Shark Diving Unlimited is a fully licensed shark cage diving operator and not a bookings agent. We receive our permits from MCM (Marine and Coastal Management) and we are approved by the Department of Environment and Tourism.

Shark Diving Unlimited is situated in the Great White Shark capital of the world, Gansbaai, and is only 2 hours from South Africa’s mother city, Cape Town. We are the only PADI Dive Centre in Gansbaai and we specialise in Great White Shark diving and viewing. No diving or swimming experience is needed to partake in our daily activities.

Our experts specialize in locating and diving with Great White Sharks and we guarantee that your Conservation/Education Experience will be jam-packed with excitement. Shark Diving Unlimited is internationally renowned for its above average and exceptional success rate.

Great White Shark Cage Diving

Join Great White Shark expert Michael Rutzen, world famous for free diving with Great White Sharks on one of the highest rated Conservation/Education Experiences in the world.

Seeing the greatest and one of the oldest animals on the planet is truly a unique, awe-inspiring and a humbling experience. Most people arrive with fear and trepidation and leave with admiration and a newfound respect for these majestic animals.

Experience the thrill of being underwater and surrounded by Great White Sharks! Feel the exposure of freediving while remaining safe inside the cage, or participate from the boat and see the Great White Shark in all its magnificence.

Trips are weather dependent, last approximately 4 hours and your launch time will be confirmed well in advance of your trip. Meet for breakfast at the crew house, a picnic lunch and soft drinks are packed  on board Barracuda. Towels and Diving Equipment is provided & there are hot shower facilities at the crew house.

 

 

You DO NOT need to be a qualified diver to enter the cage as we use a simple breath hold technique. And children as young as 12 years old are also allowed to get into the cage. Special certificates are printed for every child that joins us for a Great White Shark Cage diving trip.

Shark Diving Unlimited is committed to show you Great White Sharks in the most environment friendly way possible. We DO NOT offer any adrenalin rush trips and only use this opportunity to observe these magnificent animals for conservation minded excursions.

Our videographer will make a movie of your trip that is available immediately after your return to the Crew House. This Movie will also be accompanied by one of our world class documentaries “Sharks – Man Eaters or Misunderstood” that aired on the BBC, and was made in conjunction with Blue Planet Aquarium and the Editor of the England Dive Magazine.

Traditional home made vegetable soup, home baked scones, muffins and homemade bread is also served after the trip. There will be a screening of your daytrip movie and one of five of our documentaries.

Launch times will be confirmed well in advance before your trip and alternative arrangements are made in case of bad weather. Despite our 99.99% success rate, these are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed. However in the unlikely event that we don’t find sharks we will offer you a free trip!

Great White Shark Breaching Trips

Definitely the best nature experience you can have. No other natural event even comes close to this. Seeing the true power of a Great White Shark is most probably the only experience that will stick in your mind for the rest of your life.

When a one ton shark projects out of the water with such tremendous speed and force that it clears the water by two metres you can’t help but feel small. Yet you only realize a few minutes later that you have just been a part the best experience this world has to offer.

It is common belief that White Sharks only breach around Seal Island in False Bay. This is not correct and only a marketing strategy followed by operators in the False Bay area.

We have at times had over forty breaches in one morning in Gansbaai around Dyer Island. Mike Rutzen was the first to capture this amazing spectacle from both underwater as well as from the air. This amazing footage can be seen in the “Great White Shark – A Living Legend” documentary.

A seal like decoy is pulled about 30 – 40 metres behind the boat. As the boat is cruising at a reasonably slow speed, everybody awaits anxiously for the moment of truth. With lightning speed a shark jumps out of the water, with great precision and accuracy it takes the decoy time and again.

This event should not be missed and these breaching trips are run between May and August every year. Great White Shark breaching trips can be combined with your Shark Cage Diving trip or run separately. A Maximum of 8 people can join Mike Rutzen and his team for this event, and should be booked well in advance.

Let Shark Diving Unlimited take you on an adventure of a life time. Come on a Shark Breaching trip and see what we are taking about.

PADI Great White Shark Speciality

The PADI Great White Shark Distinctive Specialty Course runs for 3 days, costs £1000.00 and includes:

• 2 great white shark cage dives.
• 1 Scuba-Orientated kelp dive with Cat Sharks
• 3 night’s accommodation (4 star).
• All meals inclusive (picnic lunch on the boat).
• Transfers to and from Cape Town. Pick up from guest house to harbour.
• PADI certification card
• 2 Evening lectures, hosted by Michael Rutzen.

Topics covered include the biology, ecology, behaviour and conservation of the Great White Shark.

Michael Rutzen is world renowned for being one of the few people in the world who has the knowledge and expertise to interact with great white sharks outside the safety of a cage! This course does NOT teach you how to free dive with great white sharks and at no time will you dive outside the cage with them!

