African Penguins
- Season:
- Year-round
Approximately 3,000 African Penguins inhabit St Croix Island — one of South Africa's most important penguin breeding colonies, located within a Marine Protected Area.
Nelson Mandela Bay · Eastern Cape
Port Elizabeth Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise
Explore the spectacular marine wildlife of Nelson Mandela Bay on our Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise — a 3.5 to 4 hour marine wildlife safari departing from Port Elizabeth Harbour. Guests enjoy a harbour cruise, a full safety briefing and an unforgettable journey to the offshore islands of Nelson Mandela Bay, including African Penguins, Dolphins, Whales, Seals, Sharks and pelagic birdlife — one of South Africa's most diverse marine wildlife experiences.
Season
Year-round (whales June to December)
Duration
3.5 to 4 hours (weather dependent)
Departs from
Nelson Mandela Bay Yacht Club, Port Elizabeth Harbour
Port Elizabeth Pricing
Adult
Ages 13+
R2,950
Per Person
Child Under 12
Under 12 Years
R1,950
Per Child
Payment by card link prior to departure or cash on arrival. Receipts available on request. Safety restriction: maximum 120kg per passenger.
Port Elizabeth Departure Times
08:00
Departures normally at 08:00 with return around 12:00–12:30. Times may occasionally vary to accommodate weather conditions and operational requirements — guests are notified of any changes before departure. Minimum 4 guests required.
What Whales Can You See in Port Elizabeth?
Dolphins
- Season:
- Year-round
Port Elizabeth is widely regarded as one of the best places in the world to see Bottlenose Dolphins. Common and Humpback Dolphins are also encountered.
Whales
- Season:
- Year-round (peak June–December)
Bryde's Whales are encountered throughout the year. Humpback Whales are most commonly seen June to December, Southern Right Whales July to September, and Minke Whales are occasionally sighted.
Seals, Sharks & Seabirds
- Season:
- Year-round
Cape Fur Seals are frequently encountered, along with various shark species and an array of pelagic birds including Cape Gannets, Terns, Petrels, Skuas, Shearwaters and Albatrosses.
When Is Whale Season in Port Elizabeth?
Marine wildlife sightings month by month in Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha).
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Right Whale | ||||||||||||
| Humpback Whale | ||||||||||||
| Bryde's WhaleResident, year-round | ||||||||||||
| Minke WhaleOccasional | ||||||||||||
| DolphinsBottlenose, Common & Humpback | ||||||||||||
| African PenguinsSt Croix Island colony | ||||||||||||
| Cape Fur Seals | ||||||||||||
| Pelagic Birdlife |
Peak sightings In season Not commonly seen
What You May See
- African Penguins (~3,000 on St Croix Island)
- Bottlenose, Common & Humpback Dolphins
- Bryde's Whales (year-round)
- Humpback Whales (June to December)
- Southern Right Whales (July to September)
- Minke Whales (occasional)
- Cape Fur Seals
- Various shark species
- Cape Gannets, Terns, Petrels, Skuas, Shearwaters & Albatrosses
What to Bring
- Warm windproof jacket
- Sunscreen, hat & sunglasses
- Camera
- Closed shoes
- Seasickness medication if prone
- Additional snacks & refreshments (no alcohol, no single-use plastics)
Trip Highlights
- Premium marine wildlife safari in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Cruise past St Croix Island — ~3,000 African Penguins
- Visit Brenton Island & surrounding marine wildlife areas
- Penguins, dolphins, whales, seals, sharks & seabirds on one cruise
- Harbour cruise & full safety briefing included
- Fresh rolls / croissants and water served onboard
Port Elizabeth Whale Watching FAQ
How long is the Port Elizabeth Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
What time does the cruise depart?
The cruise normally departs at 08:00 from the Nelson Mandela Bay Yacht Club in Port Elizabeth Harbour and returns around 12:00 to 12:30.
Can I visit the islands?
No. All wildlife viewing takes place from the boat. St Croix Island lies within a Marine Protected Area and guests are not permitted to land on St Croix Island or Brenton Island.
What animals can I see?
Depending on the season, guests may encounter African Penguins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Humpback Dolphins, Bryde's Whales, Minke Whales, Humpback Whales (June–December), Southern Right Whales (July–September), Cape Fur Seals, sharks and numerous seabird species including Cape Gannets, Terns, Petrels, Skuas, Shearwaters and Albatrosses.
Is this suitable for children?
Yes. Families are welcome and children under 12 receive discounted rates at R1,950 per child.
What does the cruise cost?
Adults R2,950 per person and Children Under 12 R1,950 per child. Payment is by card link prior to departure or cash on arrival.
What is included?
A harbour cruise, full safety briefing, fresh water onboard, fresh rolls or croissants served during the cruise, and a professional marine wildlife experience. Guests are welcome to bring additional snacks and refreshments — alcohol is not permitted and please avoid single-use plastics.
Is there a weight restriction?
Yes. For safety reasons, the maximum passenger weight is 120kg per person.
What is the minimum number of guests?
A minimum of 4 guests is required for the cruise to depart.
Marine Wildlife Cluster
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ExploreBook Your Port Elizabeth Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise Trip
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Trip Summary
Port Elizabeth Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise
- Duration
- 3.5 to 4 hours (weather dependent)
- Departure Times
- 08:00
- Pricing
- Adult: R2,950 | Child Under 12: R1,950
- Season
- Year-round (whales June to December)
Departures normally at 08:00 with return around 12:00–12:30. Times may occasionally vary to accommodate weather conditions and operational requirements — guests are notified of any changes before departure. Minimum 4 guests required.
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