Raggy Charters News

• Green Turtle RescueWhilst on our Saturday 30 November morning cruise, Skipper Keith noticed a brown blob floating near St Croix island. On closer inspection they identified the mass as a trawler net and there was a young turtle entangled in it. It was a bit difficult t...
  Saturday, 30th November 2024
• The Humpback Migration EnigmaSince 1997 I have been at sea observing the Humpback whale migration. One thing I can say for sure, is that every year it is different! The Northern migration during early June is pretty much like clockwork. So many times, during our “Welcoming the...
  Wednesday, 20th November 2024
• The importance of the shellsThe importance of marine shells in coastal ecosystems Aliberti Elisa, Gunzinger Nadja   (visiting student and volunteer project on a non-sea day)
  Monday, 21st October 2024
• Popcorn is here to stayIn between all the strong winds and rain we have been experiencing, we have had to make the most of any small gaps that the weather gives us. Patience and perseverance paid off for our guests that joined us on 12 October 2024. With no shortage of dol...
  Saturday, 12th October 2024
• Humpback Whales return to Algoa Bay with new lifeWe are fortunate to see Humpback Whales in Algoa bay for 7 months of the year. The majority of these migratory whales arrive on our shores during the month of June. They then make their way up towards their breeding grounds near the equator. This mea...
  Tuesday, 8th October 2024
• These Southern Right Whales got a little too cosyWhen you’re trying to film a scenic whale-watching video, but it turns into a National Geographic romance special . I thought I'd share their honeymoon getaway for 'World Tourism Day' with you.
  Friday, 27th September 2024
• World Tourism Day 27th September 2024Today we celebrate World Tourism Day... Tourism is of great importance to any city, town or village. Bringing with it entrepreneurial opportunities, creating jobs, strengthening the local economy, contributing to local infrastructure development and ...
  Friday, 27th September 2024
• The Rescue to Recycle Collection A year ago today, an entangled humpback whale was rescued from ghost gear off the coast of South Africa. A year later, we're using that very same ghost gear to raise funds for vital whale, dolphin and porpoise conservation with the World Cetacean...
  Sunday, 22nd September 2024
• Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Awards 2024We are overwhelmed by the support and encouragement from all.. Thank You.. our Raggy Charters - Marine-Eco Cruises Team are very proud and honored to have been awarded Winner at the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Awards, category Conservation, Culture an...
  Wednesday, 11th September 2024
• Whale entanglements in Ghost gear has to stopGhost gear (discarded fishing nets or rope) has been a threat to cetacean species ever since man started fishing the oceans with nets or traps. Every year, countless whales, dolphins and other marine species are entangled in discarded or illegal fish...
  Tuesday, 10th September 2024
• A winter wonderland in Algoa BayJune to December each year is a special time for us in Algoa Bay. During these winter months we have an overlap of natural phenomenon’s resulting in a hive of activity. The following pictures have been taken during our last two weeks of cruises and...
  Friday, 23rd August 2024
• Ran Levy-Yamamori Films in Algoa BayIt was an absolute pleasure for us all at Raggy Charters to host Ran Levy-Yamamori of Eco-Nature Productions. Conservationist, Educator and so much more.  Assisting Ran in getting footage for his work and fight again cetaceans in capativity. 
  Wednesday, 14th August 2024
• Right Whale to Hunt become the Right Whales to Watch in Algoa BayEarly whalers gave the Southern Right Whale its name due to it being deemed the right whale to hunt. Their large size, slow speed, long valuable baleen and buoyancy when dead made them an attractive and easy target.
  Wednesday, 17th July 2024
• Spar Kirkwood Wildsfees 2024What great fun was had by our team together with Kids Perfect Events at the SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees this last weekend. Many congrats to be announced: Congratulations to Mandy Roets on putting together the Walk on the Wildside Marquee - we were proud ...
  Friday, 28th June 2024
• World Albatross DaySeeing as it is World Albatross Day, I thought I had better do a post on our recent sightings. These iconic birds have the ability to fly without flapping their wings. It is so special to see them gliding along and getting a lift from the swells. The...
  Wednesday, 19th June 2024
• “Popcorn” the albino bottlenose turns 1 year and 2 months old!Much to the conventional wisdom theory that albino animals never last long in nature . . . “Popcorn” has defied the odds. Our very own white dolphin is still going strong!
  Tuesday, 18th June 2024
• Welcoming the Whales to Algoa Bay 2024A wonderful day had by all at The Willows Resort and Conference Centre on 9th June 2024. All was prepped for 2nd June 2024 and the weather was not going to be kind and we had to postpone to the most beautiful day on 9th June 2024. How happy we were t...
  Sunday, 9th June 2024
• Pre-Festival Photographic Exhibit and Press LaunchA great weekend spent interacting with tourists and locals who enjoyed the magnificent images on display. All taken in Algoa Bay by Lloyd and Jake. The marine life in Algoa Bay goes beyond many peoples imaginations and expectations. It was wonderful ...
