If you ever get the chance, you absolutely must try this. Being this close to the top dog of predators is humbling.
We headed off from Cape Town this morning and travelled east for about 2 hours to Gansbaai. After a briefing from the skipper, and signing the waiver (not their fault if we die) we motored about 10km offshore to the famed Shark Alley which lies alongside Dyer Island where a small marine research facility is located. Shark Alley is to Great White Sharks what the MCG is to football fans.
Here’s John, Ferg and Harry in the cage. When the crew yells “down”, they go under the water and get a close look at any dental problems the sharks may have. After surfacing, there is always a yell of “that was awesome”.
Fergus reckons he’s going to tell everyone in his grade they should do this! There was definitely some intrepidation beforehand, but now – nothing but smiles.
Hi there
Loving your updates and the photos. I went to the aquarium when I was in cape town and it was one of my favourite things. I remember a giant tank with kelp in it. At the time it was the biggest in the world but that was 1997!
Hope these little messages are actually getting through to you.
Love soph
Hi Soph, the aquarium was cool. Boys loved it.
Elspeth wants to go in the shark cage with fergus! She hopes he did not feel trapped but I think he would have felt pretty weird? Did you go too, pug? Hugh is here too laughing at my typing — we are having a pre birthday dinner. Wonderful photos and commentary – we are enjoying it all! Pippa also thinks sharks look interesting – but she would definitely be shark bait but very furry! Virtual hugs. Pug
Hey Pug, happy birthday for tomorrow. Sheesh, you’re getting old. Ferg says He didn’t feel trapped. It was great to be just inches away from the sharp scary teeth. The biggest shark was 3.4m ! And I was the official photographer, not a diver. If I hadn’t sacrificed myself to this job, there would be no pictorial evidence that it ever happened. 🙂
Did you see any shark Harry
I saw 8 different sharks. One had a creepy scab on his shoulder.
Wow Jacoby family! What a trip. Thought you’d be exploring Africa by elephant, sleeping in discarded lion’s dens and living off the land. John has either gone soft in his old age or is finally listening to his wife. Love the blog Bridget. Sam might be out of a job on your return, you’re talented is being wasted in finance and pharmacy land! See you when you get back, if you make it back …………
Thanks Nicol! We are off to Kenya tomorrow for more fun.