Shark Diving Unlimited

Mike “Sharkman” Rutzen

Michael Rutzen started working with Great White Sharks in 1994 as a skipper on a Shark Cage Diving boat. Four years later Mike began free diving with Great White Sharks and is now known world wide as one of the few people who is able to interact with these magnificent predators outside the safety of the cage! Mike is undoubtedly one of the most knowledgeable people in the field today and has also produced numerous documentaries on free diving with Great White Sharks for Discovery Channel, National Geographic, Animal Planet, CNN, CBS, BBC, French TV and Italian TV.

Frank Rutzen

Arguably the best Skipper in the Shark Cage Diving industry. Frank an ex fisherman has been on the water around Gansbaai and Dyer Island from 1990.  Frank knows these waters like no other, and has been working with Great White Sharks since 1994. His knowledge and experience will ensure that you will always have a mind blowing and life changing experience.

Richard “Dicky” Rutzen

Dicky was part of operation Wildflower, a conservation organization dedicated to rescuing cycads and other endangered plants. He collects fossilized shark teeth and cycads. He is responsible for coordinating the team. Dicky makes sure everything runs smoothly and that all problems are sorted out immediately. Dicky also opens up the Crew house every morning at 5 AM.

Johan "DVD" Burger

Johan joined the Shark Diving Unlimited team in 2007. He is a passionate videographer and madly in love with Sharks. He enjoys working with people and produces world class movies of your trip. Johan ensures everybody on the boat is comfortable and looked after. He is usually responsible for entertainment and to make sure you will have permanent memories to take back home.

Johan "Bus" Grodes

Johan drives our bus from Cape Town to Gansbaai everyday and makes sure that all your needs are met. Johan has been with Shark Diving Unlimited since 2006 and ensures that all maintenance tasks are done with the highest of standards. He is a friendly and helpful guide who enjoys the fine things in life.

Nsunda Dosi

Nsunda started working with Mike in 2002 and is a Padi Divemaster. He knows the ocean and understands shark behavior. He will make sure that you see the Sharks every time they pass the boat. He has a great sense of humor and is probably one of the most skilled bait handlers in the industry. Nsunda also takes it upon himself to make sure that the boat is always clean and seaworthy.

Seven

Seven is a quiet individual who always smiles and is responsible for chumming the water. He has been an important part of the team since 2008. Seven will make sure that no shark is fed and that all standards and procedures are followed.

Barracuda

Undoubtedly the most important member of the team is Barracuda, a 12.5 metre Leecat. She was designed by Mike and purposely built for Shark Cage Diving. Barracuda has been one of the most important members of our team since 2004.

She brags with all the best equipment from the top of the Range navigation systems to the highest class Safety Equipment. With her spacious bottom and top deck she will ensure that you have enough room to enjoy every moment of your experience.

Leecat uses her a part of their marketing as they believe it is one of the best boats they have ever built.

Jan de Bruyn

Jan joined the team in late 2009 and is the newest member on the team. He is an avid SCUBA diver, passionate about sharks and also our web designer. He is Mike’s safety diver and is busy receiving training on all levels. He also feels stupid when he writes about himself.

Sara Andreotti

Sara is our resident Marine Biologist. She is heading up the Population Dynamics research project with Mike under MCM. Sara has been a part of the SDU team since 2009. She speaks Italian and Spanish and translates our briefings when it is needed.

Warren Hardenberg

Warren is our Marketer and he takes it upon himself to make sure that Shark Diving Unlimited is recognized among all the tourist information offices around South Africa. Warren is a licensed Skipper and often comes along to see these magnificent animals.

Marie “Ouma” Rutzen

Ouma is in charge of the kitchen and makes sure everything at the Crew House is done to perfection. Not only does she make sure that all the clients are happy she adds that motherly touch to the environment and makes sure that all the staff is looked after.

Prudence

Prudence assists everybody’s needs and is always willing give a helping hand. She also makes food for the local primary school and greets everybody with a friendly smile. Prudence ensures that everybody has a dry towel and jacket before and after every trip

Nicky

Nicky cleans up after everybody, cooks up a storm and promises that every meal will live up to expectations. Nicky is always the last one to go home and keeps the crew house spotless for everybody to enjoy.

Elliot "Shorty"

Elliot takes it upon himself to ensure that the boat is clean and seaworthy. He is a very competent deck hand and enjoys every moment with the sharks. Elliot keeps the crew house in shape and is in charge of maintaining the bait supply. He grabs every opportunity to go to sea.