Frequently asked questions
The practical stuff — trip lengths, cost, booking and who can come aboard. Still stuck? The office will happily help.
How can I be kept informed of what wildlife is in the bay?
Register for our sea-life alerts and we’ll let you know as soon as there’s wildlife in the bay, so you can get down to the harbour and out on the water quickly.
How long are the trips?
Anything from a quick 30 minutes to a 2.5-hour whale & dolphin safari. We’re here to accommodate you, so we’ll tailor the trip to suit your budget and your time frame.
What does it cost?
It depends on the tour. Prices run from R600 for a 30-minute High Speed Eco Tour up to R1 850 per adult for the 2.5-hour Whale & Dolphin Safari, with child rates on most tours. See the Tours page for the full breakdown.
Can we book trips in advance?
Yes. Just note that when there’s wildlife in the bay and we’ve sent out alerts, boarding is on a strictly first-come, first-served basis.
Do you do private charters and group bookings?
Yes. The boat can be booked privately — birthdays, proposals, corporate groups or a dedicated photography charter. Call us with what you have in mind and we’ll quote it.
Will I definitely see a whale?
No guarantees. Just a good chance. Whales are wild, and the ocean has a mind of its own. We can’t promise a sighting — but from June to November, your chances are genuinely good. We’re the only boat here permitted to approach them, and our skippers have spent years learning the rhythm of this bay.
Is there a minimum age to ride the boat?
Your safety is paramount to us. There’s no upper age limit; the only restrictions are that children should follow the 7–14 years age guidance. All passengers should be able to reach the handrails and hold on firmly, and anyone under 18 must have an adult sign the indemnity on their behalf.
Do you cancel for weather?
Our trips are weather-dependent, and Hout Bay can experience strong south-easterly winds in summer and north-westerly swell in winter. If conditions prevent us from going out safely, we’ll move your trip or give you a full refund. Because getting you out there is never more important than getting you out there safely.