Close to the southernmost tip of Africa, 5 miles (8km) out to sea, lies Shark Alley – a favourite hunting ground of the omnipotent Great White Shark. Shark Alley is a channel between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock and is protected from the worst of the southern Atlantic’s weather.

Dyer Island, Geyser Rock and Shark Alley are teeming with sea life. Cape Fur Seals, Jackass Penguins and a wide variety of sea birds can be seen, and with all this food around the Great White Sharks are sure to be there.

Excursions to Geyser and Dyer islands begin at the picturesque Kleinbaai Harbour. The launching slip- way of this small harbour is the point of entry for all cage diving expeditions to the islands, and is a beehive of activity on clear mornings. All dive equipment, towels and snacks are stocked, safety equipment is checked and the boats are fuelled prior to passengers’ arrival.

Passengers can experience excellent surface viewing from the boat’s upper deck to get an all-round view of the sharks attacking, circling and descending. It is the ideal spot to capture the exhilarating action on film or shoot video footage – the water is no more than 6 meters deep and is crystal clear. The dorsal fin and part of the tail silently slice up through the water, leaving barely a wake; the ominous fins lock in on the boat. The undisputed lord of the deep has arrived.

During shark cage diving trips, one is placed in a specially constructed steel cage in order to spend some one-on-one quality time with these magnificent beasts. It is nerve-wracking yet intensely rewarding, eye opening and extreme. There is no need for any scuba-diving qualifications, experience or equipment – just oneself and a strong dose of Dutch courage.

The more faint hearted will be pleased to know that these awesome predators are easily seen from the surface… sometimes even launching clear of the water in natural hunting attacks.

Whether you prefer the thrill of meeting the Great White sharks face to face or choose to watch from the comfort of the boat this is an awe-inspiring adventure not to be missed!