Accommodation in Gansbaai
The Roundhouse Guesthouse in Gansbaai is unique in shape and
design. The ground floor offers 3 large, luxury suites. Two of these
suites, the Cetecea and Astacus, are semi circular whilst the other
suite, Pinnepedia, is square in shape. The suites are entered from a
gangway that connects to the rooms as well as the staircase to the top
floors. The staircase is a major feature of The Roundhouse. The
staircase is right in the middle of the house and is centred on a tree
that was cut from a farm in the local area. The tree had to be cut in
three places to position it in the centre of the house. Another feature
is our stone cladded walls. Some of our suites feature coral stone
cladding whilst others feature stone carved artwork in the lounge
areas.
The 1st floor consists of our Carcharias suite, kitchen and office. The top floor is where guests enjoy breakfast, a couple of drinks and pure relaxation. The enite top floor is one big room. We call this room the bar area. The bar has a huge projector screen where you are welcome to watch sports, movies and more. Surround sound makes your viewing even more pleasurable. The outside deck is where you will find our 8 seater Jacuzzi. Relax with a glass of wine whilst watching the sun set over the ocean.
Article Source: The Roundhouse
Fewer great white sharks left than tigers
London, Feb 19 (ANI): Findings from the Census of Marine Life have claimed that there are fewer great white sharks left in the oceans than there are tigers surviving on Earth.
According to a report in Daily Express, Canadian expert Dr Ronald O’Dor said that the two top predators are almost equally under threat, but the plight of great whites needs more recognition.
Speaking at the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s annual meeting in San Diego, he told how the discovery was made by colleagues from the Census of Marine Life.
“I recently heard a report from the team that’s been tagging great white sharks. The estimated total population of great white sharks in the world’s oceans is actually less than the number of tigers,” he said.
“We hear an awful lot about how endangered tigers are but apparently great white sharks are pretty close to the same level. Some people say ‘I don’t care, they eat people,’ but I think we have to give them a little space to live in,” he added.
“The Australians have now got a system where they put tags on great white sharks and they have receivers on the beaches so when a great white comes into the bay the receiver automatically makes a cell phone call and tells the guy in charge to close the beach. So we can co-exist with marine life,” added Dr O’Dor, from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
“Until recently, people thought sharks were bad and there was no urge to save great whites. Now people are beginning to understand that they are rare and that they are a wonderful species,” he said. (ANI)
If you are interested in going Shark Cage Diving check out the deals offered by this Gansbaai Guest House.
| If you are travelling to South Africa check out car rental South Africa |
The Great White Shark: What is Fact and What is Fiction?
For years, the great white shark was a source of curiosity and fascination but that was before the movie "Jaws" gave it a bad reputation. Since the movie's first appearance on the silver screen, people saw something more than a natural predator, they became terrified by what appeared to be a cold blooded killer always on the prowl for human flesh.
The influence of the media
Nowadays, with shark attacks being documented on the internet and by the media, people fear this giant fish even more. It has come to the point where people are even challenging the laws protecting the great white shark which belongs on the endangered species list.
"Jaws", story or marine biology?
As we already know, Hollywood has a magic touch with special effects and fictitious stories but unfortunately, people often confuse them with reality. It has reached the point where people wonder which part is fiction and which part is reality.
Fact or fiction?
Fact - The largest great white shark ever recorded measured 7 m and weighted approximately 2 tons.
Fiction - "Jaws" does not represent the average size of a great white shark since it was portrayed as being 7m long or more.
Fact - Being carnivorous, great white sharks may attack humans, especially if they confuse them with a seal or if they are challenging them for a fish on a spear gun, for example.
Fiction - The great white shark chases, plans and attacks humans as a cold blooded killer. In fact, its brain does not allow it to think things through, it only reacts by instinct.
Fact - The great white shark is now a protected specie as it is also an endangered specie. What was the reason? Some Asian cultures enjoyed their dorsal fin as a culinary delicacy. Which was the most common prey? It was certainly not humans!
Fiction - On "Jaws", humans were represented as the usual main course of its daily menu. In fact, the great white shark will often let a human prey go free after tasting it since humans are too bony. If given a choice, a seal will be a better meal.
Fact - The great white shark is one of the three most aggressive shark species involved in attacks on humans. The two other species are the tiger shark and the bull shark.
Fiction - According to the movie, the great white shark is the most dangerous predator of the oceans. An ocean or a sea is home to a huge variety of predators which are only trying to feed themselves for survival purposes.
Fact - You have more chances to die in a car accident or being hit by lightening than by a great white shark. Only a maximum of 60 fatal shark attacks have been recorded on a yearly basis.
