Our day of tracking the Marine Big 5 — Southern Right Whale, Shark, Dolphin, Seal, and Penguin. From the thrill of spotting whales on a boat-based marine safari in Gansbaai to a slow afternoon sipping wine in the serene Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, blending adventure and indulgence.
Today’s adventure offers a perfect blend of marine wildlife, dramatic coastal landscapes, and the serene beauty of the winelands.
We begin by leaving Cape Town and travelling over the dramatic Sir Lowry’s Pass, where sweeping mountain views mark the start of your adventure.
Our destination is the small fishing town of Gansbaai, famous for its proximity to Dyer Island and the rich marine life that inhabits the surrounding waters. Here, you’ll board a specially equipped boat for a seasonal whale-watching tour (June–November). These waters are among the best in the world for seeing Southern Right whales, who return each year to calve and nurse their young in the sheltered bays. Alongside these gentle giants, you may also encounter dolphins, Cape fur seals, African penguins, and even the elusive great white shark — all part of the Marine Big 5. Your guide on board will provide insight into the ecosystem and the conservation efforts underway to protect it.
After returning to shore and shaking off your sea legs, we travel back through the charming town of Hermanus, known globally for its land-based whale watching and relaxed coastal atmosphere. From here, we head inland into the tranquil Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, a region whose name translates to “Heaven and Earth” and lives up to the promise. Nestled between dramatic mountains and cooled by ocean breezes, this valley is home to some of South Africa’s finest boutique wine estates.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at one of these estates, where farm-to-table cuisine is served alongside cool-climate wines such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The tasting experience is as much about the location as it is about the wine, with sweeping views, fynbos-covered hills, and the peaceful hum of nature all around. Your guide will tailor the tasting to your preferences, whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply enjoy sampling something new.
As the day winds down, we journey back toward Cape Town, following the scenic R44 coastal route, a winding stretch of road that hugs the mountainside and offers expansive views over False Bay. Keep your eyes on the ocean, dolphins, whales, and seabirds are often spotted from this route, making the drive part of the day’s adventure.
Tour Code: Travelyst MASTER
Group Size: Any Group Size
Flexibility - adaptable on an hour to hour basis to suit your clients’ needs and changing weather conditions throughout the day. Where you go and what activities you do are up to you.
Adventure Utility Vehicle (AUV) – Our vehicle comes equipped with stand up paddles, pre-packed hiking packs and a fully stocked gourmet pantry with drinks included.
Top Adventure Guides - Viewed as the best in Africa in their specialist fields, our guides have a wealth of experience and stories to tell.
The tour shown is only an example, more or less can be done on the day. Click on the activities list and map for more information.
Includes:
- Private Adventure Guide / Driver
- Exclusive Use of Adventure Utility Vehicle
- Adventure Equipment
- Drinks - Soft Drinks, Beer, Wine & Selected Spirits
- Gourmet Pantry - selection of snacks and picnic items
- Unlimited travel in and around Cape Town, including as far as Winelands & Hermanus
Excludes:
- Surf Board, Wetsuit, and Tuition & Mountain Bikes – available at a supplement cost
- Entry, Attraction Fees and Park Fees – e.g. Aquarium & Cable Car
- Additional restaurant meals and wine farm supplied picnics
- Adventures beyond 100 km radius of Cape Town - e.g. Cape Agulhas, Ceres & Orange River
- Onward Transfer out of touring area. e.g pick up and touring in one location, drop off in second location
- Luggage transfers of more than two people (limited space due to onboard offerings)
- Extended Day Supplement – pick up before 8 am and drop off after 6 pm
Optional Enhancements: These are at an additional cost, please request a quotation from your Adventure Architect. These include the likes of Fat Biking, Horse Riding, Helicopter Transfers, Boat Trips, MTBing or Ebiking & Hop-On Specialists etc please refer to Additional Tour Enhancements Rate Sheet.
