Dyer Island: A Marine Paradise
Explore Dyer Island, a breathtaking marine paradise in South Africa, where stunning landscapes and rich marine life await your discovery.
Dyer Island is a captivating destination off the coast of South Africa, renowned for its pristine beauty and vibrant marine life. This island paradise invites tourists to explore its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
A brief summary to Dyer Island
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Local tips
- Plan your visit during the whale watching season for the best chance to see migrating whales.
- Bring binoculars for bird watching; the island is home to a variety of seabird species.
- Consider booking a guided tour to learn about the island's ecology and conservation efforts.
- Dress in layers; weather can change quickly, especially near the coast.
Getting There
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Car
If you are traveling by car, start from the town of Gansbaai, which is approximately 36 km from Hermanus. Head east on the R43 towards Gansbaai. Once you arrive in Gansbaai, follow the signs to the harbor. Park your car at the Gansbaai harbor parking area. The harbor is the main departure point for boats heading to Dyer Island.
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Boat
At Gansbaai harbor, you will need to book a boat trip to Dyer Island. Various tour operators offer trips to the island, including shark cage diving and whale watching tours. Ensure you check the schedules and book in advance, as spots can fill up quickly. The cost for a boat trip typically ranges from R800 to R1500, depending on the type of tour you choose. The boat ride to Dyer Island usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
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Public Transportation
If you prefer public transportation, you can take a bus from Hermanus to Gansbaai. The bus service runs regularly, and you can check the schedules at the local bus station. Once you arrive in Gansbaai, follow the same instructions as above to reach the harbor and book your boat trip to Dyer Island.
Discover more about Dyer Island
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kleinbaai Harbour
9.3 km
Discover Kleinbaai Harbour, a stunning coastal gem in South Africa known for epic marine adventures and breathtaking ocean views.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
15.7 km
Explore the stunning Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, an eco-friendly haven offering luxury, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty on the South African coast.
THE THATCH HOUSE BOUTIQUE HOTEL HERMANUS
31.3 km
Experience luxury and natural beauty at The Thatch House Boutique Hotel in Hermanus, renowned for its stunning ocean views and exceptional dining.
Mosselberg on Grotto Beach
32.1 km
Experience luxury and tranquility at Mosselberg on Grotto Beach, where stunning ocean views and exceptional hospitality await your arrival.
Kammabaai Beach
32.9 km
Discover the idyllic Kammabaai Beach in Hermanus, where sun, surf, and scenic beauty meet for an unforgettable coastal experience.
Langbaai Beach
33.2 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty and tranquility of Langbaai Beach in Hermanus, a perfect haven for relaxation and exploration.
Cliff Cottage, Hermanus
33.3 km
Experience the charm of Cliff Cottage in Hermanus, where breathtaking ocean views meet warm hospitality in a cozy guest house retreat.
Kleinrivier Mountains
33.4 km
Explore the breathtaking Kleinrivier Mountains, a natural wonder in South Africa offering stunning trails, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable vistas for every adventurer.
Wine Hoppers
33.4 km
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Wild Wellness
33.8 km
Explore the breathtaking hiking trails of Wild Wellness in Hermanus, where nature meets adventure in the stunning Overberg Region.
High Season Farm Luxury Cottages
38.0 km
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Hemel 'n Aarde Stud
39.7 km
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Arabella Country Estate
48.2 km
Experience the beauty and tranquility of Arabella Country Estate in Kleinmond, where luxury meets nature in a stunning retreat.
Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve
58.4 km
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Green Mountain Trail
59.0 km
Discover the breathtaking fynbos landscapes of Green Mountain Trail, a premier hiking destination in South Africa that promises adventure and stunning views.
Unmissable attractions to see
Geyser Island
0.6 km
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White Shark Diving Company
9.4 km
Experience the thrill of cage diving with great white sharks in Gansbaai's stunning waters, an adventure of a lifetime awaits!
