Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Our cruise is unique in that we operate in the diverse Algoa Bay, rich in wildlife and history. Visiting St Croix island, home to half the worlds remaining endangered African Penguins. This tour is run just once a day instead of trying to run multiple cruises in one day. This ensures that our skippers and guides are fresh and alert for every cruise and makes it possible to spend more time and effort searching for wildlife in our Bay or observing something special that we come across provided that no one on board is in a rush to get back for a flight or bookings previously made. Our main focus is education, conservation and assisting in research which is made possible by the funds generated from our Marine Eco-Cruises out into Algoa Bay. Trees are planted to balance our carbon footprint for each cruise conducted. We use smaller boats so as to keep our cruises personal. Our skippers and Guides are very knowledge and are there to answer any questions and see to the needs of our Guests.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Disabled who can board with assistance from family and crew are welcome to join. There is no age restriction. Life jackets are available for all ages
Please join at your own discretion regarding health and fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Port Elizabeth
We meet our guests at 8am and after a short briefing before we head out into PE's beautiful Algoa Bay on our twin-engine catamaran. The whale season begins in June when we see humpback whales moving along the coast as they head up the East coast of Africa towards their breeding grounds. Humpback whales can be seen in Algoa Bay from June to early December. They make their return journey from October, females with calves in tow. Southern right whales can be seen close in shore from July to September.
Port Elizabeth
Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins are the most frequently observed dolphins in the bay and can be spotted all year round, in groups from 10-400. These playful dolphins are mostly found in shallow waters either near the beaches or around St Croix Island, and tend to come right up to the boat and ride along in the bow waves. Common dolphins are also a spectacular sight as they are seen in groups of 1000-2000, swimming along at great speeds. These dolphins are often spotted all year round further out to sea, especially on the bird island tours, as they follow large shoals of baitfish which move past the bay. We also get humpback dolphins in Algoa Bay, which usually occur in much smaller groups, anywhere between 1 and 20, and are most commonly seen during the summer months.
What‘s Included
We provide spring water on tap and fresh croissants to snack on during our crusies
Options
Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise
Reviews
768 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful marine sightings in Nelson Mandela Bay
SimScotty,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an experience! Going out with Raggy Charters is always a treat but this was seriously the best day ever. We were fortunate enough to see a lot of marine activity because of a bait ball including birds, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins and whales. It was the most amazing day and I recommend that every visitor and local living in Nelson Mandela Bay support Raggy Charters and the amazing work they do. The crew were so friendly and informative and I can't wait until I get to go back on another adventure with them.
Fantastic experience
Pioneer13783248526,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I have lived in PE for 35 years and this was my first time on the ocean by boat. Wow, such an awesome fun day. Such friendly guides, no nausea which was a fear. So many dolphins, penguins and other incredible sightings. Definitely something I would recommend to everyone. Went with my German friend and she loved the experience too. Thank you Ragga Charters for a memorable day.
Raggy Charters - great experience
Navigator02219058368,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience. We saw dolphins, seals, penguins and very luckily saw a juvenile great white..... What a treat!
This was a phenominal cruise.
Compass35840776596,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a phenominal cruise. We got to see so much from dolphins of 500+, a whale and penguins, seals that were just chilling on one of the big boats. We were able to get up close to one of these BIG ships that transports the containers. We chased a whale in the water and got to learn so much about each animal and just enjoy the water. We will go again!
Dolphins, whales and sea birds on hunting.
Fearless34477314664,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lucky day. Have seen dolphins, whales, penguins etc. on a sunny day. Dolphins, whales and sea birds were hunting, probably sardines. Crew incl. Skipper Jake - no, not Captain Jake Sparrow - are very friendly and experienced. Before the tour you will get introduction incl. safety instructions.
Spectacular outing in the Bay
Happiness29058531155,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic time. It felt like being in a National Geographic show. Nature was on our side this morning. Tip: try out motion sickness pills before hand incase they don't agree with you. I'm happy I took them.
Stunning PE Ocean Adventure
Trail52604661377,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a beautiful and stunning experience. The captain and crew were very professional and knowledgeable about the marine wildlife and made us all feel like family from the very beginning. Thank you for an amazing experience and day.
Mind-blowing
Sunshine36070349313,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Without doubt, the best experience of pur 3 week holiday. The professionalism from the crew who taught us at every opportunity, to the shy Brydes whales who we could followed due to the drone, I could not have gifted my brother a better Christmas present. These people are super heroes, teaching the people and saving the animals. We love you!
Absolutely a must do in Port Elizabeth. Fullmarks Raggy Charters.
derickf2026,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Put on your bucketlist for exploring PE, absolutely fantastic experience. Well trained Skippers and crew going the xtra mile for clients. Really affordable and worth every Rand. Something enjoyable for the whole family. Thank you Raggy Charters, you're great. Duration of trip was exceptable.
10/10 Best experience and Favourite memory
Curiosity24489943102,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the best experiences I've ever had! My first time on a boat and experiencing sea life in such a manner! Great crew and great vibes! Will most definitely recommend to others! One of my favourite memories! Absolutely incredible!
From ZAR 3,550.00
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