Cape Town is known for its diverse array of marine life that is just waiting to be explored. Whether you are an avid ocean enthusiast or simply looking for an exciting and unique adventure, try a marine safari Cape Town has to offer for an experience that you won’t soon forget.
A marine safari in Cape Town offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with some of the most fascinating and majestic creatures in the world. From the playful antics of Cape fur seals and dolphins to the awe-inspiring grace of manta rays and great white sharks, there’s something for everyone on a marine safari in Cape Town.
One of the most popular activities on a marine safari in Cape Town is shark cage diving. Visitors can witness the sheer power and agility of great white sharks as they hunt their prey in the waters off the Cape Peninsula. A cage is lowered into the water, allowing guests to enter and observe the sharks from a safe and secure space. The adrenaline rush and unparalleled thrill of seeing a great white shark up close make shark cage diving a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Cape Town Marine Life
Below are the diverse array of marine life you could experience on a marine safari Cape Town offers:
African Penguin
Also known as the jackass penguin, African Penguins are a unique species that can be found in large colonies on the coasts around Cape Town. They are a distinct black-and-white bird with a funny waddle, and they are often seen perched on rocks and secluded sandy beaches. African Penguins are classified as an endangered species, with only about 20,000 remaining in the wild. They are hunted by predators such as gulls and seals, and they are also susceptible to oil spills and habitat destruction. They are a highlight of any marine safari Cape Town has to offer.
Great White Shark
The great white shark is one of the most famous marine creatures in the world, and Cape Town is one of the few places in the world where visitors can get close to them in relative safety. Great white sharks are the largest predatory fish on the planet and have a reputation for being ferocious hunters. They are found mostly around Seal Island, where they feed on Cape fur seals, but they are also found up to 500 km off the South African coast. Great white sharks are classified as vulnerable, with overfishing and habitat degradation being the biggest threats to their survival.
Cape Fur Seal
Cape fur seals are a common sight along the rocky coasts around Cape Town. They are a medium-sized mammal that can weigh up to 350 kg. They are known for their love of sunbathing, and they can be seen lounging on rocks or in the water. Cape fur seals are hunted by great white sharks, and their population has been declining due to habitat destruction, overfishing, and pollution.
Southern Right Whale
The southern right whale is a large baleen whale that migrates to the coasts around Cape Town to mate and give birth. They are gentle giants, and visitors can often see them breaching and tail slapping in the water. Southern right whales were hunted to near-extinction by whalers in the 19th century, but their populations have since rebounded due to conservation efforts, which you can support by enjoying a marine safari Cape Town offers.
Common Dolphins
The common dolphin is a highly social species that can be found swimming in large groups, or pods, along the coastline of Cape Town. They are fast swimmers and are known for their acrobatic behaviour, often seen leaping out of the water or riding the wake of boats. Common dolphins are social and communicative animals, using a variety of vocalizations to communicate with one another. They feed on small fish, squid, and crustaceans, and are often found in areas with high concentrations of prey.
Manta Ray
Manta rays are large and graceful creatures that are related to sharks and stingrays. They can be found in warm coastal waters around the world, including the waters around Cape Town. Manta rays are filter feeders that consume large amounts of plankton, krill, and small fish. They have no teeth, instead, they use a specialised filter system that allows them to suck in large volumes of water, filter out their food, and expel the remaining water through their gills. Manta rays are known for their impressive wingspan, which can grow up to 7 meters. They are often seen in areas with high concentrations of plankton, such as near reefs which are popular destinations on a marine safari Cape Town.
Rock Lobster
Also known as crayfish, rock lobster is a popular local delicacy in Cape Town. They are a type of marine crustacean that can be found in the shallow waters around the coast. They are usually harvested during the lobster season, which runs from November to April, and are commonly served grilled, boiled, or poached.
