photography tour SHARK SAFARI

Great White Sharks & Seal Island

WHAT YOU WILL BE PHOTOGRAPHING

The Great White Sharks of False Bay are known for their unique breaching behaviour (launching out the water) which they do in pursuit of Cape Fur seals.

International shark experts Chris and Monique have been studying these great whites since 1989 and now take a limited number of people daily on their search for these fearsome predators.

You will join them or one of their staff with cameras ready to shoot this epic action. Their boat departs from Simons Town for a 25-30min ride out to Seal Island (an island with approx 60 000 seals). You will arrive around sunrise, an optimum time to observe the natural predation behaviour that makes Seal Island so unique.

The most intense natural predatory behaviour is usual 90minutes after sunrise. After this time, for a short period a decoy is towed to get the sharks to breach. It is important to not that the Fallows DO NO CHUM FOR SHARKS AROUND SEAL ISLAND and they are one of the few operators in South Africa that don't use this practise.

After the decoy tow they do an inspection lap around the Island looking for any signs of bitten or injured seals which are recorded for research / conservation purposes. It is a great opportunity then to get close to the 60 000 strong Cape fur seal colony.

They then choose the best spot to anchor up based on the local weather conditions so that they can attract sharks to the vessel. Once a shark approaches the boat, a small bait is put in the water to keep the sharks interested. At no point are the sharks purposefully fed or handled. They do not use shark livers or any other attractants that have a negative impact on the environment.

If the weather conditions are favourable, i.e. good visibility and workable seas, the cage is lowered in the water for cage diving. It is important to know that the sharks come very close to the boat so it is not necessary to dive in order to see them.

It is important to note that there can be no guarantee of shark sightings as these are free roaming wild animals but the success rate is good with over 90% chance in the peaks months also there is prolific other marine life to be photographed such as the 60 000 strong seal colony, african penguins, pelagic birds, whales & dolphins.

Additional Information

Your Photography Guide does not accompany unless there is space or specifically requested.
This tour is limited in availability and is subject to sea conditions.
The sharks are only viewable from May-Sept in the False Bay.
Early bookings are advised due to popularity and limited numbers.
This tour is weather dependent rough seas or high winds can lead to reschedule or refundable cancellations.

SEAL ISLAND - CHANCES OF SEEING ONE OR MORE SHARKS:

High Season (May to mid Sept): 95%
Mid June - Mid August: best for natural predation observation.
May & June: usually the better weather months during the high season and also best for observing sharks around the vessel.
Intermediate season (April and Oct): 65%
Low season (Nov to March: less than 50%)
PLEASE CONTACT US FOR RATES

	Hotel collection, vehicle, water, shark guide, shark safari fees, light lunch, snacks, drinks, tea and coffee.
	Tips & anything else not specified
	Early AM only (depart city at 06:00am)

Recommendations and requirements:
Guests suffering from nausea or motion sickness are advised to take precautionary measures prior to the scheduled departure time. Warm waterproof clothing is also recommended and during summer and autumn months, sunscreen and a hat are advised

Any person wishing to do a cage dive needs to have entry level scuba qualifications.

Photographic tip: It is recommended to bring a TELEPHOTO LENS for shots of the sharks breaching out the water.