WHALE WATCHING CRUISE
DURATION: 1 Hours 30 Minutes – PRICE FROM: Adults R970, Children R500 (June-November)
Please check in at the Ocean Blue Adventures Shop 30 minutes before trip departure. After receiving a life vest, there is a pre-trip briefing (covering safety and what to expect) before you are escorted to the launch site to board your whale-watching boat. PLEASE NOTE: If you have concerns related to pregnancy, motion sickness or medical conditions, please disclose these before departure for your own safety.
After an exciting launch through the surf, you’ll set off in search of whales. We rely on experience, reports of recent sightings and a bit of luck to find the whales. As they are free-roaming, we cannot guarantee sightings. Each trip is unique, with routes determined by sightings, sea and weather conditions.
The two species we hope to view are southern right and humpback whales. Southern right whales typically enter the bay to breed close inshore, while humpback whales are generally found in deeper waters as they pass the bay. If time permits, we also visit the Cape fur seal colony, with the added possibility of seeing great white sharks.
Throughout the cruise, your guide might also point out other species and places of interest. The tour concludes with an exciting high-speed landing, after which you are escorted back to the starting point, where we say farewell.
MARINE ECO TOURS
DURATION: 1 Hours 30 Minutes – PRICE FROM: Adults R650 Children R340 (December-May)
Please check in at the Ocean Blue Adventures Shop 30 minutes before trip departure. After receiving a life vest, there is a pre-trip briefing (covering safety and what to expect) before you are escorted to the launch site to board your whale-watching boat. PLEASE NOTE: If you have concerns related to pregnancy, motion sickness or medical conditions, please disclose these before departure for your own safety
After an exciting launch through the surf, you’ll set off in search of marine life. We rely on experience, reports of recent sightings, and a bit of luck to find dolphins, whales, seals, sharks, and more. As they are all free-roaming, we cannot guarantee sightings. Each trip is unique, with routes determined by sightings, sea and weather conditions.
There are three species of dolphins regularly seen on our trips. Bottlenose and humpback dolphins are both normally found close inshore, so we scan the coastline northeast of the launch site. We then venture further offshore, looking for common dolphins and the shy Bryde’s whale; occasionally spotting different seabirds before we arrive at the Cape fur seal colony on the Robberg Peninsula.
Throughout the cruise, your guide might also point out other species and places of interest. The tour concludes with an exciting high-speed landing on the beach, after which you are escorted back to the starting point, where we say farewell.
ROBBERG HIKE
DURATION: 2 Hours 30 Minutes – PRICE FROM: R460 per person
Please check in at the Ocean Blue Adventures shop 15 minutes before your activity departure time. Here, you will meet your guide, who will give you a short briefing on what to expect during the hike and then proceed in your own transport to the starting point at the Robberg Nature Reserve.
The route initially follows the contours on the northern face of the peninsula, where you should keep a look out for sharks and other marine life in the waters below. As you progress, you’ll learn more about the unique fynbos habitat as you ascend to a viewpoint overlooking the seal colony. Keep your binoculars handy, in case your guide spots any birds or wildlife along the way.
The route then traverses to the southern side of the peninsula via a sandy slope, reaching The Island which is connected to the peninsula by a so-called tombola. From here, you’ll experience the raw power of the ocean, possibly spotting whales and other marine life from an elevated viewing point.
After circling The Island, you make your way back toward the starting point, enjoying the rugged coastal scenery and fresh sea breeze as you go. PLEASE NOTE: A moderate level of fitness is required to complete the walk. You are also advised to wear closed shoes (no sandals or flip-flops) as you will cross some rough terrain. Dress according to the prevailing weather and remember to bring a hat, sunblock, and camera/binoculars. If the weather looks poor, take along a windbreaker or equivalent. At the end of the tour, you will return to Ocean Blue and bid farewell to your guide.
CULTURAL COMMUNITY TOUR
DURATION: 1 Hours – PRICE FROM: R350 per person
Guests are asked to check in at the Ocean Blue Adventures Shop approximately 15 minutes before the planned departure time. You will meet your guide who will accompany you in your own transport to a secure parking area from which the walking tour departs.
During the school week, your first stop will be at the Ocean Blue sponsored Siyakula Crèche. Here, you’ll get to meet the children, possibly view class activities or join a sing-along. We typically spend about an hour at the school before returning to your transport – perhaps catching up on gossip with the locals en route.
Ocean Blue Adventures were pioneers in the South African whale watching industry and are proud holders of a government-issued whale watching permit. This allows us to conduct whale encounters in accordance with regulations.
Should your tour fall on a weekend or public holiday, when the Crèche is closed, the tour ambles through the neighborhood streets, meeting the locals and learning about the history and culture of this historically disadvantaged community. If available, the tour may visit a local church service.
Southern Right Whale (Eubalena Australis)
LOCAL DISTRIBUTION: Winter Migrant from Antarctica
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern – population increasing
After nearly being exterminated, the Southern Right Whale population rebounded thanks to global conservation efforts. They migrate from the Antarctic Circle to breed in the bay from June to October. * Over the past decade, however, there has been a decrease in sightings along the South African coast, possibly related to food scarcity further south. Data collected on our trips will help us understand why this is and what action, if any, is necessary to assist this iconic species’ survival
Humpback Whale (Megaptera Novaeangliae)
LOCAL DISTRIBUTION: Winter Migrant from Antarctica
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least concern – population increasing
The charismatic whales known for their acrobatic displays and elongated pectoral fins, pass our bay in the course of their north and southward breeding migration. We normally begin seeing them from June up to and including November. They too have recovered from the brink, although they do face new threats posed by marine traffic, noise pollution, and climate change
Bryde’s Whale (Balaenoptera edeni brydei)
LOCAL DISTRIBUTION:Present throughout the year
CONSERVATION STATUS: Data Deficient
Commonly thought of as shy and elusive, we are occasionally pleasantly surprised when a Bryde’s Whale or two take an interest in our vessels. Found in warm waters around the planet, they largely escaped the effects of whaling. As a non-target species, little is known about them. However, given the numerous threats imperiling life in the ocean, it is vital that more research be done on this enigmatic creature.
