Shark Spotting along the Cape Peninsula

Scary but Spectacular - Shark Seeing

Everyone knows that the Cape Town shoreline is great for spotting whales during spring time but very few know that spring time is also a great time to for shark spotting along the Cape Peninsula.

Shark sightings recorded has consistently shown a seasonal peak in shark sightings during the period from August to March, peaking in mid-summer. Typically shark sightings start in late August.

The influx in sharks on Cape Town shores is due to a seasonal change in habitat for the sharks. Sharks change their habitat during spring time and shift from predominantly following the Cape seal colony in winter, to predominantly using the coastal inshore areas during summer.

Regular shark sightings have become part of the beach experience for many local swimmers and surfers in Cape Town. So much so that Shark spotting has now become a popular past time for locals and tourists alike. There has been a change in attitude from one of fear and panic to an attitude of acceptance and understanding.

Locals and visitors are encouraged to become a part of the official shark spotting programme in association with the Save Our Seas Shark Centre. Shark Spotters volunteer to assist researchers along the coast and keep records of the sharks’ whereabouts and habitual habits.

Shark spotters programmes run from various beaches along the Cape Peninsula at these times:

Muizenberg beach corner, St James beach, and Noordhoek beach:
7 days a week from 8 am to 7 pm

Fish Hoek beach:
7 days a week from 8 am to 6:45 pm

Clovelly beach:
Weekends, public and school holidays 8 am to 4 pm

Glencairn beach:
Weekends, public and school holidays 8 am to 7 pm

Swimmers are encouraged to use areas where shark spotters are on duty. Take the time to speak to the shark spotters on the day you visit the beach to find out about recent sightings and shark activity, as well as the current conditions which determine the effectiveness for shark spotting.

Please read the shark spotting signs to acquaint yourself with the four flag warning system used and the fact that when the siren sounds, you must immediately leave the water as the beach is being closed for recreational use.

For more information on the latest shark sightings and research visit their website sharkspotters.org.za and saveourseas.com The public are encouraged to report any sightings of White Sharks to the Shark Spotting Programme through their website.

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