Fiction - Every time that someone was either hunting "Jaws" or put as much as a foot in the water, someone ended up on its menu. In fact, the great white shark prefers seals colonies to human ones. That is why when a human is mistaken for its natural source of food, he will often survive as there will most likely not be a second bite.
As you can see, while the great white shark deserves our respect, its reputation has been under attack. There are ways to cohabit in the same world while avoiding hurting each other. While there are several ways that could help preventing a close encounter with a great white shark, confusing fiction with reality will not help anyone.
If you wish to learn more information about this giant, I suggest that you visit our site: http://great-white-shark.blogspot.com You will also be kept updated concerning the news on this endangered specie.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sylvie_Leochko
| If you want to experiance Great White Sharks up close and personal why not go Shark cage diving in Gansbaai South Africa? Find out more at this Gansbaai Accommodation site. |
Experience the Thrill of Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town
Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai
This area is one of the world’s prime locations for shark cage diving. Gansbaai is one of the very few places in the world that Great White sharks occur in such large numbers.
A couple of kilometres offshore from the Gansbaai launch point, you will find Gesyer Rock and Dyer Island. The channel that runs between them is Shark Alley, which is home to a population of more than 40 000 Cape Fur seals. These seals are one of the Great White’s primary sources of food, making this an ideal hunting ground for them and the area is so rife in underwater activity and marine life that it’s unmatched by any other shark cage diving location in South Africa. While on your shark adventure, the double storey feature on the boats affords you the opportunity to enjoy some breathtaking surface viewing.
When is the Best Time of Year for Shark Cage Diving?
If you are planning a shark cage diving adventure, the best time of year to plan to do is during the winter period, from May to September. This is when the optimum shark viewing opportunities can be enjoyed and although the sea can be pretty chilly, it is well worth it.
Weather conditions will also affect your shark cage diving experience – after big storms, the visibility can become poor and only allow you to see 2 or 3 meters in front of you so you won’t know a shark is around until you see it up close and personal, making it all the more exciting!
Taking the Plunge and Experiencing the Thrill
Shark cage diving in Gansbaai can be enjoyed both in the morning and in the afternoon – usually with two trips conducted daily by a staff of shark-loving professionals. Early morning shark cage diving trips can offer lucky shark viewers the chance to witness the White Shark’s hunting prowess in action.
Gansbaai Kayaking
Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town - Great White Shark Diving Around Gansbaai
Shark cage diving has become an incredibly popular experience for both
tourists and locals alike in Cape Town and its surrounds. With the
blending of the warm Indian Ocean and cool Atlantic Ocean around the
Southern Cape Coast, this marine setting provides a rich diversity of
sea creatures. Southern Right Whales, Cape Fur Seals, African Penguins
and Great White Sharks are just some of the spectacular sea life which
make the Cape Coast their home.
One of the world's most heavily populated Great White Shark areas is in
the waters surrounding Dyer Island. A lot of research is conducted on
sharks in this area, helping scientists and the general population
understand these incredible creatures better. Sharks have been found to
be curious and very intelligent creatures, sometimes lifting their
heads above the surface to gaze at prey or other objects.
About the Great White Shark
The Great White Shark has long been regarded as the king of the
ocean and the most feared creature in the sea. With multiple rows or
razor-sharp teeth and a jaw so strong it can break metal with ease, the
Great White certainly has made a name for itself as a fearsome
predator.
The Great White Shark is considered an endangered species on
the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
(C.I.T.E.S.) list of endangered species. The Great White is feared by
many and is still a mythical and fascinating creature. Many humans,
terrified of a shark's nature, cannot comprehend a shark as an
incredible fish and a true example of nature's brilliance.
A Great White Shark can grow to more than six meters in length
and weigh up to 2,259 kilograms, making it the largest predatory fish
in the world.
These sharks display counter colouring' which is the
camouflage type colouring of their body to disguise themselves and make
attacks on prey easier. The dorsal area (top half) of a shark is grey
to disguise it from prey at the surface of the water while the
underside is white to disguise it from prey underneath it. Sharks are
incredibly sensitive to movement of any object in water. When any
object moves, it creates an electric field and a Great White Shark is
able to sense half a billionth of a volt!
Great White Sharks feed off fish, whale carcasses, dolphins,
seals, porpoises and smaller sharks. Penguins can be attacked but
sharks do not eat them generally. In South Africa, the Great Whites off
the Cape Coast breach the surface of the water, swimming at such speed
to startle their prey that they break the surface and launch into the
air. This is only seen along the Cape Coast and is a spectacular sight
to see.
South African Scuba Dive - Great White Shark Cage Diving
There are two areas where Great White diving is done, Gansbaai and Mosselbaai. Both these destinations can be reached with a scenery drive from Cape Town International Airport. Below is some information on these areas and Great White Cage diving. Also some information on other diving sites.
