Cape Town’s waters are a theatre of wild encounters – from playful Cape fur seals to schools of shimmering sardines – but nothing captures the imagination quite like a shark sighting. These apex predators are not only symbols of ocean power but also vital guardians of marine balance.
Shortfin mako shark/Patrick Doll/Wikimedia Commons
In the kelp forests, offshore reefs, and deep Atlantic channels surrounding the Mother City, five of the ocean’s largest shark species occasionally make their appearance.
1. Great White Shark
The legendary Great White is the most famous of Cape Town’s sharks. Although sightings have dipped in recent years, these apex predators still cruise the offshore waters of False Bay and beyond.
Capable of growing up to 6 metres, Great Whites are perfectly adapted for long migrations and are often associated with seal colonies such as Seal Island. Their presence speaks to the fragile health of our oceans, and ongoing research continues to track and protect these elusive giants.
2. Broadnose Sevengill Shark
With seven gill slits instead of the usual five, the Broadnose Sevengill carries an ancient, almost prehistoric look. Reaching up to 3 metres, this shark is one of the most reliable sightings for divers in False Bay.
Spotted near Miller’s Point and sometimes around Seal Island in winter, sevengills feed on fish, rays, and even other sharks. They play a crucial role in keeping the ecosystem balanced – making them a fascinating subject for both divers and marine scientists.
3. Shortfin Mako Shark
Sleek, fast, and undeniably beautiful, the shortfin mako is the sprinter of the shark world, clocking speeds few fish can match. These torpedo-shaped predators can reach around 4 metres and are sometimes encountered in the offshore waters of the Western Cape.
With their shimmering blue scales and streamlined design, makos are masters of the open ocean and a rare but unforgettable sight for those lucky enough to encounter them.
4. Blue Shark
Long, slender, and strikingly coloured, the blue shark is a wanderer of the deep. They travel far and wide, feeding on squid and small schooling fish, occasionally drifting close to the Cape Point coastline.
Growing to over 3 metres, they are one of the most elegant sharks of the open seas. Though seldom seen from shore, divers who spot them describe their hypnotic movement and radiant blue colouring as something out of a dream.
5. Ragged-Tooth Shark (Sand Tiger Shark)
Known locally as “raggies,” ragged-tooth sharks are more common along South Africa’s east coast, but they do occasionally appear around Cape Town.
Despite their menacing teeth and bulky build (up to 3.5 metres long), raggies are surprisingly docile. They favour rocky reefs and wrecks, where divers can observe their slow, deliberate movements. These sharks have earned a loyal following among scuba enthusiasts for their impressive yet non-aggressive nature.
Why sharks matter
Every shark – from the swift Mako to the ancient Sevengill – is part of the intricate puzzle of Cape Town’s marine ecosystem. Their survival is tied to the health of the ocean, which ultimately supports all life on Earth.
For travellers and locals alike, knowing that these ocean giants still roam our waters is a reminder of how wild, mysterious, and interconnected Cape Town’s coastline truly is.
Source: IOL
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