Ocean Big 5 Safari
Gansbaai Whale Watching is one of the only spots near Cape Town where you can witness the Ocean Big 5, Whales, Dolphins, Seals, African Penguins and Great White or Copper/Bronze Whaler Sharks.
A short boat ride will take you to Dyer Island, well known for its many resident sea bird species, including African "Jackass" penguins. With their quirky antics, you will certainly be entertained.
Adjacent to Dyer Island is Geyser Rock, home to a 60,000 strong Cape fur seal colony which can be seen all year round. Watch as they nurture their young, play in the surf or just bask in the sun. A wildlife photographers dream.
Join us on this memorable and unforgettable whale watching Big 5 Ocean safari, near Hermanus the number one hotspot (June to Dec) so see migrating Southern Right & Humpback Whales. Brydes Whales - all year round.
The boat is permitted to get within 50 meters of large mating pods, mothers and calves displaying their natural exuberance by lob tailing, sailing and breaching. However, whales being naturally curious can come right up to the boat as long as it's on their own accord. A truly magnificent whale watching, Big 5 Ocean Safari, South Africa.
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
- Return Transfer from central Cape Town
- 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 depart from Kleinbaai Harbour in Gansbaai.
Your exact collection time will be provided the day before, once the skipper has carried ut the necessary sea / tidal / weather checks and the boat / collection times have been finalised.