Daily shark diving/sighting tours (weather permitting) are done off Gansbaai, a mere stone-throw away from the most southern tip of the African Continent. Approx. 12km offshore from Gansbaai (2hrs drive from Cape Town) there are two islands situated next to each other. Due to a number of geographical reasons - one being the shallow and narrow channel that runs between these two islands - Dyer Island has become known as one of only two unique areas in the world, where the chances to view the great white shark, rises exceptionally high. Other wildlife species such as Cape Fur Seals, Cape Gannets, Cape Cormorants, Jackass penguins, whales and dolphins are also likely to be sighted.
Gansbaai is little holiday and fishing village situated a 160km from Cape Town. The area has several attractions for the nature lover with whale watching being the most popular. Accommodation may be taken close by at a very nice chalets with small harbour and sea views offering excellent meals. The shark dives are launched from the neighboring Kleinbaai. Cage diving is strictly regulated by the authorities and conducted in an ethical way in accordance with international standards. It is bsolutely safe and you need not have any diving experience at all, only a short course on safety and the use of the equipment.
On a typical day we meet the skipper early in the morning and then head out about 9 am and return about 3 pm - depending on the conditions, wind direction and currents you proceed to one of numerous holes, put down anchor and set out the bait. Only bait that forms part of the animal's natural diet is used.
We then wait for the Great Whites to find us. This can take anything from minutes to several hours. In the meantime every one is briefed on the procedures, and the cage is put into the water. The cage is securely attached to a platform on the back of the boat and the top of the cage floats about 23cm above the water. It is constructed of steel bars and is closed off at the top by means of a gate.
Once the first shark is spotted the bait lines are drawn in towards the boat so that everybody has the opportunity to view and admire this magnificent predator. The first cage renters the water and the lines are drawn slowly towards the cage to lure the shark. This is an emotional and heart stopping experience.
It must be remembered that these are wild animals, and no guarantees can be given that they will be sighted on a particular day. It is therefore advisable to budget for at least two consecutive days diving. Statistics kept of sightings over the last five years in Mosselbaai help to pick the best possible time of the year being April to July and September to November. In late Aug and early September 2004 there is a lot of shark activity, they are seeing 9 – 15 sharks a day.
In Gansbaai the best time of the year is in our winter season (April - September), when the sharks are particularly active in their feeding patterns (80-99%). Even though you still have a chance of seeing the sharks during the other months (October - February), their feeding patterns are different and they tend to have inconsistent feeding behaviour by feeding actively the one day and less active on other day's. However, due to breeding season amongst the seals on Dyer Island during the months November to January natural feeding predations are often seen in the area. Sighting rate in the low season is approx. 60%.
Gansbaai Accommodation | The Roundhouse
Two representatives of Gansbaai attended the Indo Pacific Fish Conference (IFPC) in Durban from the 20th to the 25th of May, and presented their research findings on Great White Sharks at Dyer Island. Michael Scholl has been conducting a study on the population of these sharks using photographic identfication since 1997. Ryan Johnson has been conducting a study on the behaviour of White Sharks, living for over a year on Dyer Island itself, and focusing on the impact assessment of the White Shark Diving industry on the sharks’ behaviour since 1999.
This is another aspect about which Gansbaai should be proud of: not only do we get great coverage through documentaries like the National Geographic that aired a week ago, but there is also very dedicated scientific research being conducted in the area. This aspect is just as important for international recognition, as are the many documentaries and articles distributed and published worlwide.
Very important and interesting contacts have been made with other shark researchers around the world. Among these, two Australian researchers, Barry Bruce and John Stevens, from the CSIRO who, for the second consecutive year, have mounted a satellite tag on a Great White Shark, named Neale, to monitor their precise movement patterns over a long period of the time (check Neale’s movements on: www.marine.csiro.au). Similar studies are being implemented in South Africa by Marine and Coastal Management (previously known as Sea Fisheries Research Institute), and such international expertise can help us not duplicating previously made mistakes elsewhere.
It is time that we, people of Gansbaai, learn to understand and appreciate the unique opportunity we have on our doorstep: Gansbaai is recognised worldwide as the White Shark Capital. But this should become a market or industry of which everyone can be proud of, and everyone can relate to, and into which more people should become directly or indirectly involved in. Just a week before the conference in Durban, a White Shark « washed up » on the shores of the Danger Point Peninsula, during the night the jaws and fins had disappeared. This is a shame for the whole community, and it should become the pride and honour of all to prevent further poaching of these sharks. We really must realise that the Great White Shark represents the future of Gansbaai. This illegal luxury trade must be stopped before it gets out of hands like the Perlemoen poaching situation. We can all be proud of South Africa as being the first country in the world to have managed to protect Great White Sharks in April 1991. We have set the example, and following our initiation, several countries have followed: United States of America, Australia, and Malta - So let us keep up with setting the example!
