Dyer Island Cruises is a licensed boat-based whale watching operator situated in Kleinbaai, near the world famous Dyer Island, Gansbaai, South Africa. Our Marine Big 5 trips present guests with the opportunity to spot the ocean’s Marine Big 5, which includes, sharks, whales, dolphins, penguins and seals. Every year from June to December, the Southern right whales arrive to mate and calve. Witness mating displays, breaching, tail slapping, spy-hopping and more. We may also see Bryde’s whales, Humpback whales, the elusive Humpback dolphin, Common dolphin, an incredible array of seabirds and we guarantee a sighting of our almost 60 000 strong Cape fur seal colony on Geyser Rock as we cruise down the infamous Shark Alley. Our on board marine biologist will be on hand to teach you more about the amazing animals that visit our shores. We are certified by Fair Trade in Tourism, live by our motto of ‘Discover and Protect’ and work together with the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. We are only 2 hours drive from Cape Town along a scenic route through the Overberg area. The trip includes an educational briefing, coffee/tea and muffins upon arrival and warm soup and bread after the trip. Professional video footage is available to purchase after your trip.

Dyer Island Cruises is a licensed boat-based whale watching operator situated in Kleinbaai, near the world famous Dyer Island, Gansbaai, South Africa. Our Marine Big 5 trips present guests with the opportunity to spot the ocean’s Marine Big 5, which includes, sharks, whales, dolphins, penguins and seals. Every year from June to December, the Southern right whales arrive to mate and calve. Witness mating displays, breaching, tail slapping, spy-hopping and more. We may also see Bryde’s whales, Humpback whales, the elusive Humpback dolphin, Common dolphin, an incredible array of seabirds and we guarantee a sighting of our almost 60 000 strong Cape fur seal colony on Geyser Rock as we cruise down the infamous Shark Alley. Our on board marine biologist will be on hand to teach you more about the amazing animals that visit our shores. We are certified by Fair Trade in Tourism, live by our motto of ‘Discover and Protect’ and work together with the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. We are only 2 hours drive from Cape Town along a scenic route through the Overberg area. The trip includes an educational briefing, coffee/tea and muffins upon arrival and warm soup and bread after the trip. Professional video footage is available to purchase after your trip.

Join industry leading and award winning Marine Dynamics for an adventure of a life-time as you get up close and personal with a variety of shark species in the waters of Gansbaai, South Africa. Our on board Marine Biologist and expert crew will educate you on all the species you encounter and ensure that your trip with us is a life-changing experience. You might also be fortunate to spot the rest of our Marine Big 5 – whales, dolphins, seals and penguins, together with incredible seabirds. We are Fair Trade Certified, live by our motto of 'Discover and Protect' and work together with the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. Marine Dynamics is involved in shark research which includes shark fin identification and tagging and tracking the Great White shark. We are only 2 hours drive from Cape Town along a scenic route through the Overberg area. The trip includes an educational briefing, breakfast or lunch; refreshments on board; warm soup and bread on return; towels, clean wetsuits and goggles. Guests are also encouraged to visit our African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary after their trip, free of charge. Professional video footage is available to purchase after your trip.

Join industry leading and award winning Marine Dynamics for an adventure of a life-time as you get up close and personal with a variety of shark species in the waters of Gansbaai, South Africa. Our on board Marine Biologist and expert crew will educate you on all the species you encounter and ensure that your trip with us is a life-changing experience. You might also be fortunate to spot the rest of our Marine Big 5 – whales, dolphins, seals and penguins, together with incredible seabirds. We are Fair Trade Certified, live by our motto of 'Discover and Protect' and work together with the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. Marine Dynamics is involved in shark research which includes shark fin identification and tagging and tracking the Great White shark. We are only 2 hours drive from Cape Town along a scenic route through the Overberg area. The trip includes an educational briefing, breakfast or lunch; refreshments on board; warm soup and bread on return; towels, clean wetsuits and goggles. Guests are also encouraged to visit our African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary after their trip, free of charge. Professional video footage is available to purchase after your trip.

SHARK CAGE DIVING SEAL ISLAND, SIMON'S TOWN
Apex Shark Expeditions morning shark tours offers guests a chance to observe natural predation, breaching and experience shark cage diving - all on one trip. We take small groups of no more than 12 guests, allowing each guest excellent viewing opportunities as we share our knowledge and passion for these creatures. Guests can book a day trip or a longer more specialised expedition.

Morning:
Feb to Apr: Shark cage diving and a possibility to witness scavenge events

May to Sep: Breaching, natural predation and shark cage diving.

Meeting:
Approximately 06H30 in Simon’s Town, 45 minutes from Cape Town. Exact time confirmed the day before the trip.

Transfer:
Door to door transfers arranged on request.

Duration:
3 to 4 hours at sea.

Guests:
Maximum 12 guests, plus 4 crew.

Cage size:
5 divers – No experience required. 20 – 30 minutes cage time.

Trip includes:
Coffee / tea, light breakfast, passionate crew, educational booklet, dive gear, light lunch, snacks & refreshments.
ITINERARY: FEBRUARY TO APRIL
Although this is not peak season for seeing natural predatory events and breaches, Great White Sharks are actively scavenging on sick or dead seals that wash off Seal Island and there is a good chance of observing natural scavenge events.

06H00
Meet the crew at the Apex Shark Expeditions shop. After a light breakfast, guests are welcomed aboard White Pointer II. A full safety and weather briefing is given before departure.

06H30
Depart for Seal Island which is a 25 to 35 minute boat ride based on sea conditions.

07H00
Arrive at Seal Island. Based on what the weather is doing, we will decide on the best spot to weigh anchor and begin attracting sharks to the vessel.

The cage is then deployed, where it floats next to our vessel. Once a shark approaches our boat, a bait is kept in the water to keep the shark around long enough for identification, viewing and shark cage diving purposes. At no point are the sharks purposefully fed or handled and all efforts are made to prevent the sharks from making contact with our vessel.

If the weather conditions are favourable, guests will be readied for shark cage diving. Safety precautions and operational procedures are then explained to any guest wishing to enter the cage. It is important to know that the sharks come very close to the boat so it is not necessary to dive in order to see them. Those not wishing to dive will have excellent views of the Great White Shark.

11H00 + -
White Pointer II will arrive back in Simon’s Town Harbour depending on the weather conditions and shark activity.

ITINERARY: MAY TO SEPTEMBER
As winter begins and the seal colony blossoms, the sharks begin to change their behaviour and begin actively hunting Cape Fur seal pups. These months are best to view natural predation events and breaching.

06H00
Meet the crew at the Apex Shark Expeditions shop. After a light breakfast, we will deliver a full safety and weather briefing aboard White Pointer II before departure.

06H30
Depart for Seal Island which is a 25 to 35 minute boat ride based on sea and weather conditions.

07H00
Arrive at Seal Island.

We arrive early as this is the optimum time to view the sharks actively hunting the Cape Fur seals. Our data indicates that half an hour before sunrise to one and a half hours after sunrise is the best time to witness this natural event.

Once the hunting quietens down and based on what the weather is doing, we will decide on the best spot to weigh anchor and begin attracting sharks to the vessel. The cage is then deployed, where it floats next to our vessel.

Once a shark approaches our boat, bait is kept in the water to keep the shark around long enough for identification, viewing and cage diving purposes. At no point are the sharks purposefully fed or handled and all efforts are made to prevent the sharks from coming into contact with our vessel.

If the weather conditions are favourable, guests will be readied for cage diving. Safety precautions and operational procedures are then explained to any guest wishing to enter the cage. It is important to know that the sharks come very close to the boat so it is not necessary to dive in order to see them. Those not wishing to dive will still have excellent views of the Great White Shark.

A light lunch of rolls with cold meats (or a vegetarian option), accompanied by soft drinks, fruit juice, bottled water and a variety of snacks are available throughout the course of the morning.

11H00 + -
White Pointer II will arrive back in Simon’s Town Harbour depending on the weather conditions and shark activity.

Tea and coffee are available at our home base in Simon’s Town. Take this opportunity to browse through our unique range of shark-related merchandise.

Allow us to give you a breath-taking look into the Great White Shark’s life and ecosystem. We offer South Africa’s most personalised Great White Shark cage diving experience. Join us for an intimate afternoon diving with and surface viewing great white sharks.

Meeting:
11H30 + - in Simon’s Town, 45 minutes from Cape Town. Exact time is confirmed the day before the trip.

Transfer:
Door to door transfers arranged upon request.

Duration:
3 to 4 hours at sea depending on sea conditions and shark activity.

Guests:
Maximum of 12 guests, plus 4 crew.

Cage size:
5 divers – No experience required. 20 – 30 minutes cage time.

Trip includes:
Coffee / tea, passionate crew, educational booklet, dive gear, light meal, snacks & refreshments.
We treat these animals with the utmost respect with our focus on a natural interaction with the sharks. On most days we observe a number of sharks around the boat and surface viewing and cage diving are good.

11H30 + -
Meet the crew at the Apex Shark Expeditions shop in Simon's Town.

Guests are welcomed aboard White Pointer II. A full safety and weather briefing is given before departure.

13H00
Depart for Seal Island which is a 25 to 35 minute boat ride depending on weather and sea conditions.

13H30
Arrive at Seal Island.

Based on the weather, we will decide on the best spot to weigh anchor and begin attracting sharks to the vessel. The cage is then deployed, where it floats next to our vessel.

Once a shark approaches our boat, bait is kept in the water to keep the shark around long enough for identification, viewing and cage diving purposes. At no point are the sharks purposefully fed or handled and all efforts are made to prevent the sharks from making contact with our vessel.

