Sharks and Wine? Yes!

What’s the best way to relax after an amazing morning of close encounters with great white sharks? A leisurely afternoon tasting some of South Africa’s best wines, of course!

On our shark safari & wine tasting day tour, you will depart in the early morning for Simonstown harbor for a boat trip in search of the super predator of the oceans, the great white shark. The international shark experts that will accompany you on the boat have studied great whites since 1989, and were the first to film the now-famous great whites of False Bay in the rare (and until-then, relatively-unseen) act of “breaching” (launching themselves out of the water) in their pursuit of Cape fur seals they hunt in this area.

Our search for great whites includes one of their typical haunts, Seal Island, home to some 60,000 seals as well as a host of sea bird species. The main focus of the boating safari is on natural interaction with the sharks from the boat, and observing natural predatory behavior. A tow using a fake cut-out carpet “seal” decoy is employed to encourage the sharks to “breach.” Snacks and soft drinks are served on board.*

After an exciting morning on the water, you will be met by your private vehicle and guide and will head to Constantia to visit wine estates according to your preferences. The historic valley, with vineyards clinging to the eastern slopes of the Constantiaberg Mountains, was home to 17th-century Dutch governor, Simon van der Stel’s wine farm. Its legendary dessert wines graced the tables of the European monarchy in the 18th century. There are now seven cellars in this premier ward, and you will taste wines at some of these estates, which continue the tradition of producing wines from classic European noble varieties.

The area is celebrated for its Sauvignon Blancs, Semillons and Chardonnays, from the Steenberg, Constantia Uitsig and Buitenverwachting estates. However, wonderful Merlots, Cabernet, Shiraz and red blends in classic Bordeaux styles are also made at Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and High Constantia, but the area’s famed signature wine is still the exquisite Vin de Constance from Klein Constantia.

This diverse day tour departs from Cape Town and can be added to any South African safari for $375 per person.

*Note – The best time to see great whites hunting is May to September, with sightings least likely from Nov to March. February to August brings an option of shark cage diving for an even more close-up experience with the sharks! Safaris are weather dependent and are at the skipper’s discretion. A warm jacket and binoculars are strongly recommended.