Ryan Johnson and Michael Scholl also attended the African Shark Conservation and Management Workshop organised by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in Cape Town on the 29th through 31st of May. 46 local and international delegates, of whom 19 where from diverse African countries other than South Africa, were present to introduce and discuss conservation and management issues with regards to sharks in Africa. This was a very important step towards a better african awareness, understanding and hopefully implementation of adequate shark conservation and management plans. The regional reports from diverse african regions were rather disturbing in that near inexistant information was (un)available with regards to shark catches.
Be Proud of our Natural Heritage, Promote it, and Protect it! There is an american-indian saying that resumes the situation: « We have not inherited nature from our parents, we simply borrow it from our children ».
Invest In Gansbaai Property
Gansbaai is a small fishing town situated near Hermanus in the Western Cape of South Africa.If you are looking for property for sale then this town is the perfect place to start your search. Famed for its scenery and harmonious relationship with the sea, the area of Gansbaai boasts an abundance of tranquillity and healthy living which is enough to make anyone want to buy property in Gansbaai.
Healthy, Harmonious Living
The main form of income, trade and activity involves the sea. Up until recently fishing was the main trade of the area, however at present there other activities with regard to trade as well. These include abalone farming, eco-tourism, conservation and of course many restaurants that are stocked with the freshest fish from the local waters. So, when you buy or rent property in Gansbaai you are guaranteed the freshest seafood and produce from the local shops and fishmongers. Ultimately, healthy eating is another benefit of buying or renting houses in the Gansbaai.
The beaches in Gansbaai are exquisite as the conservation efforts are taken extremely seriously, resulting in crystal clear waters and litter free beaches, allowing for organisms and ecosystems to thrive from a pollution free environment. By investing in property in Gansbaai you and your family can relish living in a house or flat that overlooks the untouched beaches and crisp blue ocean.
The outdoor life style of the area instigates long walks, swimming in the ocean, surfing or shark cage and scuba diving as other outdoor activities, consequently creating a healthy lifestyle that can only be beneficial. Retirees wanting to find a place to settle in a region where the sea is close by and fresh invigorating air will fall in love with Gansbaai as this picturesque area literally cleanses the body and spirit through its healthy and therapeutic atmosphere. The views and gentle activities combined with the laid back ambiance in Gansbaai make it the perfect location for one's retirement years.
Schools, Shops and Simplicity
Families looking for a house to buy or rent need not worry about a lack of schools for their children to attend. The town is home to two primary schools as well as numerous high schools that are situated in close proximity to Gansbaai, making it the ideal place for raising a healthy and successful family without having the worries of exposing children to crime that is prominent in most inner city areas. When buying or renting property in Gansbaai, so called modern resources should certainly not be cause for concern either. The main street has a wealth of bars, restaurants and cafes situated along the roadside, situated close to the banks, petrol stations and shops. Nevertheless, if you are inclined to more intimate surroundings you can also find some pleasantly quiet cafes in the more hidden streets and the harbour.
Whether you are young or old, newlyweds or retired couples, if you are looking for the perfect holiday getaway or place to make your home, renting or buying flats or houses in Gansbaai is the ultimate option. With plenty of activities, this little town is well equipped to take care of the needs of all ages. With a thriving tourist interest due to the natural wonders of the area, Gansbaai has enough entertainment to give everyone and anyone a taste of fruitful bliss.
Article Source
Gansbaai Accommodation | The Roundhouse
Gansbaai
The Gansbaai area, which has achieved legendary appeal as the "Big 2 Town", is broadening its appeal base by branding itself as Dangerpoint Peninsula. It comprises the following destinations:
Gansbaai – Big-2-town
De Kelders – Best spot to watch whales
Masakhane – Booming community under milkwood trees
Blompark – In the heart of the peninsula
Kleinbaai – Home of the shark-diving boats
Franskraal – Between estuary and ocean
Pearly Beach – The longest undisturbed sand-beach in the Cape
Baardskeerdersbos – Unique fynbos habitats
Buffelsjagbaai – Most secluded shore community
Environmentally, the area's attributes are great – the
stunning views from De Kelders across Walker Bay to range upon range of
mountains stepping back from Hermanus; the spectacular coastal walks
especially the long stretch of beach at Die Plaat (part of Walker Bay Nature Reserve); and an extraordinary natural environment that Grootbos Private Nature Reserve has turned into one of the Cape's most professional, WOW! experiences.
Shark tourism is big, but their customers are largely bussed
in-and-out and exposure to the town is minimal. The exception to this
are large numbers of international scientists and film crews that spend
extended visits to document the fascinating marine wealth of the area.
