African Shark Eco-Charters

Welcome to African Shark Eco-Charters

At African Shark Eco-Charters, our passion for sharks and the ocean has grown into a lifelong mission to share the wonders of marine life with the world.  Since 1996, we have been offering unforgettable shark cage diving adventures, helping guests move beyond fear and discover a deeper understanding, respect, and appreciation for these magnificent predators. Based in Simon’s Town, Cape Town, we are a leading shark cage diving operator in False Bay, with experiences also available in Gansbaai and Mossel Bay. Our commitment to responsible marine tourism, guest safety, and environmental protection guides everything we do.

Our Philosophy: First Do No Harm

Quality Over Quantity, Always

We believe the best wildlife encounters happen when nature is respected and animals are observed in their natural environment. Our guiding principle is simple: First do no harm. We prioritise the wellbeing of marine life, respect ocean conditions, and only operate when conditions are suitable for both our guests and the environment. With a maximum of just 12 guests per trip, we offer a more personal and immersive experience. Forget overcrowded boats and rushed turns in the cage — our small-group approach gives guests more individual attention and a meaningful opportunity to experience the ocean.

Unforgettable Shark Cage Diving Experiences

Dive Deeper. Stay Longer. Experience More.

Discover the incredible world beneath the waves with our shark cage diving trips around False Bay’s renowned Seal Island. Our onboard hookah breathing system allows guests to breathe underwater without requiring scuba certification, making this thrilling experience accessible to more people. Depending on the trip and conditions, guests may encounter different shark species and other fascinating marine wildlife. Our experienced crew provides guidance, safety briefings, and insights into shark behaviour and marine ecology, turning every trip into an adventure filled with discovery.

Morning Shark Cage Diving Trip

Location: Simon’s Town, Cape Town

Experience the extraordinary marine life of False Bay on a morning shark cage diving adventure. Observe sharks from the safety of the cage while enjoying the beautiful morning light across the open ocean.

Afternoon Shark Cage Diving Trip

Location: Simon’s Town, Cape Town

Enjoy an exciting afternoon on the ocean with a small group of fellow adventurers. Discover the fascinating world of sharks while taking in the spectacular coastal scenery and afternoon light.

Pelagic Shark Diving Trip

Location: Simon’s Town, Cape Town

Venture 5–25 miles offshore from Cape Point in search of pelagic sharks, including the magnificent mako and blue shark. This open-ocean adventure offers a thrilling opportunity to explore the world beyond the coastline.

Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai

Location: Gansbaai, Western Cape

Discover the famous waters of Shark Alley, the channel between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock. Approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Cape Town, Gansbaai offers an exciting marine adventure surrounded by spectacular coastal scenery.

Shark Cage Diving in Mossel Bay

Location: Mossel Bay, Garden Route

Explore the beautiful waters of Mossel Bay on South Africa’s scenic Garden Route. Known for its diverse marine life and shark encounters, this destination offers an unforgettable experience for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Five-Day Great White Shark Experience

Location: Simon’s Town, Gansbaai and Mossel Bay

Embark on a multi-day shark adventure featuring five nights of shark cage diving and opportunities to observe shark breaching and natural hunting behaviour. Explore three renowned shark-diving destinations while discovering the remarkable marine life of South Africa’s coastline.

Our Combo & Other Trips

Cape Town's Ocean Safari

Location: Cape Town

Discover the beauty of Cape Town's coastline on an ocean safari available throughout the year. Enjoy a memorable marine adventure suitable for anyone wanting to experience the ocean and its remarkable wildlife.

Cape Point Fishing Trip

Location: Cape Point

Enjoy a scenic inshore fishing adventure off Cape Point. Perfect for fishing enthusiasts and groups looking for a fun day on the water, this exclusive charter accommodates a maximum of eight guests.

Shark Diving & Whale Tour Combo

Location: False Bay and surrounding areas

Combine the excitement of shark cage diving with the wonder of whale watching. After your shark trip, look out for magnificent whales breaching and interacting in the waters of False Bay, accompanied by knowledgeable guides.

