32 Offbeat Cruise Excursions That Go Way Beyond Sightseeing

3. Dive with Great White Sharks in South Africa

A port stop in Cape Town or Port Elizabeth can lead to one of the most exhilarating wildlife encounters on the planet—diving with great white sharks. This isn’t your average marine excursion; in Gansbaai, known as the "Great White Capital of the World," you’ll board a cage-diving vessel and submerge into waters teeming with these apex predators. No diving experience is necessary, and watching these magnificent creatures glide just feet away from you is an unforgettable thrill. Pro Tip:Shark activity peaks between May and October. If you prefer to stay dry, you can observe from the boat—sometimes, the best views happen at the surface!