Location: Gansbaai
Top Things to do in Gansbaai
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The 10 Best Tours in Gansbaai, Western Cape
Gansbaai (Dutch/Afrikaans for "bay of geese," sometimes referred to as Gans Bay or Gangs Bay) is a fishing town and popular tourist destination in the Overberg District Municipality, Western Cape, South Africa. It is known for its dense population of great white sharks and as a whale-watching location.
Restaurants in Gansbaai
1. 2-Day Wine and Whale Coast Small Group Tour with Cape Agulhas from Cape Town
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Venture down south with this action-packed 2-day trip from Cape Town along the scenic Cape Whale Route – offering some of the best land-based whale watching sites for the Southern Right Whales during breeding season and to ultimately reach the most Southern Tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas. Sample local wines paired with chocolate or biltong at estates in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek Winelands regions. Spend the next day relaxing in Hermanus; hiking the cliff paths with optional sea kayaking during whale season and penguin spotting at Betty's Bay!
Inclusions: Breakfast, Local English-speaking professional tour guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Visit a Kayamandi township local, Wine and chocolate or biltong pairing session, MCC bubbly tasting
Exclusions: Lunch, dinner and drinks, unless specified, Optional Whale Watch Cruise (about R1000) or Sea Kayak (about R600) or Shark Cage Dive (about R2500), Optional Biltong & wine tasting
Reviewed By AlbertoVanzetto
Great trip! TK was so helpful and always available to help. The hostels we stayed in were amazing and the activities even better, I strongly suggest the elephant walk, bungee jumping and sandboarding.
2. Private Day Tour:Cape Agulhas Tip of Africa Winelands Penguins from Cape Town
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This 10-hour Private Tour for Small Parties takes you to the "Tip of Africa", "Where the Two Oceans Meet" Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Social distance a main priority. Crowds will be avoided. Utmost flexibility applied Wine tasting outdoors The tour includes a visit to the "Tip of Africa" Lighthouse (third oldest in South Africa) Although it is a long journey-4 hours, stops will be made en route, one in Hermanus, the Whale Capital of South Africa, as well as at "Stoney Point" to see the hundreds of African Penguins in its natural habitat. On the way back we stop at one of the award-winning vineyards to sample a few superior wines. The drive will take you along awesome mountain passes and will conclude with a picturesque Coastal Drive on the way back into the "Mother City" Keep your eyes peeled for the National Bird of South Africa, the Blue Crane, as the region known as "Overberg" is the natural habitat of this beautiful bird. Drop off around 17h00/18h00. STARTING TIME: 8h00.
Inclusions: Chilled bottled water, Live commentary on board, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by air-conditioned minivan or Sedan
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities, Fees where applicable.
Reviewed By Babybeast82
Ivan is brilliant. His local knowledge of the history of the region is invaluable because I assure you that this information is not available in a mainstream history book. Everything from the building architecture to the local flora and fauna of the region. This made the tour enjoyable and interesting. Thank you!
3. Marine Big 5 Safari from Hermanus
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 21 reviews
Operating around the world famous Dyer Island where you might be so fortunate to see the Marine Big 5 – the Southern Right Whale/Humpback/Bryde’s Whales, the iconic Great White Shark, the Cape fur seal (around 60 000 on Geyser Rock), the endangered African Penguin and various visiting dolphin species. The area is also home to a wide variety of seabirds.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Coffee/tea and muffins on arrival, Warm soup and bread after the trip, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Inflatable life-jackets and wet weather gear, Professional guide, Free visit to our African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS)
Exclusions: Trip footage available for purchase after the trip
Reviewed By dominikakB8408JS
Absolute highlight of our trip! We had a fantastic time on the Whale Whisperer boat and all staff made this an unforgettable experience! This trip was a wedding present for our friends who just got married a few days before. We were welcomed by friendly staff when we arrived at the restaurant and then given an interesting intro into the day. After that we walked over to the marina and boarded the boat with the skipper, marine biologist and an animal spotter. We were quickly rewarded with spotting a large group of bottlenose dolphins, then penguins, seals and a couple of sharks. Unfortunately no whales but the Southern Right migrated already. All staff cared for us perfectly throughout the trip and made us feel very welcome. We would recommend this to everyone, great for all ages.