If the weather conditions are favourable, guests will be readied for cage diving. Safety precautions and operational procedures are then explained to any guest wishing to enter the cage. It is important to know that the sharks come very close to the boat so it is not necessary to dive in order to see them. Those not wishing to dive will still have excellent views of the Great White Shark.

16H00 + -
Snacks accompanied by soft drinks, fruit juice and bottled water are available throughout the afternoon.

16H30 +-
White Pointer 11 will return to the harbour, weather and shark activity dictating.

A SHARK LOVER'S DREAM
An extended time frame allows guests to get to know the different sharks, their distinct personalities and experience a wide range of shark behaviour. It also allows for amateur and professional photographers to bag that highly sought after shot.

Duration:
5 - 10 days

Accomodation:
Grosvenor Guest House or the Quayside Hotel.

Budget option: Simon’s Town Backpackers.

Transfers:
Airport round trip transfers.

Once you arrive in Cape Town, we take care of everything for you.

Includes
Airport round trip transfers.
Daily shark cage diving trip – either morning or afternoon or a combination thereof.
*Subject to weather conditions.
All dive gear.
Light breakfast at meeting point and light lunch and snacks on board on seagoing days.
Accommodation in Simon’s Town at the Grosvenor Guest House or The Quayside Hotel. We do also offer a budget option at The Simon’s Town Backpackers.
Excludes
Airfare.
Dinner. (Breakfast and lunch on non sea days)
Car hire (optional).

SHARK DIVING IN GANSBAAI
Gansbaai is located just 2 hours from Cape Town and Great White Shark cage diving trips are offered throughout the year. The waters off of Dyer Island in Gansbaai are aptly named Shark Alley and are known for their exceptional Great White Shark populations. The sharks are attracted by the massive 60 000-strong Cape Fur Seal colony which inhabits the smaller island of Geyser Rock.

Other wildlife species such as Cape Gannets, Cape Cormorants, African Penguins, whales and dolphins are also likely to be sighted.

*Please note: It is best to book shark cage diving trips in False Bay during February to September. False Bay is out of season from October to January and we will assist you in booking a Gansbaai trip during these months. We book our guests on these great white tours with our sister operator at no extra cost.

The focus of this trip is cage diving and surface viewing. It is highly unlikely to see breaching or hunting behaviour in this location.Your trip is hosted by a marine biologist and other experienced and well trained guides ensuring an educational experience.

All itinerary times are subject to change and are based on tides, weather and sea conditions and how many departures are scheduled for the day.

TBA
Meet and greet:

As times are dependent on tide and weather conditions, the meeting can be as early as 06H00 or as late as 14H00. Exact times will be confirmed with you late afternoon the day before your trip.

Given the travel times, this is a full day activity.

1 Hour
Breakfast / brunch and an informative talk on the sharks and area.

TBA
Launch:

Spend 3 to 4 hours at sea depending on shark activity and sea conditions. All dives are breath-hold which is comfortable and safe. This is common practice among Gansbaai shark cage diving operators.

NO EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED!

The secure steel cage floats on the surface and accommodates 8 divers easily. Divers are no more than 1 metre below the surface when submerged.

During the cage diving activity, divers will be supervised by a Dive Master.

TBA
Return to shore:

Tea /coffee /soup & sandwiches will be served whilst you watch the DVD of your trip. A highly experienced underwater videographer accompanies you on your trip. Your shark cage diving trip in Gansbaai will be captured on a video and a link will be made available to you after the tour at a minimal cost.

TBA
Arrive in Cape Town (This is dependant on the launch time).

Trip includes:

Breakfast
Light lunch, fresh fruit, snacks, hot chocolate and soft drinks on board.
All dive gear excluding snorkel (wetsuit, booties, hoody, mask, weight-belt).
Towels.
Waterproof / windproof jackets.
A voucher to visit again should you not see any sharks.

KELP FOREST DIVING AT ITS BEST
The Seven Gill Cow Shark, or Spotted Cow Shark, is a prehistoric predator and can be found roaming kelp forests. It is a social feeder and can be observed in large groups of up to 18 individuals. The size of the sharks ranges from 1 to 3 metres, with the females generally larger than the males. Distinctive features include their seven gill slits and the absence of the front dorsal fin.

The dive takes place at Pyramid Rock in False Bay.The site is one of the few places in the world where you have a chance of encountering this rarely seen shark. We may encounter a variety of other small shark species as well. A thick kelp forest lines the channel making this the shark’s ideal habitat.

The Boat


The vessel you will be diving off is a zodiac rib boat, which is standard for South African diving operators. There are no facilities on board except for a small cubby hole for keys and sunglasses.
We advise you to leave all your personal belongings behind.

Cage:
No cage required.

Dive certification:
Minimum of Open Water One or Freedive

Dive Depth:
6 to 12 metres (20 – 40 feet).

Water temperature:
12 to 20 Degrees Celsius.

Water visibility:
3 to 10 metres.

Dive time:
30 to 60 minutes.

Dive gear:
Included in cost

Transfers:
Door to door transfers available upon request.
As these dives are specialised, we partner with a certified operator. Exact itinerary timings will be confirmed the day before the trip.

Meet
45 minutes from Cape Town at the Apex Shark Expeditions shop or on the Simon’s Town pier. Here you will sign an indemnity form and collect your dive gear.

The launch site
Millers Point is a 15 minute boat ride from the Simon’s Town pier. The boat is a rubber duck with minimal facilities.

The dive
The dive takes place in a channel approximately 12 metres deep. Divers descend to the sandy bottom and wait for the Cow Sharks. Should they appear, the sharks usually swim slowly up and down the channel. They are very confident and can pass at arm’s length from the divers which makes it a great opportunity for underwater photographers. By the end of the dive you may recognise the individual sharks by distinctive bites, scrapes or coloration.



All dives are weather permitting and subject to good sea conditions.

IT'S EASY, SAFE AND FUN
Have a close encounter snorkelling with the Cape Fur Seals of Cape Town! Become one with the seals as they swim gracefully in their natural environment. Interact with these boisterous animals in their underwater playground. The action begins as soon as you enter the water as these furry counterparts swim beside you, often mimicking your movements.

The short boat ride to Duiker Island allows guests the opportunity to spot other wildlife including pods of Dusky dolphins, Southern Right Whales, Comorants and possibly even African Oyster Catchers.

Your skipper and guide is a zoologist with a keen interest in all wildlife. Scuba diving for certified divers is available upon request.

Hout Bay:
Dive Depth: 1 to 5 metres .
Water visibility: 3 to 20 meters .
Dive time: 30 to 60 minutes.

False Bay:
Dive Depth: Surface to 19 metres .
Water visibility: 2 to 10 metres.
Dive time: 30 to 60 minutes.

Departure Daily:
Exact time to be confirmed the day before the trip and is based on weather conditions. The snorkel site is about 15 minutes away from the launch point.

Duration:
2 - 3 hours.

Terms:
No previous snorkelling experience is required, but you should be confident with swimming in open water.

Minimum age for children: 8 years and accompanied by an adult.

Bring the following:
Bathing suit, towel, cap, sunglasses and sun screen.
Wear protective clothing appropriate to the weather conditions.

Trip includes:
Soft snorkel gear comprising of gloves, booties, 7mm wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins and weight belt.
Snacks and refreshments.

A TRIP OVERVIEW
After a thorough briefing you are able to enter the water under the supervision of a qualified Dive Master.

Departure time
Exact time to be confirmed the day before the trip and is based on weather conditions. The snorkel site is about 15 minutes away from the launch point.

Duration
2 – 3 hours.

Trip includes
Soft snorkel gear comprising of gloves, booties, 7mm wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins and weight belt.

Snacks and refreshments.

Bring
Bathing suit, towel, cap, sunglasses and sun screen.

Wear protective clothing appropriate to the weather conditions.



Things you need to know
No previous snorkelling experience is required, but you should be confident with swimming in open water. Minimum age for children: 8 years and accompanied by an adult.

Door to door transfers arranged at an additional fee.

If you would like to maximise your time in Cape Town, combine your snorkel trip with a land based tour. Check out our Specials

WHALE WATCHING AT ITS FINEST
The oceans off the southern tip of Africa offer some of the most exciting whale watching in the world with at least 37 different species of dolphins and whales calling these waters home!

The whale watching trip gives you an opportunity to marvel at the size and grace of these incredible animals and be thrilled by encounters with a host of other marine life including African penguins, Cape Fur seals, Cormorants, Bank Cormorants and possibly even sharks.

Simon's Town :
Meeting: Simon’s Town Pier, Wharf Road.

Time:
10H30 or 14H00 subject to tidal and weather conditions.

Excursion duration:
2 – 2 ½ hours

Gansbaai :
Meeting: The Great White House, Kleinbaai.

Meeting time:
This will be confirmed with you the day before your trip as times vary with weather and tide conditions.

Excursion duration:
2 – 2 ½ hours

Places from which to observe these gentle giants include False Bay which offers whales a safe haven to frolic in these protected waters. It is estimated that there are between 3 000 – 4 000 Southern Right Whales left in the world’s oceans and South Africa is privileged to have a major percentage of them visit its coasts annually.

10H30 or 14H00
This location offers two departures daily. Meeting is at Simon’s Town Pier, Wharf Road in Simon's Town.

GANSBAAI
Gansbaai is a quaint fishing village and is popular among tourists. It is known for its populations of Great White Sharks and its superb whale watching conditions. This trip is a marine seafari and there is the chance to see dolphins, penguins, seals and sharks.

09H45 or 11H45 +-
This location offers two departures daily. Meeting is at The Great White House, Kleinbaai in Gansbaai.

