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  • Shark cage diving in Gansbaai, South Africa with Marine Dynamics. Experience the exceptional and come face to face with a great white shark! 

  • The exact world record white shark is a contested issue, but chances are it is between 6-7m. In Gansbaai, the largest white shark ever caught was at Danger Point and measured up to 5.9m.

  • If you see a white shark in the water don’t panic. Chances are high that the shark has already detected you and isn’t interested. White shark attacks are normally associated with poor visibility, so avoid murky conditions.

  • White sharks have a unique system called a “counter current heat exchange”, which keeps their body  tempreture +/- 7C above the surrounding water temperature. 

  • All sharks have an incredibly unique system on the tip of their nose called the “ampillae of Lorenzini”. These are small pores filled with a gel that transmits the electrical currents in the water to the shark’s brain so that it can assess its environment.

  • White sharks give birth to live young (not eggs), and they give birth to 6-8 pups at one time. Pups are usually between 1.0-1.5m in length and are born with teeth.

  • Body language has been a well documented form of shark communication and has identified body arching, jaw gaping, and other postures as specific social tactics.

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The Crew

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Wilfred Chivell - Owner of Marine Dynamics

Wilfred Chivell can be described in many ways – charismatic, dynamic, naturalist, visionary, rough diamond, entrepreneur and shrewd business man . . . and they all fit him like a glove. But beneath a tough outer veneer is a softie who gets all mushy and poetic about a petite little bird and who will not hesitate to put his life at risk to rescue an endangered animal.

Hennie Otto - Skipper & General Manager

General Manager and Skipper Hennie Otto regards his vast responsibilities as captain of the crew as "a full-time paid holiday and a way of life" rather than a job. A versatile all-rounder who also boasts in-depth knowledge of seabirds (both vagrants and residents) and a fundi with cameras, Hennie is the guy to help you set your camera for those once in a lifetime shots. 

Shaun van Tonder -

Skipper Shaun van Tonder is captain of the crew on Slashfin. Shaun is often found assisting the crew on Slashfin and will be sure to enjoy his quick wit and passion for sharks. 

Alison Towner - Marine biologist DICT, PhD Candidate.

You might have seen Alison Towner on Shark Week, sharing her extensive knowledge on great white sharks. Inspired from a young age by her late father’s ambition to dive with White Sharks, Alison graduated from UK’S Bangor university in 2006 with a BSc Honours in Marine biology.

Dickie Chivell - All Rounder

You might have seen him on Shark Week doing crazy stunts with Great White Sharks, now learn more about Dickie Chivell behind the scenes. 

Michelle Jewell - Alumni Biologist

Michelle Jewell specialised in animal behaviour during her undergraduate Zoology degree. Her MSc focused on the behavioural ecology between the Great white sharks and Cape fur seals. She was supervised by Prof. Justin O'Riain and Dr. Alta de Vos of the University of Cape Town and supported by the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. Michelle is currently a Lecturer and Chief Science Communicator at NC State University, and a Research Associate at Michigan State University Museums