Ocean safaris to observe marine diversity
NELSON Mandela Bay (NMB) which is the only destination that is home to the Big 7 (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino, the Southern Right whale and the great white shark) is growing in popularity for its coastal and marine tourism offerings such as ocean safaris and boat-based whale watching excursions.
Boat based whale watching
The Department of Environmental Affairs recently increased the permit allocation from one to two when they awarded Boat Based Whale Watching business permits to NMB operators namely AB Marine Charters and Raggy Charters.
Ocean safaris provide an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the marine diversity of Algoa Bay and a chance to observe the ocean’s majestic giants in their natural environment by opting for a boat-based whale watching tour.
There is a wide range of ocean cruises to choose from which include the island cruise, sardine run cruise, penguin island cruise or a dolphin watching cruise to name a few.
Largest breeding colony in Africa
Bird Island and St. Croix Island in Algoa Bay were proclaimed part of Addo Elephant National Park in 2005 leading to the unique disposition of NMB being Home to the Big 7. This also enables rangers to patrol the islands in an effort to conserve and protect the endangered African penguin whilst allowing visitors to experience a land safari alongside an ocean safari.
St. Croix Island is home to 22 000 breeding pairs of the endangered African penguins, the largest breeding colony found in Africa.
Bird Island supports the largest breeding colony of Cape gannets in the world (over 160 000 birds) as well as other birds such as African penguins and rare roseate terns. Seal Island (near Bird Island) supports a breeding colony of Cape fur seals.
“This is an exciting time for Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism which remains on the fore-front of an ever-expanding marine tourism economy, said Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism CEO, Ms Mandlakazi Skefile
NMB has great potential as a coastal and marine tourism destination because of the natural resources and prolific environmental heritage.
International Hope Spot
Owing to the incredible marine biodiversity Algoa Bay is also an internationally acclaimed Hope Spot.
Mission Blue defines Hope Spots as special conservation areas that are critical to the health of the ocean.
When to watch what:
Southern Right Humpback whales
During July to December the humpback whale can be spotted and wondered at in the Bay and the Bryde’s whale can be seen year-round.
Humpback whales can be seen in Algoa Bay between June and early January, reaching peaks in July/August and again in November/December. Southern Right whales can be seen from July to November as they enter the safety of the Bay to give birth.
Indo-pacific bottlenose are the most sighted dolphins in the Bay throughout the year in groups ranging between 10-400. Common dolphins are seen in groups of 1000-2000 from January to June as they follow large shoals of baitfish which move past the Bay. Smaller groups of between 1-20 humpback dolphins are spotted in the summer months.
Sardine run
The renowned sardine run happens over roughly four weeks between mid-April – mid May. The sardine run is a phenomenon to witness and, like bait fish, simultaneously attracts predators such as dolphins, penguins, seals and sharks creating all-round viewing and exceptional ocean safari conditions. – REPORTER
