Algoa Bay is a proclaimed marine biodiversity hotspot and is located at the conjuncture of two major oceanic systems, the Agulhas and the Benguela currents, which gives it a climate and oceanic conditions favourable for a large number of marine species. It hosts charismatic species of cetaceans, including killer whales (all year round), southern right and humpback whales (during the winter months - June to November), Brydes whales (all year round) and four species of dolphins. Algoa Bay has also been named the bottlenose dolphin capital of the world. Residents and visitors enjoy daily sightings of these animals swimming past the numerous beautiful beaches. On the rare occasion sightings of humpback dolphins are recorded. If one travels further out to sea by boat you are bound to see the common dolphins as they race along looking for their next bait ball of fish.

The bay is also home to two large islands, namely St Croix (the biggest African Penguin breeding colony in the world) and bird Island with it's vast numbers of African Penguins and Cape Gannets resident there.  Although the numders of these seabirds are decreasing dramatically in the rest of South Africa, they are stable in the bay. Bird Island also boasts with it's own cape fur seal colony.

The close proximity of The Greater Addo Elephant National Park as well as various private game parks make this bay the only one in the world where the ‘Big Seven’ land based and marine based species can be observed in one place i.e. lions, leopards, rhino, buffalo, elephant, great white sharks and cetaceans (whales and dolphins).

With this great bio diversity that the bay offers, Marine Eco Cruises are becoming the order of the day. The vessel leaves from the Port of Port Elizabeth and then one gets to travel across the vast bay in search of whales, dolphins, penguins, seals, gannets and albatross. One has the choice of the 3 island tour (St Croix, Brenton and Jahleel), Bird Island or Cape Recife. Qualified scuba divers and avid snorkelers have the advantage of diving and snorkeling at St Croix island or Cape Recife. A light snack is available on board. The vessel then returns to the Port after the trip, which can range from 3 to 8 hours.

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Marine Eco Cruises:

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Be sure to book now to avoid disappointment!

Discounted rates available for groups!

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