Gansbaai, Western Cape

Gansbaai, a popular tourist destination and fishing town, is known for its large population of great white sharks and as a whale-watching spot. Since around 1995, cage diving with great white sharks has been the main tourist attraction in Gansbaai. Cage diving excursions to Geyser and Dyer Islands begin at Kleinbaai Harbour near Gansbaai if you are brave enough to get in the water with these colossal predators. The channel between these islands, dubbed "Shark Alley", is home to the world's largest population of great white sharks.

While sharks can be seen all year, the best time to see great white sharks is from June to September, when the water is clearer. Other marine creatures seen include klipfish, catfish, toadfish, stingrays, butterfly rays, and eagle rays, as well as stingrays, sawfish, butterfly rays, eagle rays, and skates. The best time to dive in this spot is between June and September when the number of sharks is at its peak and visibility is at its best – 5-10m/16-32ft.

Location: Gansbaai, Western Cape, South Africa