Shark and Safari Tours Reviews

Not as expected We decided on a last-minute holiday to 6 Me, my partner and our 12 year old and 1 year old. We hired a car for the week so didn't take the transfer option of this excursion. We drove for 2.5 hours from Cape Town to do the shark diving. Whilst we were all really excited about doing shark experience, we were left feeling a little disappointed. The expectation was that we would see some great white sharks whilst in the cage, but upon arrival, we lesrnt that their last sighting of a great white had been June 2021. We went down into the cage and there were 4-5 sharks there to see, however the visibility when in the water was not great so unless they were in front of your eyes, we could not see great. The food advertised and served is also not great. The breakfast consisted of 3 platters of Indian snacks such as samosas and beef balls, the food on the boat was mini quiches and bags of crisps and the lunch upon arrival back was soup. Having said all this, the staff are amazing and we did enjoy it. It just wasn't the thrilling experience we had imagined. It maybe should be more clear that you are not guaranteed to see a great white shark.

The shark whisperers! So that you may continue to be your best, most powerful self, one day you will wake up and choose sharks. When that day comes, I highly recommend entrusting the experience to Capetown's Shark and Safari Tours. Though I pummeled the company's Ms. Theresa Cole with special requests, I could not stump her. She may be the savviest booker in town. I inquired about the Great Whites everyone expects to see and was pleased Theresa had accurate, up-to-the-minute information about shark sightings, and the whales that like to eat them. When she encouraged me to tour Gansbaai, it was the first time I heard the name Bronze Whaler Shark, and though I now realize she could've given me a 90% chance of encountering them, she did not, and I appreciate her integrity over all else. She did not mislead me to me to sell a tour. No one can guarantee a shark sighting in those infinite waters, but I believe the wise people at Shark and Safari will book you the best chance there is. The bus was prompt and comfortable. The drive alone was worth the tour price, exquisite. There is a lot happening on the boat; Great boat, great boat staff, happy chum-tossers, Europeans peeling down to skivvies to don wetsuits while Americans in bathing suits exchange judgey eyes, everyone preparing in some way for the sharks. Here's something unexpected; the boat sails to where the cage lays on the ocean floor. It is retrieved and re-attached each time. Yes, it's creepy. The badge of courage you earn for living to tell about shark diving begins its merit the moment you realize the cage itself may kill you, detach, sink with you locked inside. But we are her for risk, we are here to feel alive, and so we all line up for the cage. Right away, 6 beautiful metallic sharks come for the boat. Chum is thrown over the cage, maddening them, inviting them inside. The water is murky, but you and the sharks are nose to nose. The boat crew coaches you from above where to look and when, and that is helpful. Everyone on this boat is wholly invested in your good time. We had sharks for 2 hours, dozens of them. It was spectacular. Dare I say Bronze Whalers are more beautiful than Great Whites - abundant - feisty - and hungry! I was grateful for the soup upon return. Nice touch to warm you, but for me, more so to get the taste of chum out of my mouth - very authentic experience. I bought a Great White tooth for my kid and slipped into the front seat for the ride home where I stayed engrossed in conversation with the driver. He was gracious and willing to talk plainly about any of my curiosities, politics, anything. It was a cherry on top of a great day. Theresa advised me perfectly and did so for the duration of my stay. Shark and Safari Tours exceeded my expectations, and they were lofty. Shark and Safari didn't make me feel like I had "done it,' they made me feel like I want to do it year after year. You will, too.

No reservar con esta compañía Reservamos con esta compañia a través de Civitatis en el avistamiento con tiburones en Gansbaai. Nos lo reservaron,nos lo cobraron y nos confirmaron el día de antes que todo iba bien y que nos recogían a las 3 de la mañana (3 AM), cuando nos daban mal temporal para el día de la expedición pero claro. Nos levantamos a las2 durmiendo apenas 3 h, recogimos nuestro desayuno y a las 3 estábamos esperando en la puerta del hotel y ahí nos quedamos plantados hasta las 5 y 30. Miramos constantemente el correo electronico y nada. Llamamos a la empresa y nada.... Con lo que imagiaros con que cara nos fuimos a la habitación sin poder dormir. A las 7 de la mañana (AM), 4 horas después de la hora prevista, nos envía Civitatis un correo diciendo que se había cancelado, que esta empresa no les habían avisado antes de la cancelación y que lo sentían. Directamente esta empresa no nos contesto a nuestros correos. No fastidiaron un día entero del viaje.

