Dyer Island Cruises is a licensed boat-based whale watching operator situated in Kleinbaai, near the world famous Dyer Island, Gansbaai, South Africa. Our Marine Big 5 trips present guests with the opportunity to spot the ocean’s Marine Big 5, which includes, sharks, whales, dolphins, penguins and seals. Every year from June to December, the Southern right whales arrive to mate and calve. Witness mating displays, breaching, tail slapping, spy-hopping and more. We may also see Bryde’s whales, Humpback whales, the elusive Humpback dolphin, Common dolphin, an incredible array of seabirds and we guarantee a sighting of our almost 60 000 strong Cape fur seal colony on Geyser Rock as we cruise down the infamous Shark Alley. Our on board marine biologist will be on hand to teach you more about the amazing animals that visit our shores. We are certified by Fair Trade in Tourism, live by our motto of ‘Discover and Protect’ and work together with the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. We are only 2 hours drive from Cape Town along a scenic route through the Overberg area. The trip includes an educational briefing, coffee/tea and muffins upon arrival and warm soup and bread after the trip. Professional video footage is available to purchase after your trip.

Dyer Island Cruises is a licensed boat-based whale watching operator situated in Kleinbaai, near the world famous Dyer Island, Gansbaai, South Africa. Our Marine Big 5 trips present guests with the opportunity to spot the ocean’s Marine Big 5, which includes, sharks, whales, dolphins, penguins and seals. Every year from June to December, the Southern right whales arrive to mate and calve. Witness mating displays, breaching, tail slapping, spy-hopping and more. We may also see Bryde’s whales, Humpback whales, the elusive Humpback dolphin, Common dolphin, an incredible array of seabirds and we guarantee a sighting of our almost 60 000 strong Cape fur seal colony on Geyser Rock as we cruise down the infamous Shark Alley. Our on board marine biologist will be on hand to teach you more about the amazing animals that visit our shores. We are certified by Fair Trade in Tourism, live by our motto of ‘Discover and Protect’ and work together with the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. We are only 2 hours drive from Cape Town along a scenic route through the Overberg area. The trip includes an educational briefing, coffee/tea and muffins upon arrival and warm soup and bread after the trip. Professional video footage is available to purchase after your trip.

Travel with Pelagic Encounters for a memorable birding experience.

If you would like to see and photograph albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters, then this trip is for you.



Boat Tours to view and photograph seabirds from Gansbaai, South Africa.

One of the most exciting aspects of a pelagic birding experience is the possibility of encountering a very rare bird.

There are no boundaries out at sea, fronts and winds can cause birds to travel far off their normal course.

Over 50 species of ocean going birds have been recorded in the waters around South Africa, including 16 of the world’s 21 albatross species.



What to expect:

When booking a bird watching trip with Dyer Island Cruises, we will contact you a day before to confirm times with you. Upon arrival at the Great White House, you will receive a brief introductory talk about the conditions, route, safety and what to look for. Coffee, tea and rusks will also be served once you have arrived and sandwiches and beverages will be available on board.

The vessel can take a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12 clients, each guest are fitted with comfortable life-jackets and waterproof jackets. Always bring warm clothing as it is cooler at sea than on land. The boat carries latest modern navigational equipment including a life raft for emergencies.