Unforgettable Marine Big 5 Safari: Cape Town Ocean Tour
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Leave Cape Town behind to take a marine cruise where you can see great white sharks, whales, Cape fur seals and a variety of seabirds. On a ±2-hour cruise from Gansbaai, ply the waters of Shark Alley to see great whites as they hunt for seal snacks. Then travel to hotspots to see whales, African penguins and other seabirds around Dyer Island and Geyser Rock. Expert guides show you the best of this amazing South African marine wilderness.
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Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
boschuda90, 9/17/2025 10:38:43 AM
My wife and I had a very fun Marine tour with Mike. After a pleasant shore and countryside drive with all of our questions answered, we made a rest stop at a quaint general store with an opportunity to purchase snacks or souvenirs. Next, Mike asked if we wanted to stop at a penguin rehabilitation hospital and we did. It was interesting, informative and we were able to watch penguins close-up from behind one-way glass We next boarded an ocean touring ship and watched shark cage divers with brown sharks Then we set off for whales We watched three for repeated intervals, including a mother and child. The sea was a bit choppy, which made for a bumpy ride, but we like that sort of thing. At times, we needed to make a choice between taking an iffy photo or just watching. We usually just enjoyed the view. The ship went to a seal island, where the seals seemed to enjoy playing in the water for us. We went to a penguin Island, but there were none there in sight. If Mike hadn't taken us to the penguin hospital, we wouldn't have seen any. Dolphins also eluded us, but you can't guarantee nature. By our request, we "capped" off the day at a winery and Mike took us to a very nice one. It was an adventurous fun long day!
gagizzz, 5/24/2024 3:22:11 AM
The staff were incredible. The met every need. However the water and weather was way too rough to sail. There 8 to 10 ft swells and two squalls. 80 percent of the group was sick. The trip should have been canceled. Mr partner is a retired Navy Ship captain and was worried as was one of the crew.
tarag444, 3/10/2024 12:15:40 PM
The guides were amazing. They recognized we liked birds and made the effort to point them out to us. A beautiful ride there and back. We saw everything but the dolphins.
Y7994VYsarahl, 11/16/2023 5:27:01 AM
We booked this tour before we went to Cape Town and saw Whales, Penguins and Seals. Unfortunately, they had had a problem with Orca's who had chased the Great White Sharks away (we didn't see the Orca's). This trip is 2 hours from Cape Town which they pick you up from your hotel for and you have to remember that you may not see anything because you are relying on nature.
James M, 10/26/2022 3:44:44 AM
This was a very special experience. We were given a full safety brief and was fitted with life jackets and raincoats (also provided with lovely refreshments) prior to boarding the boat. It was a spacious boat with comfortable seating. The guides were full of useful information and a wealth of knowledge. We saw plenty of penguins, seals and more importantly plenty of whales with calves! We were able to spend a lot of time watching the whales and getting fantastic pictures and videos. The day ended with a lovely light lunch. Would highly recommend.
beefhawk, 10/31/2017 12:03:11 PM
<p>Great viewing. High seas that day. If you're thinking of going make sure to take something to help if you get sick. A couple of passengers did and you just have to ride it out until we're all done. They can only help replace the bags you're using but can't administer anything so bring your own remedy. Also make sure to use the handrails. I forgot and was scolded over a loud speaker which is always a delight being called out publicly and then told we told you this at the beginning.</p>
Eugene H, 7/28/2017 7:41:06 AM
<p>It's definitely worth it! We saw the cape dolphin which are rare, the penguins, thousands of seals and giant flights of Comorant birds and even 2 whales. There had just been an orca attack on a great white shark, so we weren't able to see any great whites, but you can't contro naturel. On the way the driver asked us what we wanted to see if we said we were especially interested in penguins. He stopped by the penguin sanctuary so we could see them playing as they were healing and talk to very knowledgeable rescue/manager. The tour started off started as promised with light snacks and coffee, early start so you need it, and we headed out to the water. There were two very knowledgeable tour guides on the boat with a background in marine biology, everyone was very interested in giving information on the animals and the weather and whatever else biological you might be interested in. Overall it was perfect last day in Cape Town and have no trouble highly recommending this tour to anyone who's in Cape Town for a few days!</p>
Angeline H, 12/31/2016 9:48:28 AM
<p>A long way to go from Capetown. The boat ride was great fun but didn't see a lot of marine animals. But it was a beautiful day.</p>
Martin G, 4/17/2016 5:32:01 AM
<p>Excellent experience and lived up to our expectations<br/> The staff could not have been more helpful and informative</p>
Jaime F, 11/5/2014 1:56:35 PM
<p>The trip was very good. We saw whales, dolphins, seals, and penguins. However, we did not see any sharks. </p> <p>The arrangements to pick up and drop were comfortable. The time of the trip was changed to full day. I.e. 9 am to 6 pm. And lunch was not included.</p>
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- A waterproof jacket, Beanie/Cap, and closed shoes are recommended
- Children under the age off 11 must be accompanied by an adult.
- If you suffer from seasickness, it is recommended that you take medication the night before the tour and again one hour before departure
- Weather & sea conditions permitting
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Please note: Whale season is from July – November
- tour is subject to sea and weather conditions
- tour collection time may be early morning.
- we offer maximum 8 guests per booking, the boat can accommodate 50 guests
- Cullinan Guided Journeys strictly follow the SA Government approved TBCSA Health and Safety COVID-19 Protocols. Should guests present COVID-19 symptoms, COVID testing and quarantine will be at their own cost. We recommend that you ensure that your guests take adequate personal travel insurance cover before departure from home.
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Redemption
Please note: Complimentary hotel pick-up covers only City Centre Hotels Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.Less than hours before travel date - 0% refund