Marine Big 5 Safari with transport from Hermanus
4.8
49 Ratings
Overstrand
Embark on a thrilling Marine Big 5 Safari from Hermanus. Witness Southern Right Whales, sharks, Cape fur seals, African Penguins, and dolphins in their natural habitat.
Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Dyer Island Cruises - Dyer Island Cruises operates around the world-famous Dyer Island where you might be fortunate enough to see the Marine Big 5: Southern Right / Humpback / Bryde’s Whales, Great White Sharks around the renowned Shark Alley, Cape Fur Seals, the endangered African Penguin and various visiting dolphin species. The are is also home to a variety of seabirds. Our Southern Right Whale Season is normally from June – December, but for the rest of the year we occasionally see Humpback and Bryde’s whales in the area. We have an on-board Marine biologist and experienced crew who promise and educational, life-changing experience.
    Upon arrival at the Great White House, coffee/tea and muffins are served while listening to a dedicated safety and conservation briefing. We provide safety jackets and wet weather gear. After a short walk to the harbour we board custom deigned vessel, Dream Catcher and the adventure will commence. After the trip on sea, guests return to the Great White House for soup and bread followed by a debriefing. Quality trip footage can be bought, and you will receive a downloadable link.
    A free visit to the African Penguin and Seabirds Sanctuary is also included. Dyer Island Cruises supports The Dyer Island Conservation Trust under which we have a number of conservation and community projects. Please be assured that Your choice makes a difference by booking with us and help to fulfil our dream to Discover & Protect.
    If you make use of our dedicated shuttle, we will stop in the beautiful Hermanus. Here you can explore the walkway and curio craft market or have a snack to eat, before heading back to Cape Town.
What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Professional guide
  • Bottled water
  • Coffee/tea and muffins on arrival
  • Inflatable life-jackets and wet weather gear
  • Free visit to our African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS)
  • Warm soup and bread after the trip
What's Not Included
  • Trip footage available for purchase after the trip
Additional Information

We operate from Gansbaai around the world-famous Dyer Island where you might be so fortunate to see the Marine Big 5

  • the Southern Right Whale/Humpback/Bryde’s Whales,
  • various shark species,
  • the Cape fur seal (around 60,000 on Geyser Rock),
  • the endangered African Penguin and
  • various visiting dolphin species.

The area is also home to a wide variety of seabirds.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Wheelchair accessible, we can accommodate 2 wheelchairs per trip. Please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required.
  • Excellent crew - one crew member to look after 6-7 guests.
  • Please note that the Conservation Fee is compulsory.
  • This tour is 2 to 2.5 hours, excluding your travel and briefing time.
Location
Dyer Island Cruises
5 Geelbek Street,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(49 Ratings)
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Mirzelf
Mar 14, 2024
Marine safari Hermanus - It was a beautiful day, nice weather. The waves weren't that shaky ;-) Dolphins came past the boat, penguins were swimming nicely. The seals were enjoying themselves on their rocks. Although the whale season was already over, we were still very very lucky to spot some whales. Last but not least we saw how the sharks were fed, which are very impressive animals.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Meander50848783474
Dec 18, 2023
Spectacular views - The crew did great in teaching us about the marine big 5 and the views were magnificent. Didn’t get to see the whale but will have to some back when they are in season
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tomasgraumann
Nov 20, 2023
Fantastic and unmissable tour - It was a fabulous experience being able to see the whales up close and even with their calves. The crew was very kind and helpful and also very knowledgeable on the subject. Total security, excellent boat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trail22193237440
Oct 28, 2023
Great - Great Sightings, we saw southrend right whales breaching left and right side of the boat. The marine biologists and shark conservationists from Marine Dynamics really care about these majestic creatures and make sure all goes safe and well. Amazing experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Footprints595143
Oct 1, 2023
excellent - we were lucky,a sunny day in August and a calm ocean,no wurries about sea sickness. After a warm welcome at the hotel,information about the trip,the wildlife and safy instructins,we got clicked in a lifevest and a rain jacket to keep us safe and dry. We got on the boat at the harbour and as soon as we drove out at the ocean there was a couple of whales in front of us! We stayed long enough to enjoy the view and take pictures. We visited the little islands with the seals and the penguins,saw the boat with the shark spotters.We felt very welcome and safe with the personel on board who informed us about the animals we saw and anwered all our questions. They kept a close eye on us for our safety on board and asked if we were ok and not feeling sick. When we got back to the hotel they were waiting for us with soup and little buns. Thank you Dyer for a very nice morning sea life spotting.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daantjuh91
Sep 25, 2023
Super cool to have seen! - Fantastic experience! We were lucky that a whale kept swimming around the boat and showed itself every time! Awesome!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daniel_p
Sep 6, 2023
September 4 - All the staffing were very nice. Very personable and knowledgeable. The boat was big and comfortable. No inside seating or roof as you are really out in the elements. Very easy and very laidback.
Review provided by Viator
Lynn_o
Oct 16, 2023
Whales, whales & more whales - We were really lucky with the weather & had a beautiful sunny trip. We saw whales, a penguin at sea, seals & the biologists on board were more than happy to share their knowledge. Very friendly crew keen to ensure everyone had a safe & enjoyable trip. It was African Penguin day & there was a short presentation, passionately delivered, about how endangered this lovely little creature is. Just be aware they operate out of Gansbai so there is a 35-40 min transfer from Hermanus. Would definitely recommend this trip...
Review provided by Viator
Alijwood
Sep 22, 2023
Very choppy but a great experience - Our trip was postponed due to the bad weather and even on the day we went, it was very choppy (we could have cancelled and had a refund though). We saw a few whales but I think the sightings would have been better if the sea was calmer. Very friendly and attentive staff. Safety was important to them and we were fitted with life jackets and waterproof jackets. We also managed to see the seal colony but the weather/waves were too bad for us to see the penguins on Dyer Island. On our return, soup and rolls were served in the restaurant are (good gift shop there too).
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laurin_w
Jun 29, 2023
friendly marine biologist... - friendly marine biologist on board, crew knows the area, everything needed is provided. Fotos take a little bit long to be online. You also have to see that your shuttle driver takes you with, at the main house you have to ask the staff where to go, else you might be left there without a shuttle.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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