Kelp Forest Scuba Dive Trip

Location: Simon's Town, Cape Town

Explore the enchanting underwater world of False Bay's kelp forests. Discover fascinating marine life, with opportunities to encounter different shark species and impressive short-tailed rays on this immersive scuba diving adventure.

Shark Diving & Penguin Tour

Location: Multiple locations

Make your Cape Town adventure even more memorable with a combination experience featuring shark diving and a visit to the famous African penguin colony. Enjoy the excitement of the ocean alongside the charm of these fascinating coastal birds.

Shark Diving & Cape Peninsula Tour

Location: Simon's Town and the Cape Peninsula

Experience the thrill of shark cage diving followed by a visit to the penguins at Seaforth Beach and the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony. This combination tour brings together marine adventure, wildlife encounters, and some of Cape Town's most memorable coastal attractions.

Kelp Forest Snorkelling Trip

Location: Simon's Town, Cape Town

Dive into a different kind of adventure as you snorkel through the magical kelp forests of False Bay. Explore a fascinating underwater ecosystem within protected marine areas and discover the beauty of the ocean from a unique perspective.

Shark Diving & Wine Tour Combo

Location: False Bay and Constantia Valley

Combine an adrenaline-filled shark cage diving experience with a scenic wine tour through the Constantia Valley, home to Cape Town's historic wine region. Enjoy the perfect balance of ocean adventure, beautiful scenery, and wine tasting.

False Bay's Seal Island Trip

Location: False Bay, Cape Town

Set out on a private boat trip to Seal Island and discover the lively Cape fur seals and fascinating marine life that inhabit the area. Enjoy spectacular coastal views and learn more about the behaviour of these playful animals on an adventure suitable for families and nature lovers.

Meet Our Team

The People Behind Every Dive

Our dedicated team combines marine knowledge, operational experience, professional dive expertise, and a genuine passion for creating exceptional guest experiences.

• Rob Lawrence – Owner and Founder
• Karen Lawrence – Owner and Managing Director
• Abdul-Aziz “Poenas” – Skipper
• Eddie – PADI-Certified Dive Instructor
• Katie – Guide
• Tshawe – Guide
• Nadine Bentley – Booking and Client Liaison Manager
• Kyle – Booking Agent

Recognised for Excellence

A Commitment Our Guests Appreciate

Our dedication to quality experiences and guest satisfaction is reflected in the feedback we receive from visitors around the world. African Shark Eco-Charters has received the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence every year since 2015. Guests regularly praise our friendly and knowledgeable crew, professional organisation, attention to safety, and unforgettable encounters with sharks and other marine wildlife. As guest Ricardo Lacombe described his experience, it was an honour and an inspiration to see Great White Sharks represented in their natural environment, with genuine respect for these magnificent animals.

Why Choose African Shark Eco-Charters?

• Established in 1996: Decades of experience in marine tourism.
• Small groups: A maximum of 12 guests per trip for a more personal experience.
• Safety-focused operations: Trips are planned around suitable ocean and weather conditions.
• Educational encounters: Learn about shark behaviour, marine ecology, and conservation.
• Hookah breathing system: Enjoy underwater viewing without needing scuba certification.
• Multiple destinations: Explore shark diving opportunities in Simon’s Town, Gansbaai, and Mossel Bay.
• Responsible marine tourism: Experience wildlife with respect for the natural environment.

What Our Guests Say

Real Adventures. Lasting Memories.

Our guests describe their experiences as thrilling, educational, and unforgettable. From seeing sharks glide through the water at close range to spotting seals and dolphins, every trip offers the possibility of a remarkable encounter with the ocean. Visitors frequently highlight the crew’s knowledge, friendliness, and care, as well as the opportunity to spend meaningful time observing marine wildlife.

Your Ocean Adventure Awaits

Whether you are seeking an adrenaline-filled shark cage diving experience, a peaceful journey through a kelp forest, or an ocean safari along Cape Town’s spectacular coastline, African Shark Eco-Charters invites you to discover the extraordinary world beneath the waves.

Join us for an experience that goes beyond adventure — one that inspires understanding, respect, and a lasting appreciation for our oceans.

African Shark Eco-Charters — Since 1996. Small Groups. Meaningful Encounters. Respect for the Ocean.