South Africa Penguin Cruise
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Port
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$309
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
A short transfer brings you to the PE Deep Sea Angling Club, where you will board the boat that will take you on a day cruise to see the penguins that inhabit the shoreline and waters of the Cape area.
After a full safety briefing, you will exit the port and set a course for the Bird Island archipelago. This island group is home to the largest breeding colony of African penguins on the planet, and funds raised from your cruise are used to assist Dr Lorien Pichegru, who is conducting ground-breaking research on the serious decline of the penguin population along this coastline.
In addition to the penguins, this is also an ideal area to encounter schools of bottlenose dolphins in groups. The common dolphin as well as humpback whales are also spotted sometimes. Migratory whales are seen from June until December while the resident Bryde's whale can be seen throughout the year. This is an elusive creature, normally seen only fleetingly, if at all.
You'll stop for refreshments just off the St Croix Island Group -- home to about 20,000 African penguins. Gannets and other sea birds abound here as well.
After time among the islands and observing the birds, you will head back to the Algoa Bay Yacht Club, and transfer back to your cruise ship.
Notes:
You will not step ashore during the tour. Shade is limited; please dress accordingly. Bring a hat and wear sunscreen. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring a light jacket -- it can be cooler on the water. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Tour operates weather permitting. Guests who suffer from motion sickness should consider this before booking and/or take appropriate medication. In rough swells, you may get wet by sea spray. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. The minivan transfer to the pier is not guided.