Day visitors miss out!
Between June and December, Gansbaai is home to the Southern
Right Whale. This coastline with its many bays becomes the breeding
area for these giants of the oceans. When there is a north wind,
waking to the sound of whales blowing is one of life's special
experiences!
It's an area looking for an identity – that is if you ignore its claim
as the world capital of the Great White Shark (or the "Big 2" town) for
a moment. It lacks urban quality, like so many country towns, and it
is difficult to discover a "sense of place", but then its growth is
based on the fishing industry, with city suburbia exported to the
coast.
Official history records that in 1881 Johannes Cornelis
Wessels, an 18 year old fisherman, walked across the dunes from
Stanford to the now Gansbaai: named after a colony of Egyptian geese
that nested in the area. Fishing was so good that he decided to settle
there in a hut he made from stone, daub and reeds. Other families
followed and built primitive dwellings among the dunes close to the
sea.
But the area was known long before – Lady Anne Barnard visited in 1798;
American Samson Dyer lived on the island that took his name in the
early 1800's; and Stanford's Cove was in use from the mid-1800's as a
fishing station and to ship produce from Stanford to the Cape. (Many
of the Birkenhead survivors were repatriated to Cape Town from here.)
The Gansbaai area is on the brink of change. A new tar
road linking Gansbaai to Cape Agulhas is planned for completion by
2006. Tour buses and rental cars (insurance is invalidated if driven
on dirt roads) will then be able to reach Africa's southernmost tip via
Hermanus – and Gansbaai will not be the dead end that it has been for
most travellers.
What Gansbaai really needs is a makeover of its harbour to provide the
town with a real focus and attraction. If Kleinmond can do it with a
little slipway harbour, imagine what Gansbaai could achieve!
(Kleinbaai's harbour should follow next!) Innovative empowerment
ownership (like Kleinmond's) would also introduce a new vitality across
the town.
Change will come. In the past the area was seen as a cheaper
alternative to other coastal destinations. New developments are
targeting the very upper brackets. Like Arabella Country Estate
changed Kleinmond, so will these change Gansbaai.
Gansbaai, South Africa’s Shark Alley
From Cape Town to the Wild Coast, the Cape Coast is punctuated by idyllic towns and villages, each offering a variation on Cape hospitality, and each with a peculiar angle on marine sports or venture activity. None, however, can stake a claim to adrenalin fame quite like Gansbaai, a tiny fishing hamlet situated about 2 hours drive southeast of Cape Town, famous for its shark alley, and its dense population of Great White Sharks.
Gansbaai is one of the world’ top commercial cage diving destinations. The activity is focused on Dyer Island, and in particular a narrow channel between this and Geyser rock known as Shark Alley. Dyer island supports a large population of Cape Fur Seals which in trun attract large numbers of these deadly marine predators.
There are a handful of different operators offering commercial shark diving charters, but the opportunities do not end there. Whale watching is also very fruitful along this particular stretch of coast, and thanks to the adrenalin angle there is a small but vibrant backpackers culture that is very well linked to the Cape Town and more general South African backpackers lodge fraternity.
An annual Great White Shark Festival is staged in the town in October, which, if anyone had failed to notice the fact, celebrates and draws attention to the iconic attraction of the region…the Great White Sharks.
There is much more to the area than this, though, and the usual fare of great beaches, great food and great wine are all standards of the East Coast and the Garden Route, and if you are in the market for some hard core adventure, or you are simply a lover of great nature, check out Gansbaai as you make your way up or down the coast.
GANSBAAI TOURISM
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Gansbaai is situated on the Whale coast and is often referred to as the Big 2 Town - Southern Right whales, which visit her shore from July to November, and the Great White Sharks, which can be viewed from a boat departing Gansbaai harbour year round.
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The Greater Gansbaai area is made up of smaller towns each with their own unique character
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The Southern right whale flocks to Walker Bay embraced by Hermanus to the North and Gansbaai to the South as from July. The cliffs of De Kelders are fantastic vantage points to see the whales come within a few metres from shore. These magnificent creatures come to our coast from July to mate, calve and nurse their young. Whale -watching boats tours from the harbours of Gansbaai and Kleinbaai take you out into the ocean to meet the whales in open sea. Boats also round Dyer Island and Geyser Rock
The Danger Point Lighthouse was established in 1895 because it is one of the most dangerous places in the world for ships coming too close inshore – it was here that the HMT Birkenhead met her doom in 1852 with the loss of approximately 443 lives when the British officers and crew, knowing they would surely perish, obeyed the order to “Stand Fast” allowing women and children to board life-boats first. The notorious Birkenhead Rock can be seen at low tide, just a few kilometres off Danger Point.