Octopus
Octopuses are a type of cephalopod that can be found in rock pools and shallow waters around Cape Town. They are known for their intelligence and are often seen changing colour and texture to blend in with their surroundings. Octopuses are also masters of disguise and can squeeze into small crevices to hide from predators.
Humpback Dolphin
The humpback dolphin is a small species of dolphin that can be seen along the coasts of Cape Town. They are known for their energetic behaviour, jumping, and somersaulting out of the water. Humpback dolphins are threatened by overfishing, marine pollution, and habitat destruction, and they are classified as vulnerable, so see them while you can on a marine safari Cape Town has to offer.
Jellyfish
Cape Town is home to a variety of jellyfish species, including the deadly box jellyfish. These creatures are known for their translucent bodies and stinging tentacles. Visitors should always be cautious around jellyfish, as some species can be dangerous.
African Humpback Shark
The African humpback shark, also known as the dusky shark, is a medium-sized shark that is found in the waters around Cape Town. They are a slow-moving and harmless species that can grow up to 4 meters in length. African humpback sharks have an elongated, cylindrical body with a rounded snout and large dorsal fin. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a variety of prey, including fish, squid, and crustaceans.
Pyjama Shark
The pyjama shark is a small, colourful shark that is found around rocky reefs and kelp beds on a marine safari Cape Town. They are a harmless species that can grow up to 1 meter in length. Pyjama sharks are a bottom-dwelling species and are often seen hiding in crevices or under rocks during the day. At night, they become more active, hunting small fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. Pyjama sharks get their name from their distinctive striped pattern, which resembles a set of pyjamas.
Giant Spider Crab
The giant spider crab can be found in the deep waters around Cape Town and is known for its large size and spindly legs. They are a bottom-dwelling species that can grow up to 2 meters across, making them one of the largest species of crab in the world. Giant spider crabs are opportunistic feeders and will consume a variety of prey, including small fish and invertebrates. They are known for their long, spindly legs, which they use to navigate across the sea floor and to capture food.
Where to Experience a Marine Safari Cape Town
Here are some of the top places where visitors can experience a great marine safari Cape Town has to offer:
Boulders Beach
Located just outside of Cape Town, Boulders Beach is home to a large colony of African Penguins. Visitors can observe the penguins from boardwalks and viewing platforms or opt for a more up-close experience by visiting the beach and swimming with the penguins.
Seal Island
Located just a short boat trip away from Cape Town, Seal Island is home to a large population of Cape Fur Seals. Visitors can witness these playful creatures swimming and sunning themselves on the rocks, and can also see the great white sharks that hunt them from the safety of a shark cage.
Hermanus
Hermanus is a seaside town located about 1.5 hours from Cape Town, and it’s known as one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. Southern right whales migrate to this area in the winter months to mate and give birth, and visitors can take boat tours to see them up close for a fantastic marine safari Cape Town offers.
Kelp Forests
Kelp forests are a common feature of the Cape Town coastline and are home to a variety of marine creatures, including Cape Gurnards, Cuttlefish, and Pyjama Sharks. Visitors can take a guided scuba diving or snorkelling tour to explore these fascinating underwater habitats.
False Bay
Located on the eastern shoreline of the Cape Peninsula, False Bay is a popular destination for shark cage diving. Visitors can witness the impressive acrobatics of great white sharks as they hunt Cape Fur Seals in their natural habitat.
Hout Bay
Hout Bay is a picturesque coastal town located on the western side of the Cape Peninsula and a great place for a marine safari Cape Town offers. Visitors can take boat tours from here to see dolphins, whales, seals, and other marine life in their natural environment, or sample fresh seafood at the many harbourfront restaurants.
Two Oceans Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium is one of the city’s top tourist attractions. It features a range of marine exhibits, including a predator tank with several species of shark, as well as penguins, turtles, and other marine creatures.
Conclusion
A marine safari in Cape Town is an experience unlike any other. So the next time you plan your holiday, remember that the marine safari Cape Town offers is not like any other.