South Africa is not only home to a varied array of marine environments but to some of the world’s most diverse and abundant shark populations. With ecotourism burgeoning in the country, tourists will be able to experience up close and personal encounters with some of the earth’s last undersea apex predators.

Passionate about the well being and future conservation of sharks, Oceans Discovery has launched the first ever shark route along the coasts of Southern Africa. A collaboration of divers, tour guides, scientists, conservationists and shark professionals, the organization has created unique shark diving expeditions with an aim to introduce visitors to South Africa’s shark species and the work being done to aid in their conservation.

Hosted by world-renowned shark experts who have moved to South Africa to conduct research, the Shark Route consists of three zones. Zone 1 runs from False Bay to Tsitsikamma, with stops in Gansbaai and Mossel Bay; Zone 2 runs from Port Elizabeth to Durban with stops in Port St. Johns, Protea Banks and Umkomaas; and Zone 3 runs from Sudan to Tofu, with stops in Ponta, and Zavora. In these zones, guests will dive with great whites, mako sharks, blue sharks, shy sharks, ragged tooth sharks, bull sharks, tiger sharks, hound sharks, whale sharks, grey reef sharks, manta rays, and the prehistoric seven-gill shark.

At each stop, clients will spend an evening with a local shark specialist. Evenings will consist of dinner followed by a brief presentation where the specialists will share their experiences, research and long-term conservation goals.

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