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Unlike shark cage diving in the cold waters of the Western Cape, where the large Great White Shark is specifically targeted, in the warmer waters of KwaZulu-Natal , South Africa, different species of shark can be found on cage dives like Black Tip Sharks, Dusky Sharks and Spinner Sharks. Because these species are smaller than the Great White Shark and their main diet consists of small schooling fish, a much lighter "soft" shark cage can be used. There is even the option of getting out of the shark cage for a true shark interactive and unforgettable cage shark diving experience.
South Africa is one of the few countries in the world where you can dive in the open water with Great White Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Black Tip Sharks, Dusky Sharks, Zambezi Sharks to name but a few! It is important to have a holistic approach and respect for the natural world of Shark Diving without disrupting their natural habitat.
Many shark species are being pushed towards extinction through uncontrolled, destructive fishing methods. The sheer lack of compassion, understanding and basic awareness people have of these animals is enabling the slaughter of millions of sharks each year to continue unabated.
Sharks are typically slow growing creatures with low reproductive capacities. This means that high levels of unnatural mortalities can quickly push shark populations to the brink of collapse and ultimately extinction.
Many marine experts believe that sharks are vital in maintaining marine biodiversity and concern has been raised that some species may become extinct before their ecological role is fully understood.
The "soft" cage diving experience is viewed as a vital way to connect people with healthy shark populations. The activity is intended to increase the level of focus, awareness and compassion the public have for sharks.
A typical "soft" shark cage dive involves getting into a wetsuit, donning a mask and snorkel and climbing into a floating soft cage with between 5 and 30 sharks gliding gracefully by, the cage walls. Due to the fact that there are mainly Black Tip Sharks around these reefs, you are indeed allowed to get out of your cage and interact with these amazing, serene creatures. There has never been a recorded attack on a human by this species of shark.
Numerous species of sharks to be found in the warm waters on the KwaZulu-Natal Coast -
Ragged Tooth Sharks
These sharks can be viewed either at Aliwal Shoal Reef as well as at the local reefs off Rocky Bay in Park Rynie. They look fierce with there long sharp teeth but are relatively relaxed and make for excellent photo's.
Tiger Sharks
These sharks are definitely one of the most awesome sharks to dive with in the open ocean, South Africa is one of the few countries in the world that do not use a cage on these dives, the best time is in the summer although they are also seen in the Winter.
Black Tip Sharks
Can always be seen throughout year and they can number between 5 and 30 sharks on a dive. You can either dive on a reef to view the sharks and then come up to 10m of water and do a drift dive with the sharks, one can also encounter Tiger Sharks during such a dive.
Bull Sharks
They are not always around but can be seen on the reefs at times.
Giant Guitar Sharks
These are found in the summer months on sandy patches on the Aliwal Shoal.
Hammer Head Sharks
The summer months seem to be the best time to dive with these sharks but can be seen throughout the year.
Whale Sharks
Whale Sharks can be seen from Dec - March when there is an abundance of plankton in the water for them to feed on, from Rocky Bay to Scottburgh they swim close inshore.
Operators:
SHARK CAGE DIVING KZN is situated only 50 minutes from Durban International Airport on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast and launch from the safest launch site on the Natal South Coast - Rocky Bay. They are specialists in Soft Cage Shark Diving, Shark Diving Trips, and Shark viewing at the Aliwal Shoal, South Africa.
Contact details for SHARK CAGE DIVING KZN can be found here.
