Diving with Bronze Whaler sharks in South Africa

The Dyer Island Ecosystem hosts a diversity of marine wildlife of breathtaking wildlife. Here you will find the Marine Big 5 - sharks, whales, dolphins, seals, our endangered African penguin, as well as numerous seabirds, and incredible views.
South Africa boasts numerous shark species, some large and some small but no less interesting. Over the years there are ecosystem shifts that are fascinating to the team of Marine Dynamics. This international award-winning shark cage diving company is guiding conservation decisions with onboard marine biologists documenting and researching the various species that visit the vessels.
Over the years the team has contributed significantly to white shark studies, from population assessment, wound healing, hunting strategies, environmental impacts on movement and behaviour, and more. This highly migratory species has shown smart evasive strategies to orca predation and when they are not visiting the area, the bronze whaler sharks are taking full advantage.
Spectacular, shining, shimmering, the elegant bronze whaler shark has become a more frequent visitor to our western cape ocean system. Bronze whaler sharks are also known as copper sharks - whatever you choose to call them, they have become Gansbaai’s new stars. These seasonal visitors with their bold character and unique colour have nature lovers enthralled and divers fascinated. Normally only seen on the sardine run by experienced scuba divers, the opportunity to cage dive with bronze whalers with just a breath-hold, has introduced this species to a global audience.
Bronze whaler sharks (Carcharhinus brachyurus) are found in temperate waters and are usually seen in large active groups. They can grow up to 3.3m in length during their 30-year lifespan. Feeding mainly on cephalopods like squid and octopus, as well as various fish species, the copper shark is a fast-swimming predator that has been known to hunt in large groups.
They mature late, only able to reproduce at around 20 years of age, and face fishing pressures, which is why they are sadly red-listed as near threatened. Females bear litters of 7 to 24 pups every other year in coastal nursery areas, after a gestation period of 12 or perhaps as long as 21 months.
In this eco-tourism created shark sanctuary where sharks are worth more alive than dead, Marine Dynamics has helped protect this species, and divers have a rare and moving experience.
Your visit ensures the survival of this incredible shark species in South Africa.
Book now with Marine Dynamics and have an up-close and personal experience with this iconic shark.
www.marinedynamics.co.za
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