Gansbaai Shark Cage Diving

The waters off Gansbaai, near the Cape fur seal colony of Dyer Island, are among the best in the world for encountering sharks up close. Operators lower guests in a sturdy cage for an eye-to-eye view from the safety of the boat's side.

Responsible operators focus on education and conservation, and the area's marine life — including whales and the rare African penguin — makes the boat trip rewarding whether or not the sharks appear.