4. Marine Big 5 Safari: Self-Drive
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 30 reviews
Operating around the world famous Dyer Island where you might be so fortunate to see the Marine Big 5 – the Southern Right Whale/Humpback/Bryde’s Whales, the iconic Great White Shark, the Cape fur seal (around 60 000 on Geyser Rock), the endangered African Penguin and various visiting dolphin species. The area is also home to a wide variety of seabirds.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Coffee/tea and muffins on arrival, Warm soup and bread after the trip, Inflatable life-jackets and wet weather gear, Professional guide, Free visit to our African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS)
Exclusions: Trip footage available for purchase after the trip, Transportation to/from attractions, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By ShaaziaW
The team at Dyer are very friendly. We saw seals, dolphins, sharks and seals. They take their time spotting so we get to see some of the big 5. Highly recommend them
5. Gansbaai Shark Diving Extreme Adventure Transfer
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 10 reviews
This transfer will take you to Gansbaai, the shark capital of the world. In Gansbaai shark cage diving, you will get your adrenaline pumping full time as you behold great White Sharks encircling your cage. Truly you cannot be in Cape Town and not take part in Shark diving for Cape Town is literally the head office of shark diving in the world. Extreme shark adventures happen in Dyer Island. Sharks like this place due to its high population of seals. The island has a large marine bird population including Jackass Penguins, Bank Cormorants, Kelp gulls, rare African Black Oystercatchers and various other marine birds. After watching sharks and some other marine population you will meet some local fisherman that sell fish for a braai (barbecue). The adventure is endless from start to finish.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Bottled water, Snacks, Light lunch will be served, All diving equipment such as wet-suits, booties, masks, wet weather protective jackets and clean dry towels are provided, Air-conditioned vehicle, Hot shower
Exclusions: Shark Diving DVD, Shark Diving fees of R2000 payable to boat company
Reviewed By Thotho175
It was a very interactive and informative experience. We also learnt the culture of the Xhosa people including circumcision and how they treat their family members after this ritual. We also saw the great job by the city of Cape Town who are replacing the shacks with a better accommodation. This is tge very informative tour and I'll do recommend to anyone who want to learn about South Africans especially the Xhosas
6. Shark Cage Diving and Viewing from Cape Town
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 295 reviews
You may think you’re a fear-defying thrill lover, but can you handle the ultimate heart-pounding experience? Find out in Cape Town by cage diving with great white sharks. This full-day shark-diving experience takes you out into the open ocean off the shore of Gansbaai and puts you within touching distance of one of the world’s most feared predators. Before jumping in, you'll learn about the sharks from the onboard marine biologist and expert guides. Breakfast, snacks and hotel-pick up and drop off are included.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Light refreshments, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, All diving gear and towels supplied
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By M4KUvis
Loved the whole experience! The crew were super helpful & friendly throughout the trip. The whole operation just runs smoothly - from you being welcomed, the briefing, safety protocols and also advice and information from the marine biologist onboard. We even had our 4 y.o. twins with us, IN THE CAGE. Amazing to could have shared this with them - they can't stop talking about 'the big shark'. Great to know young families are well-accommodated. Saw a beautiful 4.5m female great white, that got the whole boat excited! WELL-DONE Marine Dynamics, we'll be back!
7. Shark Cage Diving and Viewing from Hermanus
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 20 reviews
You may think you’re a fear-defying thrill lover, but can you handle the ultimate heart-pounding experience? Find out in Cape Town by cage diving with great white sharks. This full-day shark-diving experience takes you out into the open ocean off the shore of Gansbaai and puts you within touching distance of one of the world’s most feared predators. Before jumping in, you'll learn about the sharks from the onboard marine biologist and expert guides. Breakfast, snacks and hotel-pick up and drop off are included.
