Human-cetacean conflict solutions
Stakeholders in Algoa Bay continue their efforts to ensure that ship-to-ship bunkering does not grow out of control, by requesting an Environmental Impact...
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Discover Algoa Bay, the Bottlenose Dolphin Capital of the World, and witness incredible marine biodiversity, including Humpback Whales, Southern Right Whales, Great White Sharks and 13 species of cetacean.
Algoa Bay is a unique destination and arguably one of the most outstanding marine environments when it comes to biodiversity. The bay provides warm shallow waters for Southern right whales to mate and have their calves, and also serves as a nursery for humpback whales before they migrate South to their feeding grounds. In 2016, Algoa Bay was named the Bottlenose Dolphin Capital of the World, with pods of over six hundred Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins regularly present.
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Stories
Education and research
Many local companies and organisations incorporate conservation-directed science and research programmes that are focused on cetaceans and sustainability,...
Cultural heritage (new/modern)
Since 2018, an annual Welcoming of the Whales Festival is celebrated in June when the first humpback whales arrive in Algoa Bay on their migration. Marine tour...
Experiences
Raggy Charters Whale Watching
Boat-based wildlife tours
Raggy Charters is one of the oldest Marine Eco Tour companies combining tours and conservation in Africa. Since 1992, this owner-run and managed operator has specialised in taking tourists, photographers, corporate groups, TV crews, and marine wildlife enthusiasts on ocean safaris to watch the whales, dolphins, penguins, and other natural wonders of Algoa Bay. Trips last for 3-4 hours covering up to 50km.
Welcoming the Whales
Celebratory events or festivals
The Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whale Migration Route awareness celebrations begin with a “Welcoming the Whales" Festival held in Port Elizabeth in 2018 and, since then, Raggy Charters has held another five of these festivals. The 2020 and 2021 events were livestreamed due to the Covid pandemic; nothing was going to stop the community from celebrating the arrival of these magnificent mammals to Algoa Bay!
Species & habitat
Algoa Bay is home to 13 species of cetacean, including humpback whales, Southern right whales, Bryde's whales, fin whales, sei whales, minke whales, pygmy sperm whales, sperm whales, killer whales, false killer whales, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins.
Humpback whales appear from June to December, while Southern right whales can be seen from July to October. Bryde’s and minke whales are in the bay year-round. There are frequent sightings of rare Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in the shallower areas of the bay, often with newborn calves, which suggests this species is calving in the bay.
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Threats
Algoa Bay is a busy waterway with OPL (Off Port Limits) operations, fishing (both commercial and recreational) and shipping. The main threats to cetaceans are fishing nets (in use and also discarded), and increased shipping traffic from a ship-to-ship bunkering operation within the bay. This increases the probability of cetaceans falling victim to ship strikes. Oil spills from ship-to-ship bunkering threaten the colony of endangered African penguins, therefore Bryde's whales and minke whales could be at risk as they rely on the penguins to feed.
Supporters & Assessors
Why visit a Wildlife Heritage Area?
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Visitors to Wildlife Heritage Areas can take part in outstanding wildlife watching experiences that put wildlife first. Staying in a Wildlife Heritage Area helps local communities invest in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, benefitting community well-being and driving forward sustainable practices.
Designated for excellence
Communities achieve Wildlife Heritage Area designation by playing a central role in protecting wild animals and their habitats. With support from responsible travel organisations and wildlife experts, these communities are committed to help turn the tide on biodiversity loss and the climate crisis, adopt a zero tolerance for wildlife suffering in tourism, and advocate for positive change through a willingness to collaborate.
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Each Wildlife Heritage Area is designated by experts who advise dedicated local people passionate about preserving their unique wildlife and natural heritage.
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