Just over the border between De Kelders and the Walker Bay Nature Reserve is Klipgat Cave. The cave can be reached by a sequence of steps down from the parking lot to the little cove before the cave. On the beach of the cove is a fresh water fountain. The cave is the finding place of one of the earliest remains of modern man, dating 80 000 years back. In the more recent history, some 2000 years ago, ancestors of the Khoekhoen had their home here as well.
Article Source
Shark Cage Diving and Whale Watching
Tours
Marine Dynamics & Dyer
Island Cruises are located at the Great White House in Kleinbaai. We are
situated approximately 180km south east of Cape Town (driving time about 2 hrs).
DYER ISLAND CRUISES - WHALE WATCHING TRIPS:
Dyer Island Cruises offer
exciting and informative eco-tours around Dyer Island all year (excluding May).
Between July and December we combine the Island experience with boat- based
whale watching. Our whale watching trips are considered not just magical but
rewarding too, and are sure to capture everyones imagination. We can guarantee
Southern right whale sightings between July and December.
Dyer Island is
located 8 km from shore and is completely protected for the conservation of its
many resident bird species, including African penguins. Adjacent to Dyer Island
is Geyser Rock, home to a 60,000 strong Cape Fur Seal colony. These seals are
also present all year round. The channel of water between Dyer Island and Geyser
Rock is the now world renowned Shark Alley. This channel is part of our trip.
On our whale watching and Dyer Island trips we also see: Great white
sharks, Brydes whales, Humpback whales, Southern giant petrels, Cape gannets and
Dolphins.
Each trip is led by experienced marine guides who will share
their knowledge with you, keeping emphasis on the welfare and conservation of
the animal.
MARINE DYNAMICS - SHARK CAGE DIVING TRIPS:
Breakfast
(included in the price) is provided at the restaurant before the boat launch.
Every trip is preceded by a brief introductory talk about the route and what to
look to out for. Passengers are fitted with comfortable inflatable life-jackets.
Safety is of the utmost importance. We have extensive public liability
insurance.
We usually launch around 9:00 am in the morning (note that
launching times may vary due to tide and weather conditions), arriving at the
anchoring spot in 20 to 25 minutes. The anchor is lowered, the cage goes into
the water, a scent trial is made, and we settle down.
On our way back to
land, we make a stop at Dyer Island to view African penguins, Cape cormorants
and many other species. We also often spot giant petrels, Cape gannets, white
chinned petrels and storm petrels. After about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the
day, we head back to land.
The Great White House offers bathroom
facilities, as well as a restaurant and gift shop, where you can relex before or
after your trip!
Gansbaai Bed & Breakfast
'Watch the bait!'
Gansbaai - Blessed with clear waters and a high concentration of great white sharks, this sleepy fishing town has become the self-proclaimed capital of cage diving - plunging underwater in a sturdy metal basket for a close-up look at one of nature's greatest predators.
But the multimillion dollar industry is increasingly the target of critics who say it is teaching sharks to associate people with food by luring them to boats with hunks of bait.
So local shark tour operators hosted a Great White weekend festival to reassure locals that there is no link between attacks on humans and the industry that has transformed their town into a draw for adrenaline junkies.
Suspended in underwater cages and gasping with amazement from boats, locals were treated at cut-rate prices to the spectacle of lithe creatures gliding elegantly through the lucid waters of Shark Alley, named for its unusual density of great white sharks attracted to a nearby colony of 40 000 seals.
Accessible sharks
On shore, children donned cardboard shark hats and watched a local theatre company perform a shark-themed play, while conservationists sought to educate visitors about the mighty predator.
Gansbaai is an unassuming town of a few hundred people about two hours from Cape Town. It lacks the chic stores and smart hotels of nearby Hermanus, famed for its whale watching.
But Gansbaai claims that its great whites - the only type to survive in the frigid waters here - are more accessible than those at resort areas in California and Australia, which also have thriving shark tourism industries, because they are so close to the shore.
But the industry has a bad image. One person is killed by a shark every two years in South Africa. Experts say the number of shark-related incidents will probably increase because more people are surfing, kayaking and swimming than before, but many locals say that the cage-diving industry is to blame.
No link to attacks
A report last year from experts at the World Wildlife Fund South Africa and government conservationists said there was no evidence linking attacks on humans and the industry. But it did warn tour operators to stick to the rules and not to provoke sharks into aggressive behaviour.
Operators attract sharks - which have a powerful sense of smell - with a mixture of blood and fish remains, a practice known as "chumming," and encourage them to stay near the boat by dangling large fish in the water.
In Gansbaai, eight companies have government permits to operate cage-diving and shark-spotting tours. A code of conduct states the animal must not be harmed or rewarded with food if it comes to the boat.