Inclusions: All diving gear and towels supplied, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Light refreshments, Professional guide, Breakfast
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Rob M
Maybe our expectations were too high, or we felt misled by the emphasis on the great whites on the website, but to only be told during the briefing that great white sightings are extremely rare these days was quite disappointing. I think the website needs to be revamped to reflect what the experience really is ie a boat trip with bronze whaler sightings and an emphasis on educating people about conservation. I don’t doubt there are occasional great white sightings, but I get the distinct impression these are few and far between. Customers should be made more aware of this before they commit to the trip and invest significant time and cost. We based our decision on the fantastic marketing spiel on the website eg best place in the world for great white sightings. The Aussie marine biologist is amazing and seems to do several jobs at the same time, genuinely caring for her customers and passionate about sharing her vast knowledge. The broader team were nice and friendly as well.
8. Cape Agulhas Tour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Cape Agulhas if you are visiting South Africa, should be on your list of the things to do.This is where the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean meet, and from the lighthouse, you get a picturesque view of the the two Oceans.To complement the marker for the meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans the park service has installed a huge topographical map of the African continent. It is amazing to walk around it and recognize the mountain ranges, river basins and other geographic features. Puts many things in perspective seeing it all laid out in front of you! In addition new walkways have been installed to add to visitors enjoyment of this beautiful area. If they are lots of people you will have to stand in line to get a picture at the marker. This place is by far one of the most beautiful places in the World. Highlights Cape Agulhas - Southernmost Tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas Lighthouse Elim Gansbaai Stanford Hermanus :Southern Right whales (seasonal) Clarence Drive Sir Lowrys Pass
Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By connellw2016
Amazing tour!! Lele and the Langa tour guide were awesome! Very informative, helpful, insightful, and willing to go over and beyond to ensure their clients experience the ultimate tour. We were very fortunate and blessed to travel to Robben Island and get a once in a lifetime experience, and get the opportunity first hand to listen to inspiring and informative insights from the tour guides on the conditions and unfortunate circumstances political prisoners endured while incarcerated there. It is a most tour if you are in Cape Town, but understand the weather conditions dictate whether or not the boat leaves the docking area in order to travel to Robben Island, and not fault of the travel company. Even though it is understanding the customers may feel disappointed in not being able to visit Robben Island. Nevertheless, it blessing to be able to experience the Robben Island and Township tour and learned about apartheid history and the effects it had on the people in South Africa, and the continue social, psychological, and financial economic problems they continue to deal with this very moment. True story of South Africa from the people who live there, but still seeing the inspiring stories of fighting for freedom and social equality and economic prosperity.
9. Marine Big 5 Safari from Cape Town
Overall Ratings
4.3 based on 52 reviews
Operating around the world famous Dyer Island where you might be so fortunate to see the Marine Big 5 – the Southern Right Whale/Humpback/Bryde’s Whales, the iconic Great White Shark, the Cape fur seal (around 60 000 on Geyser Rock), the endangered African Penguin and various visiting dolphin species. The area is also home to a wide variety of seabirds.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Coffee/tea and muffins on arrival, Warm soup and bread after the trip, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Inflatable life-jackets and wet weather gear, Professional guide, Free visit to our African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS)
Exclusions: Trip footage available for purchase after the trip
Reviewed By dominikakB8408JS
Absolute highlight of our trip! We had a fantastic time on the Whale Whisperer boat and all staff made this an unforgettable experience! This trip was a wedding present for our friends who just got married a few days before. We were welcomed by friendly staff when we arrived at the restaurant and then given an interesting intro into the day. After that we walked over to the marina and boarded the boat with the skipper, marine biologist and an animal spotter. We were quickly rewarded with spotting a large group of bottlenose dolphins, then penguins, seals and a couple of sharks. Unfortunately no whales but the Southern Right migrated already. All staff cared for us perfectly throughout the trip and made us feel very welcome. We would recommend this to everyone, great for all ages.
10. Shark Cage Diving Tour from Cape Town
Overall Ratings
3.8 based on 12 reviews
Through the ages, the great white shark has stirred up emotions of fear and fascination. Join this expedition and get close and personal in the cage or enjoy the experience from the deck of the boat operating from Gansbaai Harbour.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Shark cage dive, Transport, Lunch
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 991mbalid
My favorite part was honestly the tour guide. Mukhtar was absolutely amazing. Very professional. Polite. And very informative. We learned more about Cape Town than ever before. Definitely will come back again