Whale watching is from July till November
Transfer to Hermanus
Enjoy a boat ride
Explore the small town of Hermanus
Optional lunch @own expense

Driving out of the city southeast along the N2 highway, the tour continues along a 45min drive past the town of Somerset West before arriving at the start of the Sir Lowry’s Mountain Pass. Originally known as the Eland’s Pass by the indigenous Khoi people, Sir Lowry’s Pass had its first recorded ox-wagon crossing in 1664. The original track markings left by these wagons being hauled over the pass can still be seen today and in 1958 was declared a National Monument. From the start of Sir Lowry’s Pass all the way to the summit, some 420m above sea level, visitors enjoy panoramic views over the low-lying white sandy beaches that stretch back towards Cape Town.

The tour passes over the Hottentots-Holland mountain range and descends into the Elgin apple farming valley. Approaching our destination, Hermanus is a delightful hamlet set along Walker Bay on the South Coast, 115km southeast of Cape Town. The towns’ pristine blue flag beaches and ‘champagne air’ have been enchanting guests over the years.

Hermanus is most popular – and best known – for “hosting” the giants of the sea; the Southern Right Whales and offers visitors the best shore-based whale watching in the world. Hermanus also has the only Whale Crier in the world. Since 2006, Zolile Baleni sounds his kelp horn from as early as June through to December to announce where whales have been sighted. More than 100 whales visit the Hermanus area during this time. In addition to the whales, huge schools of dolphins, seals and a wide variety of birdlife are also often seen on these trips.Aside from the awesome natural attractions, Hermanus is filled with great restaurants and fabulous boutique shops. The size of the town makes it perfect to be explored on foot. Small picturesque cliffs that edge Hermanus are threaded with paths, perfect for getting a clear view of the surrounding waters.
En route back to Cape Town, the tour will return along the R44 Coastal Road, a scenic expanse between Hermanus and Gordon’s Bay known as the Cape Whale Coast for many opportunities for spotting these remarkable creatures of the sea. Along this pristine stretch is a rustic collection of villages, farms, rivers, bays and coves.
A short drive down the coast brings us to the seaside village of Betty’s Bay. Sitting on a thin strip of land, protected by the Kogelberg Mountains on one side, overlooking the ocean on the other; Betty’s Bay is home to a thriving fishing community. It also holds one of only three land based penguin colonies in South Africa. These cheerful, yet boisterous sea birds have been placed on the endangered list after seeing a 90% population decline over the last 60 years. Here visitors are invited to watch the African Penguins play, and come within close proximity to them from the well-constructed wooden walkways.
From the penguins at Betty’s Bay, the tour continues to meander along the coastal road that hugs the cliffs of False Bay, a spectacular natural area covered in pristine Cape ‘Fynbos’, another key eco-conservation area. As we travel up this stretch of coast you can relax and enjoy South Africa’s spectacular scenery once more before returning to the city.

*Optional boat trip for close encounter with whales can be arranged.

See Great White Sharks like never before.

Get up close to the giants of the sea on this unforgettable boat trip.

Shark Cage Diving
Guided Full Day tour
Collection and drop-off at lodgings
Wifi on-board

Briefly

Spend a memorable day driving along the picture-perfect coastal route towards Hermanus, looking out for the majestic creatures of the deep, the Southern Right Whale, along the way, and taste wine from the highly acclaimed Hemel en Aarde region.


Capey Tours

Pre Departure Info

Important notes

This trip departs early in the morning on day 1 and it is strongly recommended that you arrive at least one day prior.
This trip is a combination of short break Adventures and you will be joined by your local tour guide
Prices are based on double/twin/family share and a compulsory single supplement applies for solo traveler’s. See Important notes for more details.
A departure airport transfer is included on Day 1 of this short break adventure. Please ensure your arrival and departure flight details are provided to your at least 7 days prior to your departure.
Group size

Maximum of 18 travelers per group
Your fellow traveler’s

This trip is operated in "Join-In" basis and you may travel alongside other Capey Tours or non-Capey Tours traveler’s during included activities.

Please note many of our Short Break Adventures operate with a minimum of 2 people, so there may be instances where there are only 2 people on the trip.

Accommodation

Hotel / Guesthouse / Backpackers depending on your choice

Meals & Drinks

As per the itinerary. Drinks are for your own account

Money Matters

SOUTH AFRICA

The official currency of South Africa is the Rand (ZAR). The best way to manage your money in Africa is a mixture of cash and an ATM card (best to have both Visa and MasterCard).

Cash

Cash is easily changed at exchange bureaus and they generally offer the best rates. ***PLEASE NOTE: MANY BUSINESSES AND BANKS IN AFRICA DO NOT ACCEPT US DOLLAR NOTES OLDER THAN 2006. IF YOU ARE BRINGING USD, WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND LARGE BILLS IN GOOD CONDITION, 2006 SERIES ONWARDS ONLY. ANY OLD OR DAMAGED NOTES MAY NOT BE ACCEPTED. ***

The South African Rand can also be used widely in countries of Southern Africa. When changing money, only use reputable authorized money exchange vendors and never anyone on the street. There are many instances of traveler’s being given counterfeit notes or being tricked when money is being counted out.

Visa & Master Card

With ATMs being increasingly available in the many major towns and cities and even some campsites, credit or debit cards are a convenient way to access money. Throughout Africa, cards with the Visa logo are most readily recognized, although MasterCard is also accepted in most places. A charge is made for each international transaction - please check with your bank how much this fee will be. Check with your bank before leaving home that your card can be used as a debit card in Africa. You may also want to notify your bank that you are visiting Africa as it's not unknown for banks to freeze cards which show sudden transactions in other countries. At “A Team Tours” we are serious about your safety and strongly advise that you follow the following rules when drawing cash at an ATM:

Take someone with you when you want to withdraw money from an ATM
Withdraw money inside a bank if possible
Do not withdraw large sums of money from an ATM – rather use your credit card
NEVER ACCEPT HELP FROM A STRANGER, not even
When it comes to money matters on the trip, every traveler is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities and laundry. It's always better to bring a little more than you think you'll need.

Also make sure you've read your trip details thoroughly so you know what's included in the trip price and what isn't. This should make budgeting a little easier. You'll find this info in the Inclusions section of your Essential Trip Information (that's this document).

Emergency Funds

Please also make sure you have access to an additional US$500, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (e.g. a natural disaster, civil unrest, strike action or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.

Joining Point

Cape Milner Hotel

2a Milner Road

Tamboerskloof

Cape Town

SOUTH AFRICA

Phone: 27 (21)4261101

Finish Point

Cape Milner Hotel

2a Milner Road Tamboerskloof Cape Town SOUTH AFRICA Phone: 27 (21)4261101
Joining/Finish point description

The Cape Milner is a sophisticated, comfortable hotel in the Tamboerskloof region of central Cape Town. All rooms have a refined, contemporary decor, en suite bathrooms and fabulous views of Table Mountain. Tea and coffee making facilities are included as is Wi-Fi and flat screen TV's. The hotel facilities include an elegant dining room, outdoor pool, glass-roofed bar, a small gym and many lounge areas.

Joining/Finishing Point Instructions

If you have pre-booked a departure transfer, please inform your leader and they will notify you of your departure transfer time. If you are making your own way to the airport the hotel will be able to help book you an airport shuttle or taxi. Please ask at reception.

Emergency Contact

In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, A Team Tours representatives can be reached on +27 810188912 (24/7). For general enquiries or questions about your booking, please visit us at www.capeytours.co.za/contact-us While we always endeavor to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognize that there may be times when your group tour leader/guide may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader to speak to their direct manager? You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. But we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
Visas

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarize yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time.

SOUTH AFRICA:

Australia: No visa required Belgium: No visa required Canada: No visa required Germany: No visa required Ireland: No visa required Netherlands: No visa required New Zealand: No visa required Switzerland: No visa required United Kingdom: No visa required USA: No visa required
Citizens of the above countries do not need visas to visit South Africa as a tourist for up to three months. Citizens of all countries should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required.

Entry Requirements - Passports

Please note that non-machine readable passports are no longer accepted by South African immigration. All visitors to South Africa must have a machine readable travel document (e-passport). Failure to present an e-passport will result in denied entry. Passengers with a valid visa issued in a non-machine readable passport will be handled on a case by case basis, but a fine will still be applicable.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with Children

A new immigration regulation came into effect on 1st October 2014, whereby parents will need to produce an original unabridged birth certificate if they are travelling with children. The new regulation has been put in place to protect children from being abducted, kidnapped and preventing child trafficking. The Department of Home Affairs has urged all parents to apply for unabridged certificates for their children. Additionally, further documentation including permission to travel, may be required if only one parent is travelling. These are requirements of the immigration regulation 6 (12)(a) for parents travelling with children. So just to be on the safe side, more information can be found here: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/civic-services/traveling-with-children

We recommend traveler’s check requirements before travel as they can change.

What to Take

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the tour you have chosen and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, you should pack as lightly as possible.

Most traveler’s carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc. for day trips.

Water Bottle

Consider bringing your own water bottle to refill along the way. We recommend at least a 1.5litre capacity. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.

Health

All Capey Tours traveler’s need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that if, in the opinion of our group leader or local guide, any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Capey Tours reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons our leaders and guides are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.

Yellow Fever

A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It's also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home.

It is your responsibility to check with your doctor well in advance of leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you'll be visiting.

Travel Insurance

span style="font-size: 14pt;">Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

A Couple Of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for Capey Tours traveler’s. Capey Tours philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular, the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure on their trip. We don’t tolerate any form of sexual harassment at Capey Tours, either between passengers or involving our leaders or local operators. Sexual relationships (consensual or otherwise) between a leader and a passenger are unacceptable. If you ever feel another person is behaving inappropriately, please inform us immediately by contacting the emergency contact number detailed in these trip notes.

Responsible Travel

We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimize the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects.

