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"A blue shark answered the bait call and stuck around for quite a while, nonchalantly. Then, there was a massive old male sperm whale, which would dive down every time William, Fred or Pierre wanted to get in the water to dive with him. Talk about shy!!!" - William Winram

Sevengill Cowsharks Diving

The  Sevengill Cowsharks are top predators in the kelp forests of the peninsular. They are amazing photographic subjects as they are not afraid to approach a diver. These sharks are extremely special and there is no were else in the world where they can be so easily accessed. A dive not to miss.

Sevengill Cowsharks (Notorynchus cepedianus) are quite common along the southern African coastline, ranging from East London to Namibia. The species is mostly found in the near-shore (<100m). These sharks are apex predators in this enviroment and only the great white shark acts as an equal predator. In the Western Cape it was found that 70%  of this sharks diet was made up of other shark species, with marine mammels making up a further 20%. Once these shark reach adult size, 1,5m for males and 2m for females, only the Great white sharks and Orca's pose a threat.

Sevengill Cowsharks reach a maximum size of 3m and it is amazing to have such a large shark swimming fearlesly next to you in shallow water. On occasion we see up to 15 of these sharks at the same time make, making for amazing viewing.

 


For more detailed information read this...Sevengill Cowshark - Species summery

The day with us

We will meet at 8:00 am at Millers Point slip way were you will be presented with a full dive briefing detailing the physical environment, marine environment and the animals you will be experiencing. The boat launch is very easy. We will then take a short boat ride (2km) to the dive site where we will kit up and enter the water to dive with the cow sharks . After the dive we may choose to view the Cape fur seals at partridge point or the African penguins at boulders beach. We will be back at the slipway by 12:00am.

Sevengill Cowsharks Quick info

Max length - 300 cm
Max. published weight - 107.0 kg
Max. reported age - 49 years
Environment - Demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 570 m
Climate / Range - Subtropical; 56°N - 55°S, 131°W - 177°E
Diet – Sharks, Rays, Fish, Seals, Carrion
Behaviour – Slow moving, mostly near the bottom, inquisitive


Pic by - Jean Tresfon

Dive specifics

Where will we be diving?

False Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

When is the best time to dive?

All year, with aggregations (up to 20 sharks) from Nov - May

Dive type

Freedive and SCUBA dive.

Experience required

Open Water 1 Certification for SCUBA diving

How deep is it?

8 - 12 meters

Water conditions
  • Winter (May to July) is dominated by strong North West winds which causes the best visibility (8-20m) but the coolest temperatures (10C-16C)
  • Summer (mid-October to mid-February) sees strong South East winds which cause the water to warm up (15C - 21C) but become dirty (2m - 10m)
Dive time

60 minutes, you are welcome to continue snorkelling

What does the day include
  • A qualified guide (Tour guide and Dive Leader)
  • One guided SCUBA dive
  • Water and sweets on the boat
  • Dive briefing
  • 1 Dive cylinder and dive weights
Cost:

R500 per person. Additional cost for gear rental (Full kit = R350)


Jean tresfon

Frequently Asked Questions?

Is it safe to dive with Sevengill Cowsharks?

These sharks are incredibly curious and will often find you before you see them. It is of utmost importance that you are aware of you surroundings at all time. These sharks do not like to be touched and will often turn quickly towards the irresponsible diver. With all sharks it is important that you maintain eye contact at all times, bearing in mind that there may be other sharks behind you. These sharks do come extremely close and may need to be gently directed away. Theses sharks are great and unique photographic subjects.

Rules for diving with Sevengill Cowsharks

- Dont touch
- Dont corner a shark
- Control your buoyancy (dont fall onto any sharks)
- Maintain eye contact

Other interesting species to see?

Sharks

  • Spotted gully shark (Triakis megalopterus)
  • Puffadder shyshark (Haploblepharus edwardsii)
  • Brown catshark (Haploblepharus pictus)
  • Pyjama shark (Poroderma africanum)
  • Leopard catshark (Poroderma pantherium)

Endemic fish

  • Red roman (Chrysoblephus laticeps)
  • Red steenbras (Petrus rupestris)
  • Galjoen (Dichistius capensis, South Africa's national fish)
  Cowshark
  Sijmon de Waal
  Cowshark
  Sijmon de Waal
  Cowshark
  Sijmon de Waal

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