Seasons for Shark viewing

The high season for great white sharks at Seal Island is mid April to mid September.

These are the winter months in Cape Town and as soon as the water temperature cools down migratory fish species leave False Bay. The seals at Seal Island therefore become the only food source for the Great white sharks and this is why they can be so easily found during these months.

During the high season you should have a great opportunity of seeing the white sharks breach out of the water to hunt seals, as well as have excellent close-up views of them when we attract the sharks to the boat for closer viewing as well as diving.

Although we see all the different behavior throughout the season May and June are usually better for seeing sharks around the boat which is great for cage diving.

July and August are the two better months for seeing intense natural predation (sharks attempting to catch seals).

The beginning half of September is usually still good for seeing natural predations but sightings around the boat can start to slow down.

The intermediate season is April and October. Our sightings rate is about 65%. Sightings are generally around the boat and breaching is less likely.

The low season is November to March and sightings are about 50%. Breaching sightings are highly unlikely. At this time of year we do book guests in Gansbaai with an operator we believe operates in the most ethical way.