Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise
Gqeberha, ZA
100% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Whale sightings in Algoa Bay
- Playful dolphins riding in the bow waves
- Close-up encounter with African penguins
- Opportunity to spot various marine species
- Knowledgeable guides and skippers
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Duration: 4 hours
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Snacks included
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Expert guide on board
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Wildlife-focused experience
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Suitable for all ages
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Personal small boat cruise
Experience the magic of Algoa Bay with our Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise. Unlike other cruises, we operate just once a day, ensuring our skippers and guides are fresh and focused on making your experience unforgettable. Immerse yourself in the diverse wildlife and history of the bay as we visit St Croix island, home to a large colony of endangered African Penguins. But it doesn't stop there - keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales, southern right whales, indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins, and common dolphins. Our knowledgeable skippers and guides are passionate about education, conservation, and research, and your participation helps fund these efforts. We use smaller boats for a more personal experience, and our priority is providing the utmost care and attention to our guests. Book now and embark on a journey filled with breathtaking encounters and lasting memories.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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4 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Self-guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Experience an unforgettable 4-hour cruise in Algoa Bay, exploring marine life including whales, dolphins, and endangered African penguins.
Included
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Snacks
Meeting Point
Enter the harbour and follow the road to the right and sign in at harbour security. Continue straight for approximately 370m, turn left and PE Deep Sea Angling Club is located just to the right of the following intersection.
Dom Pedro Jetty, Port Elizabeth Harbour, 6001 , South Africa
End Point
Enter the harbour and follow the road to the right and sign in at harbour security. Continue straight for approximately 370m, turn left and PE Deep Sea Angling Club is located just to the right of the following intersection.
Dom Pedro Jetty, Port Elizabeth Harbour, 6001 , South Africa
What to expect
Port Elizabeth
We meet our guests at 8am and after a short briefing before we head out into PE's beautiful Algoa Bay on our twin-engine catamaran. The whale season begins in June when we see humpback whales moving along the coast as they head up the East coast of Africa towards their breeding grounds. Humpback whales can be seen in Algoa Bay from June to early December. They make their return journey from October, females with calves in tow. Southern right whales can be seen close in shore from July to September.
240 minutes
Port Elizabeth
Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins are the most frequently observed dolphins in the bay and can be spotted all year round, in groups from 10-400. These playful dolphins are mostly found in shallow waters either near the beaches or around St Croix Island, and tend to come right up to the boat and ride along in the bow waves. Common dolphins are also a spectacular sight as they are seen in groups of 1000-2000, swimming along at great speeds. These dolphins are often spotted all year round further out to sea, especially on the bird island tours, as they follow large shoals of baitfish which move past the bay. We also get humpback dolphins in Algoa Bay, which usually occur in much smaller groups, anywhere between 1 and 20, and are most commonly seen during the summer months.
Port Elizabeth
St. Croix Island is home to 12,000 endangered African penguins, the largest breeding colony found in Africa (though we have lost 70% in 10 years). It is here where you will get a close-up encounter with these comical birds. The African penguin’s breeding season reaches its peak between March and May, when you may be able to see the chicks from the boat. As well as African penguins, both St. Croix and Brenton Island are inhabited by the endangered African black oystercatcher, white-breasted cormorants and Cape cormorants. The St. Croix Island group, along with the Bird Island group, became part of the Addo Elephant National Park, allowing rangers to patrol the islands in aid of conservation efforts to protect the African penguin population. As they are Marine Protected Are-as, please note that you are not allowed to actually go on to the islands.
Port Elizabeth
Next to the above-mentioned animals you have the opportunity to see of spotting white-breasted cormorants, Cape cormorants, bryde’s whales, minke whales, Cape fur seals, various species of sharks, Cape gannets and various species of pelagic birds including terns, petrels, skuas, shearwa-ters and albatrosses.
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Disabled who can board with assistance from family and crew are welcome to join. There is no age restriction. Life jackets are available for all ages -
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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Please join at your own discretion regarding health and fitness
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What our experts say
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Visit nearby Bayworld for more wildlife. -
Check the whale season for best sightings.
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Bring a camera for stunning views.
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Wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
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Enjoy local seafood at nearby restaurants.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Explore the mesmerizing Algoa Bay with our unique Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise. This awe-inspiring tour takes you on an adventure like no other, immersing you in the diverse wildlife and rich history of the bay. Our experienced skippers and guides are dedicated to providing an educational and conservation-focused experience for our guests. We believe in responsible tourism, and with every cruise, we contribute to reforestation efforts to balance our carbon footprint.What to expect?
During this 240-minute tour, you can expect an unforgettable journey through Algoa Bay's captivating waters. Witness the majestic humpback whales as they migrate along the coast, creating a breathtaking spectacle from June to early December. You'll also have the opportunity to spot the playful Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins, which frequent the bay all year round. Keep your eyes peeled for common dolphins swimming at incredible speeds in large groups. St. Croix Island will come into view, where you'll encounter the largest breeding colony of endangered African Penguins in Africa. Marvel at these comical birds, their breeding season reaching its peak between March and May.Who is this for?
This cruise is perfect for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and adventure seekers of all ages. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or discovering the beauties of Algoa Bay for the first time, this tour is designed to accommodate everyone. Families, couples, and solo explorers will relish the chance to encounter these incredible marine creatures up close and personal.Why book this?
Booking our Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise guarantees you an experience like no other. Unlike other cruises, we operate just one tour per day, ensuring our skippers and guides are fresh and focused on providing you the best experience possible. Our educational approach and dedication to conservation make this tour not just entertaining, but also meaningful. As we use smaller boats, you'll enjoy a more personal and intimate experience, with skippers and guides who are knowledgeable and passionate about the marine ecosystem. By joining us, you're not only embarking on an adventure but also contributing to important research and conservation efforts.Good to know
When joining this tour, make your way to the PE Deep Sea Angling Club at the harbor in Port Elizabeth. The tour duration is approximately 240 minutes. While you won't be allowed on the islands due to their protected status, you'll be treated to unforgettable sightings of other fascinating creatures, including seals, various species of whales, sharks, and a variety of seabirds. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture these magical moments!Reviews
Previous guests have shared their remarkable experiences on our Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise. They praise the knowledgeable and attentive crew, who go above and beyond to ensure everyone has an exceptional adventure. Guests were thrilled by the up-close encounters with humpback whales, playful dolphins, and adorable African Penguins. The educational aspect of the tour left a lasting impact, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the marine environment. Overall, the feedback highlights the cruise's high value, ensuring a remarkable and unforgettable experience for all.
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