Apex Shark Expeditions

We see a variety of shark species throughout the year according to the seasons, weather, water temperature and other factors.

During September to Mid-June we operate half day shark tours to Seal Island and Cape Point Possible shark species can include Sevengill Cow sharks at Seal Island; and Mako shark & Blue shark off Cape Point. All of the species we focus on are large, powerful and active predators sure to give you an incredible once in a lifetime experience.

Whales, dolphins and many species of sea birds are often encountered on this adventurous expedition. As we adopt an eco-system style of operating our trips, going to sea with Apex is like going on a safari game drive and we will try to take in as much marine wildlife as possible on our trips As trips are based on natural events every trip is different and sightings are not guaranteed.

The departure point, Simon’s Town, is only 45 minutes from Cape Town city centre, 15 minutes from the Cape of Good Hope and only 2 minutes from Boulders Beach Penguin Colony.

Reasons to Choose Apex as your shark cage diving operator

• We are an official licensed Shark Cage diving Operator with crew certified specifically for  this industry
• We provide SCUBA for certified divers on request – however NO experience is required for breath hold
• We offer the smallest group size of any shark diving operation – 12 guests only
• We have achieved the five star excellence certificate from TripAdvisor 6 years in a row

Locations

One of our areas is Seal Island, False Bay and this is famous having been featured on many documentaries including Air Jaws on the Discovery Channel with Chris Fallows, our owner, as co-host. You will also have close views of the 65 000 strong Cape Fur seal colony on Seal Island (this is the largest island based seal colony in Africa) as well as various sea birds (Cape cormorant, Bank cormorant, African penguins & Black Backed kelp gull).

Our other location is the inky blue waters off the famous landmark of the mighty Cape Point.

Trip Information

Trips include dive gear (sizes S to XXXXXXL) light breakfast, light lunch, snacks, fruit and refreshments on board. See itinerary.

Trip 1 departs anywhere from 6.30am. The trip is 3 – 4 hours long (shark activity and weather dependent).

Trip 2 departs anywhere between 10:00 and 14:00. The trip is 2 – 3 hours long (shark activity and weather dependent).

Child Policy

Children need to be 8 years to board the boat and 10 years to cage dive. It is a long day out at sea and children are prone to seasickness. If a child has experience at sea, we will reconsider our policy.

Our Boat and Cage

Our vessel is a 36-foot catamaran, specifically built for cage diving and the viewing of sharks from the surface. A dry cabin, soft cushioned seats and a flush toilet ensure your comfort at sea. She complies with all safety requirements and Great White shark permit conditions. View our boat and cage.

Prices – Surface viewers and cage divers pay the same rate

Cancellation Policy

If the trip is cancelled due to inclement weather there is NO charge. This decision is made by the skipper and is based on wind and swell conditions. We will try to reschedule you if we have availability.

1-5 guests: 30 days or more before the time of start date: no cancellation fee; Less than 30 days before start date: 50% of the fee; Less than 15 days before start date : 100% of the fee; No show or late arrival: 100% of the fee

6+ Guests & Exclusive Charters: A non-refundable 50% deposit upon booking. Refunded only on bad weather cancellation

Full payment is due 60 days prior. Cancellation hereafter is 100% of the fee.

Additional info for Mid-June to August

Apex Shark Expeditions runs daily shark viewing and shark cage diving trips year-round based on sightings. We choose each day’s shark experience based on whichever species is offering the best viewing opportunities at the time, obviously taking weather into account. All of the species we focus on are large, powerful and active predators sure to give you an incredible once in a lifetime experience.

Historically June, July, August are the peak season for great white sharks although over the last 3 years the sightings at all 3 Great white Shark hotspots in South Africa have become unpredictable and sporadic.

In the event that we are experiencing poor sightings of Great whites, we will be operating shark tours and cage diving with other shark species. At Seal Island we enjoy seeing Sevengill sharks and Mako & Blue sharks off Cape Point. These large predatory sharks are generally very interactive, coming close to cages and are very inquisitive. The trips this past year have been equally successful and guest feedback of dives with these other species has been outstanding. As such you will have an excellent chance to see sharks on any dive/excursion with Apex as well as having a possibility of seeing a whole host of other spectacular large marine mega fauna that False Bay is famous for.