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Plettenberg BayDolphin & whale watching

Our most recommended Plettenberg Bay Dolphin & whale watching

Plettenberg Bay: Whale Watching Boat Cruise

1. Plettenberg Bay: Whale Watching Boat Cruise

Start your 2-hour adventure with an adrenaline beach launch into the sea on a 400 horsepower speedboat. The purpose-built cat style boat has been designed to conquer the ocean without compromising on safety or comfort. Knowledgeable guides and skippers will treat you to close encounters with some of the whales that visit the shores during the months of June to November. You could be graced with sightings of the Southern Right Whale in the Bay or Humpback Whales travelling along the coastline. You may experience the joy of seeing them breach or even view a mother and calf as they enjoy the safety the bay offers. Take a closer look at a vast seal colony and the many pelagic and coastal birds. Other possible sightings include sharks, big fish, penguins, and octopus in their natural habitat.

Plettenberg Bay: Guided Sea Kayak Tour

2. Plettenberg Bay: Guided Sea Kayak Tour

After a thorough briefing on kayaking techniques and safety, paddle from Central Beach and back. The direction will be dependant on winds, swells and paddling abilities. The knowledgeable guide will explain the wonders of the ocean, as you take in the views of the Tsitsikamma mountains and the Robberg Nature Reserve. Enjoy sightings of Cape fur seals, bottlenose and humpback dolphins, whales (July – October), cormorants, and other sea birds and marine mammals. Whatever time of the year, this is an experience not to be missed by beginners and experienced kayakers alike.

Plettenberg Bay: Whale-Watching Cruise

3. Plettenberg Bay: Whale-Watching Cruise

Please arrive at the Ocean Blue Adventures Shop 30 minutes prior to your allotted departure time to check-in, before you will be issued a life jacket (and poncho, if required). A short pre-trip briefing covering safety at sea and what to expect on the trip will then be presented by your guide. We rely on our experience and shared reports of species in our effort to secure sightings. Due to the free-roaming nature of the species involved, we cannot guarantee sightings. For your own safety, we ask that you disclose any medical conditions (including pregnancy, recent surgery and pre-existing neck or back issues), and reserve the right to deny passage in some circumstances. After a short walk to the launch site, you will board the boat and the trip commences with an exciting launch through the surf. No two trips are the same, with routes depending on sea and weather conditions, along with recent sightings of whales. The two migratory species we view (Southern Right and Humpback Whales) often frequent different areas, with the former species generally seen close inshore, and the latter typically several miles offshore. The crew will determine where they feel there is the highest likelihood of sightings. If Southern Right Whales are present, we generally travel northeast along the coastline, adding the possibility of seeing the inshore dolphin species. Alternatively, we’ll head southwards to the “Humpback Highway”, hoping to intercept humpback whales on their migration. If time permits, we will visit the Cape Fur Seal colony on the Robberg Peninsula, and possibly get a sighting of the Great White Sharks that frequent the area between May and October. From time to time, your guide may point out other species or places of interest. Returning to our starting point, the trip concludes with an exciting high-speed landing on the beach, after which you’ll be escorted back to the shop where your life jacket can be returned.

Plettenberg Bay: Fair Trade Accredited Dolphin & Marine Tour

4. Plettenberg Bay: Fair Trade Accredited Dolphin & Marine Tour

Arrive at the marina in Plettenberg bay where you will board the boat. Prior to departure, get equipped with life-jackets (and ponchos, if necessary) then listen to a short safety briefing. Once passengers have boarded their boat, begin the trip with an exciting beach launch through the surf. While the routes may vary, depending on weather, animal distribution and sea conditions, the typical trip runs as follows: First, head East past the bird sanctuary and make your way along Keurbooms Beach towards Arch Rock. Along this stretch,  encounter Bottlenose and the rare Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphins, as well as some shark species. From Arch Rock, cross the bay where you might see pelagic seabirds which are normally found some 7km from the shore. Keep your eyes peeled for Bryde’s Whales as well as Common Dolphins. Having crossed to the point of Robberg Peninsula, venture out to the Wild side, occasionally seeing groups of whales and pods of dolphins. After this, cruise back along the inside of Robberg to see the unique geology from an unusual perspective. Also, observe the growing Cape Fur Seal Colony. At certain times of the year, it is also possible to see numerous Great White Sharks, which frequent the area. Finally, head back along Robberg Beach as you listen to a brief run-down on the history of the area. After passing the Beacon Island Hotel, built on the site of an original Whaling Station, conclude the tour with an exhilarating James Bond-style landing on Central Beach.

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What people are saying about Plettenberg Bay

Such a great experience and a super guide. Take your time and slow. This is South Africa. That's how our tour started. Without stress and completely relaxed. Sunscreen and a shower for afterwards were also provided for us. It was explained to us before we went to the open sea what we have to consider. And that's where it started. The guide told us a lot. Unfortunately we didn't see any dolphins. That was a bit of a shame, but you have no control over that. The tour was planned for 2 hours, but only lasted about 1 hour 15 minutes. The sea got rougher and so we had to turn back. For the remaining 45 minutes we would have been happy about an alternative or the tours have to start earlier. Otherwise it was a great experience. Gladly again :)

Ashwin and PK made sure we saw as much as we could and it was amazing! We saw seals and hundreds (maybe) of dolphins in the 9am session but the whales were being elusive. Our group was offered another trip that day or the next for free, and many of us took the 2pm option and were successful!! We saw two or three humpbacks in the afternoon as well as some rather loud seals on the way back to base. An outstanding experience that I would thoroughly recommend. I would strongly suggest opting for an early trip then, if no whales appear, you have the option of doing it again.

Went yesterday. Weather beautiful. Unfortunately whales were being a bit shy. But saw a shark and dolphins and thousands of seals with their pups. Beautiful day out

Loved it every apprehensive but such a wonderful experience and would definitely do it again. Very safety conscious.

The weather was perfect and the guides were friendly.