Marine Big 5 Tour (Locals Only)

  • Description
  • Itinerary
  • Photo Gallery
  • Location Map
  • R1,400
  • 1 Day
  • Max People: N/A
  • Wifi Available Yes
  • Year-round - 2024 Rates
  • Great White House

Marine Big 5 Adventure

This SA only Marine Big 5 tour is for the tour experience only. Arrange your own transport to and from Hermanus. Meet at the Great White House in Kleinbaai for an unforgettable adventure with great white sharks.

Tour Description:

Conservation Fee: The Conservation Fee is compulsory. During booking, please check the Add-on and specify the number of adults and children. Bookings will not be confirmed without this add-on for all group members.

Children and Infants: Specify the number of children aged 11 or younger in your booking. Children under 5 years are free. Select the Discounted Infant Seat add-on for infants (0-4 years) at no charge. The Conservation Fee applies to all guests, including adults, children, and infants.

Weather and Tidal Conditions: Tours depend on weather and tidal conditions, so launch times may vary. The exact pick-up/meeting time will be confirmed a day before your tour.

Fleet and Safety: Our fleet includes two custom-designed vessels for safety and comfort:

  • Dream Catcher: A 14m catamaran accommodating 50 passengers and 6 crew members.
  • Whale Whisperer: A 4m semi-rigid inflatable accommodating 24 passengers and 4 crew members.

Both vessels have dedicated platforms for photographers, onboard toilets, and a PA system. We may deploy any vessel based on passenger count. Annual inspections by the South African Maritime Safety Authority ensure compliance with stringent safety standards, including onboard first aid kits, life rafts, radios, and cellular communications.

 

Booking Requirements: Complete an online check-in, including signing the indemnity form, which is mandatory for participation.

Thank You for Supporting Conservation: Your Conservation Fee supports the Dyer Island Conservation Trust’s research, monitoring, and conservation efforts, ensuring the preservation of marine life for future generations.

Trip Details

  • Duration: Open-ended
  • Availability: Year-round, seven days a week, weather dependent. Southern right whale season is mid-June to mid-November.
  • Location: The Great White House, Gansbaai. Tour meeting times are confirmed the day prior after a detailed weather and tide check.
  • Weather: Trips depend on weather and tide conditions. Time slots are estimates, confirmed the day prior.
  • What to Wear: Warm clothing and comfortable closed shoes.
  • Things to Bring: Binoculars, camera, warm clothing, and sunscreen.
  • Guests: All passengers are charged, except children under 5. Use anti-seasickness medication if needed, as we cannot provide it on-site.

Booking Requirements

  • Minimum Age: 0 years
  • Minimum Height: None
  • Maximum Height: None
  • Fitness Level: No fitness requirement
  • Qualifications: None required
  • Experience Level: No experience required

 

Travel Notes: Trips are weather and tide-dependent, and launch times may vary. Allow enough travel time from Cape Town (3 hours) and Hermanus (1 hour) to Gansbaai, accounting for possible road works.

 

Departure / Return Location
Gaansbaai
Departure Time
07h00 or 09h00 or 11h30 or 14h00
Price Includes
  • Boat trip
  • Tea and coffee with muffins on arrival
  • Water on board
  • Towels and blankets on board
  • Safety and weather jackets
  • Soup and bread after the trip (June to December)
  • Lasagne and salad after the trip (January to May)
Price Excludes
  • Extra beverages and snacks

Arrival - Your adventure begins

Meet at The Great White House for an introductory briefing on the itinerary, safety protocols, and highlights while enjoying muffins and coffee. Audio-visual safety briefings are available in multiple languages. Guests will receive life jackets and waterproof jackets.

Tour Duration

The Marine Big 5 Tour lasts 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on wildlife sightings and weather conditions. Tours launch from Kleinbaai Harbour near Gansbaai.

Wildlife Sightings

Visit Dyer Island, home to endangered African penguins, and Geyser Rock, home to 60,000 Cape fur seals. Navigate through Shark Alley for potential shark sightings. Explore prime whale viewing areas, focusing on Southern right whales from June to November and Bryde’s and Humpback whales throughout the year. The region also hosts three dolphin species.

Education and Conservation

Tours are led by marine biologists who share knowledge while promoting animal welfare and conservation. Responsible tourism is central to our mission, supporting research, conservation, education, and community betterment.
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