Ocean Safaris
Ocean Safaris
4.5
About
Ocean safaris whale and dolphin watching We are legally permitted to conduct close encounter experiences !!!! Exploring the bay for over 10 years, Ocean Safaris, a family run business, lets the wildlife and weather shape your journey, giving you a unique opportunity to see some of the ocean’s largest and most mysterious inhabitants in their natural environment.We are fair trade and green ticket accredited. What do I bring along? Yourself, your family and your friends. There is no particular dress, we suggest you wear comfortable clothing and shoes and bring along a jacket. Sun screen, hat and sunglasses are also good items to pack. Camera’s and other gadgets are allowed on board at your own risk. What will I be doing? Exploring the coastline and rich waters in and around our bay, searching for whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, seabirds and more. Come on a voyage of discovery as you search for Plettenberg Bays majestic creatures of the deep. What will I see? Our climate is changing and these changes seem to be affecting our marine life, in particular the Southern Rights. Over the past two years, sightings of Southern Right whales have dropped, but we see more Brydes and Humpbacks than before. Our dolphin sightings are awesome and include the playful Bottlenose, energetic Commons and the highly endangered Humpbacked dolphins. A variety of sea birds are sighted as well as the ever growing Cape Fur seal population. We see many different animals that come into our bay to say hello. Particular species cannot be guaranteed as these animals are being viewed in their natural environment but times of year can depict their occurrence. This is a true “seafari” and every one is different, you never know what you will find …. How will I know what to look for? Highly qualified and experienced marine guides aboard will guide you through the different species you are likely to encounter, showing you how to identify them and where to look. They will be on hand to answer any questions you might have, talk about the history, geology and wildlife during your adventure! What about the boats? Ocean Safaris boats are inspected regularly by the South Africa Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA). With over 10 years of experience operating marine tours in the area ensures we have the right vessel and equipment to help guarantee your safety on every tour. Where is ocean safaris? Milkwood Centre, Hopwood Street, Central Beach , Plettenberg bay GPS: 23° 23.344' E 34° 03.354' S Due to limited numbers, all trips require prior booking. Don’t miss your place! Please note all cruises are weather dependent and at skipper’s discretion an alternative vessel may be used at times
These cruises get you as close as legally possible to unforgettable encounters with whales, dolphins and seals at work and play.
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See what travellers are saying
- StephenXXXXXPort Elizabeth, South Africa873 contributionsA GREAT CLOSE UP EXPERIENCESo glad we went out with Ocean Safaris, very professional and felt very safe. The Guys onboard were very knowledgeable and we certainly learnt a lot. Early in the season but lucky enough to see a Southern Right and great close ups of seals and coromonts. Really enjoyed the whole trip and can thoroughly recommend Ocean Safaris for a great experience.Visited June 2023Written 3 July 2023
- Adea1Harrogate, United Kingdom158 contributionsProfessional, safe tourJust back from a 12pm boat tour. Boat is sturdy with seating for 20. Beach launch is adrenaline fuelled! We saw a pod of dolphin, some mothers and babies (have to keep 300m away) and a lone male who we waited until he got used to the boat, then he started playing around us. Totally magical. Another boat trip then headed towards us, as they saw the male jumping, then they headed off to the other mating couples in the waves. You could tell our guides knew whale patterns and the best places to be. Safe and knowledgeable tour. Tour guides recommend the 9.30 tour if you can.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 26 July 2023
- Anna JPretoria, South Africa3 contributionsBest trip ever!!!!I would give you 10 stars!!!! This was my second time and for my husband fifth time going for an ocean safari and we had a blast. Very friendly personnel in the office which gave honest suggestions on time to participate and very knowledgeable on the spot. We felt welcome and safe through out the entire trip. Those people know and love their job and it was seen. We had a good amount of knowledge shared with us at the most breathtaking experience. Last time we were fortunate to see a sea elephant fishing by the boat, this time we had a whale approaching the boat at a hand stretch. The fact that we were safe and the whale was safe was imperative. Whales were aware of us and they knew the boat, they knew we were not coming for harm. It was great to see them so close and to enjoy then playing and checking us out. We were escorted by them through out the entire trip. Never would have imagine. This was a birthday gift for my husband and it was one of a kind!!! Best regards from Anna and Reinard. We will definitely come again!!!Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 September 2023
- Culture510808658931 contributionAmazingWe had the most amazing morning with Phakamile(PK) and his knowledgeable crew. We were just blown away by the sightings of the common dolphins in the bay, the playful seals and the peacefulness of the ocean - just simply amazing! This was worth every single cent and we will definitely send and recommend all our family and guests … WE WILL BE BACK!!Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 September 2023