Shark Cage Diving Gansbaai | White Shark Projects
9.4 km
Experience the thrill of shark cage diving in Gansbaai, where adventure meets breathtaking marine life in the stunning Western Cape.
Sharklady Adventures - Gansbaai
9.4 km
Experience the thrill of great white shark cage diving and boat tours in Gansbaai with Sharklady Adventures, South Africa's premier shark tour company.
Cape Shark Adventures
9.5 km
Experience thrilling shark encounters and breathtaking coastal views at Cape Shark Adventures in Gansbaai, South Africa.
Shark Cage Diving with Great White Shark Tours
9.5 km
Experience the thrill of a lifetime with Shark Cage Diving Tours in Gansbaai, where adventure meets the beauty of the ocean.
Shark Cage Diving · Marine Dynamics
9.5 km
Unleash your adventurous spirit with thrilling shark cage diving experiences in Gansbaai, South Africa's marine wonderland.
Dyer Island Conservation Trust - Gansbaai
9.6 km
Explore the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, where marine wildlife conservation meets education in the stunning Gansbaai region.
Marine Dynamics Whale Tours(previously Dyer Island Cruises)
9.6 km
Discover the captivating beauty of marine life with unforgettable whale watching tours in Gansbaai, South Africa.
African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary - Gansbaai
10.4 km
Explore the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary in Gansbaai for an unforgettable wildlife experience and a chance to support marine conservation.
Ivanhoe Sea Safari's
12.7 km
Experience breathtaking whale watching with Ivanhoe Sea Safari's in Gansbaai, where the ocean's giants come to life amid stunning coastal scenery.
White Shark Projects
12.7 km
Experience the thrill of shark cage diving at White Shark Projects in Gansbaai, where adventure meets marine conservation in stunning coastal scenery.
The Fynbos Trail
18.4 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Fynbos Trail, an unforgettable hiking experience in South Africa's stunning landscapes.
Cape Whale Coast Wine Routes
19.6 km
Discover the scenic beauty and world-class wines of Cape Whale Coast Wine Routes, where every sip tells a story.
Walker Bay Nature Reserve Office
22.1 km
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Essential places to dine
Great White House Restaurant - Gansbaai
9.6 km
Discover culinary bliss at Great White House Restaurant in Gansbaai – where fresh flavors meet stunning ocean views.
Forest Lodge Restaurant
14.9 km
Experience culinary excellence at Forest Lodge Restaurant in Overberg - where local flavors meet stunning natural beauty.
Schneider's Cape Floral Kitchen
19.2 km
Discover the exquisite tastes of South Africa at Schneider's Cape Floral Kitchen in Stanford - where sustainability meets culinary artistry.
De Vette Mossel Hermanus
31.7 km
Discover authentic South African seafood at De Vette Mossel Hermanus, where stunning ocean views meet exceptional dining experiences.
Dutchies Restaurant
32.3 km
Experience exquisite dining with ocean views at Dutchies Restaurant in Hermanus—where fresh local ingredients meet culinary excellence.
Quayside Cabin
32.8 km
Experience delightful seafood and breathtaking ocean views at Quayside Cabin in Hermanus - a culinary gem on South Africa's coast.
Hopside Down
32.9 km
Discover culinary excellence at Hopside Down in Hermanus – where fresh ingredients meet innovative flavors in a vibrant atmosphere.
Perlemoen Restaurant
33.2 km
Experience exquisite seafood dining with breathtaking ocean views at Perlemoen Restaurant in Hermanus.
Burgundy Restaurant
33.3 km
Discover exquisite flavors and breathtaking views at Burgundy Restaurant in Hermanus - a culinary gem on South Africa's coast.
THEO'S TAVERNA
33.3 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine in Hermanus at Theo's Taverna - where every meal is a celebration of flavor and tradition.
Bientang's Cave Restaurant & Wine Bar
33.3 km
Experience exquisite seafood dining in a stunning coastal cave at Bientang's Cave Restaurant & Wine Bar in Hermanus.