However Michael’s presentations are supported with breathtaking footage showing the complex social structure, body language and feeding behaviour of this awesome predator.

If you thought you knew all about great white sharks think again!
If you are a shark fanatic then this is the course for you! Students who complete this course are invited to sign up for the amazing opportunity to do Shark Diving Unlimited’s Advanced Cage Dive!

Book early to secure your place!

RATES

A clean restaurant , (certification to prove it’s purity) a nice selection of meals and a great local and Italian wine list, together with great service and a warm and beautiful ambiance, a winning formula that goes with great Italian music has just been the successful result factor at Fabio’s Authentic  Ristorante Italiano.

We introduce several new black board recipes per week and some end up being added to the menu as they become so popular

Situated in the heart of Hermanus, nestled between the trees and greenery of the St Peters church, in St Peters lane , with a ocean view from the outside sidewalk Peroni Deck “Casa Peroni” , the Italian look and feel ambiance would really make you feel like you would be in Italy. Inspired by the movie “Chocolat” survival against all odds was my objective.

Fabio’s (The Don) team consists of his cousin and business partner Antonie Lombard aka ‘Antonio The Hammer”, Head Chef  De Wet ( Danillo The Bullet), Patricia and her team, are a successful recipe of unity , dedication and committed to consistency, Wietska the Hawk our restaurant manager checking & making sure all runs smooth &  with Mervin ( The Gentle) in the bar and a front of house team headed up by the Wietska the Hawk aka names are all given to them after several weeks of appointment and chosen according to personality.

Quoted as One of the TOP 800 restaurants in South Africa and a write up in the Country Life magazine that quotes our Veal and Tiramisu dessert.

We also have a fantastic wine list, including great grappa’s (Including and only available at Fabio’s a White & Dark Chocolate Grappa and Prosecco wines) and various stunning  Italian after dinner liqueurs such as Limoncello, Averna , Ramazotti, Amaretto etc.

Our Deli offers imported Italian Pasta’s , coffees, Filled Pasta’s , olive oils, balsamics, Arborio rice, cold meats , cheeses, squid ink, polenta, Italian cool-drinks etc.

Fabio, Antonie or the team at Fabio’s will gladly explain any product or recipe and will assist in combining any product to make sure you have pleasant meal at home

Humble Italian Hospitality with great service and true Italian atmosphere

Buon apetitto

Open Monday- Sunday from 11h00 – 21h30 ( Kitchen Open)

Arrivederci e a presto

Ciao Ciao

Fabio’s Ristorante

60 St Peters Lane

Hermanus

028 313 0532

Our aim is to give you peace of mind and the assurance that your property and guests will be well looked after.

We are flexible, cost effective and will work to suit your requirements.

Clean, well-maintained homes book well and see repeat business.

The upstairs, open-plan, spacious and well-designed kitchen is fully equipped. It opens up onto two patios – one on the north eastern side of the house facing the mountain with a built-in braai and ten seater table. The second patio one the south eastern side has magnificent views over Grotto Beach, Die Plaat and the Klein River Lagoon with De kelders, Gansbaai and Dyer Island on the horizon. The lounge area is large and comfortable with a flat screen satelite television. The formal dining-room has a 12-seater table next to the built-in bio-fire fire place.

Downstairs in the reception lounge and games room, guests can enjoy a game of snooker or a drink at the cocktail bar. Alternatively, hop into the jacuzzi next to the bar and outside pool area with its heated swimming pool. For those who prefer a bit more activity, there is a fully fitted gymnasium next to the games room.

Each of the seven en-suite bedrooms (four with a seperate bath and ashower, three with a shower only) is stylishly decorated. Four of the bedrooms open onto the pool area. Two of the upstairs bedrooms overlook Grotto Beach.

Maanskynhuis is situated within walking distance from Grotto Beach and less than 5 minutes from the centre of town. There is an abundance of walks for keen hikers to choose from with the one as beautiful as the other, whether you choose a beach, coastal or mountain route. All the options have spectacular views.The Cliff Path is about 10 km long, is accessed from various points and takes one all along the coast right into the village. Hermanus is known as one of the best land-based destinations for whale-watching in the world and during the whale season (July through to November) this is the ideal spot for whale-wathching!

Hermanus has numerous well-known restuarants, bistros, bars, coffee shops and art galleries. The Hemel-en- Aarde Village, 3 km outside Hermanus, boasts the largest selection of South African wines. There are also numerous wine estates to visit, as well as sea kayaking, whale watching and shark cage diving for the adrenilin junkies.

Hermanus is known as the jewel of the Overberg. Maanskynhuis offers guests the opportunity to enjoy the finest this popular holiday destination has to offer.

The menu consists of a mixture of freshly baked breads and pastries. The croissant dough is imported from France to produce a real authentic French croissant. Panini’s and ciabatta served with a variety of cold meats and cheeses. Tartines with fresh herbs and salads made from fresh produce sourced from Villiersdorp.  All eggs, bacon and chicken are free range and there are Sanford organic yogurts and cheeses available.