- Helen MHalifax, United Kingdom87 contributionsGreat whale watchingThis review would have had a higher rating if it wasn't for the attitude of the woman signing us in. We were booked on the 12pm trip but received a message at 8.30am the day of the trip asking if we could arrive at 9.30am which we couldn't. I phoned the number and was asked to be at the meeting point for 11am. On arrival the woman signing us in said we were very early. I replied we had been asked to turn up at 11am to which her reply was ... " you should have been here for 9.30 " I told her we weren't given enough notice and quite honestly her attitude made me really annoyed and I nearly told her to cancel the whole thing but I decided to walk away and hope the trip improved. I have no idea why we were asked to arrive at 11am considering the boat was still out on the earlier trip. We actually set off at 12 as originally scheduled so the message we got about going early because of the high tide was obviously a load of rubbish. We were introduced to PK our guide and given life jackets and taken to the boat. PK and the skipper were really knowledgeable and explained about the different types of whales. After a short time out at sea we spotted our first HumpBack. We kept a good distance but had a fantastic view. We saw 4 humpback ( 2 mothers and 2 babies ) we stayed with them for about 30mins watching them blow and rising out of the water then diving down. After leaving the whales we made our way to see the Cape fur seals along the coast. There were hundred of them. It was great to see. Overall we had a really great experience. I'd just say the signing in woman needs to check her attitude!Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 November 2023
- Hilary G19 contributionsA whale of a time!Without a doubt giving the seal of approval! We had a whale of a time with PK and the Ocean Safaris crew! After being out in the morning and being unsuccessful in spotting any whales (even though we saw loads of beautiful dolphins), we went out on a second later tour where our minds were blown as we got to hang out with 3 incredible humpback whales. Thank you all 🐳 🐳🐳 a highlight of our South African honeymoon 👩🏼🤝👨🏻Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
145 reviews
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6
Alicia
5 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Experience of a lifetime. Service is impeccable from the office to the boat. Marlin, Andy and Olivia were all wonderful. Such an informative tour. We even got to see the Marlin and Andy, save a seal pup from drowning. 10 out of 10
Written 5 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hilary G
19 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Without a doubt giving the seal of approval! We had a whale of a time with PK and the Ocean Safaris crew! After being out in the morning and being unsuccessful in spotting any whales (even though we saw loads of beautiful dolphins), we went out on a second later tour where our minds were blown as we got to hang out with 3 incredible humpback whales. Thank you all 🐳 🐳🐳 a highlight of our South African honeymoon 👩🏼🤝👨🏻
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen M
Halifax, UK87 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
This review would have had a higher rating if it wasn't for the attitude of the woman signing us in. We were booked on the 12pm trip but received a message at 8.30am the day of the trip asking if we could arrive at 9.30am which we couldn't. I phoned the number and was asked to be at the meeting point for 11am.
On arrival the woman signing us in said we were very early. I replied we had been asked to turn up at 11am to which her reply was ... " you should have been here for 9.30 " I told her we weren't given enough notice and quite honestly her attitude made me really annoyed and I nearly told her to cancel the whole thing but I decided to walk away and hope the trip improved. I have no idea why we were asked to arrive at 11am considering the boat was still out on the earlier trip. We actually set off at 12 as originally scheduled so the message we got about going early because of the high tide was obviously a load of rubbish.
We were introduced to PK our guide and given life jackets and taken to the boat. PK and the skipper were really knowledgeable and explained about the different types of whales.
After a short time out at sea we spotted our first HumpBack. We kept a good distance but had a fantastic view. We saw 4 humpback ( 2 mothers and 2 babies ) we stayed with them for about 30mins watching them blow and rising out of the water then diving down.
After leaving the whales we made our way to see the Cape fur seals along the coast. There were hundred of them. It was great to see.
Overall we had a really great experience. I'd just say the signing in woman needs to check her attitude!
On arrival the woman signing us in said we were very early. I replied we had been asked to turn up at 11am to which her reply was ... " you should have been here for 9.30 " I told her we weren't given enough notice and quite honestly her attitude made me really annoyed and I nearly told her to cancel the whole thing but I decided to walk away and hope the trip improved. I have no idea why we were asked to arrive at 11am considering the boat was still out on the earlier trip. We actually set off at 12 as originally scheduled so the message we got about going early because of the high tide was obviously a load of rubbish.
We were introduced to PK our guide and given life jackets and taken to the boat. PK and the skipper were really knowledgeable and explained about the different types of whales.
After a short time out at sea we spotted our first HumpBack. We kept a good distance but had a fantastic view. We saw 4 humpback ( 2 mothers and 2 babies ) we stayed with them for about 30mins watching them blow and rising out of the water then diving down.