Safety

At Capey Tours we take your safety very seriously. Like any other country in the world, South Africa also has “hotspots” where it’s not safe to go. In order to keep you safe at all times, we have listed a few pointers below that will go a long way in ensuring your safety in various situations:

ATM’s

Take someone with you when you want to withdraw money from an ATM
Withdraw money inside a bank if possible
Do not withdraw large sums of money from an ATM – rather use your credit card
NEVER ACCEPT HELP FROM A STRANGER, not even someone who looks like a security guard. If your card should get stuck or be “swallowed” by the machine, stay there and send you companion to look for help or phone the number on the machine
In the Car
Plan your route in advance
Keep your car doors locked at all times and windows closed
Lock valuable items in the boot
At night, park in well-lit areas
Never pick up strangers or hitch-hikers
If in any doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice
At the Hotel
Never leave your luggage unattended
Store valuables in the hotel’s safe-deposit box
Keep your room locked, whether you’re in it or not
If someone knocks, check who it is first before opening the door
Hand the keys in at reception whenever you leave the hotel

In the Street

Avoid ostentatious displays of expensive jewelry, cameras and other valuables
Don’t carry large sums of money around
At night, steer clear of dark, isolated areas
It’s better to explore in groups and stick to well-lit, busy streets
A policeman or traffic officer will be glad to direct you if you get lost
If you want to call a taxi, your hotel or the nearest tourist information office will recommend a reliable service
Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what we could be doing better. It allows us to make improvements for future traveler’s.

www.capeytours.co.za

We trust you enjoyed your adventure and look forward to seeing you return ASAP!

“Capey Tours”

Full Day: Pickup 8:30am ~ 5:30pm

More Info

Start the day with a beautiful drive along the picturesque Cape coastline, passing through Gordon’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay en route to the quaint coastal town of Hermanus. This famous drive is aptly named the “Cape Whale Route” because it is known to have some of the best land-based whale watching in the world. The majestic Southern Right whale can be spotted year round but they are seen in abundance between June and November when they come to breed and calve in Walker Bay.

You’ll head into the historical town of Hermanus, which was once one of the most prominent whaling stations in South Africa. As one of the top destinations for whale-watching, Hermanus is perfectly positioned to offer the best viewing directly from the shore. You will be able to watch as these giants of the deep frolic in the waves and launch out of the water to ‘breach’. It is here that you can enjoy lunch at your own discretion.

Once you’ve enjoyed some of the great food (and coffee) on offer in town, it’s off to a wine tasting at Hamilton Russell in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The estate specialises in producing highly individual, terroir-driven Pinot noir and Chardonnay, which are widely regarded as some of the best in South Africa and among the best in the New World.

The next stop will be Southern Right, founded by Anthony Hamilton Russell in 1994. Southern Right’s aim is to produce a serious, age-worthy Pinotage, and with each bottle sold, they make a contribution to the conservation of these majestic mammals that are now on the endangered species list.

Your last stop will be at Whalehaven boutique winery. Named after the protective bay that shelters breeding Southern Right whales in the cool Cape winter months, Whalehaven creates a delightful array of hand-crafted wines that tantalize the palate and has gained a strong reputation for its French-styled Pinot noir and Chardonnay.

This full day, private tour is one of the best ways of experiencing the breath-taking beauty of the Cape coastline and ticking off one of the classic bucket list items when visiting Cape Town.

The Highlights

Drive down the famous coastal Whale Route through Gordon’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay (the best land-based whale watching in the world)
Stop off to see if you can spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat (seasonal – most commonly found from June to November)
Stroll through the quaint seaside town of Hermanus and lunch (on own account)
Taste wine at two to three boutique wineries that specialise in cool climate Chardonnays and Pinot Noir
Rate includes: Pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in and around Franschhoek, Cape Town & Stellenbosch private guide/driver, drive down Whale Route, Hermanus town orientation, 2-3 wine tastings (dependent on time)

Rate excludes: Lunch and gratuity

*NOTE: For last minute bookings, special requests or large groups, please contact us at +27 81 018 8912 or info@capeytours.co.za



Why Book with us?

Unique full day and half day private tours of Franschhoek, Cape Town and the winelands
Travel with the experts on food, wine and culture within the Western Cape
Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in and around Franschhoek & Cape Town

Briefly

Experience the excitement of South Africa while you encounter the ultimate underwater predator, the great white shark. This shark cage diving adventure is exciting and informative as you come face to fin with the shark in its natural habitat. Once everyone has had a go you’ll head back to HQ and hop into a hot shower and continental breakfast before departing to nearby Stanford, the Hemel en Aarde Valley or Bot River for a lazy afternoon of wine tasting and lunch.

Pickup TBC (dependant on tide) ~ 6:00pm drop-off

More Info

Your private driver guide will collect you from your accommodation in Cape Town and you’ll head straight through to Gansbaai, known by many as Great White Shark capital of the world. When you get to Gansbaai you’ll meet up at shark cage diving HQ for a short safety briefing and an update on the conditions on the water. When everyone is ready you’ll hop on board your vessel for the day for an exhilarating 20-minute boat ride to the waters around the famous Dyer Island. Here you’ll learn about the ‘Marine Big 5’ which includes whales, great white sharks, dolphins, seals, and penguins.

Gansbaai is one of the few places in the world that Great White Sharks can be seen year round but during the summer months the sharks keep close to shore and during winter they move to Shark Alley, a nearby channel created by two islands. Dyer Island, with its endangered African Penguins and migrating bird colonies, and Geyser Rock with its resident colony of 60,000 Cape Fur Seals.

Once you’ve anchored you’ll get another short briefing and then take your turn to slip into the shark cage for an adrenaline-fuelled brush with a great white shark. The experienced crew will be on hand to share their knowledge of the marine world and show you what to do when getting into and out of the cage. This secure metal cage is the closest place in the world where you can safely see these apex predators in their natural environment. Not only will you come back with incredible memories but you will also come away knowing a lot more about sharks and what is being done to aid their conservation.

Once everyone has had a go you’ll head back to HQ for debriefing and breakfast. You can hop into a hot shower and enjoy a continental breakfast before departing to the nearby Stanford region, the Hemel en Aarde Valley or Bot River Valley for a leisurely afternoon of wine tasting and lunch. All three regions offer superb wine tasting and excellent restaurants for those that have built up a hunger after and active and adventurous morning!

Rate includes: Pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in and around Cape Town or winelands, private guide/driver, shark cage diving (group activity), continental breakfast, snacks on boat and upon return, shower facilities, 1 wine tastings (dependant on time)

Rate excludes: Lunch and gratuity

*NOTE: For last minute bookings, special requests or large groups, please contact us at +27 81 018 8912 or info@capeytours.co.za

The Highlights

Scenic drive to Gansbaai with continental breakfast
A morning boat trip and marine adventure en route to Dyer Island and diving with sharks in ‘Shark Alley’
Once everyone has had a go you’ll head back to HQ and hop into a hot shower and continental breakfast before departing to nearby Stanford, the Hemel en Aarde Valley or Bot River for a lazy afternoon of wine tasting and lunch
Explore one of the many quaint and picturesque towns or valleys of the region including Stanford, the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley or Bot River (your choice)
Enjoy a leisurely lunch (for own account) and wine tasting at one of the many world-class wine estates in the area before heading back to Cape Town
Why Book with us?

Unique full day and half day private tours of Franschhoek, Cape Town and the Winelands
Travel with the experts on food, wine and culture within the Western Cape
Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in and around Franschhoek, Stellenbosch & Cape Town

Capey Tours

Pre Departure Info

Important notes

This trip departs early in the morning on day 1 and it is strongly recommended that you arrive at least one day prior.
This trip is a combination of short break Adventures and you will be joined by your local tour guide
Prices are based on double/twin/family share and a compulsory single supplement applies for solo traveler’s. See Important notes for more details.
A departure airport transfer is included on Day 1 of this short break adventure. Please ensure your arrival and departure flight details are provided to your at least 7 days prior to your departure.
Group size

Maximum of 18 travelers per group
Your fellow traveler’s

This trip is operated in "Join-In" basis and you may travel alongside other Capey Tours or non-Capey Tours traveler’s during included activities.

Please note many of our Short Break Adventures operate with a minimum of 2 people, so there may be instances where there are only 2 people on the trip.

Accommodation

Hotel / Guesthouse / Backpackers depending on your choice

Meals & Drinks

As per the itinerary. Drinks are for your own account

Money Matters

SOUTH AFRICA

The official currency of South Africa is the Rand (ZAR). The best way to manage your money in Africa is a mixture of cash and an ATM card (best to have both Visa and MasterCard).

Cash

Cash is easily changed at exchange bureaus and they generally offer the best rates. ***PLEASE NOTE: MANY BUSINESSES AND BANKS IN AFRICA DO NOT ACCEPT US DOLLAR NOTES OLDER THAN 2006. IF YOU ARE BRINGING USD, WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND LARGE BILLS IN GOOD CONDITION, 2006 SERIES ONWARDS ONLY. ANY OLD OR DAMAGED NOTES MAY NOT BE ACCEPTED. ***

The South African Rand can also be used widely in countries of Southern Africa. When changing money, only use reputable authorized money exchange vendors and never anyone on the street. There are many instances of traveler’s being given counterfeit notes or being tricked when money is being counted out.

Visa & Master Card

With ATMs being increasingly available in the many major towns and cities and even some campsites, credit or debit cards are a convenient way to access money. Throughout Africa, cards with the Visa logo are most readily recognized, although MasterCard is also accepted in most places. A charge is made for each international transaction - please check with your bank how much this fee will be. Check with your bank before leaving home that your card can be used as a debit card in Africa. You may also want to notify your bank that you are visiting Africa as it's not unknown for banks to freeze cards which show sudden transactions in other countries. At “A Team Tours” we are serious about your safety and strongly advise that you follow the following rules when drawing cash at an ATM:

Take someone with you when you want to withdraw money from an ATM
Withdraw money inside a bank if possible
Do not withdraw large sums of money from an ATM – rather use your credit card
NEVER ACCEPT HELP FROM A STRANGER, not even
When it comes to money matters on the trip, every traveler is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities and laundry. It's always better to bring a little more than you think you'll need.

