Marine Big 5 Safari full day trip from Cape Town in Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa

Marine Big 5 Safari full day trip from Cape Town

Outty Ranking 53 3.9 · 14 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $284
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

53/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.9/5

Based on 14 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Marine Big 5 Safari full day trip from Cape Town worth booking?

Marine Big 5 Safari full day trip from Cape Town is a 9-hour experience in Cape Town, South Africa, from $284 per person. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 14 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
53 / 100
Rating
3.9/5 (14)
Duration
9 hours
From
$284 per person

Leave Cape Town behind to take a marine cruise where you can see great white sharks, whales, Cape fur seals and a variety of seabirds. On a ±2-hour cruise from Gansbaai, ply the waters of Shark Alley to see great whites

What you get

    About this experience

    Leave Cape Town behind to take a marine cruise where you can see great white sharks, whales, Cape fur seals and a variety of seabirds. On a ±2-hour cruise from Gansbaai, ply the waters of Shark Alley to see great whites as they hunt for seal snacks. Then travel to hotspots to see whales, African penguins and other seabirds around Dyer Island and Geyser Rock. Expert guides show you the best of this amazing South African marine wilderness.

    What's included

    Included

    • Professional guide
    • Hotel pickup and drop off (Cape Town city centre hotels)
    • Light lunch
    • Boat cruise

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Food and drinks, unless specified

    What you'll see and do

    1. Dyer Island

      Muffin and Coffee on arrival, 2 hour boat ride, light lunch included

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 8 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Cullinan Guided Journeys

    Know before you go

    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • A waterproof jacket, Beanie/Cap, and closed shoes are recommended
    • Children under the age off 11 must be accompanied by an adult.
    • If you suffer from seasickness, it is recommended that you take medication the night before the tour and again one hour before departure
    • Weather & sea conditions permitting
    • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
    • Please note: Whale season is from July – November
    • tour is subject to sea and weather conditions
    • tour collection time may be early morning.
    • we offer maximum 8 guests per booking, the boat can accommodate 50 guests

    Photos

    Marine Big 5 ExperienceSee whales in False BayMarine Big 5 ExperienceMarine Big 5 ExperienceGansbaai_SharkMarine Big 5 Safari full day trip from Cape Town in Cape Town, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 14 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Pace and timing

    4 mentions

    Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    14 verified traveler reviews for Marine Big 5 Safari full day trip from Cape Town. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    7
    4 star
    3
    3 star
    2
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    2
    Sort
    boschuda90 · September 2025

    A marine tour with gentleman Mike

    My wife and I had a very fun Marine tour with Mike. After a pleasant shore and countryside drive with all of our questions answered, we made a rest stop at a quaint general store with an opportunity to purchase snacks or souvenirs. Next, Mike asked if we wanted to stop at a penguin rehabilitation hospital and we did. It was interesting, informative and we were able to watch penguins close-up from behind one-way glass We next boarded an ocean touring ship and watched shark cage divers with brown sharks Then we set off for whales We watched three for repeated intervals, including a mother and child. The sea was a bit choppy, which made for a bumpy ride, but we like that sort of thing. At times, we needed to make a choice between taking an iffy photo or just watching. We usually just enjoyed the view. The ship went to a seal island, where the seals seemed to enjoy playing in the water for us. We went to a penguin Island, but there were none there in sight. If Mike hadn't taken us to the penguin hospital, we wouldn't have seen any. Dolphins also eluded us, but you can't guarantee nature. By our request, we "capped" off the day at a winery and Mike took us to a very nice one. It was an adventurous fun long day!

    Response from the operator: Good Afternoon Thank you for taking the time and for providing us with your feedback. We are pleased to hear you had an fun day

    via Tripadvisor

    gagizzz · May 2024

    Rough Sailing

    The staff were incredible. The met every need. However the water and weather was way too rough to sail. There 8 to 10 ft swells and two squalls. 80 percent of the group was sick. The trip should have been canceled. Mr partner is a retired Navy Ship captain and was worried as was one of the crew.

    via Tripadvisor

    tarag444 · March 2024

    Marine 5

    The guides were amazing. They recognized we liked birds and made the effort to point them out to us. A beautiful ride there and back. We saw everything but the dolphins.

    via Tripadvisor

    Y7994VYsarahl · November 2023

    Good Trip

    We booked this tour before we went to Cape Town and saw Whales, Penguins and Seals. Unfortunately, they had had a problem with Orca's who had chased the Great White Sharks away (we didn't see the Orca's). This trip is 2 hours from Cape Town which they pick you up from your hotel for and you have to remember that you may not see anything because you are relying on nature.

    Response from the operator: Good Afternoon Thank you for taking the time and providing us with your feedback.

    via Tripadvisor

    John_S · November 2023

    Don’t waste your time!

    Boat was too crowded. Could not get on top deck. Too crowded to get to good places for photos. Two plus hours drive each way from Cape Town for a one and a half hour boat ride made this trip a disappointing waste of time.

    Response from the operator: Good Afternoon Thank you for your feedback received. We are so sorry that you were disappointed with your Marine Big 5 Safari. We will share your feedback with the management.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    9 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $284 to $9470
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    5
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Cullinan Guided Journeys, who run 25 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.7.

    See everything Cullinan Guided Journeys runs

    Why this scores 53

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)58
    Review evidence (18% weight)45
    Booking momentum (14% weight)36
    Value for money (12% weight)51
    Listing quality (10% weight)73
    Local standing (8% weight)5
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Marine Big 5 Safari full day trip from Cape Town: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cape Town.

    How much does Marine Big 5 Safari full day trip from Cape Town cost?

    +

    Prices start at $284 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cape Town usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Marine Big 5 Safari full day trip from Cape Town take?

    +

    Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cape Town is not rushed.

    Is Marine Big 5 Safari full day trip from Cape Town worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 14 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cape Town, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Marine Big 5 Safari full day trip from Cape Town?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Marine Big 5 Safari full day trip from Cape Town suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Marine Big 5 Safari full day trip from Cape Town?

    +

    Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cape Town can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cape Town and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Marine Big 5 Safari full day trip from Cape Town start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cape Town within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Cape Town?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Cape Town experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike, Ocean Wildlife Encounter in Cape Town, Private Full Day Stellenbosch Wine Tour with Pick Up and Drop Off. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Cape Town?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Cape Town?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Marine Big 5 Safari full day trip from Cape Town.

    Pick your date