You may have heard that winter (May through October) is the best time to come for Cape Town shark diving, and you're right to believe that, but winter isn't the only time you'll see sharks.

All you need to know is you can still see sharks in the summer and plenty of them. Believe me; I'm much more of a warm weather guy so you won't find me in Cape Town for shark diving during the winter. I don't care how many sharks there are.

A few things to know about Cape Town shark diving in the summer:

1. The sharks won't be hunting seals. They are looking for game fish closer to the shore so don't expect to see sharks going airborne for a seal.

2. Shark sightings are still great in the summer, but the visibility is less. You can see about one to five meters in front of you.

3. Shark activity is generally more subdued. Think less food, less action. Give yourself a few extra days in case you miss a Great White your first time out. Shark diving in Cape Town in the summer is more of a waiting game but no less exciting.

4. Generally, February and March are the worst times for Cape Town shark diving, but some friends of mine have seen sharks then. It's really a matter of luck in those months, so try not to bank on seeing a shark then.

5. Surprisingly, the ocean is colder in the summer than the winter. It has to do with a lot of scientific jargon that is neither here nor there. All you need to know is you can still see sharks in the summer, but you may need a warm bath afterwards.

6. A good thing to keep in mind is how comfortable you are in the water. Then think about how you would feel with the biggest predator in the world a few meters away from you. I stayed on the boat my first time; I was still getting used to scuba gear and didn't want to lose my marbles in the cage. My next time out, after I was more comfortable in the water and with the gear, I got into the water. It was an experience I will never forget!

Some of the more popular shark diving operations in Cape Town are:

White Shark Diving Company - A max of 12 people on the boat and a great crew makes this boat a great pick. A videographer is there to catch all the moments if you want to pay a few extra bucks for a DVD to take home. Great White Shark Tours - A much larger boat with a max of 35 people, which doesn't mean less fun for you. Brian, the owner, has been takings adventure seekers on a shark diving trip for years, but he still has the zeal to give you a great time. Their newer boat means you'll sit in luxury as you wait for the sharks to come.

White Shark Projects - A good-sized boat with a max of 18 people on board. These guys have won many awards and pride themselves on teaching clients about the mysteries of the Great White Shark.