Also make sure you've read your trip details thoroughly so you know what's included in the trip price and what isn't. This should make budgeting a little easier. You'll find this info in the Inclusions section of your Essential Trip Information (that's this document).

Emergency Funds

Please also make sure you have access to an additional US$500, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (e.g. a natural disaster, civil unrest, strike action or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.

Joining Point

Cape Milner Hotel

2a Milner Road

Tamboerskloof

Cape Town

SOUTH AFRICA

Phone: 27 (21)4261101

Finish Point

Cape Milner Hotel

2a Milner Road Tamboerskloof Cape Town SOUTH AFRICA Phone: 27 (21)4261101
Joining/Finish point description

The Cape Milner is a sophisticated, comfortable hotel in the Tamboerskloof region of central Cape Town. All rooms have a refined, contemporary decor, en suite bathrooms and fabulous views of Table Mountain. Tea and coffee making facilities are included as is Wi-Fi and flat screen TV's. The hotel facilities include an elegant dining room, outdoor pool, glass-roofed bar, a small gym and many lounge areas.

Joining/Finishing Point Instructions

If you have pre-booked a departure transfer, please inform your leader and they will notify you of your departure transfer time. If you are making your own way to the airport the hotel will be able to help book you an airport shuttle or taxi. Please ask at reception.

Emergency Contact

In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, A Team Tours representatives can be reached on +27 810188912 (24/7). For general enquiries or questions about your booking, please visit us at www.capeytours.co.za/contact-us While we always endeavor to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognize that there may be times when your group tour leader/guide may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader to speak to their direct manager? You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. But we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
Visas

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarize yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time.

SOUTH AFRICA:

Australia: No visa required Belgium: No visa required Canada: No visa required Germany: No visa required Ireland: No visa required Netherlands: No visa required New Zealand: No visa required Switzerland: No visa required United Kingdom: No visa required USA: No visa required
Citizens of the above countries do not need visas to visit South Africa as a tourist for up to three months. Citizens of all countries should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required.

Entry Requirements - Passports

Please note that non-machine readable passports are no longer accepted by South African immigration. All visitors to South Africa must have a machine readable travel document (e-passport). Failure to present an e-passport will result in denied entry. Passengers with a valid visa issued in a non-machine readable passport will be handled on a case by case basis, but a fine will still be applicable.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with Children

A new immigration regulation came into effect on 1st October 2014, whereby parents will need to produce an original unabridged birth certificate if they are travelling with children. The new regulation has been put in place to protect children from being abducted, kidnapped and preventing child trafficking. The Department of Home Affairs has urged all parents to apply for unabridged certificates for their children. Additionally, further documentation including permission to travel, may be required if only one parent is travelling. These are requirements of the immigration regulation 6 (12)(a) for parents travelling with children. So just to be on the safe side, more information can be found here: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/civic-services/traveling-with-children

We recommend traveler’s check requirements before travel as they can change.

What to Take

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the tour you have chosen and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, you should pack as lightly as possible.

Most traveler’s carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc. for day trips.

Water Bottle

Consider bringing your own water bottle to refill along the way. We recommend at least a 1.5litre capacity. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.

Health

All Capey Tours traveler’s need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that if, in the opinion of our group leader or local guide, any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Capey Tours reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons our leaders and guides are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.

Yellow Fever

A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It's also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home.

It is your responsibility to check with your doctor well in advance of leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you'll be visiting.

Travel Insurance

span style="font-size: 14pt;">Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

A Couple Of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for Capey Tours traveler’s. Capey Tours philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular, the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure on their trip. We don’t tolerate any form of sexual harassment at Capey Tours, either between passengers or involving our leaders or local operators. Sexual relationships (consensual or otherwise) between a leader and a passenger are unacceptable. If you ever feel another person is behaving inappropriately, please inform us immediately by contacting the emergency contact number detailed in these trip notes.

Responsible Travel

We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimize the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects.

Safety

At Capey Tours we take your safety very seriously. Like any other country in the world, South Africa also has “hotspots” where it’s not safe to go. In order to keep you safe at all times, we have listed a few pointers below that will go a long way in ensuring your safety in various situations:

ATM’s

Take someone with you when you want to withdraw money from an ATM
Withdraw money inside a bank if possible
Do not withdraw large sums of money from an ATM – rather use your credit card
NEVER ACCEPT HELP FROM A STRANGER, not even someone who looks like a security guard. If your card should get stuck or be “swallowed” by the machine, stay there and send you companion to look for help or phone the number on the machine
In the Car
Plan your route in advance
Keep your car doors locked at all times and windows closed
Lock valuable items in the boot
At night, park in well-lit areas
Never pick up strangers or hitch-hikers
If in any doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice
At the Hotel
Never leave your luggage unattended
Store valuables in the hotel’s safe-deposit box
Keep your room locked, whether you’re in it or not
If someone knocks, check who it is first before opening the door
Hand the keys in at reception whenever you leave the hotel

In the Street

Avoid ostentatious displays of expensive jewelry, cameras and other valuables
Don’t carry large sums of money around
At night, steer clear of dark, isolated areas
It’s better to explore in groups and stick to well-lit, busy streets
A policeman or traffic officer will be glad to direct you if you get lost
If you want to call a taxi, your hotel or the nearest tourist information office will recommend a reliable service
Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what we could be doing better. It allows us to make improvements for future traveler’s.

www.capeytours.co.za

We trust you enjoyed your adventure and look forward to seeing you return ASAP!

“Capey Tours”

Get up close and personal with a great white shark, a legandary apex predator.
I have an arrangement with Marine Dynamics in Gansbaai and will transport the guest to the Great White House where they will be treated with a breakfast and are taken to the luxury cage vessel for the experience of a lifetime. Marine Dynamics can guarantee a Five Star experience with their expert crew and the priority they place on safety. They always have a Marine Biologist on board. They are committed to conservation, and money from their fee contributes to research and conservation projects.

We travel to Hermanus over Sir Lowry's Pass and past the apple orchards of Elgin and Grabouw to Walker Bay - one of the world's best land-based whale watching points. Although whale viewing is seasonal (July to November), Hermanus boasts with permanant Southern Right residents! We return through Kleinmond and Betty's Bay where we visit the penguin colony at Stony Point, and along the 18 kilometer Clarence Drive between Rooiels and Gordons Bay, one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world!

Dive into the blue with great white sharks in Gansbaai.
Unleash your adrenaline with the most fearsome animals
in the deep.
Book directly with us.

GANSBAAI SHARK DIVING

Limited space available!

With the Dyer Island Group a few km south of the town Gansbaai being home to 50 000 cape fur seals, it is the World’s capital for Great White sharks. Boasting the largest population of these majestic creatures year-round, shark cage diving and shark viewing trips are a must!

The protocol for this exciting trip is:

Shark Zone’s transport service will personally collect you from where you’re staying in Cape Town, or you must make your own way if you have selected the self-drive option (R1750 per person), and slowly make your way to the meeting point in Gansbaai.

Upon arrival in Gansbaai, you will be served a delectable breakfast whilst you listen to the all-important safety briefing. After eating, you will be taken on a short walk to the Kleinbaai Harbour, just 3 minutes away, to board the boat.

Once the boat has anchored, the crew will immediately begin to chum the water with products such as tuna and fish out to attract the Great Whites. When the first shark has been sighted, kit up, slip into the cage and get ready to be captivated, and experience the magnificence of these animals up close and personal. For those who aren’t into cage diving, the sharks can also be viewed from the boat, and this is often just a good, or even a better viewpoint.

You will also be treated to drinks and snacks on board to keep the hunger pangs away and allow you to focus your full attention of the Great Whites.

You will then return to harbour and the meeting place and enjoy a light lunch whilst watching the DVD of the day.

Each Great White shark cage diving trip in Gansbaai lasts approximately 3-4 hours, and during this time you will have the chance to go eyeball to eyeball with these incredible creatures.

Please note that this itinerary is merely a rough guideline, as the times will only be confirmed the day before the dive. On busy days there will be two to three trips , depending on the weather. These trips are approximately a 7am, 11am and 1pm meeting time in Gansbaai.

Early Bird Trip

07:00 – Upon arrival in Gansbaai, clients will be served a delectable breakfast whilst they listen to the all-important safety briefing. After eating, you will be taken on a short walk to the Kleinbair Harbour, just 3 minutes away, to board the boat.
08:00 – All aboard! The diving boat is launched from the harbour, and departs for the anchor site close-by. From here, experience approximately 3 hours of incredible Great White shark diving.
11:00 – Clients return to the harbour and walk back to the meeting place, swapping stories of their experience along the way.
11:30 – Enjoy a leisurely light lunch, whilst watching the video of day.

What to bring:

Comfortable shoes.
Swimwear and towel.
Sea sickness tablets.
Warm jacket.
Camera!

Trip Summary
Shark Diving Gansbaai and Whale Watching Combo
Set your eyes on some of the best of marine wildlife South Africa has to offer with a combined Shark Cage Dive experience and Whale Watching Tour .
With the Dyer Island Group a few km south of the town home to 50 000 cape fur seals, Gansbaai is the World’s capital for Great White sharks. Boasting the largest population of these majestic creature year-round, shark cage diving and shark viewing trips are a must!

