April 2017 - Shark Diving Unlimited

Shark cage diving in Gansbaai, South Africa

Shark Diving Unlimited has been nominated the best adventure activity for the second year running in the Lilizela Tourism Awards.

The Awards which recognise fair and responsible tourism companies, nominated the company for the second year in a row.

Shark Diving Unlimited takes great care in providing enjoyable shark cage diving trips for all people regardless of their ability, age, or monetary situation.

Based in the Great White Shark capital of the world, Gansbaai South Africa, the company also tries to give back to the ocean, by supporting a number of scientific field research studies on the Great White Shark.

To vote please visit: http://lilizela.co.za/voting/selected/VisitorExperience/356

Brave, fearless, free woman of the sea, capable of jumping into shark infested water and braving the chill of the winter waters.

That lasted about 10 minutes, the length it took for the boat to leave Kleinbaai harbour and arrive at our shark cage diving location, 10 minutes out to sea in a place called Shark Alley.

I joined Shark Diving Unlimited for the cage diving adventure of a lifetime and has spent the past 3 weeks telling everyone how I thought this activity would be a piece of cake. But then I was singled out, in my wetsuit, to be the first in the cage. I lifted my leg over the side of the boat and watched the large 3 metre white shark below me.

“Just find your feet and keep them inside the cage,” said the burley black chum man as he near hoisted me over the edge and into the cold cold water.

The adrenalin hit then. Although I knew I was in a big metal cage, it does make you feel insignificant when placed in the middle of the ocean with its apex predator.

“Down!” they yelled.

And scrambling to hold my breath, dip down and keep all limbs intact, I did so.

She cruised by as calm and steady as an Emirates A380. Looked me in the eye, lost interest and continued past.

For her, it was an insigficiant moment in her day.

For me? Utter excitement, fear and happiness all rolled into one.

I will return, fair beauty of the sea!