Baited Shark Dives at Protea Banks
Ethical, Safe & Unforgettable
Baited Shark Dives at Protea Banks with Dive In Adventures
Experience the thrill of a lifetime on a baited shark dive at Protea Banks with Dive In Adventures — South Africa’s shark diving specialists. Just a few kilometres off Shelly Beach, our team follows ethical and environmentally responsible baiting practices that attract sharks naturally without feeding or touching them. This allows divers to encounter Bull Sharks, Tiger Sharks, and Blacktips up close in their natural environment while maintaining the health and balance of the reef ecosystem.
Every dive is professionally guided, safety-focused, and infused with passion for ocean conservation. Whether it’s your first shark encounter or your hundredth, a baited dive with Dive In Adventures promises pure adrenaline, unforgettable moments, and a deep respect for the ocean’s top predators.
What to Expect on a Baited Shark Dive at Protea Banks
Your baited shark diving adventure with Dive In Adventures begins at Shelly Beach, where our team conducts a detailed briefing covering safety, shark behavior, and dive procedures. After gearing up, we launch through the surf aboard Sea Mamba and head about 7 km offshore to the world-famous Protea Banks Marine Protected Area.
Once on site, a bait drum is deployed at approximately 8–10 meters, creating a light scent trail that attracts sharks without feeding or altering their natural behavior. Divers descend to around 10–15 meters, maintaining neutral buoyancy in mid-water under the guidance of our experienced dive leaders.
Typical encounters include Blacktip Sharks, Bull (Zambezi) Sharks, and in season, the magnificent Tiger Shark. Each dive lasts about 45–60 minutes, with a maximum depth of 15 meters and follows no-decompression limits.
Every diver is equipped with a Nautilus GPS safety device, and the entire operation adheres to strict MPA and ethical diving standards. Expect close, natural shark interactions, professional safety management, and an unforgettable dose of ocean adrenaline.
Safety and Professionalism
All dives are led by experienced professionals who know Protea Banks inside and out. Our team prioritises diver safety with clear pre-dive briefings, small groups, and the use of Nautilus GPS tracking devices for every diver. We launch from Shelly Beach — an experience in itself — and ensure that all safety procedures are followed from start to finish.
Ethical Diving , No Sharks Are Harmed
At Dive in Adventure Tours, we believe in responsible and ethical shark diving.
We do not feed or touch sharks.
We never use hooks, lines, or physical contact.
All bait drums are removed immediately after the dive.
Sharks are not conditioned to associate people with food.
Our goal is to promote shark conservation and appreciation through education and respectful encounters. Every dive is an opportunity to help change the perception of these magnificent animals.
Requirements
Open Water certification (or equivalent)
Minimum 35 logged dives recommended
Good boyancy and Comfortable in open-ocean and drift conditions
Newer divers can still join with a private instructor for extra safety and confidence.
Best Season
Protea Banks offers shark diving all year round.
Summer (Nov–May): Tiger Sharks and schooling Hammerheads passing by
All year round : Bull Sharks, Oceanic blacktip
Join Us
Experience the thrill of diving among South Africa’s top shark species in a safe, respectful, and unforgettable way. Whether it’s your first baited dive or your tenth, Protea Banks will leave you in awe.
Dive in Adventure Tours, Ethical shark diving. No sharks are harmed. Always.
