Dyer Island Cruises offers whale and bird watching in Gansbaai. Once visitors arrive at The Great White House, they will receive a brief introduction about the route, safety, and what to look out for. Passengers are then fitted with comfortable life jackets and waterproof jackets. Depending on sightings and weather conditions, trip lengths are between 2 and 2.5 hours. All cruises depart from Kleinbaai harbour near Gansbaai. Found only in Gansbaai, Dyer Island is located 8 km from shore and is an access-controlled Important Bird Area (IBA) for conserving its many resident bird species, including African penguins. Adjacent to Dyer Island is Geyser Rock, home to a 60,000-strong Cape fur seal colony. These seals are present all year round. The boat will sail into the water channel between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock, known as the world-famous ‘Shark Alley’. Passengers will then go to the whale hot spots in the bay. With over two decades of experience, Dyer Island Cruises know where to expect the best whale viewings. Boasting South Africa’s most extensive boat-based whale identity catalogue, they see yearly re-sightings of the same individual whales.