
Saxon Lodge
★★★★
★ 8.9/10 (177 reviews)
3.5 km away as the crow flies
Dive centre · Gansbaai · South Africa
4.8527 Google reviewsExperience the ultimate Great White Shark encounter through professional cage diving supported by on-board marine biologists.
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Located in Gansbaai, near the Kleinbaai harbour, White Shark Projects sits at the heart of the world's most significant Great White Shark territory. Established in 1989, the organisation has spent decades integrating scientific research with ecotourism to better understand these apex predators.
For the diver, this means more than just an excursion; it is an opportunity to observe marine life through a lens of conservation. The centre operates with a deep commitment to the health of the oceans, using every expedition to contribute to ongoing scientific data collection.
The team consists of 18 qualified members, including dedicated marine biologists who accompany every excursion. This ensures that your time on the water is an educational experience, providing insight into the behaviour and ecology of the species you are observing.
All staff are trained to SAMSA standards, maintaining a high level of professional rigour. The centre’s expertise is built on over 50 years of cumulative industry experience, providing a stable and knowledgeable environment for both researchers and observers.
The centre provides first-class facilities specifically designed for cage diving operations. These vessels are equipped to handle the unique requirements of observing large pelagics in the Gansbaai region, ensuring a stable platform for your expedition.
The facility at Kleinbaai is rated five stars, offering high-quality infrastructure for those preparing for their cage diving sessions. The centre focuses on providing the necessary support to facilitate professional-grade research and observation.
Dyer Island is the primary site for these expeditions, acting as a dense concentration zone for Great White Sharks. It is accessible to all levels of experience, offering a unique vantage point to observe sharks, bronze whaler sharks, and sevengill sharks in their natural habitat.
The primary draw of this region is the presence of the Great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias). During the spring and summer months, you may also observe the presence of pups. Other frequent visitors include bronze whaler sharks, sevengill sharks, and Cape fur seals.
Beyond the sharks, the waters around Dyer Island host a variety of other species. You may encounter Copper shark (Carcharhinus brachyurus), Ocean sunfish (Mola mola), and various species of whales and dolphins. Cape fur seals are also a regular sight in these waters.
In the wider area, seasonal visitors include the southern right whale and the Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). While more elusive, Orca have also been recorded in the region.
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