Operators acknowledge that this does happen sometimes due to the shark's speed and stealth and the crew's carelessness.
Protected species
"Watch the bait! watch the bait!" skipper Johannes van der Merwe yelled repeatedly to his crew on a trip on Saturday, when sharks around 3m long came within touching distance of the boat in search of a tasty bit of fish.
It was an awe-inspiring sight, and a far cry from the terror invoked by "Jaws," the 1975 film that portrayed the great white as an indiscriminate killing machine. Even so, the close encounter proved too much for a cage occupant who was copiously sick after he emerged from just under the water's surface.
There are few precise figures on the number of great whites left in the world. Estimates talk of around 1 200 off the South African coast, although these are unreliable because of the vast distances the sharks swim.
South Africa was the first country in the world to declare the great white a protected species in 1991 - 13 years before international conservation bodies declared it to be endangered.
Alison Kock, with the University of Cape Town's shark research unit, says there should be independent monitors on all the cage-diving vessels to ensure they do not feed the sharks or tease them into coming too close.
High expectations
"The problem is with high expectations that tourists have," Kock said in an interview. "They are not happy with just seeing the sharks, but they want them to leap out of the water or go right against the cage."
Kock said the shark tour operators help dispel myths that have plagued the great white since "Jaws" and are helping to educate the public that sharks are far more risk from humans - pollution and fishing nets - than the other way round.
Although naturally aggressive, great white sharks are intelligent and do not regard swimmers and surfers as natural prey, she said. And she said most attacks were probably the result of a chance encounter rather than the desire to kill.
"They are very confident, curious animals," Kock said. "If they don't know what something is, they give an exploratory bite or nudge."
Kock said there is much room for improvement in the business, but she is generally supportive because the industry encourages environmental awareness and helps promote research into a creature about which relatively little is known.
"South Africa is one of the best places in the world to see great white sharks, so why shouldn't people be allowed to see them?" she said.
Gaansbaai Accommodation | The Round House
Shark Alive At St Francis Bay
Shark jaws were the main attraction for the those out early on Hobie Beach, St Francis Bay one morning last month. Johan van Staden a competitive fisherman from Port Elizabeth, who is a regular on our shores, caught this ragged tooth shark, after battling for 50 minutes to bring it in - running backwards and forwards with his rod while reeling furiously. His rod was bent over in a semi circle and soon a crowd of beach lovers gathered to watch ‘the big catch.’ Once in shallow water, Johan and friends used a net to scoop it up and then left it a few minutes to show to the spectators. Then this shark, aka Nurse Shark, was weighed and found to be 158 kg. Johan and company then replaced the shark in the net, waded into deeper water, and after cutting the gut, let it go. What an exciting event tow watch. According to research, thhe Grey Nurse Shark (aka in the US as the sand tiger shark and in South Africa as the spotted ragged-tooth shark), is one of four species belonging to the Odontaspididae family. It has a large, rather stout body, a conical snout, long awl-like teeth in its jaws, and is coloured grey to grey-brown dorsally, with a paler off white under belly. Grey Nurse Sharks grow to at least 360 cm total length, and are said to be slow but strong swimmers. A Grey Nurse Shark at a Sydney aquarium lived for 13 years; others have lived for + 16 years in captivity in South Africa. In 1984 the Grey Nurse Shark became the first shark species in the world to become protected (in New South Wales, Australia). Article Source: http://www.safricavoyage.com/index.htm
Gansbaai Accomodation | The Round House
http://www.overberg.co.zaGansbaai & Surrounds
Danger Point Peninsula - an area ruled by the sea and floral abundance. It is here where you will find South Africa's only town boasting the “Big 2”.
Between the working fishing village of Gansbaai and the secluded ocean community of Buffeljachtsbaai, there is an area to explore that is full of secret wonders.
Gansbaai
is an area of contrast. It is situated in the centre of a number of
small bays with miles of unspoiled beaches, nature reserves with over
1500 species of Fynbos, ancient Milkwood forests, rocky inlets, caves
and spectacular views across Walker Bay. It is a well-known whale
watching and great white shark viewing destination.
This quaint traditional fishing village is situated on not one, but two harbours where many fishing trawlers and boats come and go daily, supplying fresh catches to fishmongers and local restaurants.
The area surrounding Gansbaai contains many unexplored yet interesting places. Explore the caves in De Kelders. Hike along the coast and walk along the sandy white beaches of Franskraal and Pearly Beach. Enjoy a tractor ride in the fynbos or spend time in the Strandveld Museum learning about the history of the area. Visit the Dangerpoint Lighthouse and see where the HMS Birkenhead met her doom. Take a journey back in time and experience the mysteries of farm life in Baardskeerdersbos or just relax in the stillness listening to the sounds of nature and enjoy the spectacular sunsets.
