Kids & Sharks

I have mentioned many times before how diving with great white sharks here in Cape Town is a load of fun, but also really informative and educational. One question that arises on a regular basis, is can my kids come on this trip to see the sharks? The answer is a resounding YES!

Taking the boat out to Gansbaai can be choppy though and although children are very welcome on board (the crew love inquisitive minds), as a parent, you have to ask yourself if you are able to ensure the comfort of your kids as well as your own? Is your experience (or theirs) going to be all the richer for it?

Only you, the parent can answer this question, but in the mean time, perhaps you can have some fun learning together, about sharks and the marine environment? This will establish a foundation of interest for the trip and give you an indication of whether your child is interested in taking it further or not. The Florida Museum of Natural History has a great section of educational resources for teaching the facts, or for something a little more interactive and fun, check out the Discovery Channel's Virtual Dive.

If you decide to take the kids diving then here are a couple of tips:

• Give them motion sickness tablets as prescribed by their GP or health care practitioner. 
• Be sure that they drink lots of water (provided) whilst on board. 
• Use sunblock and a hat regardless of whether the sun is "strong". 
• Take a coat and a spare set of warm clothing for them, it gets cold out there. 
• Ensure they wear their life jackets at all times (provided).

Follow these simple tips and you will be sure to have a thrilling, educational family experience that the kids will be talking about for years to come.