Bottlenose Dolphin
LOCAL DISTRIBUTION:Present throughout the year
CONSERVATION STATUS: Data deficient
A firm favourite with passengers, Bottlenose Dolphins are commonly seen on our trips – although they do mysteriously “disappear” from time to time. We normally find them socializing in shallow water adjacent to the bay’s sandy beaches, where their surfing antics are a treat to witness. We are building an extensive catalogue of “fin profiles” to aid researchers in monitoring the population
Long-beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus Capensis)
LOCAL DISTRIBUTION:Present throughout the year
CONSERVATION STATUS: Data deficient
A welcome surprise whenever they are spotted in the bay, this offshore species captivates people with its sheer energy and abundance. We occasionally encounter thousand-strong pods racing after their prey. On special occasions, they will be joined by Bryde’s Whales, seals and thousands of diving seabirds, creating a spectacle worthy of an Attenborough documentary. Even our seasoned staff rate these as one of the best sightings on offer.
Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa Plumbea)
LOCAL DISTRIBUTION: Present throughout the year.
CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered
Compared to the other species of dolphins we see, humpback dolphins are relatively shy and difficult to view. Sightings of this species are therefore all the more special in that they are highly endangered due to pollution and habitat degradation. They live in small groups, frequenting shallow sandy or rocky seabeds.
Killer Whale (Orca Orcinus)
LOCAL DISTRIBUTION: Present throughout the year but seldom seen
CONSERVATION STATUS: Data deficient
Although present in all the world’s oceans, and heavily studied, there is much that is still unknown about the ocean’s apex predator. You’ll see the crew jump for joy if you’re lucky enough to encounter these magnificent and highly intelligent cetaceans. Killer whales are long-lived with several generations making up their pods. We typically see groups of 3 – 15 individuals when they decide to visit the bay.
African Penguin (Spheniscus Demersus)
LOCAL DISTRIBUTION: Occasional visitor
CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered
These hardy, little birds are occasionally spotted further out to sea – hundreds of kilometres from the nearest colony. Sadly, their presence is a reflection of their dire population collapse, as they are having to travel ever-greater distances to find food. Unless immediate and radical changes are made to commercial fishing practices, the future of this charismatic species is very much in doubt.
Great White Shark (Carcharodon Carcharias)
LOCAL DISTRIBUTION:April to November. May be present at other times.
CONSERVATION STATUS: Vulnerable
Historically maligned and misunderstood, these graceful creatures have become a regular feature on our trips from April to November. Although the reason for this is unclear, it may be related to the growing seal population, which forms part of their diet. Great Whites are slow to mature, only starting to breed from 30 years of age. It is thought that the decline of the species globally is attributable to longline fisheries and wrongful persecution.
Cape Fur Seal (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus)
LOCAL DISTRIBUTION: Present throughout the year
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
Over the past two decades, the resident population of Cape Fur Seals has been growing at a steady rate, thanks to the breeding colony established on Robberg Peninsula. So-called ‘eared seals’, they are more mobile on land than true seals thanks to large flippers. The colony is a hive of activity in the Summer months (November to March), when they breed – with hundreds of bleating pups adding ‘cute’ to the chaos of the colony.
Robberg Nature Reserve – Other Species
For comprehensive lists of other animal and plant species found on Robberg and in the surrounding areas, visit CapeNature and iNaturalist.
Rock Hyrax (Procavia Capensis)
LOCAL DISTRIBUTION:Year-round.
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
‘Dassies’, as they are known in South Africa, are rabbit-sized animals that are frequently seen basking on the rocks and cliffs around the Robberg Peninsula. Interestingly, they are the closest relatives of elephants, sharing similar teeth structures and other physiological similarities. They live in colonies of up to 80 individuals, feeding on vegetation and insects.
ENVIRONMENTALLY MINDED TOURISM
Ocean Blue Adventures is a pioneering organisation in South Africa conducting professional conservation orientated whale and dolphin marine eco-tours. In cooperation with the Qolweni Community Development Trust the emphasis of all our operations is placed on conservation through community development, education and research. Ocean Blue Adventure’s aim is to give a holistic real marine experience to all our guests aimed at raising awareness of marine mammal conservation and the direct need to realistically conserve our oceans.
We are the proud holders of a specialist permit which allows us to carefully approach whales, offering our guests the unequalled opportunity of a really up-close and personal encounter with these majestic animals. Ocean Blue Adventures prides itself on the experienced qualifications and enthusiasm of our informative guides as well as our vast knowledge and passion for our marine environment. As they are wild mammals and we are visiting them in their own territory, we are acutely aware of not encroaching on them and we strive to ensure that they remain totally wild and unharassed.
While we make every effort to provide a memorable experience for our passengers, we place high importance on conducting tours in a way that is ethically and legally responsible and puts the well-being of the animals encountered first.