Great White Shark
Carcharodon carcharias
Apex Predator of the Deep
Habitat
Coastal waters, continental shelves, and around seal colonies
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
60–70 years
Weight
680–2,000 kg
The Great White Shark is the ocean's most iconic predator, growing up to 6 metres long and weighing over 2,000 kg. South Africa is one of the best places in the world to encounter these magnificent animals, with hotspots along the coast from Gansbaai to Algoa Bay.
Cage diving has become a world-famous experience, allowing visitors to observe Great Whites at close range in their natural habitat. The Addo Elephant National Park's marine section in Algoa Bay includes Great Whites as part of its unique "Big Seven" concept.
Habitat & Diet
Habitat
Coastal waters, continental shelves, and around seal colonies
Diet
Carnivore — seals, fish, rays, and other marine animals
Lifespan
60–70 years
Weight
680–2,000 kg
Best Viewing Locations
- Gansbaai
- Algoa Bay
- Mossel Bay
- False Bay
Fascinating Facts
Great Whites can detect a single drop of blood in 100 litres of water
They can breach completely out of the water when attacking prey from below
Their teeth regrow continuously — a shark may go through 20,000 teeth in its lifetime
They have a sixth sense — electroreception — that detects the electrical fields of other animals