After leaving the whales we made our way to see the Cape fur seals along the coast. There were hundred of them. It was great to see.
Overall we had a really great experience. I'd just say the signing in woman needs to check her attitude!
Written 15 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Culture51080865893
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Couples
We had the most amazing morning with Phakamile(PK) and his knowledgeable crew. We were just blown away by the sightings of the common dolphins in the bay, the playful seals and the peacefulness of the ocean - just simply amazing! This was worth every single cent and we will definitely send and recommend all our family and guests … WE WILL BE BACK!!
Written 13 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna J
Pretoria, South Africa3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
I would give you 10 stars!!!! This was my second time and for my husband fifth time going for an ocean safari and we had a blast. Very friendly personnel in the office which gave honest suggestions on time to participate and very knowledgeable on the spot. We felt welcome and safe through out the entire trip. Those people know and love their job and it was seen. We had a good amount of knowledge shared with us at the most breathtaking experience. Last time we were fortunate to see a sea elephant fishing by the boat, this time we had a whale approaching the boat at a hand stretch. The fact that we were safe and the whale was safe was imperative. Whales were aware of us and they knew the boat, they knew we were not coming for harm. It was great to see them so close and to enjoy then playing and checking us out. We were escorted by them through out the entire trip. Never would have imagine. This was a birthday gift for my husband and it was one of a kind!!! Best regards from Anna and Reinard. We will definitely come again!!!
Written 7 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S beukes
7 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
What an experience. Love the launching of the boat Into the ocean and when coming back. Merlin our Captain very friendly. Saw about 12 Whales some dolphins and seals never a dull moment.
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adea1
Harrogate, UK158 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Just back from a 12pm boat tour. Boat is sturdy with seating for 20. Beach launch is adrenaline fuelled! We saw a pod of dolphin, some mothers and babies (have to keep 300m away) and a lone male who we waited until he got used to the boat, then he started playing around us. Totally magical. Another boat trip then headed towards us, as they saw the male jumping, then they headed off to the other mating couples in the waves. You could tell our guides knew whale patterns and the best places to be. Safe and knowledgeable tour. Tour guides recommend the 9.30 tour if you can.
Written 26 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StephenXXXXX
Port Elizabeth, South Africa873 contributions
Jun 2023
So glad we went out with Ocean Safaris, very professional and felt very safe. The Guys onboard were very knowledgeable and we certainly learnt a lot. Early in the season but lucky enough to see a Southern Right and great close ups of seals and coromonts.
Really enjoyed the whole trip and can thoroughly recommend Ocean Safaris for a great experience.
Really enjoyed the whole trip and can thoroughly recommend Ocean Safaris for a great experience.
Written 4 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniela C
4 contributions
Oct 2022 • Business
As a tour-guide which has done the garden route since 2006, I can by far recommend this as the best part of the garden route. Ocean Safaris has always delivered the best experience and whale watching. Ashwin & Pk make every trip worthwhile. The whale sightings sightings are incredible !
Written 25 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carmen
Vereeniging, South Africa10 contributions
Sep 2022
Smooth sailing from booking to the actual trip. Thank you to Ashwin and PK for the awesome experience. We were absolutely thrilled to have been able to see the whales. It was an awesome end to our holiday.
Written 22 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gl0betrekkeruk
Manchester UK38 contributions
What company did you use to go whale watching
Aud1507
Fife, UK19 contributions
Ocean Safaris at Plettenberg Bay, as reviewed
RinaChiHuang
Taiwan1 contribution
Hello, we are planning to go there on December 26th. We want join ocean safari. And i have several questioln, do you have company mail address for guest?
Mikael S
Bulahdelah, Australia2 contributions
Hi, are there any ocean safaris tomorrow morning? We are two people and would like to go there.
Ozzy-Kunnu
Melbourne, Australia2 979 contributions
I'm quite late but they have two morning safaris, one at 9.00am and other at 12pm
Sorry for the late reply.
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Claim your listingOCEAN SAFARIS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Ocean Safaris
- Hotels near Ocean Safaris:
- (0.04 km) Walkers Beach
- (0.15 km) The Bungalow Plettenberg Bay
- (0.16 km) Plett Beachfront Accommodation
- (0.20 km) The Old Rectory
- (0.22 km) Ocean Watch Guest House
- Restaurants near Ocean Safaris:
- (0.14 km) Plett Ski-Boat Club
- (0.22 km) The Fat Fish
- (0.16 km) The Bungalow Restaurant
- (0.18 km) Mobys
- (0.20 km) La Caféteria Plett