Inverdoorn Safari - Day Trip We walked into the office on Loop Street to enquire about a morning safari accessible near to Cape Town. Andrew gave us all the information we needed and we booked there and then. We had done our homework before our trip and knew that the safaris on offer near Cape Town are more conservation game reserves rather than wild safari experiences. We decided to book The Inverdoorn Safari and we are so glad we did. The day did not disappoint. We were collected at 7am from our AirB&B in Waterkant and taken on a 3 hour drive through stunning mountain scenery which was a treat in itself. Tony our driver was entertaining and so knowledgable about the area we drove through. We arrived at Inverdoorn and we immediately boarded our safari jeep and were introduced to our guide Vanessa. The jeep had approx 12 pax and there was plenty of room for everyone. The tracks were rough but Vanessa drove the jeep very carefully which resulted in a very comfortable ride. During the 2 hour safari we were delighted and excited to see 10 different species of game. Elephants, Lions, Giraffes, Buffalo, Zebra, Wildebeest, Springboks. Oryx, White Rhino and last but not least Cheetah. We were given the opportunity to photograph all the animals we spotted and at each stop Vanessa gave us a great deal of information about each species. The animals are free to roam around the vast reserve and there is no guarantee that any will be spotted but the many trails that criss cross the reserve give the jeeps access to different angles of the habitats that increase the opportunity of seeing the animals. On our tour we got up close to most and the ones that were more elusive and therefore distant (giraffes, rhino and buffalo) were easily brought into sight using our binoculars (highly recommended that you bring some). The safari drive concluded and we were given an open air buffet lunch which was delicious. We sat under awnings looking out over the game reserve. The journey back to Cape Town took us a different route through the wine lands which was another interesting journey. Many of the vineyards were collecting their harvest and we saw lots of activity on the many vineyards we passed. All in all the trip was packed with activity and interesting facts from start to finish when we were dropped back at our door. I would have no hesitation in recommending Shark and Safari - Day Tours to anyone wishing this type of experience. We walked into the office on Bree Street to enquire about a morning safari accessible near to Cape Town. Andrew gave us all the information we needed and we booked there and then. We had done our homework before our trip and knew that the safaris on offer near Cape Town are more conservation game reserves rather than wild safari experiences. We decided to book The Inverdoorn Safari and we are so glad we did. The day did not disappoint. We were collected at 7am from our AirB&B in Waterkant and taken on a 3 hour drive through stunning mountain scenery which was a treat in itself. Tony our driver was entertaining and so knowledgable about the area we drove through. We arrived at Inverdoorn and we immediately boarded our safari jeep and were introduced to our guide Vanessa. The jeep had approx 12 pax and there was plenty of room for everyone. The tracks were rough but Vanessa drove the jeep very carefully which resulted in a very comfortable ride. During the 2 hour safari we were delighted and excited to see 10 different species of game. Elephants, Lions, Giraffes, Buffalo, Zebra, Wildebeest, Springboks. Oryx, White Rhino and last but not least Cheetah. We were given the opportunity to photograph all the animals we spotted and at each stop Vanessa gave us a great deal of information about each species. The animals are free to roam around the vast reserve and there is no guarantee that any will be spotted but the many trails that criss cross the reserve give the jeeps access to different angles of the habitats that increase the opportunity of seeing the animals. On our tour we got up close to most and the ones that were more elusive and therefore distant (giraffes, rhino and buffalo) were easily brought into sight using our binoculars (highly recommended that you bring some). The safari drive concluded and we were given an open air buffet lunch which was delicious. We sat under awnings looking out over the game reserve. The journey back to Cape Town took us a different route through the wine lands which was another interesting journey. Many of the vineyards were collecting their harvest and we saw lots of activity on the many vineyards we passed. All in all the trip was packed with activity and interesting facts. I would have no hesitation in recommending Shark and Safari - Day Tours to anyone wishing this type of experience.

A really good day out with a knowledgeable guide From the time that I booked this online in the UK to the day of the trip itself I knew I was dealing with a competent and well run organisation. We booked a private trip because we wanted to spend longer at the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, as well as visitng the penguin colony and the whale watching at Hermaneus. Our guide. Andrew, planned the day well and even had a good knowledge of the plants at the garden. we saw many penguins and also a number of Southern Right Whales. We enjoyed lunch at a good waterfront restaurant. This is a first class operator and can be recommended for any organised tour in Cape Town.

DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY! I booked a shark Safari with this group on November 4th. It was canceled due to bad weather and at the time I was promised a refund. Over 4- 5 weeks later I have still not received it. I would strongly advise you not to book with this tour group. Most likely you will be traveling from outside of South Africa and once they have your money, their interest in you is over and if the tour does not happen, you won’t get your money back. I have lost a lot of money, please do not let the same thing happen to you. There are plenty other reputable companies in Cape Town that will be able to provide you peace of mind.

