Ocean Safaris
Ocean Safaris
4.5
About
Ocean safaris whale and dolphin watching We are legally permitted to conduct close encounter experiences !!!! Exploring the bay for over 10 years, Ocean Safaris, a family run business, lets the wildlife and weather shape your journey, giving you a unique opportunity to see some of the ocean’s largest and most mysterious inhabitants in their natural environment.We are fair trade and green ticket accredited. What do I bring along? Yourself, your family and your friends. There is no particular dress, we suggest you wear comfortable clothing and shoes and bring along a jacket. Sun screen, hat and sunglasses are also good items to pack. Camera’s and other gadgets are allowed on board at your own risk. What will I be doing? Exploring the coastline and rich waters in and around our bay, searching for whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, seabirds and more. Come on a voyage of discovery as you search for Plettenberg Bays majestic creatures of the deep. What will I see? Our climate is changing and these changes seem to be affecting our marine life, in particular the Southern Rights. Over the past two years, sightings of Southern Right whales have dropped, but we see more Brydes and Humpbacks than before. Our dolphin sightings are awesome and include the playful Bottlenose, energetic Commons and the highly endangered Humpbacked dolphins. A variety of sea birds are sighted as well as the ever growing Cape Fur seal population. We see many different animals that come into our bay to say hello. Particular species cannot be guaranteed as these animals are being viewed in their natural environment but times of year can depict their occurrence. This is a true “seafari” and every one is different, you never know what you will find …. How will I know what to look for? Highly qualified and experienced marine guides aboard will guide you through the different species you are likely to encounter, showing you how to identify them and where to look. They will be on hand to answer any questions you might have, talk about the history, geology and wildlife during your adventure! What about the boats? Ocean Safaris boats are inspected regularly by the South Africa Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA). With over 10 years of experience operating marine tours in the area ensures we have the right vessel and equipment to help guarantee your safety on every tour. Where is ocean safaris? Milkwood Centre, Hopwood Street, Central Beach , Plettenberg bay GPS: 23° 23.344' E 34° 03.354' S Due to limited numbers, all trips require prior booking. Don’t miss your place! Please note all cruises are weather dependent and at skipper’s discretion an alternative vessel may be used at times
These cruises get you as close as legally possible to unforgettable encounters with whales, dolphins and seals at work and play.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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4.5
149 reviews
Excellent
115
Very good
16
Average
9
Poor
3
Terrible
6
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Rick R
Richmond, VA393 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
Setting up the tour was first rate, as the communications were excellent along each step of the way. We stayed in Knysna and drove to Plett to join the tour group. The group consisted of about twenty to twenty five people.
The staff checked us in, gave us our life jackets and we took a short walk to the boat on the beach. The two gentlemen who piloted the boat and the one who narrated were so entertaining, enthusiastic and very helpful. My mother in law needed assistance getting onto and off of the boat, and they were perfect.
We saw several whales near the shoreline, followed by going to a small island of seals swimming and basking in the sun. The boat was very spacious and everyone had an opportunity to see no matter where they sat. They even had small number of people go to the eagle’s nest of the boat for a higher vantage point.
Even the ride in the boat was fun. From the launching from the beach, to the ride, and the landing upon the beach, it was just a great experience for all of us.
They also do other excursions but we came for whale watching, only.
It was an enjoyable tour.
Definitely recommend them.
The staff checked us in, gave us our life jackets and we took a short walk to the boat on the beach. The two gentlemen who piloted the boat and the one who narrated were so entertaining, enthusiastic and very helpful. My mother in law needed assistance getting onto and off of the boat, and they were perfect.
We saw several whales near the shoreline, followed by going to a small island of seals swimming and basking in the sun. The boat was very spacious and everyone had an opportunity to see no matter where they sat. They even had small number of people go to the eagle’s nest of the boat for a higher vantage point.
Even the ride in the boat was fun. From the launching from the beach, to the ride, and the landing upon the beach, it was just a great experience for all of us.
They also do other excursions but we came for whale watching, only.
It was an enjoyable tour.
Definitely recommend them.
Written 5 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adea1
Harrogate, UK347 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Just back from a 12pm boat tour. Boat is sturdy with seating for 20. Beach launch is adrenaline fuelled! We saw a pod of dolphin, some mothers and babies (have to keep 300m away) and a lone male who we waited until he got used to the boat, then he started playing around us. Totally magical. Another boat trip then headed towards us, as they saw the male jumping, then they headed off to the other mating couples in the waves. You could tell our guides knew whale patterns and the best places to be. Safe and knowledgeable tour. Tour guides recommend the 9.30 tour if you can.
