Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa
Welcome to Gansbaai.
Home of the Marine Big 5.
Enter the natural habitat of the Marine Big 5 in South Africa, for the opportunity to see whales, dolphins, penguins, seals and great white sharks. We are operating and have a South African Special running at 40% discount!
Book NowWhale Watching and Marine Big 5 Tours in South Africa
Only a 3 hour drive from Cape Town (transport options are available), international award-winning Dyer Island Cruises offers our guests the potential to see more marine wildlife in one trip, than anywhere else in the country:
- Board Dreamcatcher - our 5 Star, custom-built whale watching vessel.
- Enter the home of The Marine Big 5 in comfort.
- Expert crew and guides attend to your every need.
- Amazing wildlife photo opportunities.
- Families of all ages and sizes welcomed on every trip.
- International award winning company.
Why choose Dyer Island Cruises?
COVID-19: WE HAVE YOU COVERED!
It is our duty of care to ensure your safety is a priority and respond to any concerns during these ever-changing times. We pride ourselves on our attention to cleanliness and all our equipment is cleaned daily.
Our precautions
Dreamcatcher
Dreamcatcher is our custom-built, luxurious, 5-Star whale watching vessel, offering 4 deck levels, 360 degree views and comfort.
About our boat
Shark Alley
Shark Alley and Dyer Island are world-famous for great white shark sightings and the Marine Big 5 - let us take you there.
Our area
FREE visit to APSS!
Every one of our guests gets taken on a free visit to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, to see and learn more about our seabirds.
About APSS
The Marine Big 5
One of the many ways in which Gansbaai is a truly unique, special prospect for people who want to work with marine wildlife, is how diverse the area is. Between The Marine Big 5 and countless other species, few places in the world are home to so many incredible animals.
Marine Big 5 Safaris near Cape Town
Species we work with:
Great white sharks
Gracious, beautiful, misunderstood - three words used by guests of Dyer Island Cruises after witnessing South Africa's most legendary marine apex predator: The Great White Shark.
The Great white sharkSouthern right whales
Southern right whales visit the bay between June to December. You can also see seasonal migrating Humpback whales and share the sea with our more resident Bryde’s whales.
The Southern Right WhaleCape fur seals
With a local population of 60,000 on Geyser Rock, our resident and very playful seals provide many photographic opportunities. Young pups are birthed around November and brave the waters around April.
The Cape fur sealAfrican penguins
One of 18 penguin species in the world, the endangered African penguin is endemic to South Africa and Namibia. See our feathered friends and their special penguin homes on Dyer Island.
The African penguin
Whale Watching Blog
Life never stops at Dyer Island Cruises. Our newsroom is regularly updated with new wildlife stories, blogs from our various tours and experiences from our own team.
Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 27 January Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 27 January
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