White Shark Projects
Based in: South Africa
The general public, too, can enjoy great white sharks face-to-face. Observing and diving with these creatures under the correct conditions and guidance is a wonderful experience. Even ‘anti-shark’ people return from an expedition or diving trip with love, and certainly respect, for the great white.
White Shark Projects is without doubt the most successful white shark diving organisation in the world: Working in the unique marine area off the southern Cape coast, our skippers log more contact with great white sharks than anyone else worldwide.
Our boat and crew
Shark Team is an 11-metre, 4-ton catamaran with all the latest electronic and safety equipment. The boat was custom-built for shark diving, so there is plenty of space for everyone to view the sharks in comfort. While she can take 30 passengers, we have limited our licence to a maximum of 18 passengers plus crew to ensure client comfort. The company complies with strict regulations laid down by Marine Coastal Management and local governing authorities. We carry comprehensive public insurance and passenger liability. All safety equipment, first aid and life raft are on board as well as toilet facilities.
White Shark Projects co-ordinates service delivery, conservation, education and research around one of the ocean's greatest predatory forces. We aim to work in harmony with our natural and social environment. The expectations of clients are met by excellent customer service, good value, and operational efficiency. Our crew and staff are distinguished by their functional and technical expertise combined with hands-on experience – ensuring our clients effective and professional service.
In order to meet the individual needs of clients, our White Shark Projects staff of 21 members maintain a range of qualifications. Our knowledgeable and efficient boat crew operates with the benefit of 15 years’ experience in great white shark research, conservation and eco-tourism. Staff members have also completed various courses in site guiding, first aid, PDP driving skills, diving, and customer service.
Social responsibility
White Shark Projects is a responsible tourism operation that sets a benchmark in its commitment to community development and upliftment. We are deeply involved in the social, economic and environmental needs of our surrounding communities.
• We employ and train local people in various fields. This employment means they can provide for their families and play a positive role in the economy of our local town, Gansbaai.
• We run tourism and environmental education programmes in the Gansbaai schools – fostering pride, a sense of personal responsibility towards the environment, and teaching life skills. Our aim is to empower children in caring for their environment and themselves.
• Our latest project is the White Shark Recycle Swop-Shop. The school children collect rubbish and litter from the streets and in their homes. They earn points for these recyclable materials which they 'spend' in the shop on much-needed school stationery or clothes. This project promotes recycling, environmental awareness, and self-reliance, and helps to provide for some of the basic needs of the children. The volunteers and staff involved find it an enriching experience that helps bridge the gap between different cultures and communities.
• The White Shark Projects Annual Charity Golf Day is a well supported fundraiser and another way in which we support and empower the local community. Funds are distributed amongst local old-age centres.
Recording and research
White Shark Projects has an excellent film department and is the preferred choice of BBC and the National Geographic and Discovery channels. The conservation and educational departments are enhanced by a student education programme and white shark expeditions. The White Shark Projects diving and viewing centre offers day trips, overnight packages, team-building activities, incentives, VIP trips and group bookings.
White Shark Projects works in partnership with the Great White Shark Protection Foundation of South Africa and is a registered member of the South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA), Cape Town Tourism, Cape Town Information Centre, Gansbaai Tourism Bureau and SKAL International. White Shark Projects and its responsible tourism operation was recognised in 2004 when we received the International Ecotourism Award from SKAL International.
Exceptional professional and personalised service coupled with extensive industry knowledge make White Shark Projects the ideal choice for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will captivate your imagination and make you return for more.
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