Fabio's Authentic Ristorante Italiano
33.3 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Fabio's in Hermanus - where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
Fusion Restaurant - Hermanus
33.3 km
Experience exquisite dining at Fusion Restaurant in Hermanus – where local flavors meet global cuisine amidst stunning coastal views.
Cafè 1904 Restaurant
33.3 km
Discover culinary delights at Cafè 1904 in Hermanus, where fresh seafood meets hearty meat dishes in a charming atmosphere.
Pear Tree Bistro
33.3 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
LEMBU GALLERY
33.3 km
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The Store
33.3 km
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Hermanus Factory Shop
33.3 km
Discover a world of unique gifts and local craftsmanship at Hermanus Factory Shop, your go-to destination for home goods and souvenirs in Hermanus.
Sidewalk Boutique
33.3 km
Discover unique fashion and local designs at Sidewalk Boutique, a charming shopping destination in the heart of Hermanus.
ZIGI BOUTIQUE
33.3 km
Experience the coastal chic of Hermanus at Zigi Boutique, your go-to women's clothing store for stylish and affordable fashion.
LeFouet Decor and Gifts
33.4 km
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HEMINGWAYS BOOKSHOP HERMANUS
33.4 km
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BEACH HOUSE HOME
33.4 km
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Vintage Glen Gift Shop
33.4 km
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Jaqueline's Boho Fashion
33.4 km
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Romantiques - Antique, Vintage & Retro Collectibles & Memorabilia
33.5 km
Explore the enchanting world of antiques and vintage collectibles at Romantiques, a must-visit gem in Hermanus offering unique treasures.
Whale Coast Mall
35.7 km
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Die Bloubakkie
51.8 km
Explore Die Bloubakkie in Kleinmond for fresh organic produce and health foods, a true delight for food lovers and health-conscious travelers alike.
Vleiland Butchery
52.0 km
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WhaleTail clothing and Surfshop
52.0 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Gecko Bar & Restaurant
32.7 km
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The Wine Glass Hermanus
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SkyBar Hermanus
33.3 km
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Barney's Restaurant / Pub
33.4 km
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Jax Pub Hermanus
33.4 km
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THE BREWERY & GRILL
36.1 km
Experience the best of local craft beer and delicious cuisine at The Brewery & Grill in the picturesque Hemel en Aarde Valley.
Honingklip Brewery
50.6 km
Discover the rich flavors and vibrant atmosphere at Honingklip Brewery, a premier brewpub in the heart of Bot River, South Africa.
Wild Horse Kleinmond
51.8 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Wild Horse Kleinmond, a top grill and bar destination for tourists in the scenic Kleinmond, South Africa.
Club 41
51.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Club 41, an inviting bar in Kleinmond, where great drinks and good company await amidst stunning surroundings.
Darrell S Pub and Grill
52.1 km
Darrell's Pub and Grill in Kleinmond offers a vibrant atmosphere, delicious food, and refreshing drinks for an unforgettable dining experience.
The Shuntin Shed Botrivier
54.4 km
Discover The Shuntin Shed: A unique bar and restaurant in Botrivier, famous for its delicious pizzas and local beverages in a historic train station.
Camelot Restaurant & Bar
59.6 km
Experience the culinary delight of Camelot Restaurant & Bar in Betty's Bay, where ocean views and delicious meals await seafood lovers and diners alike.
Plankies
64.6 km
Discover the charm of Plankies in Pringle Bay, a cozy bar offering delightful drinks and a relaxed atmosphere for tourists and locals alike.
Hangklip Hotel Restaurant & Bar
64.6 km
Experience a delightful culinary journey at Hangklip Hotel Restaurant & Bar with stunning views and delicious local cuisine in beautiful Pringle Bay.
The Cork Eatery & Wine Bar
65.0 km
Discover the best of South African cuisine at The Cork Eatery & Wine Bar in Pringle Bay, where local flavors meet fine wines.