What you should know before you go
The concept of shark cage diving may sound a little outlandish to many people. In addition to sounding peculiar to those of you that are unfamiliar with shark cage diving, it may also sound completely insane – climbing into a cage and being submerged into open sea, only to be greeted by Great White Sharks beneath the surface. The Great White Shark can only be described as a behemoth of the sea, and it has become one of the most feared creatures in light of ridiculous Hollywood movies that have been that portray these magnificent creatures as ‘man-eaters’ and ‘mutant’. The riskiest part about going shark cage diving is choosing the right tour operator. The shark cage diving industry in South Africa is strictly monitored with the interests of the sharks and marine life kept at the forefront. At Ultimate Animals, the crew has undergone professional training and only operates with all the required licenses and certified equipment. However, it is imperative to your safety and that of the marine eco-system that you consider the following before embarking on a shark cage diving expedition:
- How long has the shark cage diving charter been in business? You will find that the most trustworthy operators are well-established because they have been tour operating for more than five years.
- Research the prices of different shark cage diving tour operators. The majority of operators charge in the region of R1300 for a tour that lasts 4-5 hours. A competitive price normally suggests a competitive, safety-conscious tour operator that knows the industry.
- What are the terms and conditions concerning photography onboard? Does the tour operator use an in-house photographer/videographer? Is this service included in the price of the tour? If there is no in-house photographer/videographer onboard, does the operator sell disposable underwater cameras?
- Where is the shark cage diving tour operator located? Should an injury occur how close will we be to medical facilities? All tour operators in Cape Town are close to first-world medical facilities.
- What is the maximum amount of people allowed on the boat? You are guaranteed a better experience with fewer people onboard the boat. What other perks are included in the cost of the trip? Drinks and snacks and an educational lecture are some of the offerings you should be on the look out for.
