I love seeing a species for the first time. This Big Fish Expeditions’ “South African Endemic Shark Diving Safari 2022” brought several such exciting moments for me. In Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, that special encounter was a Soupfin shark (also known as a Tope or School shark) at RIY Banks Reef. Andy told me that Soupfins are usually quite shy so I knew I was lucky to get close to one. They grow to about 2 metres long and have a widespread distribution around the world.  

Together with fellow divers Tig, Jochem and Seb, Expedition Leader Andy, Dive Guide Ernest and above water guide Warren I was in Gqeberha to enjoy four local dives. At Evan’s Peak we were treated to some very colourful whip corals and plenty of cute Pyjama Catsharks and at RIY Banks Reef a new regional variant of Leopard Catshark and two Soupfin sharks. A spotted ragged-tooth shark (also known as a Sand Tiger shark or Grey Nurse shark) put in an appearance. This was doubtless exciting for my fellow divers but as I’m used to seeing them in big numbers on Australia’s East Coast, I concentrated on looking out for another Soupfin. Our final two dives were at Shark Alley and Shy Shark Reef where I happily photographed Pyjama Catsharks while the rest of the group excitedly shot Ragged-tooth sharks.

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