Written 26 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniela C
7 contributions
Oct 2022 • Business
As a tour-guide which has done the garden route since 2006, I can by far recommend this as the best part of the garden route. Ocean Safaris has always delivered the best experience and whale watching. Ashwin & Pk make every trip worthwhile. The whale sightings sightings are incredible !
Written 25 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen M
Halifax, UK113 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
This review would have had a higher rating if it wasn't for the attitude of the woman signing us in. We were booked on the 12pm trip but received a message at 8.30am the day of the trip asking if we could arrive at 9.30am which we couldn't. I phoned the number and was asked to be at the meeting point for 11am.
On arrival the woman signing us in said we were very early. I replied we had been asked to turn up at 11am to which her reply was ... " you should have been here for 9.30 " I told her we weren't given enough notice and quite honestly her attitude made me really annoyed and I nearly told her to cancel the whole thing but I decided to walk away and hope the trip improved. I have no idea why we were asked to arrive at 11am considering the boat was still out on the earlier trip. We actually set off at 12 as originally scheduled so the message we got about going early because of the high tide was obviously a load of rubbish.
We were introduced to PK our guide and given life jackets and taken to the boat. PK and the skipper were really knowledgeable and explained about the different types of whales.
After a short time out at sea we spotted our first HumpBack. We kept a good distance but had a fantastic view. We saw 4 humpback ( 2 mothers and 2 babies ) we stayed with them for about 30mins watching them blow and rising out of the water then diving down.
After leaving the whales we made our way to see the Cape fur seals along the coast. There were hundred of them. It was great to see.
Overall we had a really great experience. I'd just say the signing in woman needs to check her attitude!
On arrival the woman signing us in said we were very early. I replied we had been asked to turn up at 11am to which her reply was ... " you should have been here for 9.30 " I told her we weren't given enough notice and quite honestly her attitude made me really annoyed and I nearly told her to cancel the whole thing but I decided to walk away and hope the trip improved. I have no idea why we were asked to arrive at 11am considering the boat was still out on the earlier trip. We actually set off at 12 as originally scheduled so the message we got about going early because of the high tide was obviously a load of rubbish.
We were introduced to PK our guide and given life jackets and taken to the boat. PK and the skipper were really knowledgeable and explained about the different types of whales.
After a short time out at sea we spotted our first HumpBack. We kept a good distance but had a fantastic view. We saw 4 humpback ( 2 mothers and 2 babies ) we stayed with them for about 30mins watching them blow and rising out of the water then diving down.
After leaving the whales we made our way to see the Cape fur seals along the coast. There were hundred of them. It was great to see.
Overall we had a really great experience. I'd just say the signing in woman needs to check her attitude!
Written 15 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fearless51619898606
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
Warning ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ warning ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ This company does not deliver on the booked services in any way! All the employees lie to you! Our experience: we booked the whale watching tour at 2:30 p.m. We arrived on time, and when we asked (at around 2:45 p.m.) we were told that we would have to wait for four more people before the two-hour tour would begin. At around 3 p.m., when we asked again, we were told that they were suddenly only waiting for a school class. When the school class arrived, it still hadn’t started and we now had to wait for the right water level. How long is unclear. In the meantime, we had checked the tides on the internet and realized that we had been lied to. When we confronted the employees with this information, they continued to lie. They wanted the remaining 10 tourists waiting to rebook for the next morning. Six people then did so. We and another couple were unable to do this due to time constraints. When the tour finally started at 4:30 p.m. (2 hours late), the reason was clear to us - there wouldn't have been enough room on the boat for everyone. The WHALE watching tour only lasted 1 hour in total. Only 1/2 hour was spent looking for whales, the remaining 1/2 hour was spent looking at seals. After complaining on board, the staff said it wasn't their fault and that the office was to blame. Not worth the money! Rip-off! People are being taken for fools!

Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StephenXXXXX
Port Elizabeth, South Africa818 contributions
Jun 2023
So glad we went out with Ocean Safaris, very professional and felt very safe. The Guys onboard were very knowledgeable and we certainly learnt a lot. Early in the season but lucky enough to see a Southern Right and great close ups of seals and coromonts.
Really enjoyed the whole trip and can thoroughly recommend Ocean Safaris for a great experience.
Really enjoyed the whole trip and can thoroughly recommend Ocean Safaris for a great experience.
