Part of the Overberg Region of the Western Cape, the waters surrounding the village of Gansbaai are teeming with marine life—they're home to the Marine Big Five of South Africa, which comprises sharks, whales, penguins, seals, and dolphins. And while cage diving with great white sharks is one of the most popular things to do here, the charming coastal village offers so much more—from pristine beaches, a wide range of water activities, and the Walker Bay Nature Reserve to ancient caves and archeological sites, and farm-to-table and sea-to-table dining.
You can do shark cage diving at any time of year, though June–September offers the best chance of spotting great white sharks. Southern right whales also migrate to the area to mate and calve between July and December. Visit from July to September to see whales and great white sharks at the same time. For weather best suited to beach days and hiking, schedule your trip for December–February.
While you can walk around central Gansbaai if you are staying close by, the best way to reach attractions outside the central area is by renting a car, as there isn’t a public transport system. If you don’t want to drive, there are plenty of private and shared shuttles, taxis, and car services available. Some tours provide round-trip transport from your hotel.
For a less crowded, land-based whale-watching experience than in neighboring Hermanus, head to the cliffs of De Kelders between July and December. It's a great place to see southern right whales, as the rocky coves provide a protected area for the whales to breed. There’s also a convenient café and bistro serving coffee, snacks, and alcoholic drinks. Afterward, visit the nearby Klipgat Cave, an archeological site with evidence of human habitation from more than 65,000 years ago.
