Boat Based Whale & Dolphin Watching from Durban (May-Nov)
- About 2 hours
Description
We will take you out on a boat ride with the vessel BAFANA, a 6m RIB well suited for a comfortable and safe ride. On the cruise we will pass very close to some Whales and Dolphin. The Humpback Whale are the most common to see along our coast. The common dolphin and humpback whale pass our coast very, close in-shore. We have now also spotted Minky Whales very close inshore.
The mother whales often feed their young as the linger along. There are often very inquisitive birds lurking about for a scrap of food or milk. The Cape Gannet and Albatross are seen in the vicinity of the passing whales.
The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a species of baleen whale. One of the larger squalor species, adults range in length from 12–16 meter (39–52 ft) and weigh approximately 36,000 kilograms (79,000 lb). The humpback has a distinctive body shape, with unusually long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. An acrobatic animal known for breaching and slapping the water with its tail and pectorals, it is popular with whale watchers off the coasts of Australasia and the Americas. Males produce a complex song lasting 10 to 20 minutes, which they repeat for hours at a time. Its purpose is not clear, though it may have a role in mating.
Found in oceans and seas around the world, humpback whales typically migrate up to 25,000 kilometer (16,000 mi) each year. Humpbacks feed only in summer, in polar waters, and migrate to tropical or subtropical waters to breed and give birth in the winter. During the winter, humpbacks fast and live off their fat reserves. Their diet consists mostly of krill and small fish. Humpbacks have a diverse repertoire of feeding methods, including the bubble net feeding technique.
Like other large whales, the humpback was and is a target for the whaling industry. Once hunted to the brink of extinction, its population fell by an estimated 90% before a moratorium was introduced in 1966. While stocks have since partially recovered, entanglement in fishing gear, collisions with ships, and noise pollution continue to impact the 80,000 humpbacks worldwide.
Good to know
- Daily departures May-November
- Average trip time is 2 hours
- Please be at the Wharf side at least 20 minutes before departure
- "RIGHT OF ADMISSION RESERVED" (Children under 12 years of age)
- Children under EIGHT (8) boarding on these excursions at the parents own responsibility.
- Nevertheless it is SAFE for all ages although we don't recommend toddlers to join as it is unsettling to them sometimes to go onto the ocean
- Children pay half price
Included
- A bottle of water
Excluded
- No food and hard drinks
Bring
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Hat
Wear
- A Warm jacket (just in case)
- Comfortable shoes
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They have nose boards. We had a cruiz voucher with them that they refused to accept, they said the board was full and next board did not take vouchers at that time of departure. But their loud speaker announcement for the board supposedly full boart still needed passengers. I supposed vouchers with them take leased to no priority.
It was a lovely tour indeed. The kids also loved it. The crew is chilled and friendly, making for a good experience overall.
If you love the sea as much as I do and wanna have some fun then you need to experience this cause it was epic🚢 (Check my Instagram for more pictures @zamadeanne)
Great experience and very affordable. The crew did a run about if an incident had to happen what procedures are expected of us to do. The boat cruise was 1 hour long but it felt more than that. There's music on board so that everybody is entertained and happy. I'd definitely go again.
It was my first experience in a boat I enjoyed myself... Saftey raps spoke to us about our safety before we can start our trip its a big comfortable boat I wanna go back there.....
Loved how the cruise tour guide explained and shared the background of the place. Enjoyed the cruise a lot more than I imagined
Tour was very educational. I learned a couple of new things about ships and harbors. I would recommend this as a nice activity if you get tired of lying on the beach.
They have Martha, 1 of their oldest staff, that's very helpful and always makes a plan to accommodate our guests. She's always pleasant. The boats are of good quality and very realiable.
We enjoyed the cruise nice music inside and the driver explained everything whilst taking a ride
Great experience. The staff is friendly and informative. Thanks for the great experience
We decided to go for a boat ride to escape the heat. I was shocked no social distancing in ques no masks. It was a nightmare just wanted it to end.
Medium Cancellation Policy
The guest can cancel free of charge until 48 hours before arrival. The guest will be charged the total price if they cancel in the 48 hours days before arrival.
Terms & Conditions
The beauty of Table Mountain, Lions Head and the Atlantic Sea Board coastline from the comfort of our kayaks is unrivalled. Dolphins, seals, penguins, Sunfish and occasionally whales frequent our Cape Town.