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  • Shark cage diving in Gansbaai, South Africa with Marine Dynamics. Experience the exceptional and come face to face with a great white shark! 

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

  • 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.

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The Great White House

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The Great White House

The name White House says it all - whether you are in Great White Shark territory or in the States! It represents status, style, superior service and stately governance to protect the vulnerable . . .

In Gansbaai, this is exactly what our own Great White House represents. . . to our threatened Great White Shark population and other endangered marine species.

Setting the trend

This up-market multi-functional headquarters of Marine Dynamics and Dyer Island Cruises set a new and revolutionary trend in the shark cage diving industry. The spacious double-storey centre houses a trendy restaurant, bar, coffee shop, gift shop and information centre with adjacent chalets for accommodation. It also houses Marine Dynamic's reception office and two conference rooms where our clients meet and are briefed prior to each shark cage diving or whale watching excursion with Marine Dynamics or its sister company Dyer Island Cruises. Prior to the trip, clients can also enjoy a delectable breakfast in the restaurant, or lunch after the trip.

A Cut Above The Rest

Set in the heart of the thriving shark cage diving hub in Kleinbaai, the Great White House is the ideal one-stop centre for extreme adventure tourists and marine lovers from across the globe. Says owner Susan Visagie:

"The shark 'industry' started off as a very rough, 'cowboy-like' informal enterprise, where fishermen took tourists out on basic fishing vessels . . . so we have decided to add value and class to this 'diamond in the rough' trade by building an up-market tourist information centre with a top restaurant, great accommodation, 5-star bathroom facilities and a central booking office." 

Restaurant & Southern Right Bar

The luxurious thatch-roofed lodge is within walking distance (200 metres) from the Kleinbaai slipway from where all shark and whale watching boats are launched. The impressive building is a constant beehive of activity as tourists, clients and guests pop in and out to meet, eat or browse through the many souvenirs in the quaint gift shop. The spacious open-plan area, cosy fireplace and outdoor stoep and terrace provide a warm, sociable ambience and can accommodate up to 140 guests at a time for tantalising meals, snacks or drinks.

Abalone & Crayfish Galore

The restaurant caters for a wide intercontinental market of taste buds - from full English and health breakfasts to light lunches, traditional dishes and outstanding seafood platters boasting our own delectable delicatessen such as abalone, crayfish and mussels - all fresh from our seawaters and fished ethically or farmed! The fully licensed Southern Right Bar is named after the Southern Right Whales that frequent our waters during the winter months.

Light meals, tea, coffee and confectionery are served throughout the day, 7 days a week, while early breakfasts are part and parcel of the package offered to our shark cage diving clients from all over the world who gather here before they set off for the adventure of a lifetime.
 
The Great White House also serves as a popular venue for social events and international marine conferences. The offices of the marine biologists and students who do research work and accompany our guests on the marine wildlife tours are on the same premises.

Spotless Restroom & Shower Facilities

The immaculately clean toilet and shower facilities - with separate amenities for men and women - are the first such facilities made available near the Kleinbaai slipway to clients who embark on the daily whale and shark viewing boat trips. Most of the clients travel from and to Cape Town via tour buses to experience our marine wildlife and often are in dire need of toilet or shower facilities before or after the boat trip. The hot showers and big fireplace at the Great White House have already proven to be a lifesaver and a heavenly haven for many a cold, sea-shaken body! The spotless facilities can accommodate 40 people at a time - ensuring a fast, easy flow of emergency traffic compared to the standard and aggravating long queues at restrooms!

Contact Details

Reservations:
tel: +27 (0) 799 309 694

General enquiries:
Tel: +27(0)799 309 694

Physical Address
5 Geelbek Street, Kleinbaai
Western Cape, South Africa
GPS: -34º 36' 53.74", +19º 21' 10.75"

Postal Address
PO Box 78
7220, Gansbaai
Western Cape, South Africa

The Great White House

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The road to Gansbaai

Shark cage diving, Marine Dynamics
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