They are fully licensed and sell local and imported wines and beers.

The Daily Bread sells a wide range of imported quality products at affordable prices. From marmite rice cakes and dark chocolate kit kats to Italian imported parma ham to quality coffee machines. The deli offers a number of home cooked meals for customers to take home or have as an early dinner on the way home. The meals on offer depend on the fresh ingredients available. For example lasagne, chicken dishes, even fresh prawns. In the future Billy plans to offer picnic baskets but until then you can create your own picnic basket from all the goods on offer.

The Daily Bread is open daily from 8am to 6pm and whether you are looking for a leisurely breakfast, a quick cup of seriously good coffee, a delicious lunch, a relaxing sundowner or an early dinner, the Daily Bread can offer it to you!

Exclusive to Fabios & Amigos

Enough of that though, here is what the offer includes -

Fabio's Offer

All the below options are inclusive with
1 of the following options at no extra cost – Peroni Draft ,Glass house wine, 330ml cool drink or Americano coffee.

Pasta Madrigiana/Vegeteriana/Pomodoro/Bolognaise – R50

Lasagne  - R50 (subject to availability)

Pizza Margheritta – R60

Afterwards you qualify for a coupon for a free pizza bread at Fabio’s for dinner  or 2 free coffee’s at Amigo’s when coming for dinner.

Amigo's Offer

All of the below options are inclusive with

1 of the following option at no extra cost- Castle light Draft ,Glass house wine, 330ml cool drink or Americano coffee.

Quarter chicken & chips  - R50

Chicken livers & Chips – R50

Tortilla beef or veg – R60

Collect your coupon after lunch for 2 free coffee’s at Amigo’s when coming for dinner or for a free pizza bread at Fabio’s for dinner.

All you need to do is to print this blog post out and give it to your host at any of the two restaurants. 

For more info on these two great restaurants please view their ads on the home page of Hermanus Info.

T’s and C’s Apply -

Please note that no variations will be made, anything different will be charged accordingly!
No sharing
This special applies during May and June and can be ended at any time.

The main talking point to come from the red carpet this year was this guy —>

In character from his Dictator movie Sasha Baron Cohen (Borat, Ali G)  spilt the “ashes” of deceased Korean leader Kim Jong-Il on Ryan Seacrest who was visibly not very amused by the stunt. American Idol host Seacrest said that he had no idea it was going to happen and that he was a “victim of comedy”.

Ok, so the real reason I am writing this is to give a short preview of 2 of the nights big winners and as an extra bonus I have thrown in another winner in the animated genre.

1: Best Picture  - The Artist

Best Picture - The Artist

What it’s about:

Hollywood 1927. George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is a silent movie superstar. The advent of the talkies will sound the death knell for his career and see him fall into oblivion.

For young extra Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo), it seems the sky’s the limit – major movie stardom awaits. The Artist tells the story of their interlinked destinies.

2: Iron Lady – Best leading Actress (Meryl Streep)

Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher

What it’s about:

The compelling story of Margaret Thatcher, a woman who smashed through the barriers of gender and class to be heard in a male-dominated world. The story concerns power and the price that is paid for power, and is a surprising and intimate portrait of an extraordinary and complex woman.

What the critics thought:

“Streep’s performance overpowers the movie it’s in – a perfectly executed triple axel that renders everything else just featureless ice.”
- Ann Hornaday, Washington Post

“Streep’s performance is so true and so uncannily accurate, so full and so complete in its understanding, that she is fascinating every second she is onscreen.”
- Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

3: Rango – Best animated film

What it’s about:

Rango tells the tale of an unlikely hero whose existential angst causes him to ponder the mystery of his own identity. As he departs on a journey of self-discovery he realises that he must fulfil a destiny he could never have imagined. When Rango (Johnny Depp) finds himself in the inhospitable, drought-stricken desert town of Dirt, he is met by a community of strange and gritty critters who have their own mystery to deal with.

Bonus Pic - 

2012 Oscar Dresses

There you have it. These films have won the big award so they must be worth a watch. Enjoy your Oscar Winner Viewing.

For a full list of Oscar winners click on this link –

http://www.channel24.co.za/Movies/News/LIVE-UPDATE-The-2012-Oscar-winners-20120227

Reviews found on www.channel24.co.za

Till next time,

Jesse James

8min walk to Grotto Beach, sea view from spacious deck with braai, mountain view from balcony.

Open plan lounge /diningroom / DSTV room. Kitchen with dishwasher, washing machine and most modern appliances. Linen supplied, not towels.

Available 30 Mar  – 09 Apr, minimum 4 nights at R1100 per night. 

Other periods: High season R1250, low R900 per night

Contact Ed on 083 399 3081