Pelagic Shark Trips with
Chris & Monique Fallows
Cape Peninsula,
South Africa
PELAGIC
SHARK TRIPS with CHRIS & MONIQUE FALLOWS
The target species on the Pelagic Shark trips are
the magnificent mako and blue sharks as well as the massive
yellowfin tuna that they hunt. Whilst not as big and bulky as the
great white shark, the mako certainly does not stand back, as it is the
fastest shark in the sea and coupled with its beautiful blue and
silver coloring, it is a truly magnificent creature, aptly described
by Peter Goadby as “Blue
dynamite".
For the last seven
years, Chris and Monique Fallows have been the only operators
offering these trips in Africa.
These trips take
place during the African summer and autumn months and a variety
of shark species are seen. The area visited is also one of the
best areas in the world to see pelagic birds.
To find these
animals, you will head out into the warm Agulhas current off Cape
Point and it is this warm current that a multitude of fish
species exist to attract the great predators of the deep.
Here
the emphasis is on free diving, but if you prefer, a great time
can still be had by viewing these beautiful sharks from the boat, as
they are very curious and often swim up and alongside the vessel.
To view these sharks, the Fallows' use
sophisticated low frequency sound equipment to attract them.
Once the sharks are around the boat and conditions permitting, you
will then have the chance to dive with them or simply watch them cruise
around the boat at your leisure.
Many guests who have cage dived with
great white sharks have actually said that these open water free dives
with the pelagic sharks were the real highlight
of their trip. Expect the unexpected.
Note on Vessels: All of the Fallows'
expeditions are run from their high powered 28-ft catamaran, equipped
with two new 140-hp, low emission, 4-stroke engines, capable of speeds
in excess of 30 knots if need be. They also have access to a larger
36-ft catamaran for larger groups if need be. These vessels are custom
built for these activities, are safe, fast, and reliable, offering
a well designed layout suitable for photography, filming, diving and
general surface observation.
Note on seeing sharks: As sharks
are entirely wild animals with no boundaries, no guarantee can be made
for any sightings at any time of the year; however, there are certainly
better times than others.
Pelagic sharks - chances of seeing
one or more sharks:
High Season (Dec to June): 90%
Feb to June: The best
Apr & May: The Fallows' favorite time
Intermediate season (Oct &
Nov): 65%
Low season (July to Sept): weather usually too bad offshore
Weather:
The pelagic shark expeditions take place near to Cape Town. This
is an area that has a mild climate and is predominantly a winter rainfall
area, May-Sept. Average day temperatures in summer are around 25C and
in winter around 19C. Pelagic water temperatures are around 18-23 degrees
C throughout the season. The visibility on the pelagic trips is on average
15-20m, with good days being 30-40m. The summer winds are predominantly
S-SE and average 15-20knots during Nov-Jan, with lighter winds earlier
in the mornings.
From Feb to mid May, winds moderate
and more winds from the SW and W become common, averaging 10-15knots
most days, with flat calm days in between. June-Sept sees W to NW winds
dominating and during cold fronts, which seldom last more than one
to two days, winds can blow 30-50 knots. Between the fronts, light
N-NW Winds are the expected winds. All trips are carried out based
on the best weather reports available and are at the skipper’s
discretion.
Other animals which may be seen:
Dozens of pelagic birds, including five species of Albatross, terns,
shearwaters, petrels, prions, skuas, gulls, penguins and others.
Adult Smooth Hammerhead sharks, Thresher sharks, Bronze whaler sharks;
Yellowfin tuna, longfin and skipjack tuna, Sunfish, Common, Dusky,
Humpback, Bottlenose & Striped
dolphin, Humpback, Brydes, Pilot, False Killer, Melonheaded, Minke,
Sperm & Southern
Right whales. Cape Fur Seals.
Recommendations and requirements:
Guests suffering from nausea or motion sickness are advised to take
precautionary measures prior to each day's scheduled departure. Warm
waterproof clothing is recommended and during summer and autumn months,
sunscreen and a hat are advised
Any persons wishing to dive with mako
and other pelagic sharks are required to be experienced and comfortable
in the water and diving will be done at the dive masters discretion.
All divers free diving will be accompanied by staff members.
All images © Chris
Fallows
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