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Shark Cage Diving The Heart Of The Cape Town Adventure Tourism Industry
ver the past 350 million viewing has become increasingly
years sharks have dominated popular within the adventure
the oceans of the world. tourism industry over the past
The fiercest predators in their decade. It is the experience of a
domain, sharks have earned their lifetime being able to witness
reputation as the hunters of the these magnificent animals in
sea. Humans have become their natural habitat.
fascinated by them and have a
healthy combination of fear and Each year thousands of people
respect for these beautiful travel the globe to see and dive
creatures. with the 400 species of shark in
our oceans. Each year they
South Africa, more specifically undertake this adventure with
Cape Town, is without a shadow of apprehension and excitement and
a doubt, one of the best each time return with a passion
destinations worldwide for and deep seated respect for these
experiencing sharks, especially fascinating creatures.
Great White sharks, at close
proximity. The population of Swim with the Sharks
sharks is unparalleled elsewhere,
and the locations are so Shark cage diving is a strictly
accessible and in close proximity regulated industry, with only a
to land, that you are virtually few operators having been granted
guaranteed to witness numerous a license to engage in this
animals engaging in what they activity. Great care is taken not
were born to do. to interfere too much with the
natural behaviour patterns of the
The Adventure of a Lifetime sharks. The feeding of sharks is
also strictly prohibited, to
Shark cage diving and surface prevent them from associating
boats with an easy meal. emotional, heart-stopping and
truly thrilling experience.
Passengers on the shark cage
trips are most likely to The experience is not only
experience Great Whites as other thrilling for those in the cage.
sharks tend to keep a low profile The passengers on the boat are
in their territories. The Cape able to enjoy the surface viewing
Coast is one of the most famous from an unparalleled viewpoint
Great White territories world and to observe and photograph the
wide. Great White sharks from only a
few feet away. Surface viewing
On boarding the boat for the trip here is amazing as passengers get
out to sea, the passenger's an all-round view of the sharks
anticipation is overwhelming. It attacking, circling and
can take up to an hour of descending.
chumming before the first shark
appears. Once the sharks have Shark Cage Diving Locations
settled down, the first group of
cagers prepare to enter their There are two areas where Great
cage while the rest retreat to White diving is done, Gans Bay
the back of the boat or viewing and Mossel Bay. Both these
platform to witness the destinations are easily reached
spectacular proceedings, eagerly by land or air from Cape Town
awaiting their turn in the cage. International Airport. Both
destinations are also major
The bait line is slowly drawn tourist hot spots and
towards the cage. As the bait accommodation and restaurants are
line approaches so too does the of an excellent standard.
Great White. The cage experience
has been described by some as an The best time of year for Great
White viewing is between April many other aspects of marine life
and November mainly due to the apart from the sharks: schools of
mass-pupping of seals. Sharks are dolphins; seals; penguins; bird
a little less active between life and occasionally whales.
December and March but are not
completely absent from the areas. Experience the Thrill
During caging and viewing trips
Great White sharks are Whether sharks intrigue,
encountered 95% of the time, on a fascinate or frighten you, it is
good day upwards of a dozen Great the experience of a life time
White sharks ranging between 2, 5 being so close to them and
and 4, 5 meters may be observing them in their natural
encountered. habitat. Being with these mighty
kings of the deep is one of the
There are a multitude of most popular activities in
companies operating shark tours adventure tourism at the moment.
in and around Cape Town many Whether you wish to dive with
specialising in specific Great Whites or simply view them
sightings because of where they from afar, Cape Town is the
are based. On most of the tours perfect location for you.
you will be able to experience
About the Author:
Shark cage diving is once in a lifetime opportunity for shark lovers and adventure junkies alike. Experience the ultimate thrill whilst diving with ragged-tooth sharks, a turtle, rays and game fishes in the I&J predator exhibit at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town http://www.aquarium.co.za
Source: www.isnare.com
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