Shark cage diving is growing in popularity to adventure seekers, and you don’t have to be a qualified diver, operators actually recommend snorkelling as the bubbles from scuba gear can keep sharks at bay. Cape Town Tourism has a list of accredited and well established operators. Most offer full-day packages, including diving gear and meals, for roughly R1200. I’ve done this trip twice with White Shark Eco Ventures (www.white-shark-diving.com) but remember to take your sea sick tablets if you are prone to sea sickness!
Cape Town offers excellent shore and boat based whale watching. Southern Right whales abound during breeding season from June to November. Take a drive to Boyes Drive, the road that runs from Muizenberg to Kalk Bay, and enjoy amazing views of False Bay and beyond. Scan the water for southern right and humpback whales, sharks and dolphins that are often spotted in the bay. South African fur seals have made their homes on both Seal Island and Duiker Island. Head for Hout Bay Harbour, from which you can take a short trip around Duiker Island to see the large colony of South African fur seals.