Marine Big 5 Trip

Marine Dynamics offers visitors a range of activities to explore the Marine Big 5 – whales, dolphins, penguins, seals and sharks – and cosy chalet accommodation for overnight stays.

Dryer Island Cruise

Dyer Island Cruises operates around the world-famous Dyer Island where visitors can spot the Marine Big 5 – the Southern Right Whale/Humpback/Bryde’s Whales, the iconic Great White Shark, the Cape fur seal, the endangered African Penguin and various visiting dolphin species. The island is also home to a wide variety of seabirds.

The cruise operates from The Great White House, which has a restaurant, bathroom facilities and curio shop. On arrival for the Dyer Island Cruise, guests are served coffee or tea with a muffin. Guests then receive an in-depth briefing regarding the island, Marine Dynamics’ conservation work and safety protocols. Every guest is equipped with inflatable life jackets and wet weather gear in case of cooler weather conditions, and are escorted to the custom-designed whale watching vessel.

Other stops include a visit to the shark cage diving vessels to view great white sharks and then head to Dyer Island for the penguins and seals. The cruise includes an onboard biologist and experienced crew to provide an educational, life-changing experience.

The trip includes a visit to the newly built African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) either before or after the trip. Dyer Island Cruises supports and funds the Dyer Island Conservation Trust.

The trip duration is approximately two hours. Guests need to arrive 45 minutes before the trip for registration, briefing and refreshments. All tours are weather dependent and are confirmed a day prior, after detailed weather and tide check. Please note that a conservation fee of R30 per person is not included in the rate.

The Great White House Accommodation

Situated in Kleinbaai, the Great White House Accommodation is fitted with beautiful rustic hardwood floors, a fireplace for those cold winter nights and open-plan living. The chalets offer a relaxed and cosy atmosphere.

The restaurant’s menu is versatile ranging from a full English style or health breakfasts to light lunches, seafood platters including local Abalone and Mussels (all fresh and fished / farmed ethically), and traditional dishes.

The coastline is abundant with prolific seaweed and invasive mussel species that can be harvested. Chef Chris Pead forages on the coastline weekly and turns these sustainably harvested ingredients into an ocean-inspired meal full of nutritional benefits.

Venue: 5 Geelbek Street, Kleinbaai, Western Cape