shark bait, oh ha ha!

On the 12th day we tested the waters and took a dive with a few prehistoric animals.

Out in Gansbaai, Afrikaans for "bay of geese," they are known for their Great White Shark population which is a major tourist attraction. The trek to see these sea beasts was an all day affair as we drove 2 1/2 hours to our destination and then drifted off of land into 10m deep waters. Within 2 minutes of arriving at our floating cage for diving with the sharks we spotted one! And within 10 minutes of it's appearance there was a shark drought for a good hour, only to allow sea sickness to settle in. After having tossed a few cookies overboard not one but TWO sharks appeared, the bigger one is not pictured because I was in the cage when it appeared but it was massive! We were told it was about 10ft in length and it displayed it's strength by destroying our bait reel and even jumping out of the water to do so. The water was salty and cold but the thrill of ducking down in the cage to catch an underwater up close and personal glimpse of this predator made you forget you were ever once shivering or even breathing.

Myself, Yap & Kels, wetsuits and all.

Fei & Tayd preparing to go in the cage.

Mike resembling a seal.

First shark of 3 we saw of the day, one of the smaller ones but still got our money's worth and came out alive.

*2 days after our shark cage diving experience there was a fatal shark attack at Fish Hoek Beach. A little reminder indicating just how unpredictable the nature of these wild animals can be.