Full Day Private Whale Watching, Penguin, & Cage Diving Tour

Exploring the diverse marine life of South Africa’s Western Cape is a captivating experience. This full-day private tour from Cape Town offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the region’s iconic wildlife up close. From the charming Stony Point Penguin Colony to the dramatic Hermanus cliffs where southern right whales breach the surface, each stop on this itinerary promises unforgettable encounters. But the true highlight may well be the heart-pounding shark cage diving excursion in Gansbaai, where visitors can come face-to-face with the majestic great white shark. With private transportation, expert guidance, and all-inclusive entry fees, this tour ensures a seamless and thrilling day of discovery.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Cape Town.

Key Points

• A full-day private tour offering a combination of whale watching, penguin viewing, and shark cage diving, departing from Cape Town.
• The tour is priced at $350.76 per person, with a duration of 9 hours and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The itinerary includes visiting the Stony Point Penguin Colony, whale watching in Hermanus, and a shark cage diving experience in Gansbaai.
• The tour includes private transportation, a professional guide, bottled water, entry fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Participants should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for an early start, as the tour is not suitable for certain individuals with health conditions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This full-day private tour offers whale watching, penguin viewing, and shark cage diving experiences, catering to thrill-seekers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Priced from $350.76 per person, the 9-hour tour departs from Cape Town’s city center, with a free cancellation option up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests can spot majestic southern right whales, admire charming penguins, and get up close with sharks in a secure cage.

The tour includes private transportation, a professional guide, bottled water, entry fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for an early start.

This action-packed day promises unforgettable encounters with South Africa’s marine wildlife.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a visit to the Stony Point Penguin Colony, where guests can admire the charming penguins in their natural habitat for approximately 1.5 hours. Opportunities abound for taking photographs and learning about conservation efforts. Next, the tour heads to Hermanus for 2 hours of whale watching. Guests can spot the majestic southern right whales known for their acrobatic displays. The final stop is Gansbaai, where participants can get up close with sharks in a secure cage under experienced guidance over 2 hours.

Itinerary Highlights
Stony Point Penguin Colony (1.5 hours)
Hermanus Whale Watching (2 hours)
Gansbaai Cage Diving (2 hours)
Return to Cape Town (2 hours)
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

Stony Point Penguin Colony

Visitors to the Stony Point Penguin Colony can admire charming African penguins in their natural habitat for approximately 1.5 hours. The colony is home to over 3,000 breeding pairs of endangered African penguins, offering excellent opportunities for photographs and learning about conservation efforts.

Guests can:

1. Observe the penguins’ amusing antics as they waddle, dive, and interact with one another.
2. Spot the distinctive black-and-white plumage and bright pink gills that distinguish the African penguin.
3. Gain insights into the challenges facing these seabirds, such as habitat loss and overfishing, and understand the importance of protecting their populations.

The Stony Point Penguin Colony provides a delightful and educational experience for visitors interested in experiencing the natural wonders of South Africa.

Hermanus Whale Watching

Guests can spot majestic southern right whales during the 2-hour Hermanus whale watching portion of the tour. These gentle giants are known for their acrobatic displays as they breach, lob-tail, and spy-hop.

From the comfort of the boat, guests can observe the whales’ unique behaviors and learn about their biology and conservation efforts from the experienced guide. The Hermanus coastline provides excellent vantage points to spot these magnificent creatures, and the tour allows ample time to savor the experience.

With luck, guests may even witness a mother whale swimming alongside her calf, a truly awe-inspiring sight.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Gansbaai Cage Diving

During the 2-hour cage diving experience in Gansbaai, participants have the opportunity to get up close with the apex predators of the ocean – great white sharks.

Under the guidance of experienced professionals, divers are lowered into the water in a secure steel cage, allowing them to observe the majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

The activity offers three key benefits:

1. Witnessing the sheer power and grace of the great whites as they glide through the water.
2. Learning about the importance of shark conservation and the threats they face.
3. Gaining a deeper appreciation for the ocean’s delicate ecosystem.

This thrilling encounter is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who participate.

Return to Cape Town

After the thrilling shark cage diving experience in Gansbaai, the tour makes its way back to Cape Town.

The return journey takes approximately 2 hours, during which time guests can reflect on the day’s remarkable encounters with marine life. The guide provides commentary on the scenic countryside and points of interest along the way.

Once back in the city, the tour concludes with drop-off at your’ hotel. This marks the end of an action-packed day filled with unforgettable wildlife experiences, from observing penguins in their natural habitat to coming face-to-face with majestic whales and fearsome sharks.

Guests can look forward to recounting their adventures and sharing the stunning photos captured throughout the tour.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle throughout the day, providing participants with a comfortable and hassle-free experience.

Along with the private transportation, the tour also includes:

1. A professional guide and driver who’ll provide insights and handle all logistics.
2. Bottled water and entry fees to the Stony Point Penguin Colony.
3. Complimentary Wi-Fi to help you share your experiences in real-time.

Plus, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s adventures.

This comprehensive package allows you to focus on creating unforgettable memories during the whale watching and cage diving activities.

Participant Information

Not all participants may be suitable for this tour. Pregnant women, individuals with back problems, non-swimmers, and those prone to seasickness are advised against joining.

Participants should come prepared with a hat, camera, snacks, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothes. Wearing comfortable shoes and being ready for an early start are essential.

The tour’s activities, including whale watching, penguin viewing, and cage diving, require a certain level of physical fitness and ability. Guests should review the participant requirements carefully before booking to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

This is a private tour, so the group size is flexible and determined by the customers’ needs. There’s no maximum group size specified, as the tour is tailored to the individual or group booking the experience.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?

The tour allows for some customization of the itinerary. Customers can work with the tour provider to adjust the time spent at each activity or include additional stops based on their interests and preferences.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Snorkeling or Diving Gear?

No, you don’t need to bring your own snorkeling or diving gear. The tour provides the necessary equipment for the cage diving experience. All you need to bring are comfortable clothes and personal items as mentioned in the participant information.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Cage Diving Activity?

The tour does not specify any age restrictions for the cage diving activity. However, participants must be able to swim and are advised to consult with the tour operator about any health or fitness concerns.

Can I Book This Tour for a Single Traveler?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a single traveler. The tour offers private transportation and a professional guide, making it suitable for solo adventurers who want to experience the whale watching, penguin colony, and shark cage diving activities.

The Sum Up

This full-day private tour from Cape Town offers an exhilarating blend of whale watching, penguin viewing, and shark cage diving. Explore the Stony Point Penguin Colony, spot southern right whales in Hermanus, and experience the thrill of cage diving with great white sharks in Gansbaai. With private transportation, a professional guide, and all entry fees included, it’s a seamless and unforgettable adventure for wildlife enthusiasts.

You can check if your dates are available here: