Viator · Private tour

Marine Big 5 Full Day Guided Return Transfer Cape Town - Gansbaai

4.7(34)Cape Town1 hour
VIATOR4.8(15)TRIPADVISOR4.6(19)

Description

Enjoy a private day trip to Gansbaai that is world famous for the abundant sea life including Southern Right Whales in season. Spend 3 hours hours on a luxury boat with a marine specialist on board and enjoy the possibility of sightings of Southern Right whales in season, Brydes whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, endangered African penguins and other sea & bird life. Return via the scenic seaside villages of Hermanus, Kleinmond, Betty's Bay, Rooi Els and Gordons Bay. This round trip is one of those essential experiences for visitors to Cape Town and it includes your qualified and registered tour guide at the helm of an upmarket air-conditioned vehicle.

Tour Options

Marine Big 5 Full Day Guided Return Transfer Cape Town - Gansbaai
  • Pickup included

Highlights

Transport in an upmarket private vehicle
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide

What's included

Included
Transport in an upmarket private vehicle
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide
Not included
Cost of boat trip (R2490 pp)
Entrance fees to additional activities
Gratuities

Pickup Locations & Times

Pickup from any hotel, guesthouse, airbnb or private residence within the Cape Town area

Traveller Ratings

4.7
34 reviews
5
29
4
2
3
2
2
0
1
1

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
  • Infant seats are available on request if advised at time of booking (cost excluded)
  • Infant meals not included
  • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

Reviews(34)

D
Diane L
March 29, 2026
Great Boat Tour

Super day on the boat. Weather was perfect for viewing the scenery and the wildlife. We saw so many animals including whales, sharks, seals and penguins plus a variety of other sea birds. The guides explained everything we saw. We felt like the boat was very clean and the staff were very helpful.

Operator response

Hi Diane, Thank you so much for your 5 star review! We are so happy to hear that you had a good time with us

M
M3666MAlaurenm
January 10, 2025
Amazing trip!

A super fun day trip! We were lucky to see all of the big 5. The crew was knowledgeable and informative. Everyone was professional. They made sure to keep us dry & comfortable at all times. Be sure to take your Dramamine!

Operator response

We are delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful day and appreciate you taking the time to review your experience.

F
Fizza_H
January 7, 2025
Great day out

The guided transfer tour was immensely enjoyed by the whole group. Our driver Jamie ensured the drive was smooth and comfortable and also shared a lot of information about viewpoints along the way. Would definitely recommend!

Operator response

Thank you for sharing your experience and the five star review is much appreciated.

D
David_H
October 31, 2024
Absolutely and exhilarating experience!

Seeing whales in their natural habitat was amazing. And to be lucky enough to see a mother and its playful calf made for an unforgettable experience.

Operator response

We are delighted to have been a part of your amazing experience and are very grateful for the five star review.

T
Tanja_O
October 10, 2024
A nice experience

The best thing about the tour was Mike, our driver to Gansbaai. He included lots of stops for sightseeing and told us a lot about South Africa. At the stop in Hermanus, we were able to see the first whales from land. The MarineTour itself was semi-good. Quite a few people threw up after just 10 minutes on the boat, which wasn't great to watch. Of course it was really tough and the swell was enormous. The whales themselves were also difficult to see due to the high waves and also difficult to photograph or film. The sharks were briefly visible as they were being fed by a shark diving boat. The harbour seal colony was very beautiful, but it was incredibly smelly. There were no dolphins at all, that's just wildlife and the punguins were too far away. All in all, the day was super nice and we experienced a lot.

Operator response

It's unfortunate that Mother Nature was having a bad day, but glad to hear that you still had a good time.

V
Virginia_H
September 18, 2024
Marine Big 5

Mike was a knowledgeable and personable guide. He knew the area very well and his commentary added a lot to our experience. He was flexible and addressed all our interests and questions. The big 5 marine tour was awesome! The biologists and crew were professional and highly competent. We saw several groups of southern right whales as well as sharks, penguins and seals. An amazing day!

Operator response

We are delighted that you had such a great day and appreciate you taking the time to review our service.

U
U8394MJlouiseg
September 2, 2024
A comprehensive whale watching experience

We took my parents and family on the whale watching experience and it was better than expected. The staff were very caring and helpful to assist the elderly people and the young baby. The sightings were incredible and we saw dappled whale calves. The conservationist on board gave so much information while at sea which made the trip so immersive. At the end the company gave all some soup on land. This was definitely the best whale watching experience I have been on. Thanks again to the staff.

Operator response

What a lovely review. We are so pleased that the day exceeded your expectations.

L
Lorraine_S
February 20, 2024
A perfect SA day!

Our guide Mike was wonderful. He picked us up at our accomodation, made sure we were safe and comfortable, and was a wealth of information during our drive to Gansbaai. The cruise was amazing. We saw whales, sharks, penguins, sea lions and seals, numerous sea birds, and even an ostrich walking along the dunes. The staff at Dyer Island were warm and welcoming, even providing coffee, tea and muffins before we set out. Our guide managed to squeeze in a wine tasting experience for us on our drive home. A perfect day!

Operator response

We are delighted that you enjoyed the Marine Big 5 Tour with Mike and that the day lived up to your expectations. Many thanks for the five star review.

5
528rodrigot
January 12, 2024
Fantastic Tour and awesome personal!

We were very pleased with how Michelle and Mike treated us. Very professional but also personal. Mike was great guiding us! Every time ahead of schedule and never rushing this! Thank you all for everything!!! Definitely we will be with you guys again!

Operator response

We really appreciate the feedback and good to know that you had a great time!

J
josefinab465
January 2, 2024
Highly recommended

We were lucky and saw many whales and several other animals. Our tour guide was James and he's the best. He told us everything and went above and beyond to make our journey the best.

Operator response

Thank you for your great review - James is a wonderful guide and always goes the extra mile.

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