Imagine locking eyes with one of nature’s most misunderstood apex predators—not in fear but in awe. This is shark cage diving in South Africa. Here, dive operators aim to flip the script on great white sharks by offering adventurers a chance to witness their grace and power up close, while supporting ocean conservation.
Below we will dive into the purpose of the cage, ethical considerations surrounding this activity, and explore several reputable tour operators in South Africa.
The Necessity of Cages for Certain Shark Species
Most sharks in our oceans are shy towards humans. However, some have been known to show “aggressive” behavior. These include species such as great whites, tigers, and bull sharks.
When cage shark diving in South Africa, the water is often chummed or baited to attract these shark species to specific dive sites. Therefore, the purpose of the cage is to keep divers safe whilst these apex predators are feeding in their natural habitat – you wouldn’t want your limb to be mistaken for a piece of fish!
Therefore, diving with a cage offers protection for both divers and sharks, creating a safe and unique opportunity for interaction and observation.
Ethical Shark Cage Diving in South Africa: An Overview
Responsible and ethical cage diving supports shark conservation by contributing to research and education. It provides an intimate space like no other for study to take place, as well as empathy and curiosity to form. Cage diving also benefits the local economy by providing jobs within the eco-tourism industry, and consequently spreads awareness for the environmental and economic importance of shark conservation within South Africa.
However, there are also potential negative impacts of shark cage diving that make it questionable in terms of ethics and environmental sustainability.
As mentioned above, sharks are lured into dive sites so that divers are guaranteed a chance to see them. Chumming the water and baiting the sharks for this purpose poses concerns surrounding the impact on natural shark behavior and safety. It is not ethical or environmentally sustainable to alter the natural feeding patterns of sharks, nor is it safe to create an association of humans and boats with shark food.
Furthermore, an incident in Isla Guadalupe in 2019 also exemplified harm to sharks as a result of shark cage diving. This unfortunate event saw a great white shark drown after getting stuck between the bars of a cage. It is unclear if this was a completely random and aggressive act by the shark, if it was the fault of the operator poorly controlling the bait, or if it was purely an accident.
An incident like this is rare, however, they can occur, which is why selecting a reputable operator is crucial for minimizing risks—for both humans and sharks. Still, it is important to remember that all wildlife adventures inherently carry some level of risk. Mistakes can occur, and wild animals are, by their very nature, unpredictable.
A Closer Look at Reputable Tour Operators in South Africa
Marine Dynamics
Operating as an eco-experience since 2005 is Marine Dynamics. With an expert team of conservationists and marine biologists onboard each trip, Marine Dynamics champions shark conservation and education through marine data collection, educational initiatives, and partnerships with conservation groups working with penguins, dolphins, whales, and marine pollution.
Marine Dynamics does not feed any sharks. They use a chum combination of fish oils and byproducts to create a scent that attracts sharks to the boat, followed by the use of bait and decoys to bring the sharks closer to the cage for viewing and tagging.
White Shark Ventures
First established in 1991, White Shark Ventures is one of the first companies to offer shark tours at Dyer Island, South Africa. They have one of the most experienced teams and are committed to shark conservation and environmental sustainability through data collection and education.
Additionally, White Shark Ventures is the founder of the Great White Shark Protection Foundation, an initiative dedicated to the global protection and preservation of great whites. They additionally support initiatives for the rehabilitation of the endangered African penguin and is also a member of numerous conservation bodies such as the World Wildlife Fund, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, the Shark Alliance, and the Shark Trust.
Guidelines for Ethical Shark Cage Diving
Above are examples of responsible shark cage diving operators as they take measures to minimize their impact on shark populations. This is done by following sustainable and non-invasive practices, whilst actively collecting data on sharks, promoting awareness and education, and encouraging respect for these vital marine predators in our oceans.
Choosing to dive with responsible operators is choosing to be an accountable and eco-conscious traveler. It is important to research companies that prioritize conservation, sustainability, and animal welfare, are legally certified, and follow local regulations that guide ethical practices in the shark cage diving industry.
Specifically in South Africa, regulations include a cage diving permit system, controlled chumming, rigorous safety standards and cage specifications, interaction frequency limits, as well as seasonal and location restrictions. Responsible operators such as White Shark Ventures and Marine Dynamics adhere to these regulatory frameworks.
Alternatives to Cage Diving
If the idea of shark cage diving doesn’t sit well in your stomach – whether it be for safety or ethical concerns – don’t worry! We have good news: There are plenty of ethical and responsible ways to get up close and personal with sharks in the ocean!
You can dive with leopard sharks in Thailand, whale sharks in the Philippines, hammerheads in Indonesia, and lemon sharks in the Bahamas – all without feeding or chumming the water, and thus without cages! In South Africa, a splendid alternative to shark cage diving is scuba diving the sardine run. On this adventure, not only will you see an abundance of shark species, but also pods of whales, and dolphins, fevers of rays, and schools of vibrant fish. You may not dive with a great white specifically, but it is thrilling all the same!
By choosing to dive with responsible operators and combining a little patience with some research into shark congregation seasons and common sighting areas, you can greatly increase your chances of witnessing these majestic apex predators in all of their natural glory. With a touch of luck, you’ll have an unforgettable and ethical encounter that highlights their epic raw beauty and extremely vital role in the ocean’s ecosystem.
Final thoughts
Prioritizing ethical practices and values when engaging with wildlife tours is an essential part of being an eco-conscious traveler. There are many ways to make our experiences more ethical, whether it be choosing a reputable shark cage diving operator or seeing sharks outside of a cage.
By embracing these practices, you support conservation efforts and also gain the chance to witness the unparalleled beauty of sharks thriving in their big blue natural habitat—a sight that leaves a lasting impression, far beyond the thrill of the encounter.
If you’re curious to learn more about exploitative wildlife experiences and what we can do to help change that, check out worldanimalprotection.org or this Guide to Ethical Wildlife Tourism.