Written 4 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna J
Pretoria, South Africa8 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
I would give you 10 stars!!!! This was my second time and for my husband fifth time going for an ocean safari and we had a blast. Very friendly personnel in the office which gave honest suggestions on time to participate and very knowledgeable on the spot. We felt welcome and safe through out the entire trip. Those people know and love their job and it was seen. We had a good amount of knowledge shared with us at the most breathtaking experience. Last time we were fortunate to see a sea elephant fishing by the boat, this time we had a whale approaching the boat at a hand stretch. The fact that we were safe and the whale was safe was imperative. Whales were aware of us and they knew the boat, they knew we were not coming for harm. It was great to see them so close and to enjoy then playing and checking us out. We were escorted by them through out the entire trip. Never would have imagine. This was a birthday gift for my husband and it was one of a kind!!! Best regards from Anna and Reinard. We will definitely come again!!!
Written 7 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea C
Port Elizabeth, South Africa1 contribution
May 2021 • Couples
We booked to go dolphin watching with Ocean Safari and we did not have a good experience. We had checked the weather beforehand and wanted to go when the weather was still pleasant as it was forecast to have a serious storm in the area on the Thursday of that week. We booked well in advance to go on the dolphin watching on the Wednesday at 09:30, which was rescheduled by the Ocean Safari on the morning of our trip to the next day at 09:30, and was again rescheduled by Ocean Safari to 12:00 on the Thursday. We raised our concerns about the weather as everyone in Plett had warned us about the storm coming, but we were reassured it was fine. Even though there were delays, we were still excited.
We got to our thrice rescheduled booking well before 12:00, only to have to wait for the late passengers to join and then only embarked on the boat at 12:40. The owner of the company made these decisions to delay, knowing that the weather wasn’t going to last. The weather started to turn very bad when we were out past Robberg and it was not safe. PK, the guide, and Nico, the skipper, did their best under the circumstances.
Words cannot describe how terrifying this experience was. The waves were enormous and were bucking the boat, with the wind threatening to push us further out to sea. It was a terrifying experience but luckily we got back safely thanks to the excellent work of Nico and PK. When we got back they refunded everyone, but the company and owner put all of our lives at risk. I urge the owner of Ocean Safari to read this and understand that this was totally unnecessary. Please do not let this happen to anyone else again.
We got to our thrice rescheduled booking well before 12:00, only to have to wait for the late passengers to join and then only embarked on the boat at 12:40. The owner of the company made these decisions to delay, knowing that the weather wasn’t going to last. The weather started to turn very bad when we were out past Robberg and it was not safe. PK, the guide, and Nico, the skipper, did their best under the circumstances.
Words cannot describe how terrifying this experience was. The waves were enormous and were bucking the boat, with the wind threatening to push us further out to sea. It was a terrifying experience but luckily we got back safely thanks to the excellent work of Nico and PK. When we got back they refunded everyone, but the company and owner put all of our lives at risk. I urge the owner of Ocean Safari to read this and understand that this was totally unnecessary. Please do not let this happen to anyone else again.
Written 20 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thaís Regina M
Guara, DF2 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We booked a 2-hour tour to watch dolphins and whales. We were lucky because that day there were many dolphins in the area. And it was a beautiful experience to see their interaction. Then we went to the place where a whale and her baby were. Clearly they already knew where they were. We stayed for a while watching the two and were even lucky enough to see the dolphins arrive to interact. But it was a bit disappointing because soon after we went straight back to the starting point. The tour must have lasted a maximum of 1 hour. I believe we could have located other individuals since it was a 2-hour trip. It would have been a richer experience. But we returned to base without further explanation.

Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SimonJohnQuayle
London, UK2 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
We were meant to depart at 9:30am but didn’t leave the office until 10:00am. (“Didn’t you get the message?”….nope!).
Saw 3 pairs of Southern Right Whales, but difficult to get a decent view due to the number of people on the boat and predominantly on one side of the boat.
We returned to the beach at 11:20 so were only out on the sea for a few minutes over 1 hour, and didn’t go to see the seals as promised. The trip was advertised as 2 hours!
Saw 3 pairs of Southern Right Whales, but difficult to get a decent view due to the number of people on the boat and predominantly on one side of the boat.
We returned to the beach at 11:20 so were only out on the sea for a few minutes over 1 hour, and didn’t go to see the seals as promised. The trip was advertised as 2 hours!
Written 3 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ocean Safaris at Plettenberg Bay, as reviewed
Written 29 March 2019
Hello, we are planning to go there on December 26th. We want join ocean safari. And i have several questioln, do you have company mail address for guest?
Written 4 September 2017
Hi, are there any ocean safaris tomorrow morning? We are two people and would like to go there.
Written 13 February 2017
I'm quite late but they have two morning safaris, one at 9.00am and other at 12pm
Sorry for the late reply.
Written 16 February 2017
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