  Friday, 24th May 2024
• HUMPBACKS MAKING AN ENTRANCE IN ALGOA BAYWith our migratory whale season typically starting in June, we have been pleasantly surprised by both Juvenile and Adult Humpback Whales showing up in Algoa Bay since the middle of April.  A few of these individuals appear to have decided to call Al...
  Tuesday, 14th May 2024
• Algoa Bay, the bottlenose dolphin CAPITAL of the WORLD!Watch this mini interview with Dr. Ryan R Reisinger about the paper he published in 2010 with Dr. Leszek Karczmarski, titled: Population size estimate of India-pacific bottlenose dolphins in the Algoa Bay region, South Africa.
  Thursday, 25th April 2024
• Killer Whales Hunting Dolphins in Algoa Bay.We have been observing an incredible number of Bottlenose Dolphins in Algoa Bay of late, on one cruise up to 1700 in five pods! No question about us being “The Bottlenose Dolphin Capital of the World”! When we left port recently with a boat full ...
  Monday, 15th April 2024
• Sperm Whales on the Continental ShelfGoing 40 nautical miles (80km) south from Cape Recife is no easy task. Picking the best weather day and sea conditions is vital. We met at the Nelson Mandela Bay Yacht Club at Sparrows fart and headed off with a group of avid adventurers. Although we...
  Tuesday, 2nd April 2024
• Great sightings of Endangered Indian Ocean Humpback DolphinsSousa plumbea in Algoa Bay
  Monday, 25th March 2024
• Global Humane CertificationThird to be certified in South Africa - a very proud team indeed! 
  Monday, 4th March 2024
• Swift Tern happy and healthy again!On 7th February Lloyd picked up a very tired Swift Tern at Sea View.  He picked him up with no objections from the little guy.  Wrapped him up and got him to the harbour where SANCCOB met us to fetch him.  
  Saturday, 2nd March 2024
• Alien bush clearing while the wind blows!The wind does blow and the boats stand still…again… but the Raggy Team are forever positive, cheerful and doing something! So, let’s put this time to good use and work on a project… today we gathered between Seaview and Kini Bay, the area tha...
  Friday, 1st March 2024
• Connecting with Connected Planet!Thursday 22nd Feb 2024 saw the coming together of Connected Panet, REST Recycling, Sisonke High School Students and Raggy Charters for a day of fun and education!  
  Thursday, 22nd February 2024
• Boardwalk Mall Beach Clean-upOn 17th Feb 2024 Purity and our NMU WIL (Work in Learnership) Students joined The Boardwalk Mall's Beach Cleanup! 
  Saturday, 17th February 2024
• Popcorn has a Travelling Buddy!It was really great news to have come across “Popcorn” on our last cruise among his/her pod of around 300 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. That makes this remarkable albino dolphin now 10 months and 10 days old since the first sighting!
  Saturday, 10th February 2024
• A face everybody can love.Bottlenose Dolphins are the most widely known species of dolphin worldwide. A direct result from decades of exploitation in the entertainment industry. Dolphin shows at Oceanariums and Movies have lead to the species being recognized worldwide. The i...
  Thursday, 1st February 2024
• My Favourite Humpback Images from 2023As per our previous posts, this years Humpback whale migration has been the best (14 500 observed) in the modern history of these amazing animals. This was after they were reduced to a few hundred individuals by the 1960s. In 1986 a moratorium of the...
  Thursday, 25th January 2024
• Humpback Whales stay around longerWe were thrilled to see the whales as late as 20th December 2023.  This was a first. Enjoy this great footage of the moring tour captured by Purity Khosa our head Marine Guide and videographer (and so much more... ). And below a great article and pi...
  Thursday, 11th January 2024
• Those Damn Killer Whales!Yes, ok I know that they are everyone’s favourites, but whew, they are indeed merciless killers believe me. I have witnessed their predations first hand. Not a pretty sight for the faint hearted, but a vital part of nature for a top predator!
  Wednesday, 10th January 2024
• Is This The Largest Humpback Migration to Date?What incredible cruises we have been having lately, the Humpback whales just never seem to end! We were out yesterday and spotted three humpback cow/calf pairs near the Bell Buoy in Algoa Bay. After spending our allotted 20 minutes in the area lookin...
  Tuesday, 28th November 2023
• You may be thinking how is POPCORN doing?... well… JUST BEAUTIFULLY!Popcorn, the first Albino Bottlenose Dolphin to be sighted in Algoa Bay and African waters is growing beautifully and seems to be strong and healthy. Popcorn was born early March 2023 and was first spotted on one of our tours on the 4th April and ag...
  Saturday, 25th November 2023
• Raggy Charters Crew Visit AustraliaOur knowledge and interest in White Sharks and Shark conservation has grown immensely since we received our permit to conduct Shark Cage Diving at Bird Island in Algoa Bay. We knew we had to make the long trip to attend when we heard that the White S...