Whale Watching, on the other hand, should be on absolutely everyone’s Bucket List. As such, it is a major tourist attraction in South Africa. These stately giants migrate to the South African waters from the Antarctic Ocean to calf from June, and begin the long journey back again at the end of November or beginning of December. With Shark Zone you can see these astonishing giants up close in their natural habitat – a truly spectacular and memorable experience.

Shark Diving Gansbaai and Whale Watching Combo

Day 1 – Shark Cage Diving Gansbaai

The meeting point for Day 1 is at our diving centre in Gansbaai. This tour includes transport from Cape Town, so SharkZone will personally collect you from your accommodation in Cape Town. Cape Town to Gansbaai only takes about 2 and a half hours so you’ll be there before you know it.

A delectable breakfast will be served to clients upon arrival at the meeting point, where you will also be given an all-important safety briefing.
After breakfast, you’ll be taken to our boat docked at the Kleinbaai Harbour, which is a short 3 minute walk from the meeting point.
All board! The boat will set off shortly after your arrival, and transport you to the diving spot close-by.
Once anchored, the crew will immediately begin to chum the water with fish based products like tuna and fish oil, to bring the sharks to the boat. While you wait, the crew will fill you in on the habits and behaviour of the sharks.
When the first Great White Shark has been spotted, those who have opted to dive will kit up and slip into the cage to begin experience a face to face encounter with the massive animals. Not too worry, if you don’t feel like getting your feet wet, viewing the sharks from the boat is outstanding and sometimes even better than in the cage.
Clients will be out at sea for about 3 to 4 hours, during which time you’ll be served drinks and snacks on board, to keep the hunger pangs at bay.
When you get back to shore, you’ll be treated to a more substantial lunch, prepared by us, before being driven back to your accommodation in Cape own.
NB: All dive gear and equipment for the outing is included in the price.

Day 2 – Whale Watching

The following day, clients will have the opportunity to go whale watching – an activity which is one of the most thrilling and awe-inspiring in South Africa.

Shark Zone will personally collect you from your accommodation in Cape Town, before making your way to the boat.
The Whale Watching Tour will take 2 hours on average, giving you plenty of time to witness their grandeur and beauty.
The crew will guide you through the whale watching, and provide you with any information you need whilst viewing these beautiful animals.
Light snacks and beverages will be served onboard the boat, to keep those hunger pains at bay.


What to bring on Day 1:

Sun block and hat.
Comfortable shoes.
Swim wear and towel.
Sea sickness tablets.
Warm jacket.
Camera!

What to bring on Day 2:

Warm jumper or jacket because sometimes the wind can get cold while you’re onboard the boat.
Hat and sun block.
Camera and/or camcorder.

Hermanus Whale Tours, Cape Town Day Tours (seasonal)
-Group and Private tours available from July to November
-Full Day tour
-Pickups and Dropoffs at central hotels
-Views of False Bay
-Explore the scenic Clarence Drive
-Penguins at Betty's Bay
-Lunch and free time in Hermanus
-Optional Whale Boat tours in Hermanus
-Optional extra attractions for private Hermanus whale tours

Tours with 2 guests only may take place in sedan-type vehicles
• Request private or group tours, if available


• Personal changes to tours could affect the rate
• Children rates may apply - please enquire
• Includes:
Guide, Vehicle, Fuel, Toll fees, Penguins entrance at Betty's Bay
• Excludes:
Meals, drinks, personal purchases or optional whale boat

Hermanus Whale Tours
Our Hermanus Whale tours usually start between 8 and 9am with pickups from your hotel within Cape Town city centre or immediate surrounds and you can expect to be back at your hotel between 6 and 7pm. Please let us know if your pickup is out of the city. Private Whale tours can be picked up from any location. Traveling times and routes cannot be guaranteed and we reserve the right to swop or change direction of the tour if circumstances beyond our control dictate the day's proceedings. Personalised tour times can be arranged for private Whale tours.

- Private tours can request to include:
- A visit to Cheetah Outreach for viewing or encounters (R150 pp and up for encounters)
- Wine tasting
- Select specific tour start and ending times

- Regular Group tours run as follow:
- Coastal, scenic route from Cape Town to Hermanus via Clarence Drive
- View the penguin colony at Betty's Bay
- Lunch and free time in the holiday town of Hermanus with whale spotting from land
- Optional whale boat tours, around R800 pp (weather dependent, must be prebooked)
- Scenic mountain passes, Sir Lowry's Pass & Houwhoek Pass
- Refreshment stop at Houwhoek Inn - South Africa's oldest hotel

Private Whale tours who wish to include a visit to the cheetah facility will start the day with this stop. Guests can have a quick lookaround at the facility at no charge, or for those wishing to take part in encounters, time will be made. Combining both a cheetah visit and a whale boat tour will make the day quite long and an evening return could be expected.

Hermanus is considered to be the World Capital of the Whale Route. This town is traditionally a resort town and today, it's ever increasing numbers of migrating whales (June to November) lets the people flock to this "Riviera of the South".

We depart Cape Town between 8 and 9am and follow the spectacular coastline along False Bay via Clarens Drive. From here one can already start keeping an eye out for whales. Our first stop is the penguin colony at Bettie's Bay where we pay a short visit to the colony.

We continue towards Hermanus where many whales gather from June to November. With many view points and lookout points one can spend quite some time seeing these massive mammals playing around. Hermanus also offer markets and a few lunch stops. Watching whales from land is like a safari - you simply cannot predict how sightings will be for the specific day. For a guaranteed, close-up experience we suggest doing a boat tour (around R800 pp). Boat tours should be prebooked, and even though you can impulsively decide on the day, you might be left disappointed due to availability. Boat tours are weather dependent.

For private whale tours wishing to do wine tasting in the area, we will make time and visit one of the many farms found in the area. Wine tasting is strictly dependent on availability.

We return to Cape Town along a different route. We drive through the Overberg, over the mountain where we stop at Houwhoek Inn - the oldest hotel in South Africa.

Shark Cage Diving and Viewing
-Group and Private transfers available
-Pickup and dropoffs from Cape Town Hotels
-Full Day Tours
-Light breakfast and lunch provided
-Wetsuits provided
-Deck viewing and diving options available
-Optional DVD and photo packages available
-Weather dependent
-Bring your own towel, swimwear and sunscreen

Transfers with 2 guests only may take place in sedan-type vehicles
• Request private or group transfers, if available


• Personal changes to tours could affect the rate
• Children rates may apply - please enquire
• Includes:
Transfers, light breakfast, light lunch, boat ride and shark diving
• Excludes:
Meals, drinks, dvd or photo packages


Shark Diving Tours
-Shark tours are weather dependent. Confirmation of tours are done the night before.
-With private tours we can include time in Hermanus for whale watching in season.
-Please bring your own sea-sick tablets should you need medication of this kind.
-Remember to bring swimwear, a towel, warm top and hat.

Cape Town Shark Diving Tours run on a daily basis, depending on weather, tides and availability. The transfer is about 2 hours, each way. Time spent on the boat and having meals can be anything from 3 - 5 hours. We suggest not making any firm plans for the return evening.

Shark diving tours usually start picking up guests in Cape Town very early. This can be anything from 5am in the morning until 9am. The road takes you Gans Bay - a world famous spot on the coast of South Africa where Great White Sharks can be viewed metres from you. Return later that same afternoon or evening. Decide if you would like to go into the cage or simply view from the boat.

Traveling times cannot be guaranteed. It all depends on the day's weather and tides.

With this tour package we will provide transfers from Cape Town to Gans Bay where the shark diving take place. At an extra cost, a night's accommodation can also be included with breakfast the next morning. Feel free to ask us for this option, or even including it in one of our Garden Route tours.

Shark Diving Tours does not mean you have to go into the cage or in the water. Simply standing on the deck of the boat provides a magnificent experience and shark sightseeing.

The climate and temperature of the seawater in the Gans Bay area is well-known to attract Great White Sharks. These incredible predators can be seen from metres away as they literally brush pass you while submerged in a cage hanging from the side of a boat. It sounds scary, and it is! These operators however are extremely professional and know exactly what they're doing.

The great white shark is an exceptionally large lamniform shark found in coastal surface waters in all major oceans. Reaching lengths of more than 6 m (20 ft) and weighing up to 2,250 kg (5,000 lb), the great white shark is arguably the world's largest known predatory fish. It is the only surviving species of its genus, Carcharodon. Many documentaries have aired about these creatures on channels such as National Geographic and The Discovery Channel.

Travelers must be warned not to arrange or make any further important plans for the day on which they go on a shark diving tour. The reason for this is simply the fact that these tours can be affected by tides, weather and traffic. Pick up and drop off times should be used as guidelines only, and will only be confirmed a day or so before the actual tour.

Shark Cage Diving is an adrenaline activity and a true highlight when it comes to South Africa and Cape Town attractions. We seriously suggest you make time for this tour and explore the other side of South Africa's wildlife.

Southern Right Whale Season
The Southern Right Whales arrive in Hermanus around June and stick around until mid-December. During this time, Hermanus Whale Watchers run daily whale watching trips from New Harbour. Remember, boats fill up quickly, so contact us to book this incredible experience today!

Whale Watching Trip Duration and Departure times:
Duration: Usually 2 hours, sometimes longer, depending on the whales
Departure times: 9h00, 11h00, 14h00 and 16h00
Trip times might vary due to weather and tide conditions.

Hermanus Whale Watchers Futures:

All Ages Welcome, we are child-friendly
Choose from various daily departures
Wheel Chair Friendly
Included - Light Refreshments included (soft drink or still water and packet of crisps).
Guiding: You will be accompanied by one of our SATOUR qualified guides for the duration of the trip.
Our guides have first-hand knowledge about the marine wildlife of this area
Before Your Whale Watching Tour:
...meet the southern right whales in Hermanus close to Cape Town.

