
Great White Shark
Carcharodon carcharias
The most feared and misunderstood predator in the ocean
Lifespan
40–70 years
Population
~3,500 globally (estimates vary)
Size
Up to 6.1 m in length
Top Speed
Up to 56 km/h
Diet
Carnivore — seals, fish, dolphins, sea turtles
Social
Generally solitary; aggregations at feeding sites
About This Species
Meet the The Ocean's Apex Predator
South Africa is the shark capital of the world, offering the only place where you can cage dive with great white sharks. Gansbaai, near Hermanus, is known as "Shark Alley" and attracts these magnificent predators year-round. Great whites can detect a single drop of blood from 5 km away.
💡 Did You Know?
- 1Great whites can detect a single drop of blood from 5 km away
- 2They can breach (launch out of the water) up to 3 meters in the air
- 3Their teeth grow in rows and are replaced throughout their lifetime
- 4South Africa is the only country offering cage diving with great whites
Conservation Threats
Best Viewing Destinations
Where to See Great White Sharks
Gansbaai / Shark Alley
South Africa
The world's best great white shark cage diving
False Bay, Cape Town
South Africa
Famous for breaching great whites near Seal Island
Mossel Bay
South Africa
Consistent shark sightings along the Garden Route
Recommended Lodges
Where to Stay
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Gansbaai, South Africa
Luxury eco-reserve with shark cage diving excursions
The Marine Hotel
Hermanus, South Africa
Clifftop luxury with shark diving day trips
Ellerman House
Cape Town, South Africa
Luxury base for False Bay shark experiences
Curated Experiences
Great White Shark Safari Packages
Cape Town Shark & Safari Combo
South Africa
Cage dive with great whites + Big Five safari
Enquire NowGarden Route Marine Safari
South Africa
Great whites, whales, and penguins along the coast
Enquire NowMarine Big 5 Adventure
South Africa
Shark, whale, dolphin, seal & penguin encounters
Enquire NowExpert Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to See Great White Sharks in the Wild?
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