Gans Bay Boat Tours

Boat Tours from Gansbaai

Gansbaai is on the Overberg coast of the Western Cape, South Africa, about 2 to 2.5 hours by road from Cape Town. Boat trips leave from Kleinbaai Harbour and Gansbaai Harbour and head out to Dyer Island, Geyser Rock and the channel between them known as Shark Alley.

What to Expect

  • Marine Big 5 trip: Marine Dynamics Shark & Whale Tours (the company formerly known as Dyer Island Cruises) runs trips of about 2 to 2.5 hours that look for seals, African penguins, dolphins and whales in season. Rates are R2,340 for adults and R1,725 for children under 12, with children under 5 free, plus a R150 conservation fee. South African citizens pay R1,728 for adults and R864 for children. Booking is through whalewatchsa.com .
  • Whale watching: Ivanhoe Sea Safaris sails from Gansbaai Harbour on trips of about 2 hours, June to December, from about R1,950 for adults and R975 for children under 12. Prices may have changed, so check before you book.
  • Scenic cruising: Dyer Island and Geyser Rock are provincial nature reserves with no public landing, so a licensed boat is the only way to see them. Geyser Rock holds tens of thousands of Cape fur seals.

Tips and Essentials

Best Time to Visit

  • Trips run year-round, weather permitting.
  • Southern right whales are in the bay roughly June to December. Humpback and Bryde’s whales are more likely from about January to May.

What to Bring

  • Sunscreen and a hat: There is little shade on deck.
  • Warm, windproof layers: The sea wind is cold, even on sunny days.
  • Non-slip shoes: Decks get wet.
  • Camera: Keep a firm grip on it near the rail.

Safety Precautions

  • Always follow the instructions of the skipper and crew.
  • Sea conditions decide whether a boat goes out, so keep the day flexible.
  • Do not paddle, snorkel or free-dive around Dyer Island, Geyser Rock or Shark Alley. The water is cold, the seals attract sharks and the currents are strong.

Insider’s Tip

Combine a morning boat trip with the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary in Kleinbaai. Entry is free, it is open daily from 09:00 to 16:00 and the penguins are fed at 15:00.