Our Favorite Ocean Adventures in South Africa…

A perfect spot to admire South Africa’s Atlantic Coastline. Image courtesy of Grootbos

https://staging.extraordinaryjourneys.com/accommodation/thonga-beach-lodge/South Africa’s Atlantic Ocean coastline—aka ‘The Whale Coast’ or ‘The Serengeti of the Sea’ showcases the country’s unique beauty in and out of the water. The region is home to what we like to refer to as the Marine Big Five: whales, sharks, dolphins, seals, and penguins.

One of our favorite places to explore is Grootbos Nature Reserve, which has spectacular scenery, charming seaside villages, and abundant marine life. Located at nearly the southernmost tip of South Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans collide, it’s one of the planet’s most biologically diverse marine ecosystems. This region offers the best land-based whale watching in the world from June-November—you can spot southern right whales if you plan your visit at the right time.

One of South Africa’s most pristine wilderness beach lodges—Thonga Beach Lodge—awaits you on the azure shores of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated deep in this wilderness of white beaches, blazing corals and freshwater lakes in KwaZulu-Natal. We think it’s one of the top 10 places to dive in Africa (read the blog to learn more).

Even along the Cape Peninsula, there are marine adventures to be had, including a visit to the cute colony of penguins at Boulders Beach. Spend a day with Veld and Sea for a kelp cooking class or coastal foraging workshop. Or get under the sea and learn to free dive in the kelp forests, search for octopus (where they filmed My Octopus Teacher), and get involved with community projects with the I AM WATER Ocean Travel and Foundation.

Which South African marine adventure is calling you?

Guests take part in a summer coastal foraging workshop. Image courtesy of Veld and Sea

In Stories: A Seafari with I AM WATER Foundation

If you think what roams above the earth’s surface is mind-blowing, you won’t believe what you’ll find below. World-class freediver Hanli Prinsloo from Cape Town has made it her mission to get people to fall in love with the ocean and all its inhabitants through I AM WATER. Her main goal, much like ours, is to get people to care about this exceptional environment and all its creatures so profoundly that you’ll want to experience it firsthand and, more importantly, fight for its preservation. Read the blog to learn more about freediving and the biodiversity of South Africa’s unique kelp forests.

Snorkellers explore kelp forests of the Western Cape. Image courtesy of I AM WATER

Want to take to the sea and explore with I AM WATER Ocean Travel? Their mission is to help people fall in love with the water, even those who have never snorkeled or don’t consider themselves strong swimmers. We’ll tailor your time in the water to your skill level—beginners welcome. You’ll dive into their work to conserve our oceans and uplift local communities. Practice breathwork and learn the basics of freediving while exploring the coast, tidal pools, kelp forests, and open waters of the Western Cape.

Itinerary: Wine, Whales, and Luxury on Safari

A humpback breaches in the Atlantic Ocean. Image by Thomas Kelley

Whale-watching, wine tasting, and the big five—what more could you ask for on an African adventure? This South Africa itinerary has it all: jaw-dropping scenery and cutting-edge culture in Cape Town, the opportunity to see whales up close on the coast, time to sip award-winning wine at renowned estates in Franschhoek, and an incredible array of big game and wildlife to see on a traditional safari. Contact our team today to curate your perfect land and sea safari.

Conde Nast Traveler published the 2023 Top Travel Specialists list: Congratulations Emily + Elizabeth!

Voted top travel specialists by Condé Nast Travel, our team are type who will pull off the impossible to create the extraordinary journey of a lifetime and spare you the logistics. We’re so honored to announce that our very own CEO and co-founder, Elizabeth Gordon, has, once again, been named a Condé Nast Travel Specialist. And for the first time, our wonderfully knowledgable head of South America sales, Emily Cottingham, has also been added to the list. Although Elizabeth and Emily received the award, it’s truly a team effort with our wonderful group of experts. Reach out to them today to book your next great safari or South American adventure!

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