Durban: Durban: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

Durban: Durban: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

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Cruise for 2 hours out onto the Indian Ocean and watch migratory humpback whales up close. Discover more about them with a guide and keep an eye out for other local marine life, including dolphins.

Highlights

Marvel at humpback whales in their natural habitat during the winter months
See these gigantic mammals play and swim on their arduous migratory trek
Learn about the life, behavior, and characteristics of the whales with a guide
Discover other local marine life, such as dolphins, fish, and birds
Sight various local marine life including dolphins all year round

Description

Take an exhilarating 2-hour cruise into the Indian Ocean and encounter one of the world's most magnificent mammals, the humpback whale, at close range. Admire the inquisitive whales in their natural habitat, and learn about them and other local marine life with a qualified whale tour guide. After greeting your guide at the meeting point, board your 11-passenger boat, registered with South African safety authority as a suitable Whale and Dolphin Watching boat since 2012 and holder of one of the limited whale watching permits in Durban. Head out onto the deep blue ocean toward the Mozambican current, and enjoy the views from your front-facing seats with the skipper/crew behind you. From June to November every year, look out for the spectacular breaches of the whales above the water as they travel on their migratory route from the Southern Oceans to warmer tropical waters for mating and giving birth, and on their return toward the nutrient-rich waters of Antarctica. If you're lucky, delight in the mesmerizing experience of a mother feeding or playing with her calf, or older calves jumping and teasing one another, seeking the attention of the adults. As well as whales, this tour offers the opportunity to watch dolphins frolicking in the swells and, on occasion, see turtles come out of the awesome clear depths to feed on what's on the surface. Marvel at the local wildlife big and small, from birds and fish to the enormous humpback whales themselves, which reach approximately 15 meters (49 feet) in length and weigh about 30 tons. Occasionally there are orca, manta rays, and killer sharks too. Cruises do not have a dedicated boat and rely on a pool of available vessels to cover fluctuations in weather, seasonal passenger numbers, and planned maintenance. This means that passengers may not be guaranteed a specific boat for their cruise but will still be able to enjoy the same cruise experience on a different vessel. Know before you go: Not wheelchair-friendly Not recommended for toddlers (Parent responsibility) The cruise route is weather dependent

Includes

Whale watching boat trip English guide Zulu guide Open ocean sailing Some cruises do not have a dedicated boat and rely on a pool of available vessels to cover fluctuations in weather, seasonal passenger numbers, and planned maintenance. This means that passengers may not be guaranteed a specific boat for their cruise but will still be able to enjoy the same cruise experience on a different vessel.

Important Information

Whale and dolphin sightings are contingent on the time of year. In the winter months, there are dolphins and whales in the area. Whales pass Durban anytime from May to November annually. During the summer months, whales migrate elsewhere. During these months, you will instead go dolphin watching and see other sea creatures
Swimming with the animals is not permitted
No food is provided aboard but you can take some snacks along. There is a restaurant where you can purchase food and a big selection of restaurants to choose from at the end of the excursion