Algoa Bay Whale & Dolphin Ocean Safari
Duration
3 hours
Start
08:00
Group Size
Max 20
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
At a Glance
Starts
Port Elizabeth Harbour, Ocean ...
Finishes
Back to Hotel
Stops
7 Locations
Guide
Live Expert Guide
“2-hour ocean safari in Algoa Bay — bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales (seasonal), penguins on St Croix Island, and Cape gannets.
About This Experience
Algoa Bay is a marine biodiversity hotspot and home to the largest resident pod of bottlenose dolphins in Africa (over 20,000 individuals). This ocean safari takes you out into the bay to experience incredible marine life — superpods of dolphins, African penguins on St Croix Island (the world's largest African penguin colony), Cape gannets, and during season (Jun-Nov), humpback and Southern Right whales. The bay was recently designated a UNESCO Hope Spot for marine conservation.
Starting from
Cape Town Door-to-Door
Complimentary pickup & drop-off included with every booking
Door-to-Door Collection
We collect guests from any hotel, guest house, Airbnb, or cruise ship terminal across the Cape Town metro area.
Within 8 km from Cape Town CBD
Up to 25 km from the city centre
Cape Town CBD · V&A Waterfront · Sea Point · Camps Bay · Green Point · Hout Bay · Stellenbosch
Safe Return Home
At the end of your adventure, we drop you back at your accommodation — the same place we collected you.
Your Journey, Stop by Stop
Every moment planned, every detail considered
Meet at Harbour
Safety briefing at Port Elizabeth harbour
Depart
Head out into Algoa Bay
Dolphin Search
Find the resident bottlenose dolphin superpods
St Croix Island
View the world's largest African penguin colony from the boat
Stop 5Whale Search
Look for humpback and Southern Right whales (seasonal)
Return
Cruise back to the harbour with hot chocolate
Tour Ends
Farewell at the harbour
Route Map
Route is approximate and may vary based on conditions.
What's Included
Inclusions
- Boat trip
- Marine guide
- Life jackets
- Warm ponchos
- Hot chocolate after trip
Exclusions
- Transport to harbour
- Gratuities
- GoPro rental
What to Bring
Know Before You Go
Confirmation
Instant confirmation. Show your voucher on mobile or print it out.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before (weather dependent)
Meeting Point
Port Elizabeth Harbour, Ocean Safari office
Start Time
Departs at 08:00. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
Accessibility
Contact us for accessibility details.
Availability
Available daily, subject to weather. We recommend booking 2+ weeks ahead.
Insider Tips from Our Guides
The dolphins here form superpods of thousands — it's a breathtaking spectacle
September is peak whale season in Algoa Bay
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Book Direct With Us
Why Book With Us
Typical conditions · Plan your visit accordingly
Best Time to Go
Meeting Point
Port Elizabeth Harbour, Ocean Safari office
Need Help Planning?
Our local Cape Town travel experts are available 7 days a week to help you plan the perfect itinerary, combine tours, or arrange private experiences.
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“Absolutely incredible experience! Our guide was so knowledgeable and passionate. The views were breathtaking and the whole day was perfectly organized. Best tour we've ever done in South Africa.”
James & Maria
Verified Booking · TripAdvisor
One of 556+ five-star reviews from verified guests
About Algoa Bay Whale & Dolphin Ocean Safari
The Algoa Bay Whale & Dolphin Ocean Safari is one of the most popular guided experiences in South Africa, operated by Gray Line South Africa — a Gray Line licensed tour operator based in Cape Town with over 11,000 verified five-star reviews across TripAdvisor, Viator, and GetYourGuide. This 3 hours experience takes you through 7 carefully curated stops, each selected to showcase the best of what this magnificent region has to offer.
Whether you're a first-time visitor to South Africa or a returning traveller seeking a deeper experience, our FGASA-certified local guides bring each location to life with expert commentary, insider knowledge, and a genuine passion for conservation and South African culture. All tours include English commentary and small group sizes of maximum 20 guests for a personal, intimate experience.
Book directly with Gray Line South Africa for the best guaranteed price — no booking fees, no middlemen, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Secure your spot today and discover why travellers from around the world consistently rate this as one of Cape Town's must-do experiences.
Operated by Gray Line South Africa
Sightseeing Everywhere · Since 1910
Ready for an Unforgettable Experience?
Book direct for the best price — no middlemen, no booking fees. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.