Fake safari I went with my wife to this trip thinking it was a safari. I paid about 350 for each ticket trip. It took us three hour to reach the destination. When we reached the ranch, a driver took us in through a fence where there a couple disoriented animals. One fat lion that looked like a dog. Two male elephants...saw them in a far distance ...seemed like a nice gay couple. Most of the ride was spent looking dirt , rocks , and some trees..............In conclusion ...dont waste your time, go to the zoo. It is cheaper in every possible way. Plus, you see animals. Oh ..I forgot about the "lunch", i think its the Lions leftovers. Enjoy :)

Disappointing My partner and I especially decided to travel to the western cape so that we could cage dive with the great whites. We had been told by several people to make sure we book a tour that provides regulators so we can stay under the water, however it appears that most shark dive companies I’m Gangsbaai don’t do this and they use the breath hold technique. We were a little sceptical but decided to do it anyway. We originally booked this tour with Shark and Safari which had good reviews, however we somehow ended up on a tour with ‘Sharklady’. Their service was really good and they were helpful, however everything else was quite disappointing. We were taken out on a boat with roughly 18 people and put into groups. We were expecting to be able to spend a bit more time in the water than what we did. We were lucky enough to see a juvenile great white, however we spent only 20 minutes total in the cage and then spent another 2 1/2 hours sitting in the boat waiting, and watching everyone else get seasick. I a quite a small person, and I was quite disappointed that I was given a wetsuit that was way too big for me, and had holes in it. The water temperature is roughly 13° and the last thing you want is to be cold while doing this. We were also told we would be wearing a 7mm wetsuit and mine was no more than 3mm. A lot of other companies also offered weight belts, which shark lady did not. I feel like this would have made a huge difference as obviously wearing a wetsuit makes it very hard to keep yourself down there. My partner and I spend a lot of time in the ocean diving so we had pretty high expectations. We were transferred from Cape Town which is a two-three hour drive away so in total we actually spent more time driving there and back and wasted a whole day for 20 minutes of thrill. Considering we paid $250 AUD to do this, I feel like it definitely could have been better organised and we left feeling pretty ripped off.

Full Day Hermanus Whale Route Tour from Cape Town Tour was excellent! We had a great time. Beautiful sights. Shawn was a great tour guide! We recommend this tour.

Amazing adventure!! Andrew was the most amazing guide. Took very scenic routes through the mountains on the way to my safari trip . The experience was 2nd to none!! I highly recommend Andrew and his business.

A great trip There were five adults on our trip and although we only saw whale ‘blows’ in the distance at Hermanus and the boat trip was cancelled due to weather we still had a great time. Andrew was our guide and he was brilliant. He was professional, knowledgeable and he ensured we were his top priority. We couldn’t ask for more. We visited Betty’s Bay to see the penguins, a wonderful botanical retreat and finally Hermanus. The whole experience was great so we can only imagine what it would have been like if we’d seen more whale action. We would certainly recommend this tour and highly recommend Andrew as the guide.

Great organization Andrew was an awesome host and guide and is easily accessible on WhatsApp. His background and knowledge of the area made me happy that I not only took the Hermanus tour (culminating in a whale watch that was one of my finest wildlife experiences EVER) but also arranged a wine tour, cape peninsula, and shark cage diving tour with him. He deserves lots of thanks for making my Cape Town dreams come true! Book with shark and safari. You won't regret it.

Visiting UK Photographers. We were recommended Shark and Safari by the Outlook Lodge in Johannesburg. As we were travelling to Cape Town we decided to go speak to Andrew and Theresa at there office to see if they could help with our very specific photography hopes and wishes for Great White Shark and Whales. We were glad we had, as we got a very in-depth insight into how the marine animals are acting this time of year. As wild life photographers this was extremely valuable and useful. So we booked a private tour to Hermanus with Andrew and this was a fantastic adventure out with Andrew adding his wealth of knowledge to the trip. We were chartered to sail with Southern Right Charters for the Whales as to our tight schedule and short notice. Good friends of Shark and Safari. Now knowing wild life well its not always what you would expect and you would be a dumb ass to think other wise. This is not a zoo but the open ocean. With this trip we saw Humpback Whale and this was truly spectacular. Once back on land we carried on our tour with Shark and Safari and was treated to some spectacular sights on the way home. We Highly Recommend any one wishing to chase whales and sharks to book with this company. They go above and beyond and are very well connected to the other specialists in the bays for any information needed. Currently as of July 14th 2019 there are no Great White Sharks in Falls Bay due to global warming and Orca activity. This is golden info if you are planning a trip. Shark and Safari will locate and book you in to where there is such activity. We thank you for such an excellent service. L&S