This is crayfish country with an annual Crayfish Festival over Easter. Abalone (perlemoen) is professionally farmed in the Dangerpoint area. There are some famous fishing spots and the restaurants serve a number of seafood delights. A variety of accommodation establishments provide rest after an adventure-packed and fun-filled day.
The Gansbaai Festival takes place annually in July in the Gansbaai harbour and the Winter Fynbos (wild flower) show is a great attraction not to be missed.
Gansbaai Accomodation | The Round HouseGreat Vacation Tips To Ensure That You Have The Best Vacation Possible |
By :
Harwood E
 Submitted 2008-06-19 19:23:50 |
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From time to time you will come across a survey that has found that
going on vacation can be one of the most stressful activities that you
can do, the only things that come out as more stressful in the survey
are getting married or buying a new house. It is surprising then to
believe that we all look forward to our summer vacation so much.
Vacations do not have to be so stressful though and if you follow a few
basic tips you should be able to have a nice relaxing time from the
moment that you book your vacation to the moment you step back through
your front door after the vacation. So what are the top tips to
remember when going on vacation?
Generally a family holiday with a young family is more stressful than if you are a lone traveler, simply because you have the well being of your children to consider makes the whole experience more stressful. Before you book your vacation with your family you should thoroughly research all of the facilities that are available for children at the resort that you are going to, a vacation can be made a whole lot more hectic if there is nothing there for the children to do. Only when you are happy that the resort is safe for the children and that there is plenty there to keep them occupied should you book. In the weeks leading up to your departure you should start to make a list of everything that you need to but for the trip whether it is clothing or toiletries, if you have a list that you can work to then you should hopefully avoid any last minute panics. If you need to get foreign currency for your vacation it is advisable to check out whether the currency that you need is dropping or rising against your own currency. By studying the currency fluctuations over the preceding weeks you may well be able to save yourself some money which may enable you to live a little more whilst away. If your children are old enough to pack for themselves you should make them a packing list of everything that they will need to take away with them. This gives them a little bit of responsibility and frees you up to be doing something else. Working down your checklist of things that you need to do you should try to put a date along side each task so you know when you need to have that completed by. This allows you to budget your time better and means that you will not be running around at the last minute trying to remember what needs to be done. Try to make a sub-list of things such as toiletries to ensure that you have the basics required for your vacation such as shower gel, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste and most importantly of all sun cream. If you are traveling with small children always ensure that you have a high enough sun block to protect their delicate skin. The three most important things for any holiday are the tickets, passports and the money. You should have been watching the money markets by now and pounced to get the best deal possible, this only leaves the tickets and passports to worry about. One tip that works very well is to attach a label to the handle of each person's suitcase with a question written on it such as "have you got the tickets?", "have you got the passports?" and "have you got the money?" By doing this as long as each person asks the question attached to their case you should have no problem in remembering the essentials for your vacation. So there you have it, a few tips that should help you to be a little more organized when it comes to planning for your vacation and ensuring the best possible time when you are there. |
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Author Resource:-
For more info on a private holiday home please visit our site -
www.private-holiday-home.com Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our site Harwood E Woodpecker. Submitted By ArticleUnited.com |
| Article From ArticleSlide.com |
Footsteps of a tyrant
"Our agency has to have an up-to-date offer and our international partners have asked to include in the Belgrade package places frequented by Radovan Karadzic," said Vekol Tours agency director Tanja Bogdanov.
The so-called "Pop Art Radovan" tours, which began last week, were specially arranged to cater for foreign travellers, Bogdanov said, without being able to say how much interest they had aroused so far.
They take in Karadzic's flat, the Luda Kuca (Crazy House) bar where he drank, as well as a pancake house, a bakery and the haunt where his alter ego, Doctor Dragan Dabic, "ate potato pies" while observing Serbian Orthodox Church fasts.
"The tour ends with a stroll past the front of the Serbian war crimes tribunal where he spent these past few days," she told AFP.
The Vekol Tours director stressed, however, that the visits only provided tourists with basic details about Karadzic in order to avoid politicising his past.
"It is a completely apolitical program. We don't want to serve any political opinions," said Bogdanov.
Karadzic, the wartime Bosnian Serb leader accused of orchestrating some of the bloodiest atrocities since World War II, was transferred to the UN war crimes tribunal in The Hague under the cover of dark early on Wednesday.
He had been arrested eight days earlier in the Serbian capital, where he had been living a very public life disguised as Dabic, a guru-like healer who sported long hair bundled atop his head, a thick white beard and large wire-rimmed glasses.
The Belgrade-based travel agency said it also specialised in regional tours of places frequented by other famous characters including Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito and the inventor Nikola Tesla.
AFP
