Elite Traveler Spring 2019

elite traveler SPRING 2019 87

SHARKDIVING SOUTH AFRICA

Great white sharks are one of the most feared creatures of the sea due to their ferocious hunting abilities and menacing size. These expert predators are often misunderstood, but getting face-to-face with one is certainly a startling experience. Marine Dynamics specializes in shark tours and, importantly, they always keep the animals’ welfare in mind when conducting dives, as well as studying these great beasts and contributing to their conservation. You’ll board Slashfin , a custom-built aluminum boat (named after a 10-ft male shark with a unique fin) and head out to Dyer Island with a marine biologist who will show you where the sharks hunt, hide, feed, breed and breach. The boat has a secure stainless-steel cage (with no sharp edges, to keep the sharks safe) that is firmly attached to the boat at all times, so you can easily get out of it whenever you wish. The crew will bait the sharks to come closer to the cage (but will never feed them) so you can get up close to these mysterious animals. Stay in Cape Town’s newest and most chic hotel, The Silo — the views of Table Mountain from the penthouse are divine. Exclusive use of Slashfin from $3,000, Penthouse from $8,275 per night. Contact Hoon Kim, guest

SKYDIVE ARIZONA

relations manager, reservations@trp.travel, +27 216 700 500, theroyalportfolio.com

The red rock of the colossal Grand Canyon is unmistakable, and seems to glow during sunrise and sunset. Some of the rock formations are over 1.7 billion years old, and there are millions of years of geological history within the gorge. The views seem like they’re never-ending, so the best way to take them in is from above. Paragon Skydive is the only company to offer this experience where, once you’ve reached jump altitude in the aircraft, you’ll leap out and travel through the sky at speeds of up to 124 mph. You’ll be attached to an experienced USPA-qualified instructor, so they will stabilize your free fall, allowing you to take in those awe-inspiring views. We recommend staying at the ARIA Sky Suites, where Paragon can collect you and — after a scenic flight — land you right in the dropzone, ready for your skydive. Skydive and charter from Las Vegas from $850 per person, Sky Suites Two-Bedroom Penthouse from $1,500 per person. Contact Jeremy Tomono, manager, +1 877 580 2742, ariaskysuites.com

Photo Hennie Otto