The tour starts at our orange office on your right-hand side as you enter the New Harbour. You will be welcomed by our friendly office staff, who will set the scene for a memorable trip. Our clean, comfortable bathroom facilities are available for your convenience. You will love the beautiful view over Walkerbay during the 2-minute walk down to the boat. Once on board one of our guides will give an orientation briefing about the trip, safety and facilities on board as well as the marine wildlife we can expect to encounter.

The Whale Watching Experience
An exhilarating two-hour voyage to discover Walkerbay’s wonderful wildlife, stunning coastline and famous whales. Depending on conditions and recent sightings, you could find yourself exploring the coast towards De Plaat or the sandy beaches of Hawston, in search of the stars of the whale watching trip - Southern Right Whales. On the way to our whale watching area we regularly encounter two different whale species inhabiting these waters, Humpback and Bryde’s whales. Each trip is different, which makes the experience even more exciting! ! When we set out from the harbour we never know exactly what kind of whales wait for us out at sea on that particular day. While you enjoy your whale watching we will serve you crisps and cold drinks.

Return to land:
You can enjoy the boat ride and magnificent landscapes while summing up the experiences of the trip with our friendly guides.
Because we are dealing with wild animals, it might happen, especially in the beginning of the season, that there were no sightings. In a case of no sightings, we offer you the option to join us on another trip free of charge.

Full refunds will only be applicable for company cancellations due to the weather.

Optional Extras

Return Transfers from Cape Town & Hermanus can be arranged; please contact us for rates and availability.

Tour 09h00 – 16h00

Highlights include:

Tourist keen to see spot a whale or two need only walk along the cliff path that stretches for 12 kilometers from one end of the town to the other. Whales can be seen as close as 20 meters away frolicking on the sheltered bay or just beyond the breakers. The rumbling sound from the whale cries help horn signals to the visitors as to where the whales can be spotted.

Hermanus Whale Watching Tours:
In doing this tour, from Cape Town, you drive through the spectacular views of False Bay. You pass through the scenic coastal road, curvy mountain pass, Clarens Drive. In reaching Hermanus, you experience the view of one of nature’s giants. You get an opportunity of watching the whales from Hermanus and Walker Bay surrounding area. You can also decide on watching the whales in a boat. The boat trip which is plus minus R600 is at your cost.
On your way back, you visit various wine estate; such as Bouchard Finlayson in the beautiful Hemel and Aarde Valley. You can do wine tasting and cellar tour. You can also have lunch at your own cost in one of the restaurants.

Activity Description
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING CHILD POLICY :
Only children aged 5 and older will be allowed on the boat (under parent supervision).
Only children aged 10 and older will be allowed in the cage (under parent supervision).
All children aged 5 and older pays the same price, as it takes up a seat on the boat.

Getting into the cage with the sharks around, is truly the most breath-taking experience you will ever live to remember. When feeding actively around the boat, the sharks may occasionally brush their tail against the cage, but NEVER attack the cage. They are very curious though and often come close-up to the cage, taking a closer look at the diver. A personal, eye-to-eye encounter with this awesome animal, is guaranteed to get the adrenaline going!

White shark diving up close and personal
Our cage is situated next to the side of the boat and once ready to take the dive, our Dive Master would assist the diver into the opening at the top of the cage. Once in position, the divers head would be no more than half a meter below the surface. A free-board of approx. 30cm allows the diver to rise to the surface and effectively communicate with the Dive Master on the boat. Snorkelers would secure themselves by holding onto the convenient cross bars, situated at the top of the cage.

Diving takes place on a quick and effective rotational system, with 5 to 6 divers down at a time. Once the rotation is completed it will be repeated, therefore ensuring that each diver can take as many dives as possible. Time spent in the cage depends on weather/water conditions, shark activity and eagerness of each diver, but is usually approx. 15 minutes at a time. We rarely have more than 18 divers on board at a time, ensuring maximum cage diving time for all divers and snorkelers.

Arrangements
DurationOpen Ended
When Trips are offered through the year except on Christmas Day. Tours are completely weather dependent.
Where 9 Kus Way, Kleinbaai, Gansbaai
Weather All trips are weather dependent.
What to Wear
Bring warm clothes
Swimwear
Comfortable non slip shoes
Cap or hat
Things to Bring
Towel,
warm weather proof clothing,
sunscreen and hat,
camera and binoculars and sea-sick tablets.
Guests or Spectators Guests are welcome to venture into the quaint town of Gansbaai while waiting for their friends / family to come back from sea.
Requirements
Minimum Age 10 years
Minimum Height 0.0 m
Maximum Height0.0 m
Fitness Level No Fitness Requirement
Qualifications N/A
Maximum Weight0.0 kg
Certification None Required
Experience Level
No Experience Requirement


Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
Shark Cage Diving and viewing.
Breakfast / light meal before the tour.
Hot meal after the tour.
Refreshments on the boat.
Wetsuits with hoodies and booties
Snorkels and masks

Exclusions
Transfers
Towels
Seasick tablets

Notes
Please note that you will be contacted 24 hours before the trip to confirm final pick-up / meeting time.
No diving qualifications or experience is needed for this dive. It is a surface dive, not a deep sea dive.
Whether diving or viewing the price remains the same. We charge per head on the boat.

Activity Description
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING CHILD POLICY :
Only children aged 5 and older will be allowed on the boat (under parent supervision).
Only children aged 10 and older will be allowed in the cage (under parent supervision).
All children aged 5 and older pays the same price, as it takes up a seat on the boat.

Getting into the cage with the sharks around, is truly the most breath-taking experience you will ever live to remember. When feeding actively around the boat, the sharks may occasionally brush their tail against the cage, but NEVER attack the cage. They are very curious though and often come close-up to the cage, taking a closer look at the diver. A personal, eye-to-eye encounter with this awesome animal, is guaranteed to get the adrenaline going!

White shark diving up close and personal
Our cage is situated next to the side of the boat and once ready to take the dive, our Dive Master would assist the diver into the opening at the top of the cage. Once in position, the divers head would be no more than half a meter below the surface. A free-board of approx. 30cm allows the diver to rise to the surface and effectively communicate with the Dive Master on the boat. Snorkelers would secure themselves by holding onto the convenient cross bars, situated at the top of the cage.

Diving takes place on a quick and effective rotational system, with 5 to 6 divers down at a time. Once the rotation is completed it will be repeated, therefore ensuring that each diver can take as many dives as possible. Time spent in the cage depends on weather/water conditions, shark activity and eagerness of each diver, but is usually approx. 15 minutes at a time. We rarely have more than 20 divers on board at a time, ensuring maximum cage diving time for all divers and snorkelers.

Arrangements
Duration 3 hours
When Trips are offered through the year except on Christmas Day. Tours are completely weather dependent.
Where 9 Kus Way, Kleinbaai, Gansbaai
WeatherAll trips are weather dependent.
What to Wear Bring warm clothes Swimwear Comfortable non slip shoes Cap or hat
Things to Bring Towel, warm weather proof clothing, sunscreen and hat, camera and binoculars and sea-sick tablets.
Guests or Spectators Guests are welcome to venture into the quaint town of Gansbaai while waiting for their friends / family to come back from sea

Requirements
Minimum Age 10 years
Minimum Height 0.0 m
Maximum Height0.0 m
Fitness Level No Fitness Requirement
Qualifications N/A
Maximum Weight 0.0 kg
Certification None
Required
Experience Level No Experience Requirement

Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
Shark Cage Diving and viewing.
Breakfast / light meal before the tour.
Hot meal after the tour.
Refreshments on the boat.
Wetsuits with hoodies and booties
Snorkels and masks

Exclusions
Towels
Seasick tablets

Notes
Please note that you will be contacted 24 hours before the trip to confirm final pick-up / meeting time.
No diving qualifications or experience is needed for this dive. It is a surface dive, not a deep sea dive.
Whether diving or viewing the price remains the same. We charge per head on the boat.

Activity Description

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING CHILD POLICY :

Only children aged 5 and older will be allowed on the boat (under parent supervision).

Only children aged 10 and older will be allowed in the cage (under parent supervision).

All children aged 5 and older pays the same price, as it takes up a seat on the boat.



Getting into the cage with the sharks around, is truly the most breath-taking experience you will ever live to remember. When feeding actively around the boat, the sharks may occasionally brush their tail against the cage, but NEVER attack the cage. They are very curious though and often come close-up to the cage, taking a closer look at the diver. A personal, eye-to-eye encounter with this awesome animal, is guaranteed to get the adrenaline going!



White shark diving up close and personal

Our cage is situated next to the side of the boat and once ready to take the dive, our Dive Master would assist the diver into the opening at the top of the cage. Once in position, the divers head would be no more than half a meter below the surface. A free-board of approx. 30cm allows the diver to rise to the surface and effectively communicate with the Dive Master on the boat. Snorkelers would secure themselves by holding onto the convenient cross bars, situated at the top of the cage.



Diving takes place on a quick and effective rotational system, with 5 to 6 divers down at a time. Once the rotation is completed it will be repeated, therefore ensuring that each diver can take as many dives as possible. Time spent in the cage depends on weather/water conditions, shark activity and eagerness of each diver, but is usually approx. 15 minutes at a time. We rarely have more than 18 divers on board at a time, ensuring maximum cage diving time for all divers and snorkelers.



Arrangements

Duration3 hours

When Trips are offered through the year except on Christmas Day. Tours are completely weather dependent.

Where 9 Kus Way, Kleinbaai, Gansbaai

Weather All trips are weather dependent.

