Ocean Big 5 Safari
Join us on this fantastic boat-based Whale Watching Ocean Big 5 Safari where you will get the chance to spot Whales, Dolphins, Cape Fur Seals, African Penguins and Great White or Copper/Bronze Whaler Sharks.
Gansbaai Whale Watching is one of the only spots near Cape Town where you can do the Oean Big 5 Safari. The area surrounding Dyer Island, Geyser Rock and Shark Alley is abundant with marine life including a wide variety of sea birds. For the avid bird or wildlife photographer, this is your dream trip with plenty of photographic opportunities.
Whale Watching in South Africa provides exceptional encounters with our Marine Big 5. Get within 50m of a Whale and watch as they sing their whale songs and dance to the beat of the waves, breaching, blowing and lob-tailing. An experience sure to be treasured forever.
Daily departures by boat from Gansbaai, 50 min. from Hermanus the Whale Coast Capital of Southern Africa.
The Ocean Big 5 Safari Trips run 7 days a week but are strictly sea/weather dependent and subject to availability.
Tour Duration: approx 2 hours depending on marine wildlife activity.
Departure Times: All Year Round at 09h00 | 12h00
Please note that the tour times above may vary from the above as they are dependent on sea / tidal / weather checks and the number of people booked on the day.
We understand that your time may be limited and will therefore make every effort to meet your specific requirements. We pride ourselves on our personable approach and quality customer service.
Ocean Big 5 Safari - Child Policy
- Minors (U/18yrs) must be accompanied by an adult and be under their supervision for the full duration of the tour.
- Children 0 - 4 years go for free
- All children under 11 years and under are required to wear a life jacket for the full duration of the tour. We strongly advise motion sickness syrup for infants and toddlers.
- Children aged 12 and older are classified as an adult.
Find out more about the Trip
About the Ocean Big 5 SafariTrip:
The boat-based Whale Watching - Ocean Big 5 Safari Tour is available all year round. It can last anything between 2 hrs to 2.5 hrs depending on sea conditions, whale activity and where the whales are located but is on average 2 hrs long.
Whales can be observed within 50m of the boat (permit and animal safety regulations apply) but being naturally curious, often approach the boat giving you spectacular photo opportunities.
Enjoy some light refreshments while listening to the on-board commentary as the whale specialist and guide provides valuable insight to their behaviour and migratory patterns.
Marine Life You Can Encounter:
Bryde's Whales (all year round) Southern Right Whales (June - November), Humpback Whales (June to September), a variety of Dolphin species, Cape Fur Seals, a variety of Sea Birds including the African "Jackass" Penguin, Great White or Copper/Bronze Whaler Shark.
Please remember that we are dealing with wildlife. Sighting of all the Big 5 cannot always be guaranteed. We will however do our very best to find as many of them as we can. Join us in the search. You will love every minute of it!
The Trip includes:
- Tea & Coffe on arrival
- Boat and safety briefing
- Conservation Fee
- Whale Watching - Big 5 Safari Boat Trip (2 hrs on average)
- Whale Guide and Specialist
- Bottled water on board
What To Bring with You:
- Warm jumper or jacket (the wind can sometimes get cold on the boat)
- Hat & Sun-block
- Camera/Camcorder
- Binoculars
Optional Extras:
- Footage of the trip will be available for purchase on the day.
- Return Transfers from Cape Town are available (see our Including Transfer Option for prices)
- Accommodation can be arranged upon request.
- Any drinks or meals not specified
Safety:
The safety of our customers on every Whale Watching - Big 5 Ocean Safari Tour is of utmost importance to us.
The Operators we deal with have an unblemished Safety Record and carry out regular safety checks.
No Current Info
Itinerary:
Boat Departure Times: 1st Trip - anytime between 08h00 - 11h00 | 2nd Trip - anytime between 11h00 - 14h00
Tour Duration: 2 - 2.5 hours (excludes travel time) depending on sea / weather conditions and sightings on the day.
Note that the times above are a mere guideline and may be subject to change. Tour times are dependent on sea / tidal and weather conditions and the number of people booked on the day.
Tours leave from the Kleinbaai Harbour in Gansbaai.
Your exact meeting time will be provided the day before, once the skipper has carried ut the necessary sea / tidal / weather checks and the boat schedules have been finalised.
Please allow yourself at least 2.5 hours to make it on time and a little extra for any unforseen road stoppages or roadworks.
- From Cape Town, take the N2 to Somerset West/Cape Town International Airport.
- Stay on the N2 and drive straight through Somerset West, continue over Sir Lowry’s Pass in the direction of George.
- As you come down from Houwhoek Pass, keep left and head towards Hermanus on to the R43.
- Continue through this up and coming coastal town, until you pass Stanford (approx 20km from Hermanus) and drive for a further 20km until you reach Gansbaai.
- As you enter Gansbaai continue straight until you come to the last 4-way stop (5th intersection), turn right onto Main Road.
- Keep left on Main Road. This becomes Swart Street.
- At the T-junction, turn right into Kus Drive. Kleinbaai Harbour will be on your left where the crew will be awaiting your arrival.
