|
It's definitely advisable to book in advance and to book with the right White Shark operator.
There are 8 licensed operators in Gansbaai, and there are "operators" and then there are "operators" and, as with anything in life, you only get what you pay for.
Some operators operate out of Gansbaai Harbour, and from Gansbaai Harbour to Dyer Island, the place where it all happens, is an hour and twenty minute boat ride.
Other operators operate out of Kleinbaai Harbour, and from Kleinbaai Harbour to Dyer Island is only 20 minutes on a calm day. You don't want to spend 2 of your 5 hours just getting to the dive site!
Then some operators operate a "shuttle service" and not a dedicated Great White experience. They run two trips per day, one on the morning departing at about 08h00 and returning again at 13h00. They then turn around and go straight out again and come back at about 17h00. Not what you want when the action hots up and you could also wait anything up to two hours before the first shark makes it's appearance.
Some operators boats are big and impersonal accommodating anything up to 30 divers at a time, others are small and intimate with a maximum of only 12 people on board. The size of the cage is limited and some cages accommodate 4 divers whilst others only 2 divers at a time. Imagine 30 divers on a boat and a cage that accommodates 4 divers at a time. It's a bun fight to see who gets "cage time"!
Then there is the actual quality of the operation, that you don't know. We do!
Dive The Big 5 has been operating in the Dyer Island area since 1996 when there was only one Great White Shark operator - The White Shark Research Institute. They no longer exist, but now there are 8!! We've experienced them all, and only use and recommend the one that gives the best overall Great White experience, has a boat that only accommodates 12 people at a time, does not go out twice a day, has a cage that accommodates 4 divers at a time and has a crew dedicated to giving the diver an experience of a lifetime and who also has the interests of the Great White at heart. And you don't pay any more by booking through us.
Don't leave an experience of a lifetime to chance, book in advance and let our experience and expertise ensure you get the most out of your Great White Encounter.
|