What to Wear Bring warm clothes Swimwear Comfortable non slip shoes Cap or hat

Things to Bring Towel, warm weather proof clothing, sunscreen and hat, camera and binoculars and sea-sick tablets.Guests or Spectators Guests are welcome to venture into the quaint town of Gansbaai while waiting for their friends / family to come back from sea.



Requirements

Minimum Age 10 years

Minimum Height 0.0 m

Maximum Height 0.0 m

Fitness Level No Fitness

Requirement Qualifications N/A

Maximum Weight 0.0 kg

Certification None Required

Experience Level No Experience Requirement



Inclusions and Exclusions



Inclusions

Shark Cage Diving and viewing.

Breakfast / light meal before the tour.

Hot meal after the tour.

Refreshments on the boat.

Wetsuits with hoodies and booties

Snorkels and masks



Exclusions

Towels

Seasick tablets



Notes

Please note that you will be contacted 24 hours before the trip to confirm final pick-up / meeting time.

No diving qualifications or experience is needed for this dive. It is a surface dive, not a deep sea dive.

Whether diving or viewing the price remains the same. We charge per head on the boat.

Activity Description
Getting into the cage with the sharks around, is truly the most breath-taking experience you will ever live to remember. When feeding actively around the boat, the sharks may occasionally brush their tail against the cage, but NEVER attack the cage. They are very curious though and often come close-up to the cage, taking a closer look at the diver. A personal, eye-to-eye encounter with this awesome animal, is guaranteed to get the adrenaline going!

White shark diving up close and personal
Our cage is situated next to the side of the boat and once ready to take the dive, our Dive Master would assist the diver into the opening at the top of the cage. Once in position, the divers head would be no more than half a meter below the surface. A free-board of approx. 30cm allows the diver to rise to the surface and effectively communicate with the Dive Master on the boat. Snorkelers would secure themselves by holding onto the convenient cross bars, situated at the top of the cage.

Diving takes place on a quick and effective rotational system, with 5 to 6 divers down at a time. Once the rotation is completed it will be repeated, therefore ensuring that each diver can take as many dives as possible. Time spent in the cage depends on weather/water conditions, shark activity and eagerness of each diver, but is usually approx. 15 minutes at a time. We rarely have more than 18 divers on board at a time, ensuring maximum cage diving time for all divers and snorkelers.
Arrangements
Duration 3 hours
WhenTrips are offered through the year except on Christmas Day. Tours are completely weather dependent.
Where 9 Kus Way, Kleinbaai, Gansbaai
Weather All trips are weather dependent.
What to Wear Bring warm clothes Swimwear Comfortable non slip shoes Cap or hat
Things to Bring Towel, warm weather proof clothing, sunscreen and hat, camera and binoculars and sea-sick tablets.Guests or Spectators Guests are welcome to venture into the quaint town of Gansbaai while waiting for their friends / family to come back from sea.

Requirements
Minimum Age 10 years
Minimum Height 0.0 m
Maximum Height 0.0 m
Fitness Level No Fitness
Requirement Qualifications N/A
Maximum Weight 0.0 kg
Certification None Required
Experience Level No Experience Requirement

Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
Shark Cage Diving and viewing.
Breakfast / light meal before the tour.
Hot meal after the tour.
Refreshments on the boat.
Wetsuits with hoodies and booties
Snorkels and masks

Exclusions
Towels
Seasick tablets

Notes
Please note that you will be contacted 24 hours before the trip to confirm final pick-up / meeting time.
No diving qualifications or experience is needed for this dive. It is a surface dive, not a deep sea dive.
Whether diving or viewing the price remains the same. We charge per head on the boat.

Blue Shark and Mako Shark Dives

Our pelagic trip is a long day out at sea where we travel up to 25 Nautical Miles off Cape Point. The Blue sharks are more commonly seen sharks on these trips, they are very calm and inquisitive and will approach divers and snorkelers in most cases. They normally feed on squid and a variety of fish. Blue sharks have very big eyes to help them hunt in deep waters and can grow up to 3.5m, although it is rare to see a mature animal of this size. Most are between one and two metres in length. They are incredibly graceful, with long pectoral fins. The Blue shark is actually the most abundant shark on the planet.
Shortfin Mako sharks are some of the fastest swimming animals in our waters, this helps them prey on tuna, gamefish and other shark species. Shortfin Mako sharks can grow over four metres and weigh roughly 700 kg. They are instantly recognisable from Blue sharks with a distinct swimming manner full of intent and a mouth bristling with teeth. An incredible shark to see eye to eye!

Scuba divers, freedivers and snorkelers are all welcome to join on this tour.

Pelagic Birds and other species

We encounter several other special creatures on our trips out to “the deep” these are by no way guaranteed but always a bonus to see.

Some of these include:

Pelagic Fish: Yellowfin Tuna, Longfin Tuna, Yellowtail, Dorado, Bonita, Sunfish
Birds: Subantarctic Skua, Swift Tern, Common Tern, Cape Gannet, Cape Cormorant, Bank Cormorant, White Breasted Cormorant, Shy Albatross, Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross, Southern Giant Petrel, White-chinned Petrel, Cory’s Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater
Whales and Dolphins: Sperm Whale, Pilot whales, Humpback whales, Southern Right Whales, Orcas and Common Dolphins

Details
Location: Simonstown, Cape Town – South Africa
Season: November – June
Max Depths: 10m
Water temp: 16c-25c
Water Visibility: 10m – 50m
Qualification: Open Water or above advised but snorkelling is possible
Baiting: Yes (sardines/pilchards)
Itinerary
Meet at Dive Centre at 06h00
Collect equipment, sign indemnities
Head down to Simonstown jetty at 0700
Board the boat assemble dive equipment
Proceed along the peninsula coast towards Cape Point
Short stop at Cape Point for sunrise photos
Briefing for the dive
Start the chumming process
Once the sharks arrive the dives start
Return to Pisces Divers at 1400 for hot shower, coffee and lunch

What to bring
Dive certification card
Towel
Warm Jacket
Bathing suit / swimming costume
Sunblock
Camera
Own dive equipment if preferred
Seasick medication (if you are prone to seasickness)

Included
Guided snorkelling or scuba dive
Full equipment rental
Coffee / tea and lunch at Pisces Divers
Drinks and Snacks provided on the boat
Briefings

Excluded
Transport to Pisces Divers (can be arranged)
Camera

Experience a close encounter with the Hermanus whales by joining us on an informative and educational whale watching trip.
Hermanus Whale Season
The peak whale season runs from June to mid December, annually. The exact date all depends when the star performers arrive and depart.

Trip Duration
The boat-based whale watching trip is not capped and is from 1hr 30m – 3hrs maximum. It depends on traveling time to the Hermanus whales on that trip; the time spent with the whales is the same. The trip normally averages at about 2 hours.

Daily Departure Times
We depart daily at 09h00; 12h00 and 15h00 from the New Harbour in Hermanus.

Arrival time is 30 minutes before departure for check-in and the on-land safety briefing led by our whale specialist guide.

For private charters and group bookings the additional trip time of 06h30 or 17h00 can be requested dependent on time of year.

Whale Watching Tour Features
Purpose built catamaran
Hermanus whale specialist guide on board
Support crew to ensure passenger comfort
Trip duration is not capped (1h30- 3hrs)
Choose from various daily departures
All ages welcome
Included
Light Refreshments included (soft drink or still water and packet of crisps).

Optional Extras
Souvenir Movie of your trip including bonus chapters of ‘Hermanus & the surrounds’ and our short film documentary, ‘the Whale Season’

Return Transfers from Cape Town & Hermanus can be arranged; please contact us for rates and availability.

WHALE WATCHING TRIP – WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Our permit entitles us to approach the whales up to 50m and then we stop to observe, it is then up to the whales to approach closer. Being naturally curious, the whales often come right up to the boat. It is definitely ‘a magical experience to be treasured’.

The whale watching trip begins with an on-land briefing led by our whale specialist guide before heading down the jetty to our catamaran. We then set off from the Hermanus New Harbour in search of the ‘gentle giants.’ The purpose-built catamaran provides superior viewing and comfort and during the Hermanus whale tour the friendly, knowledgeable crew add that personal touch allowing for an all-round great experience, from ensuring the perfect photo opportunities are not missed to serving complimentary light refreshments.

Our Whale Specialist guide will interpret the marine life encountered en route and provide insight into the behaviour of the whales while you are watching them in action. Our videographer will ensure that the best footage is captured.

On return to land, peruse the local craft and souvenirs available, order your USB movie of the tour which is immediately ready or simply relax at our outdoor seating on the edge of the Quay with reading material on all things whales. There is also Coffee and Tea available and Free WIFI.

SUMMER WHALE WATCHING
What We Can Encounter
Bryde’s whales, Common and Bottlenose dolphins, seal, penguins and a variety of sea birds.

Summer whale watching is the ‘off peak’ whale season, the Bryde’s whale is the only whale species likely to be seen.

About the Tour
Southern Right Charters, as a permitted operator offers boat-based whale and dolphin watching tours from the New Harbour in Hermanus. During the tour the friendly crew is on hand to make sure a great experience is had, from helping get the perfect photo opportunity, to serving complimentary light refreshments.

The guide, will interpret the marine life encountered en-route and provide insight while the action is taking place.

NCLUSIONS Light Refreshments included (soft drinks & still water and packet of crisps)




Low Season (Summer Whale Watching)
14 DEC- 31 Jan (Closed 24th-26th Dec & 31st Dec- 1 Jan)

Trip Duration
1hr 30m – 3hrs
Average 2 hours

Trip Departure Times
Arrival time is 30minutes before departure for the on-land briefing.

For private charters varied trip times can be arranged based on availability.

Southern Right Charters Boat
Different viewing levels
Twin hulls of the catamaran provide optimum stability.
Passengers also have the option of walking all around the vessel
Great photographic opportunities