommend you do a shark cage diving experience to gain some valuable insight into the working behind these monstrous underwater machines. The aim is to conquer your fear, and believe me, it’s worth it. So put on your big boy pants (a wetsuit will do), and show those Great White Sharks who’s boss. Coming face to face (with the safety of an iron cage between you), you will be able to see these wondrous creatures in their natural habitat – and perhaps come out of the water with a little more awe and a little less fear.
After years of watching shark documentaries on DStv and reading up on interesting information in order to create some “intel” on my nemesis, my sister pulled the plug and booked us a shark cage diving trip for my 21st birthday.
After we stepped off the shuttle into the fisherman village of Gansbaai, the fear that I had suppressed began to surface, along with a pleasant mix of excitement. This was it! We were ushered into the diving base (a little home near the harbour) and welcomed with a delicious spread of breakfast items, from muffins to fruit salad. While we picked at our food (the nerves wouldn’t allow me to eat very much), we were given a briefing by our diving instructor. He showed us a replica of the cage and how we were to position our bodies when we got into the water, along with what we were allowed and not allowed to do. After all, this was to be a breath-held experience. No scuba gear, no tank.
We soon made our way down to the harbour and climbed aboard The Shark Lady; a large boat that would be taking us out to Dyer Island, located just off the coast of Gansbaai. The 15 minute trip out was possibly the scariest experience of all (take that, sharks!). I have always been uncomfortable at sea, and the speed with which this large boat raced across the enormous waves had me feeling instantly nauseous. My sister found it amusing to snap a few unflattering shots of me as I stared at the horizon, and what felt like the last sight I would ever see.
However, once we arrived at our chosen spot and had dropped anchor, I felt a lot more relaxed – and even more exhilarated. I couldn’t wait to get into the water. Our instructor started chumming and after what felt like just minutes, dark shadows began to circle the boat. We grabbed plenty of shots from the viewing deck and I could hardly contain my excitement when I learned that it was our turn to get into the water. We donned our wetsuits and oh-so-attractive goggles, and shared nervous glances before climbing into the water.
I have to admit that as soon as I got into the cage, my fear was replaced with reverence. As the instructor signalled to us to duck our heads underwater, a lightning fast shape swept through the murky water in front of me. I felt like an addict. I wanted more. I quickly dunked myself underwater again in search of another sighting. Suddenly, the chum knocked into the cage directly in front of my face. Seconds later, a massive Great White rammed itself into the cage and I found myself staring directly into its mouth – with its jagged teeth chomping away at the metal just millimetres from my face. As I rose to the surface gasping for air, all I could hear was the rest of the boat cheering and laughing. I had faced a Great White head on. And it’s an experience I will remember forever.
I highly recommend that you plan a shark cage diving adventure of your own. You won’t regret it. Here are the details of the company I used below (don’t worry, its tried and tested!)
Shark Zone
Shark Zone is a wonderful company located in Gansbaai that offers visitors the chance to experience the dangerous creatures of the deep, first-hand.
The trips are limited to groups of 12 – 15 people to ensure that each diver gets more dive time with the Great White Sharks. All diving equipment, including wetsuits and towels, will be provided and you will not need any diving experience as the dive merely requires you hold your breath. Rest assured that proficient crew members will be on board to assist you, as well as to give you interesting facts about the sharks. For those who shy out of getting into the cage, excellent surface viewing and photography can be enjoyed from the top deck of the boat.
You will enjoy light pre and post trip meals overlooking the Kleinbaai harbour slipway, as well as a variety of refreshments on board (which are all included in the price). A professional videographer will record the experience on tape which you can purchase at the end of your trip as a momento. The months from May to October are considered to be the best time for viewing, although Great White Sharks can be seen here throughout the year.
To book a shark cage diving experience with Shark Zone, call +27 (0)82 894 4979.
Have you dived with sharks? If so, let us how it was.
Main image by lwpkommunikacio (Flickr)
