#1 Penguin Island Cruise and Whale Watching
Please note that Raggy Charters was the successful Applicant for the Boat Based Whale Watching Permit for Port Elizabeth. There was only one permit issued. The permit was issued on the 20th June 2011 by the Department of Environmental Affairs. Although there were many factors that counted towards the allocation of the permit, we believe that we were successful because of our commitment to marine education and conservation. Most of the funds generated by our tours go towards The Penguin Research Fund which is trying desperately to explain the dramatic decrease in the African Penguin population and rectify this situation.
Cost is R800 per person, although there are discounts for groups.
We meet at the Algoa Bay Yacht Club in the Port Elizabeth Harbour at 8.15am for
an 8.30am departure returning at 11.30am to 12.00am. Light refreshments and
snacks are served during the cruise and there is the option of having lunch
afterwards at the yacht club.
We start off the tour with a harbour cruise and full safety briefing after which
we exit port and set a course for the islands. Both catamarans have a specially
designed viewing platform which allows the guide to have the best possible view of
the bay and thus chance to see any animals that may be present.
Bottlenose dolphins are common throughout the year and they are seen in schools
of between 50 and 400. Other dolphins sometimes seen are Common in groups of
between 1000 and 2000 (although these are usually further out to see).
St Croix Island Group.
We stop for refreshments just off this island which is home to 20 000 African
penguins, making it the largest breeding colony on the planet. We often see
Bottlenose Dolphins feeding or relaxing close to the island in schools of
between 50 and 400. Dolphins, gannets and other sea birds may be seen on the
25km trip to the island. Feeding frenzies containing penguins,
gannets, cormorants, dolphins and Bryde’s whales are not uncommon.
#2
Sundowner Cruise
Cost is R400 per person although there are discounts for groups.
These tours are run any time after 2pm although the most popular time is from
5pm until 6 30pm.
We start the tour with a harbour cruise and a full safety briefing and then take
a leisurely cruise along Port Elizabeth's beautiful beachfront. We also pass the
Cape Recife Lighthouse where refreshments are served. Cape Fur Seals and
numerous sea birds may be seen and sometimes we encounter schools of
dolphins.
#3
Bird Island Cruise
This tour is not often undertaken as it is quite weather dependant as
the islands are two hours steaming from the Port Elizabeth harbour.
Various species of dolphins, great white sharks, penguins, the largest
gannetry on the planet at 160 000 birds and 6000 Cape Fur Seals are among the
wildlife attractions of this cruise.
Price on request.
#4
Fishing Charters
These are either a half or full day charters. We leave as early as possible in
the morning and are back by lunchtime for the half day charter. Full day
charters are a bit more complicated and run out to the Agulhas Current in search
of Yellow fin Tuna. The cost of a half day is R1600 per person with a minimum of
two people that includes all bait and tackle. The charters are led by a highly
qualified skipper who has fished for South Africa on numerous occasions. The
cost of a full day game fishing charter is available on request.