The Ultimate Marine Wildlife Experience in the Greater Dyer Island Ecosystem
Gansbaai Marine Big 5 Safari
Season
Year-round (ideal mid-December to June, when Southern Right Whale numbers are low)
Duration
2 to 2.5 Hours (weather and sightings dependent)
Departs from
Kleinbaai Harbour, Gansbaai
Gansbaai Marine Big 5 Safari Pricing
Adult
Ages 13+
R2,340
per person
Child Under 12
Ages 5–12
R1,725
per child
Child Under 5
Under 5 years
Free
free of charge
Conservation Fee
Per person — payable in addition
R150
supports the Greater Dyer Island ecosystem
Conservation fees are displayed separately and charged in addition to the trip rate. All Marine Big 5 Safaris are weather and sightings dependent.
Gansbaai Marine Big 5 Safari Departure Times
Departure times are tide and weather dependent. Morning and afternoon departures are available — guests will be notified the day before departure regarding their exact check-in and departure time, based on weather, tides and operational requirements.
What You May See
- Cape Fur Seals at Geyser Rock (~60,000 strong)
- African Penguins on Dyer Island
- Bronze Whaler Sharks in Shark Alley
- Three species of dolphins (year-round)
- Bryde's Whales (occasionally year-round)
- Humpback Whales (May, June, November & December migrations)
- Southern Right Whales (June to December)
- Albatross, Cape gannets, cormorants, petrels & shearwaters
What to Bring
- Warm windproof jacket
- Sunscreen, hat & sunglasses
- Camera with strap
- Light, non-slip shoes
- Seasickness medication if prone
Trip Highlights
- Same Greater Dyer Island ecosystem as the Gansbaai Whale Watching trip
- Ideal out-of-season whale watching alternative
- Visit Geyser Rock seal colony (~60,000 Cape Fur Seals)
- Cruise the world-famous Shark Alley
- View Dyer Island — stronghold of the endangered African Penguin
- Marine Big 5 focus: whales, sharks, dolphins, seals & penguins
Gansbaai Marine Big 5 Safari Whale Watching FAQ
What is the difference between the Gansbaai Whale Watching trip and the Marine Big 5 Safari?
Both experiences operate in the same Greater Dyer Island ecosystem. The Whale Watching trip is most popular during the Southern Right Whale season from June to December, while the Marine Big 5 Safari is ideal from mid-December to June when whale numbers are significantly lower and the focus shifts to seals, penguins, dolphins, sharks and other marine wildlife.
Can I still see whales on the Marine Big 5 Safari?
Occasionally yes. Bryde's Whales may be seen throughout the year and Humpback Whales may be encountered during migration periods, particularly in May, June and again in November and December. Southern Right Whales are most commonly seen from June to December.
What are the Marine Big 5?
The Marine Big 5 consists of whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and African Penguins found within the Greater Dyer Island ecosystem.
How long is the trip?
The Gansbaai Marine Big 5 Safari is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, weather and sea conditions permitting.
What does the Marine Big 5 Safari cost?
Adults are R2,340 per person, children under 12 are R1,725 per child, and children under 5 are free of charge. A R150 per person conservation fee applies in addition to the trip rate.
What time does the Marine Big 5 Safari depart?
Departure times are tide and weather dependent. Both morning and afternoon departures are available, and guests are notified the day before departure of their exact check-in and departure time.
Where do trips depart from?
Kleinbaai Harbour in Gansbaai, the gateway to the Greater Dyer Island ecosystem.
What seabirds might I see?
Guests may encounter Albatross, Cape Cormorants, Bank Cormorants, Petrels, Shearwaters, Cape Gannets and numerous other seabird species.
Book Your Gansbaai Marine Big 5 Safari Trip
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Trip Summary
Gansbaai Marine Big 5 Safari
- Duration
- 2 to 2.5 Hours (weather and sightings dependent)
- Departure Times
- Morning Departure | Afternoon Departure | No Preference
- Pricing
- Adult: R2,340 | Child Under 12: R1,725 | Child Under 5: Free | Conservation Fee: R150
- Season
- Year-round (ideal mid-December to June, when Southern Right Whale numbers are low)
Departure times are tide and weather dependent. Morning and afternoon departures are available — guests will be notified the day before departure regarding their exact check-in and departure time, based on weather, tides and operational requirements.