A Marine Wildlife Experience Like No Other.
Climb aboard for an unforgettable sea safari in Algoa Bay, one of South Africa's most biologically diverse marine areas and internationally recognised as the Bottlenose Dolphin Capital of the World. Sailing from the Nelson Mandela Bay Yacht Club in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) harbour, this whale, dolphin and penguin cruise carries you through the Addo Marine Protected Area, part of a bay that was formally accredited as a Whale Heritage Area in June 2021, one of only a handful of such sites on Earth.
Along the way, you'll have exceptional opportunities to see whales, dolphins, African penguins, Cape fur seals and a variety of seabirds in their natural environment, guided by an experienced, professional English-speaking crew. This cruise is more than a sightseeing trip: it's a meaningful marine conservation experience that supports the ongoing protection of one of the last strongholds of the Critically Endangered African penguin.
Did You Know?
Southern right whales are known for their curiosity and often come remarkably close to the boat, sometimes within touching distance of the hull, making Algoa Bay one of the most rewarding places in South Africa to watch them undisturbed.
Award-Winning Experience
Lilizela Tourism Awards: National winner for Best Marine Adventure in South Africa.
Stable Catamaran Comfort
A smooth, comfortable ride even for first-time sailors.
Conservation-Led Crew
Professional English-speaking guides with real marine knowledge.
Whale Heritage Waters
Sailing in one of the world's few accredited Whale Heritage Areas.
We meet at 08:00 on the grass area in front of the Nelson Mandela Bay Yacht Club (please allow for possible time adjustments; confirmed guests will be notified in advance of any changes). Once aboard our stable catamaran, we cruise out into the protected waters of Algoa Bay, passing St Croix Island and Brenton Island, vital habitats for endangered marine birds and penguins.
Whale sightings vary by season, but Algoa Bay offers one of the best chances in South Africa to see them in the wild:
Humpback whales
June to January, with peak activity in July–August and November–December, as they migrate with their calves.
Southern right whales
From July to October, often seen close to shore near the harbour.
Bryde's whales
Present in the bay year-round, with occasional sightings on any cruise.
Algoa Bay earned its title as the Bottlenose Dolphin Capital of the World for good reason, hosting some of the largest dolphin pods found anywhere on the planet:
Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins
Seen year-round in groups of 10–400, often bow-riding alongside the boat.
Common dolphins
Appear in large superpods of up to 2,000, mostly from January to June.
Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins
A rarer, vulnerable species in smaller pods, usually spotted in the warmer summer months.
St Croix Island, part of the Addo Elephant National Park's Marine Protected Area, is home to one of South Africa's most significant breeding colonies of the African penguin, a species now classified as Critically Endangered. Landings are not permitted, but the close-up viewing from the boat is exceptional, and every sighting supports a deeper appreciation for a bird fighting for survival. Alongside the penguins, keep an eye out for African black oystercatchers, Cape cormorants, white-breasted cormorants and Cape gannets.
Depending on the season and sea conditions, you may also encounter Cape fur seals, sharks (including the elusive great white), and seabirds such as albatrosses, petrels, terns, shearwaters and skuas.
The cruise lasts approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, returning to the harbour between 12:00 and 12:30, depending on sightings and sea conditions. If marine activity is particularly rewarding and guests are not in a rush, we may extend the experience slightly.
1 November 2025 – 31 October 2026
Per Person, ZAR
Adults: R2 950
Children under 12: R1 950
1 November 2026 – 31 October 2027
Per Person, ZAR
Adults: R3 250
Children under 12: R2 100
Disclaimer
Blu-Pebbles Tours cannot guarantee animal sightings on any cruise. We offer guests the opportunity to view wild animals, which move at their own will, and we cannot be held responsible for their movements. Guests who are taken to St Croix are guaranteed to see African penguins, and no refund will be given if other marine animals are not spotted. If absolutely no animals are sighted, compensation in the form of a free ticket for the next boat trip may be given at the skipper's discretion.
Disclaimer: The client shall not hold any claim against Blu-Pebbles Tours & Transfer (PTY) Ltd, our partners or employees for any injury, loss, accident, discomfort or inconvenience that may have been caused to the client’s self/partner/children/family members or friends on any tour or transfer including against any of his/her/their property and/or belongings from any cause whatsoever whether occasioned by any act, neglect or default of Blu-Pebbles Tours & Transfer (PTY) Ltd or our service providers, employees or associates or by any act of God, nature, theft or civil commotion/disruption. The client in whole hereby indemnifies Blu-Pebbles Tours & Transfer (PTY) Ltd against any such claim and hereby holds Blu-Pebbles Tours & Transfer (PTY) Ltd harmless in all respect thereof.
