Sharks are among the most majestic animals found within the marine ecosystem and are one of the few creatures that are found in every ocean on the planet. Great White Sharks are estimated to live up to 70 years making them one of the longest living cartilaginous fish known to man. Great Whites range in size depending on their gender however females measure 4.6 to 4.9 meters with the larger female individuals measured at as large as 6.1 meters in length and males measure 3.4 to 4.0 meters. Adult Great Whites weight between 680 – 1 100 kilograms, making them one of the largest predatory fish found in our oceans. Great White Sharks are thought to reach a swimming speed up to 40 km/hr due to their strong, torpedo-shaped bodies and powerful tails. Great Whites are at the top of the food chain in the marine ecosystem and have almost no threats besides Orcas.

Great White Sharks can be found across Southern Africa however the 20ha Dyer Island, managed by CapeNature, is one of the best places to spot these incredible creatures. Dyer Island is situated 8.5 kilometers from Kleinbaai, a harbour in Gansbaai and is home to breeding colonies of the endangered African Penguin, Cape Cormorant (60% of the population) and Caspian Tern, as well as other seabirds. Around 60 000 Cape Fur Seals are resident on Geyser Rock opposite Dyer Island, attracting the densest population of Great While Sharks in the world. 

A study conducted from 2007 to 2011 by The Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) scientific team has shown a change in Great White sightings and behaviour. The study also identified how the environment has played a role on these changes in the Dyer Island region as well as other regions where Great Whites can be found. Overall the study has shown that certain conditions of the ocean (such as temperatures or water conditions) have an effect on whether the Great Whites will enter or leave the area and which months are best for Great White sightings. Water conditions are more variable in summer than winter due to wind-driven cold water up-welling and thermocline displacement, culminating in colder water temperatures, and shark sightings of both sexes were higher during the autumn and winter months (from March–August) during the period of the study.  Another factor that affects sightings are Orcas, which are found in nearly all of the world's oceans and are a threat to Great Whites, if Orcas are present in the area Great Whites will often leave.

Gansbaai has been dubbed as 'The Great White Shark Capital of the World and offers a once in a lifetime experience to come face-to-face with these amazing creatures. Gansbaai is home to the Marine Big 5 made up of Southern Right Whales, seals, penguins, dolphins and a dense population of Great White Sharks. The 3 Day Whale Coast Adventure will not disappoint, it is the perfect add on trip or weekend getaway offering outdoors activities in this beautiful area!    

If you would like more information or sample packages showing how Shark Cage Diving can be incorporated into a package or if you are up for the thrill of Shark Cage Diving and you would like to book an Exclusive Tour please contact us for more information and assistance.

   
Categories: Industry News

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