Animal activities Gans Bay

Wild Encounters in Gans Bay

Located on the southern coast of Africa, Gans Bay is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The bay’s unique combination of ocean and coastal habitats creates a thriving ecosystem, teeming with marine life. Get ready to experience the ultimate animal encounter!

Whale Watching

  • Best time: Southern right whales are in the bay roughly June to November, and some operators run trips to December. Humpback and Bryde’s whales are more likely from about January to May.
  • What to expect: Southern right whales close to the De Kelders cliffs, and from a boat out of Kleinbaai, seals, penguins and dolphins as well
  • Tips:
    • Book a guided tour with experienced guides for a more informative experience
    • Don’t forget your camera and binoculars!
    • Respect the animals’ space and follow responsible whale watching practices

Shark Cage Diving

  • Best time: Trips run year-round, weather permitting.
  • What to expect: Bronze whalers and broadnose sevengills are the usual sharks. A white shark is a small chance, and some trips see no sharks at all.
  • Tips:
    • Choose a reputable operator with experienced guides and safety record
    • Don’t touch or feed the sharks – observe from a safe distance
    • Be prepared for an adrenaline rush like no other!

Seal Watching

  • Best time: Year-round
  • What to expect: Tens of thousands of Cape fur seals on Geyser Rock, seen from a licensed boat. There is no public landing and no snorkelling with the seals.
  • Tips:
    • Choose a boat trip from Kleinbaai or Gansbaai Harbour
    • Do not paddle, snorkel or free-dive around Geyser Rock, Dyer Island or Shark Alley
    • Keep a safe distance and follow the skipper’s instructions

Penguin Encounters

  • Best time: Year-round
  • What to expect: The African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary in Kleinbaai cares for rescued penguins and seabirds. Entry is free, it is open daily 09:00 to 16:00 and penguins are fed at 15:00. Rescued birds are not guaranteed to be on view.
  • Tips:
    • Arrive before the 15:00 feeding
    • Donations are welcome
    • Penguins are also seen from the Marine Big 5 boat trip

Birdwatching

  • Best time: Year-round
  • What to expect: Seabirds from the boat and along the coast
  • Tips:
    • Bring binoculars and a field guide to identify the various species
    • Look out for unique birds like the African Black Oystercatcher and the Cape Cormorant
    • Visit the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary in Kleinbaai

Remember to respect the animals, their habitats, and the environment. Enjoy your unforgettable animal encounters in Gans Bay!