Western Cape

Activity Description

Whale watching in Gansbaai is a popular and mesmerizing experience, offering visitors the chance to see these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat. Gansbaai is one of the best places in South Africa for whale watching, particularly during the whale season which typically runs from June to December. Here are some key details about whale-watching trips in Gansbaai:

Whale Watching Season

• Best Time: June to December.
• Species: Southern Right Whales are the most commonly sighted, but you may also see Humpback Whales, Bryde’s Whales, and occasionally Orcas.

Tour Highlights
1. Close Encounters: Tours often provide close-up views of whales, allowing you to witness their breaching, tail slapping, and other behaviors.
2. Marine Life: In addition to whales, you might see dolphins, seals, and a variety of seabirds.
3. Educational Experience: Knowledgeable guides provide insights into whale behavior, biology, and conservation efforts.

Typical Tour Features
• Duration: Tours usually last about 2 hours.
• Departure Point: Most tours depart from the Kleinbaai Harbor, located just outside Gansbaai.
• Vessels: Boats are equipped for comfort and safety, with plenty of space for viewing and photographing the whales.
• Guides: Experienced marine biologists or naturalists often accompany the tours to provide informative commentary.

Arrangements

Duration Open Ended

When We operate June - December, except on bad weather days. We work with the tides of the ocean and the weather so operational times will change accordingly. We confirm departure times the day before we go to sea.

Where No 1 Swart street, Kleinbaai, Gansbaai. (The area is also known as Van Dyks baai). The time slot selected is a nominal time, please contact Cape Shark Adventures for the exact time as it will change according to tide and sea conditions.

WeatherOur excursions are completely dependent on sea conditions. It is essential to make contact 24 hours before your trip so that times can be confirmed.

What to Wear It can be cold at sea, so some warm outer wear is recommended. It is best to layer clothes so that one can change according to the weather.

Things to Bring Sun cream/block, Sunglasses, Bathing Costume, Anti Sea Sick pills (if this is an issue), Own Towel

Guests or Spectators

Requirements

Minimum Age5  years

Minimum Height 1.0 m

Maximum Height 2.1 m

Fitness Level No Fitness Requirement

QualificationsNot Applicable

Maximum Weight150.0 kg

CertificationNone Required

Experience Level No Experience Requirement

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

Close Encounters: Tours often provide close-up views of whales, allowing you to witness their breaching, tail slapping, and other behaviors.
Marine Life: In addition to whales, you might see dolphins, seals, and a variety of seabirds.
Educational Experience: Knowledgeable guides provide insights into whale behavior, biology, and conservation efforts.

Exclusions

Transfers from Cape Town (Happy to arrange if required)
Seasick tablets (please bring your own if you are prone to motion sickness).

Notes

Due to variable weather conditions and whale activity, sightings may not always be possible and is therefore not guaranteed.
The boat tour we offer consists of approximately 2 hours at sea. Time related itineraries and collection times are dependent on tides, weather conditions and the number of scheduled tours for a particular day. Exact collection times are therefore only available after 16h00 the day before.