In August 2008, my colleague and good friend, Dr Matt Blackburn, and I embarked on a life-changing journey to South Africa. Both passionate marine biologists and graduates of Aberystwyth University, we shared a fascination with sharks, particularly elasmobranchs, and this was a lifelong wish for us both — a long-held dream, finally coming to fruition.
Arriving in Johannesburg, Matt hired the smallest car possible — a tiny Kia Picanto. Our hilarious road trip through the South African countryside, navigating dirt roads and searching for wildlife, only added to the adventure. Despite our small, cramped car — we both barely were able to fit in — the excitement of our upcoming shark dive kept our spirits high regardless of the metal matchbox we were travelling in. Mental note: in future I was to hire the car!
We stayed at a charming B&B near Gansbaai, eagerly anticipating our dive with great white sharks. As marine biologists, we couldn't resist exploring the local shoreline, discovering various sea creatures reminiscent of our childhood explorations. We immediately went down to the beach to explore rockpools, just like I did most days in Sutton strand in Sutton Dublin when growing up. The beach, with its rock pools teeming with life, evoked a sense of wonder and excitement, reinforcing the magic of marine environments — honestly, we were like children on Christmas morning!
The next day, sadly the weather delayed our dive, so we visited Boulders Beach, home to a colony of African penguins. Observing these charming creatures in their natural habitat was a delight. The drive along the scenic coastline, with its expansive beaches and dunes, made me ponder the hidden world beneath the waves, teeming with marine life and what sharks were close to the shore within touching distance…
Finally, the day arrived for our first shark diving adventure. The anticipation was palpable as we boarded the boat and headed towards Seal Island, a hotspot for great white sharks. As we approached, the sight of Cape fur seals on the island signalled the presence of these majestic predators, known for their hunting prowess during the seal's pupping season.
"The tip of its nose beside the lens of my camera inside the cage, with my body pinned against the back of the cage as far as I could go!"
Great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) are apex predators, renowned for their impressive size and power. These sharks have a robust, torpedo-shaped body, allowing them to reach speeds of up to 25 mph (40 kph). Their serrated teeth and powerful jaws are adapted for tearing through the flesh of their prey, primarily marine mammals like seals and sea lions. Great whites are known for their hunting technique called breaching, where they launch themselves out of the water to catch seals. This behaviour is particularly common around Seal Island, where inexperienced juvenile seals become easy targets.
As we descended into the chilly waters around Seal Island, the anticipation was electric. The water, filled with bubbles and the splash of waves, created an eerie yet exciting atmosphere. Suddenly, I saw a shadow in the distance — a massive great white shark approaching. The sheer size and presence of this predator were awe-inspiring.
One particular encounter left an indelible mark on me. A large great white grabbed the bait and surged towards the cage, its head and jaws pushing into the bars. The experience of being so close to this powerful creature, seeing its eyes and teeth up close, was beyond anything I had imagined. The shark's behaviour, its gaping jaws expressing frustration at missing the bait, highlighted the raw power and intelligence of these animals. The tip of its nose beside the lens of my camera inside the cage, with my body pinned against the back of the cage as far as I could go!
Later, as I sat on the stern of the boat, another shark breached the surface, leaping out of the water with the bait in its jaws. The force of its leap and the sight of its massive, scarred body were both terrifying and exhilarating. The encounter reinforced the incredible adaptability and survival skills of great white sharks.
The dives with great white sharks were a profound experience, offering a glimpse into the evolutionary marvels of these ancient predators. Their sleek design, powerful musculature, and hunting strategies reflect millions of years of adaptation and evolution. Despite their fearsome reputation, great white sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. They help regulate the populations of seals and other marine mammals, ensuring the health of the oceanic food web.
My journey to South Africa and the encounter with great white sharks was a testament to the beauty and complexity of the natural world. It reinforced my passion for marine biology and the need to educate others about the wonders of the ocean. For anyone with a love for the marine world, diving with great white sharks is an unforgettable experience that offers invaluable insights into the lives of these extraordinary animals.
What this encounter taught me
My journey to South Africa reinforced my passion for marine biology and the need to educate others about the wonders of the ocean. For anyone with a love for the marine world, diving with great white sharks is an unforgettable experience.
