Marine Big 5 Tour: Discover Dyer Island Wildlife

Embark on a thrilling Marine Big 5 Safari from Cape Town to Dyer Island. Witness Southern Right Whales, sharks, seals, penguins, and dolphins in their natural habitat.

Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Dyer Island Cruises - Dyer Island Cruises offers tours around the renowned Dyer Island, where visitors have the chance to witness the Marine Big 5: Southern Right, Humpback, and Bryde’s Whales, Great White Sharks in the famous Shark Alley, Cape Fur Seals, the endangered African Penguin, and various dolphin species. The area is also home to a…
What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Professional guide
  • Coffee/tea and muffins on arrival
  • Bottled water
  • Warm soup and bread after the trip
  • Inflatable life-jackets and wet weather gear
  • Free visit to African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS)
What's Not Included
  • Trip footage available for purchase after the trip
Additional Information

Our operations are based out of Gansbaai, near the globally acclaimed Dyer Island. Here your luck may allow you to witness the Marine Big 5 – including Southern Right Whales, Humpback and Bryde’s Whales, assorted sharks, the Cape fur seal (with a population of about 60,000 on Geyser Rock), the at-risk African Penguin, and various transient dolphin…

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
4.5
(191 Ratings)
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Ian_h
Feb 2, 2026
If travelling from Cape... - If travelling from Cape Town it is a long day, two hours there and the same back. However the nature you see makes it worth it
Review provided by Viator
Erika
Jan 5, 2026
Great tour, highly recommended! - We saw all big5 :) Lucky I took motion sickness pills though, as it was quite a bumpy ride. Worth the stuggle, be prepared though for rough waters. Was absolutely breathtaking to see thousands of dolfins around you 🥰
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Dianne_w
Dec 3, 2025
Marine 5 from Cape Town - The day was well organised from pick up at the hotel to the time on the boat. Staff were welcoming and informative and we were fortunate to see all of the marine life mentioned in the programme including whales which are not normally seen in early December. Beautiful scenery en route and a fantastic time out on the water. Excellent trip.
Review provided by Viator
Rob_b
Nov 17, 2025
Awesome service, great adventure - the sea and weather plays a huge part in your journey - Utterly brilliant tour - despite somewhat difficult seas!! Long drive in minivan from city - a little uncomfortable. Staff were all awesome. A snack and safety briefing then out to the boat. The day I went the sea was unforgiving - blowing a gale with very difficult sea conditions. The boat took off through the surf like a bucking bronco - which wasn't for everyone. The team on the boat were fab - informative, careful and always helping the guests. As with all these things, nature doesn't always play ball, and the sea conditions meant we could not safely go where some of the animals were, which was a pity, and the swell/lumpy sea meant actually spotting things was difficult. I wanted brilliant photos, and I could not get these, So for me a disappointment, however the trip was great and on any other day would have been perfect.
Review provided by Viator
544charlottef
Nov 17, 2025
6 whales, dolphins, sharks, seals and penguins - Incredible experience! As someone who loves whales and has not had the opportunity to see them before, I was over joyed to have the opportunity to see them. We were given plenty of time to view the animals the boat, and the boar was moved to accommodate the best view and all those on the boat. We were also lucky enough to see all 5, the guide was knowledgeable and friendly and the team onboard were professional and experienced. Well organised and stunning location.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Johnfrisbee
Nov 10, 2025
Terrific marine wildlife viewing with Marine Dynamics' wonderful team. - A 04.30 pickup from our Cape Town accommodation was worth it, for the wildlife we saw, Marine Dynamics' professionalism, and a late afternoon return to Cape Town. (I'd booked us on the 1st trip of the day.) The drive took almost 3 hours, and seeing more of South Africa's countryside, small towns and coastline was a bonus. Arriving at MD's base in Gansbaai, we had time for complimentary tea/coffees/ht chocolate and biscuits, and an introductory video - what to expect, safety, etc. Then, life vests on and ponchos too. Seating on the boat was comfy - padded seats formed the lids of lockers, in which we put our backpacks, spare clothing, etc. Very useful. Hold onto the boat's rails for safety. Within 10mins of leaving the jetty, we were watching a mother Right Whale with her calf. Frankly I'd have counted the whole day a success just for this. Everyone on board had lots of opportunity for a clear view, with the crew clearly focussed on our safety, and respect for the animals, throughout. After 15min, we moved on...and 10mins later, were watching 2 more Right Whales. Wonderful. From there, off to watch 1,000s of fur seals as they basked on rocks and swam near the boat, dozens of penguins, a Copper shark...and a wet-suited poacher, probably illegally taking abalones from the sea floor of this marine sanctuary - the boat had to change course to avoid running him over! Back on dry land, we relaxed again in the huge MD cafe/bar/seating/shop area, with complimentary home made soup with bread rolls. Spot-on. We'd originally booked this trip for 2 days earlier, but it was postponed due to the poor sea state. For this reason, we always book marine trips at the start of holidays, so we have "back up" days. Also, do dress up warm, as it's usually colder at sea than on land. Eg: knitted bobble hats, not baseball caps. The latter blow off in the wind! While we didn't see all of the "big 5" on fhis trip, (no dolphins), everyone agreed that it had been a huge success. The MD team, both on shore and aboard, were friendly, helpful and full of knowledge and enthusiasm for what they do. Thanks guys. And we visited the local penguin sanctuary too, which was so interesting. Finally, if you go on this, or other similar trips, do ask questions of the wildlife officers. While they do give commentary and info, they k ow so much additional detail, which can really add to the experience. Enjoy!
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Pamela_s
Nov 7, 2025
Magnificent Marine Safari - Had a great day on this marine safari! Saw whales, penguins, seals and sharks. Driver was quick to pick us up and deliver us to the boat. Yes, the drive from Cape Town was 2 1/2 hours, but we think the safari was worth the drive. The soup and bread served after the safari was delicious and filling. Thanks for a wonderful time!
Review provided by Viator
Brian_s
Oct 28, 2025
Such a fun experience!... - Such a fun experience! Very lucky to see some baby whales with their moms! Maybe not for those that get easily sea sick.
Review provided by Viator
Vacation554316
Nov 17, 2025
Nice staff but the pick up was too early. - The staff were all very friendly and knowledgeable. However, I recommend that you read the fine print since pick up at the hotel was much earlier than what was on the website. The driver picked me up at 4:55 am. I thought it was a 9 am departure. Because of my jet lag and time difference, I wouldn’t have booked a trip this early.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lecarogun
Oct 13, 2025
Great organization and a lot of importance is placed on safety - Great organized while you waited there was coffee and muffins. The ride was pleasant, we always felt safe. What you see in animals is always a matter of luck.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $213
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).