Marine Dynamics Review - Cage Diving

Susanne's Shark Cage Diving Excursion Shark cage diving operator Accommodation & food The boat and the weather The cage diving experience Tips and advice Disappointments Rating

Which company did you go with, and where?

I went with Dyer Island Cruises/Marine Dynamics (make an enquiry). We booked with this website, Top Adventure Tours, over the internet.

We were on holiday in South Africa at the time.

They (Marine Dynamics) gave a security and safety briefing during breakfast and another briefing on board; also information about the sharks themselves.

They were very friendly and gave a lot of information... there was nothing I didn't like about them.

We stayed in Cape Town and were picked up from there.

Once we arrived at Marine Dynamics in Gansbaai, in the morning we had breakfast (fresh bread, cheese, ham, egg, muesli, yoghurt, muffins, coffee) and on the boat there were different sandwiches, snacks and drinks. The quality was very good.

The boat had 17 passengers and 5 persons could go into the cage at a time.

We stayed out at sea for around 3 hours.

How was the weather?

The weather was ok when we left. In the morning it was raining, but they waited for the weather to get better. Normally they go early in the morning, but we went around noon.

Visibility was 5 meters.

We had a 15 minute boat ride. After anchoring they started the chumming (they also used tuna head and a "wooden seal") and put the cage in the water. Meanwhile we had a short briefing, and divided the group in 4 smaller groups.

After 20 minutes the first shark was spotted. The first group went in the cage. We were on the top deck watching the sharks. The crew told us some things about sharks. When the second group went in, we put our wetsuits on.

The sea was pretty rocky, and some people unfortunately got seasick. We were in the third group. I think we were in the cage for about 30-40 minutes.

The last group consisted of only 2 persons, so we had the chance to go in a second time. This was the best dive. The sharks came really close and one shark accidently got hold of the bait. It was great watching it tear it apart! After another 30 minutes in the cage I could only say that it was awesome!

Normally Marine Dynamics also go to Dyer Island, to watch some other marine life. Unfortunately the sea was too rough and we couldn't go. On our way back we spotted a whale. The boat stopped to gave us a change to watch it.

All together it was a great experience! There were 7 different great white sharks.

Choose a company that takes not so many passengers and read the terms and conditions. Especially what they offer it the trip is cancelled. And I think it is important that they preserve sharks.

We have a scuba diving certificate but it was not necessary.

What was the most useful item that you took with?

Binoculars and sunglasses and of course the camera.

That we didn't go to Dyer Island, but you can't control the weather and sea conditions.

8 out of 10.