open
<
1/6
  • In Gansbaai, the largest white shark ever caught was at Danger Point and measured up to 5.9m. The exact world record white shark is a contested issue, but chances are it is between 6-7m.

  • If you see a white shark in the water don’t panic. Chances are high that the shark has already detected you and isn’t interested. White shark attacks are normally associated with poor visibility, so avoid murky conditions.

  • White sharks have a unique system called a “counter current heat exchange”, which keeps their body  tempreture +/- 7C above the surrounding water temperature. 

  • All sharks have an incredibly unique system on the tip of their nose called the “ampillae of Lorenzini”. These are small pores filled with a gel that transmits the electrical currents in the water to the shark’s brain so that it can assess its environment.

  • White sharks give birth to live young (not eggs), and they give birth to 6-8 pups at one time. Pups are usually between 1.0-1.5m in length and are born with teeth.

  • Body language has been a well documented form of shark communication and has identified body arching, jaw gaping, and other postures as specific social tactics.

>

Directions and Map

Enquire Now

Map to Marine Dynamics HQ

Directions from Cape Town

Marine Dynamics is centred in the middle of the Cape's best assets - to the east is the scenic coastal whale road to Cape Town and to the west and northwest, several scenic roads lead to the world renowned Garden Route with its treasure chest of extraordinary natural gems. 

From Cape Town you can either take the scenic coastal route (also called the Whale Coast Route) via Rooi Els, Pringle Bay, Betties Bay and Kleinmond to Hermanus; or the N2 over Sir Lowry's Pass and the Houwhoek Pass. Both routes will take you to the R43 turnoff  to Hermanus. Drive through Hermanus towards Stanford, keep straight, past Stanford, and do not turn off anywhere. The road will take you to Gansbaai. Follow the Main Road in Gansbaai. At the 4th intersection, the industrial area is on your left.
Turn right towards Kleinbaai, and continue for about 2 km. In Kleinbaai, follow the road signs to The Great White House. Our friendly staff will be waiting to welcome you to the town of the Marine Big Five!

Directions from The Garden Route

Whether you come from the Tsitsikamma National Park, Port Elizabeth, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna or Oudtshoorn, each and every road towards Gansbaai takes you through a kaleidoscope of breathtaking landscapes and villages offering a smorgasbord of outdoor activities, cultural heritages and adventure! Once you reach Swellendam, you have another tough choice: the meandering R319 country road taking you past rural farmlands via Bredasdorp, Elim and Baardscheerdersbos; or the N2 towards Stormsvlei, Riviersonderend, Stanford and Gansbaai. Both roads offer unique and exciting opportunities.

 
Via Bredasdorp: Take the N2 from Swellendam and turn left onto the R319 until you get to Bredasdorp. The R43 will take you past the Elim Wine Ward to the Moravian Missionary Town of Elim, through the pristine hamlet of Baardscheerdersbos to Gansbaai.
  
Via Riviersonderend: Follow the N2 from Swellendam past the Stormsvlei turnoff  to Riviersonderend.  A few kilometres past Riviersonderend, you will see the R326 turnoff to Stanford and Gansbaai. Just follow the road, drive safe and indulge yourself in the spectacular scenery around you!