Dolphin Watching Tours in South Africa: 5 That Survive a Close Look

1.Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 807 reviews · 2 hours · from $98Our pick

From Hermanus New Harbour, you’ll join Southern Right Charters for a two-hour catamaran cruise with an English-speaking whale specialist. Expect seasonal southern right and humpback whales, year-round Bryde’s whales and dolphins, light refreshments, and wide viewing areas. Guides including Ken, Jacques, and David have led past trips, with optional drone footage available to buy.

“Very well organised. They offered us coffee, tea, and cupcakes before the tour. Unfortunately, we didn’t see a whale, but since it was the last day of the season, that was understandable. Still, we had an amazing time with around 300 dolphins and even saw some seals. I would definitely do it again, just in the middle of the season to see the whales.”

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2.Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 687 reviews · from $185Top rated

Set out from Port Elizabeth at 8am on Raggy Charters’ twin-engine catamaran for a four-hour wildlife cruise in Algoa Bay. With a maximum of 20 people, the crew takes a slow, careful approach to whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds, and African penguins around St. Croix Island. The tour runs once daily and includes conservation guidance and carbon-offset tree planting.

“We had a wonderful experience! The team was super helpful, engaged and living for their mission. We were so lucky to see jot only dolphins, seals, two whales but also a hammerhead shark and a bunch of penguins swimming to feed. Would recommend everytime!”

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3.Dolphin & Ocean Wildlife Kayaking Adventure ⚓️

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · 2 hours · from $37Best value

Meet the Truth Kayaking team at Mouille Point’s Prom Park, near the lighthouse, for a two-hour ocean paddle in stable surf skis. Guides including Vincent, Shanti, and Jordan’s team lead you past the Green Point Lighthouse, watching for dolphins, seals, penguins, whales, and sunfish. Finish with showers, music, and optional smoothies, matcha, or coffee.

“What a phenomenal experience. The guides were far more upbeat and groovy than I have ever experienced around the world! They all had boundless knowledge of the ocean that they call home and too were comprehensive in knowing the inns and outs of Cape Town. Great post tour recommendations on where to hang and lap up more experiences like theirs in different genre's. Thanks Truth Travel for the kayaking trip of a lifetime. Check you in the future!”

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4.Durban: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 45 reviews · 2 hours · from $102

Set out from Wilson’s Wharf on a small open-ocean boat for two hours of whale and dolphin watching. From June to November, look for humpback whales, including mothers and calves. Guide Bennie is known for his lively commentary when scheduled, and the crew also watches for dolphins, turtles, birds, fish, sharks, and rays.

“Lovely boat, saw nothing closer to shorw but as soon as our guide went further out to shore we saw at least six whales...mother and baby humpback and male and female pairs. Guide very respectful od not getting too close to the whales but still allowing us the best view and giving us plenty of photo opportunities. He also shared his videos with us at the end of the tour. No dolphins but the whales were amazing.”

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5.Dolphin and Marine Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 45 reviews · 1h 30m · from $46

Set out with Ocean Blue Adventures from Plettenberg Bay for a fast 90-minute marine safari. You may see Bottlenose and Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphins, seals, sharks, whales, seabirds, and Robberg’s unusual rock face. The trip includes a beach launch, English or Afrikaans guiding, bottled water, fruit, and a lively surf landing.

“Witam,super przeżycie z tak bliskiego spotkania z delfinami i fokami. Niezapomniane wrażenia.Dziękuję. Pozdrawiam Jolanta”

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