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Gans Bay Birdwatching

Our most recommended Gans Bay Birdwatching

Gansbaai: Marine Big 5 Boat tour

1. Gansbaai: Marine Big 5 Boat tour

Visit the Dyer Island ecosystem and have the opportunity to spot the Marine Big 5: whales, sharks, seals, dolphins, and penguins. Every year from June to December, the southern right whales arrive to mate and calve.  Witness mating displays, breaching, tail slapping, spy-hopping and more. You may also see Bryde’s whales, humpback whales, the elusive humpback dolphin and the common dolphin. An incredible array of seabirds and a sighting of the almost 60,000-strong Cape fur seal colony on Geyser Rock is guaranteed as the boat cruises down the famous Shark Alley. An onboard marine biologist will be on hand to teach you more about the amazing animals that visit these shores. On the day of your trip, you will be picked up from your hotel in Cape Town or Hermanus, if you have selected an option with transfers included. Upon arrival in Gansbaai, enjoy coffee/tea and muffins while listening to a dedicated safety briefing.  Once you're fitted with inflatable life jackets and wet-weather gear, take a 200-meter stroll down to the harbor to board the whale-watching vessel. Time spent out at sea on average is two hours depending on sea conditions and marine life activity.  Upon return to land, receive an informative debrief while enjoying warm soup and bread. Professional trip footage is also available to purchase after the trip so that you can have a permanent memory of your sightings.  If you have chosen the option with transfers from Cape Town, a visit to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary is also included on your way back. You'll see the important efforts being made to rehabilitate injured and sick animals.

From Cape Town: Shark Cage Diving and Penguin Tour

2. From Cape Town: Shark Cage Diving and Penguin Tour

Your shark diving adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your accommodation in Cape Town. Ask your hotel to pack a breakfast for you, or enjoy the light breakfast provided upon arrival in Gansbaai. Listen to a briefing about the shark diving experience before setting sail on the open seas for an exciting three hours of shark cage diving. Put on the diving gear provided for you and get ready for an unforgettable experience. Watch closely as the crew engages the sharks, drawing them close to the boat to give you the best views. See this apex predator up close when you take your turn in the cage, admiring its sheer size and streamlined shape as it swims right past you. Return to shore after your cage diving adventure and enjoy a warm shower. Fresh towels will be provided. Sit down with your tour group to watch a DVD of the day's events and receive your diving adventure certificate before heading back to Cape Town. Your return journey takes you through Betty's Bay. Visit the Stony Point Nature Reserve, home to a unique colony of African penguins. See the flightless birds up close and walk along the boardwalk that makes its way through the colony's natural habitat. Return to Cape Town via the scenic R44 coastal route, stopping at a viewpoint along the way to take photos.

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What people are saying about Gans Bay

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 3 reviews

I booked this activity long in advance. A week before they sent me a reminder, and a couple of days before they charged me the amount. The day before I was very worried because I didn't know how they were going to notify me of the pick-up time. Being outside my country, the cell phone had it deactivated. Upon arrival at the hotel room they had left me a note. We left Cape Town at 9 in the morning so there was no need to get up early. It is a 2.5 hour drive to Gansbaii in a minibus. We had a bathroom stop. When you arrive at the center you are greeted with coffee and a cupcake. Great explanations, the boat is fast. We saw many whales, seals. The penguins far away and the sharks where another activity where crazy people get into a cage. What we didn't see were dolphins. Upon returning we were greeted with vegetable broth. Not recommended for people who get seasick, even if they take pills it will be a bad experience. On the way back we saw animal shelter

Super super super!!! . This was the highlight of my Gaansbaai trip. For me, this was a once in a lifetime experience where I managed, with the help of the crew (of course) to spot all 5 of the Marine 5. I was happy from the moment I arrived at the meeting point, as the staff were kind and mindful of my pensioner parents needs from the time we arrived there. I highly recommend people to do this even if all 5 cannot be spotted. The boat ride in itself was an adrenaline pumping and exhilarating experience.

It was a very good thing to do however just be aware that it is a all day event including a 2 hour ride there and a two hr ride back. The crew and staff were wonderful and friendly and knowledgeable as well. We enjoyed it thoroughly.

Excellent trip, well organised, really good sized boat with great viewing of southern right whales, seals and copper sharks. Decent refreshments included, as well as an onboard marine biologist giving great commentary.

It was amazing. A definite must do! We saw so many whales! The staff are so friendly and passionate about what they do. Thank u for a memorable excursion.