Water activity

Gansbaai: Whale Watching Trip by Boat

4.8 / 5

53 reviews

Activity provider: Ivanhoe Sea Safaris
Water activity

Gansbaai: Whale Watching Trip by Boat

Activity provider: Ivanhoe Sea Safaris

From US$ 100.90 per person

Jump aboard for a spectacular 2-hour whale watching experience along the cliffs of De Kelders. Look for southern right whales and other marine life swimming around you, on board a boat that is never crowded.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 2 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Wheelchair accessible

Experience

Highlights
  • Get up close to Southern Right Whales in their natural environment
  • Encounter the marine wildlife of the Western Cape
  • Cruise close to the cliffs of De Kelders
Full description
Launch from the quaint fishing harbor of Gansbaai and travel along the cliffs of De Kelders. Enter a nature reserve with the highest concentration of whales in South Africa. Look for southern right whales in their natural environment, along with dolphins, Cape fur seals and sharks. Keep an eye out for humpback, minke and Bryde's whales frolicking in the ocean. Catch a glimpse of the beautiful orcas, False killer whales and enchanting African penguins. Return back to the harbor at the end of your boating adventure.
Includes
  • Entrance fees
  • Boat ride
  • Professional guide
  • Please note that the listed price does not include a R5 parking fee (payable at check-in)
  • Gratuities (optional)

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Buitekant St, Gansbaai Harbour. When you enter the harbour's main gate - proceed down the road and look out for the local operator's office on the left hand side.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Warm clothing
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Waterproof camera

Not allowed

  • Smoking
  • Unaccompanied minors

Know before you go

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Please bring warm clothes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, your camera and/or video camera and binoculars
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 53 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Transportation
    4.9/5
  • Value for money
    4.5/5
  • Safety
    4.7/5

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Star rating:

A very nice experience with an enthusiastic guide! We were kept informed about the activity via whatsapp. During the activity we received a lot of information about the animals and their behavior. The crew acted with respect for the animals and kept their distance. Once the engine was off the boat, the animals came closer, and we could observe them from less than 1m. A wonderful experience! The guide not only gave information about the whales, but also about other animals that we could spot (such as a feeding frenzy in which hundreds of birds hovered above the water surface, and the sea lions that appeared here and there).

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September 11, 2022

Brilliant trip even though we were early in the season. Our Skipper and crew were helpful and friendly, and we had a thorough safety briefing. We sat ‘upstairs’ next to the Skipper, he was very knowledgeable, stopped the boat frequently to show us and explain about marine animals. We saw Sunfish, seals, jellyfish, treated to a spectacular display from a huge pod of dolphins and then finally, a wonderful sighting of a Bryde whale and her calf. Beautiful trip around the bay with great views of the beaches. I loved that the crew are so conscientious and that we stopped to pick up large plastic litter…

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May 19, 2022

overall good

The boat was very crowded, which restricted freedom of movement when taking pictures. A good view of the imposing animals was actually only possible at the end of the tour in a phase when the animals were very close to the boat, but otherwise no better view than from the bank at suitable places.

October 7, 2018

Product ID: 65206