11.000+ marine species

The waters in and around South Africa are teeming with life. Just like on land, the waters are also home to a great variety of different ecosystems which provide life to crustaceans, fish, sharks, sea turtles, corals, sponges, sea cucumbers, squid, octopus, whales, dolphins, seals, penguin and many more.

 

Scuba diving, snorkeling and marine safari cruises are very popular in South Africa and many of the coastal towns provide these opportunities and cruises. If you want to experience the weird and wonderful of the seas, you need to get in to the water. This can be as easy as ankle-deep in the many rock-pools along the coastline.

 

Whale and dolphin watching is another very popular attraction. In general, whales can be seen from Doringsbaai to St Lucia between the months of June to November. Most likely you will see Humpback whales, Bryde’s Whales, Southern Right Whales and large pods of dolphins.

 

Other icons are the African Penguin (Boulders Beach and Betty’s Bay), Cape Fur Seal (Northern, Western, Easter Cape coastline) and Great White Shark (Simon’s Town and Gansbaai).