A tiny little taste of one of the coolest experiences you could ever have
During our 12-day South Africa tour, we do loads of absolutely incredible things—seriously, one amazing experience after another!
We visit Kruger National Park, head up Table Mountain to admire Cape Town from above, dive deeper into the country’s history (including some of its darkest chapters) with a visit to Robben Island, and much more.
But the most epic activity we offer might just be an awesome ocean safari, in search of the biggest of the ocean’s Big 5: the whale. And that’s not all—we also hit the beach with penguins, another member of the gang.
Getting excited already?
Keep reading to find out more about the marine species you can spot in South Africa.
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Curious whales and horn blowers
In South Africa, the ocean stage is ruled by two main stars: the Southern Right Whale and the Humpback Whale. These majestic creatures take a break from feeding in Antarctic waters to spend some quality time in South Africa’s warmer seas—and find a mate.
That’s right: these waters are a favorite destination for whales during mating season.
One of the coolest things about whale watching is that these giants are especially curious about humans. In other words, they often approach boats quite easily and put on an unforgettable show with spectacular breaches, tail slaps, and even “spy-hopping,” when they rise vertically out of the water with just their heads showing.
According to scientists, this behavior is linked to their attempt to get a look above the ocean’s surface.
Hermanus, a small town in the Western Cape, is famous for being the best land-based whale-watching destination in the world. And if you’re lucky, you might even hear Hermanus’s famous “Whale Crier,” the man who blows his horn to announce the arrival of the giants of the sea.
How cool is that?
Dolphins: charming, clever, and fierce hunters
Dolphins are amazing to see in person—true masters of aquatic acrobatics.
South African waters are home to several species, including the famous Bottlenose Dolphin, the Indo-Pacific Dolphin, and the Common Dolphin.
Cute and adorable, right?
Sure—ask the sardines what they think about them.
Every year, these little fish migrate from the waters south of Africa and head north along the east coast. This phenomenon takes place between May and July and involves billions of sardines.
The catch is that sardines are a favorite meal for marine species such as dolphins, which take full advantage of the migration to feast to their hearts’ content.
So next time you see a dolphin and think, “How cute, look at that smile!” just remember the countless sardines fleeing in panic while this sleek predator chases them down at full speed.
Let’s hit the beach and soak up the sun with penguins
Along South Africa’s coast, the penguins of the famous Boulders Beach colony waddle around with a walk that’s halfway between a military march and a tipsy stagger.
But behind these lighthearted moments, there’s a more serious story.
Sadly, African Penguins are classified as endangered by the IUCN. Among the threats they face are hunting for their meat, egg collection, predation by local wildlife and dogs, pollution, accidental capture in fishing nets, and climate change.
Fortunately, several conservation initiatives are underway to help ensure they can continue wandering South Africa’s beaches for many years to come. Every visit to these places helps support such efforts, allowing you to be both a penguin fan and a conservation hero at the same time.
We especially love seeing them up close at Boulders Beach, where you’re allowed to be right there on the beach alongside them.
Our spirit animals: seals
Ah, seals—how wonderful they are when they stretch out in the sun on South Africa’s beaches. Just look at them lounging there without a care in the world! No wonder we think of them as one of our spirit animals.
These playful mammals are not only experts at instantly melting your heart, but they are also incredibly adaptable and remarkable swimmers. With their slightly clumsy look on land and their agility in the water, they put on a show you really shouldn’t miss—especially in South Africa, where you can spot plenty of Cape Fur Seals.
The South African coast offers several chances to admire these fascinating creatures up close, whether you’re watching them bask on the rocks or dive gracefully into the water.
For them, it’s all fun and games... until he shows up!
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Here comes the ultimate tough guy
Here he is—the animal you’ve been waiting for, because we know you couldn’t wait to hear about him: the rudest tough guy in the sea, the great white shark. Or rather, as this larger-than-life creature might prefer to be called, the GREAT white shark.
It can grow up to 6 meters long, it’s incredibly fast, and it comes armed with a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth. When hungry, it’s a formidable hunter—and seals are very much on the menu.
Jokes aside, we want to point out that great white sharks are not the monsters popular culture too often makes them out to be. In reality, they are complex and fascinating animals that deserve our admiration and protection, especially since they are classified as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN, which means we have a responsibility to help preserve their species.
