Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise
Description
Our cruise is unique in that we operate in the diverse Algoa Bay, rich in wildlife and history. Visiting St Croix island, home to half the worlds remaining endangered African Penguins. This tour is run just once a day instead of trying to run multiple cruises in one day. This ensures that our skippers and guides are fresh and alert for every cruise and makes it possible to spend more time and effort searching for wildlife in our Bay or observing something special that we come across provided that no one on board is in a rush to get back for a flight or bookings previously made. Our main focus is education, conservation and assisting in research which is made possible by the funds generated from our Marine Eco-Cruises out into Algoa Bay. Trees are planted to balance our carbon footprint for each cruise conducted. We use smaller boats so as to keep our cruises personal. Our skippers and Guides are very knowledge and are there to answer any questions and see to the needs of our Guests.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We meet our guests at 8am and after a short briefing before we head out into PE's beautiful Algoa Bay on our twin-engine catamaran. The whale season begins in June when we see humpback whales moving along the coast as they head up the East coast of Africa towards their breeding grounds. Humpback whales can be seen in Algoa Bay from June to early December. They make their return journey from October, females with calves in tow. Southern right whales can be seen close in shore from July to September.
Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins are the most frequently observed dolphins in the bay and can be spotted all year round, in groups from 10-400. These playful dolphins are mostly found in shallow waters either near the beaches or around St Croix Island, and tend to come right up to the boat and ride along in the bow waves. Common dolphins are also a spectacular sight as they are seen in groups of 1000-2000, swimming along at great speeds. These dolphins are often spotted all year round further out to sea, especially on the bird island tours, as they follow large shoals of baitfish which move past the bay. We also get humpback dolphins in Algoa Bay, which usually occur in much smaller groups, anywhere between 1 and 20, and are most commonly seen during the summer months.
St. Croix Island is home to 12,000 endangered African penguins, the largest breeding colony found in Africa (though we have lost 70% in 10 years). It is here where you will get a close-up encounter with these comical birds. The African penguin’s breeding season reaches its peak between March and May, when you may be able to see the chicks from the boat. As well as African penguins, both St. Croix and Brenton Island are inhabited by the endangered African black oystercatcher, white-breasted cormorants and Cape cormorants. The St. Croix Island group, along with the Bird Island group, became part of the Addo Elephant National Park, allowing rangers to patrol the islands in aid of conservation efforts to protect the African penguin population. As they are Marine Protected Are-as, please note that you are not allowed to actually go on to the islands.
Next to the above-mentioned animals you have the opportunity to see of spotting white-breasted cormorants, Cape cormorants, bryde’s whales, minke whales, Cape fur seals, various species of sharks, Cape gannets and various species of pelagic birds including terns, petrels, skuas, shearwa-ters and albatrosses.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Disabled who can board with assistance from family and crew are welcome to join. There is no age restriction. Life jackets are available for all ages
- Please join at your own discretion regarding health and fitness
Reviews(808)
Our trip with Raggy Charters was truly one of the most incredible experiences of our lives. From the moment we stepped aboard, the entire crew made us feel welcome, comfortable, and well looked after. We were fortunate enough to see dolphins, African penguins, and even humpback whales, but what made the experience so special went far beyond the wildlife. The passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm of the crew shone through in everything they did. It was clear that they genuinely love what they do, and that passion is contagious. Their excitement and dedication allowed us to fully appreciate every moment and made the experience unforgettable. What Raggy Charters is doing is incredibly important, and it's the kind of organization that deserves support. The combination of conservation, education, and creating meaningful experiences for visitors is something truly special. Thank you to the entire team for giving us memories we'll never forget. If you're considering a trip with Raggy Charters, don't hesitate—you'll be talking about it for years to come.
It all starts with the crew. Nature does not always comply, but being with deeply passionate and knowledgeable people makes all the difference. It I had experienced only 50% of my unforgettable day I’d still give 5 stars.
Thank you so much Guy! For joining us and for the lovely review - so good too hear you enjoyed the day so much.
Just one word…… WOW!!!! The stars aligned for us on our trip with Whales, dolphins,shark ,seals,penguins and many birds An awesome marine adventure by a passionate knowledgeable professional team led by skipper Jake
Thank you so much for joining us Terry and for the awesome WOW!!!! Jake and team so enjoyed spending the day with all.
Felt a bit sea sick, but nonetheless great experience.
So good to hear you enjoyed all even though you felt a bit seasick. Thank you for joining us and for taking the time to note a review - is appreciated by our team.
What an incredible experience! The entire team at Raggy Charters was friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable, and endlessly patient from start to finish. Their passion for what they do really shines through, and they went out of their way to make everyone feel comfortable and included. The trip was well organised, informative, and thoroughly enjoyable. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a memorable day on the water.
Thank you so much for joining us, the 5 star review and recommendation - we all appreciate. Very good to hear you enjoyed all.
The guides were so knowledgeable and kind. I love how much they care about the environment and animals. They’re very passionate about what they do!
Thank you Mandi - means a lot to our team to get such great feedback - hope you can join again one day!
Great experience and an opportunity to view the rich marine life of the Eastern Cape first hand. Knowledge, experience and passion of the hosts make this trip a highlight.
Thank you Mike, so happy you could join us and lovely to hear you enjoyed the crew. We really enjoy the interaction with guests who become family from around the world.
A brilliant company from the booking right through to the landing. Very professional people who certainly know their stuff. We were lucky to see a humpback and her baby in May which is earlier than expected in the year. We saw 100's of dolphins, some seals parked under a cargo ship and a Brydes whale. The penguins were out swimming in the bay so we didn't see them on St Croix island but their numbers have certainly diminished due to over fishing and pollution over the last decade or more. Keep up your conservation work Raggy Tours you are desperately needed.
Wow - thank you Justo, such a lovely 5 star review. We will keep doing what we do. Thank you for helping us fund our conservation efforts by joining a tour.
A very nice trip. The crew was very friendly. The whales only showed themselves briefly, but the dolphins did so much more. I disembarked with enthusiasm. Highly recommended!
Thank you Stefan, so good to hear that our guests have enjoyed themselves and recommend us - greatly appreciated by our team. Happy travels and hope you visit again one day.
It was an absolute amazing experience! They not only helped me get through my sea sickness they made it so I didn’t miss a second! The information with each animal we saw was also amazing! I’m incredibly grateful for the experience.
Thank you so much for joining us and thus contributing to our conservation projects. Great to hear you managed and enjoyed all even though you got a bit sea sick.. Well Done!!