  Monday, 20th November 2023
• Northern Giant Petrel ReleaseWe had the pleasure of releasing a Northern Giant Petrel (Macronectes halli) on 19th November 2023.  The bird was admitted on the 13 November 2023 to SANCCOB Rehabilitation Centre. X-rays were taken and the bird examined, and no abnormalities were ...
  Sunday, 19th November 2023
• Women of Colour in Conservation: A Photo Essay by Bongeka MakabeniWe were very happy to be approached and work with Bongeka Makabeni this year. Bongeka is a Bachelor of Visual Art Honors in Photography Student at NMU and is enrolling for Masters in 2024.
  Friday, 17th November 2023
• Lloyd's photograph featured in Getaway MagazineThank you to Ryan Enslin for the great article. For more about: Ryan of My Lime Boots
  Wednesday, 15th November 2023
• Southern Right Whales at Woody CapeDo you know why we call them “Southern Right Whales”?
  Wednesday, 25th October 2023
• Here come those Males!On our last cruise, we saw something very special. We were completely surrounded by ten very active and “excited” humpback whales.
  Sunday, 8th October 2023
• Common Dolphins at Cape RecifeOne of the most beautiful, elegant, smart, fast and strong cetaceans that we have in Algoa Bay is for sure the Long-beaked Common Dolphin.
  Saturday, 23rd September 2023
• Humpback Southern Migration in Full Swing!We saw the first Humpbacks on their Northern migration during the "Welcoming of the Whales Festival" held at Willows Resort in early June. Now that they have mated and given birth to their calves off East Africa, they are heading back to their feedin...
  Wednesday, 20th September 2023
• Recent Humpback Whale Release, Algoa BayThis was our sixth Humpback whale release that we have assisted with in Algoa Bay. How many more of these distressing situations do we have to endure, before the Rock Lobster Fishery does something about it? More of that later.
  Tuesday, 19th September 2023
• Killer Whale Research Team in Algoa Bay
  Thursday, 7th September 2023
• Southern Right Whales making a Splash in Algoa BayThis time of the year is just crazy for us in Algoa Bay. With a bumper season for Humpback Whales on the go, large pods of bottlenose dolphins, and White Sharks showing up at Bird Island, we haven't been sure which direction we should point our camer...
  Monday, 14th August 2023
• More Humpback Whales than ever beforeDuring last year’s migratory whale season, we could not believe the number of humpback whales that were passing Algoa Bay. We declared the season 'the best we have ever had'. Our thoughts at the time were that it was due to extraordinary circumstan...
  Wednesday, 26th July 2023
• Ladies Brunch & TalkOn 14th July 2023 Purity and Annemieke told their story - bringing many a tear to the eyes of the ladies who kindly joined us for the morning. 
  Friday, 14th July 2023
• e DNA Water Sampling ResearchRecently we had an interesting guest on our whale watching trip. In March as well as now in July we welcomed Kristina Loosen on our boat, a PhD student from Stellenbosch University. Kristina studies the presence of shark species by testing a new meth...
  Monday, 3rd July 2023
• First Southern Right Mum and Calf for 2023A few days ago, during one of our tours, we had a wonderful encounter with a beautiful and huge Southern Right Whale mother and her newborn calf.
  Monday, 3rd July 2023
• Women and Men in Hospitality Awards 2023 30 June 2023 Purity, Thembisa and Annemieke (Volunteer visiting and working with us from Hilversum, Netherlands)  excitedly attended the Women and Men in Hospitality Awards. With so much pride, Purity was awarded Best Tour Guide... so deserving! ...
  Friday, 30th June 2023
• Albino Bottlenose Dolphin “Popcorn” still going strong!This is the best news we have heard in ages, as albino animals often succumb to predators far more easily than normal ones. I first spotted the albino calf on the 4th April 2023 and then two months later on 10th June 2023 our operations manager, Jake...
  Saturday, 10th June 2023
• Welcome The Whales to Algoa Bay 2023Each year we become more and more excited waiting for the first Migratory Humpback Whales to arrive in Algoa Bay.  This year they were right on cue with first sighting from The Willows Resort from shore being 1st June 2023 and they appeared to the d...
  Sunday, 4th June 2023
• The Humpback Whales have Arrived!After their long journey from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic, the humpback whales have finally arrived. It is like clockwork that they arrive at the beginning of June every year.
  Saturday, 3rd June 2023
• Pre-Festival Press Launch & Photographic Exhibit at the Boardwalk Mall16th May 2023 we gathered for a fun evening and Press Launch with media, sponsors, exhibitors and stall holders to celebrate the coming together of this year's annual Welcoming the Whales to Algoa Bay Festival. Thank you to: SANCCOB PE for hosting t...
  Sunday, 21st May 2023
• Bumper sardine run has Algoa Bay bustling.Thanks so much to veteran (what he always calls me!) journalist Guy Rogers for his great article about the sardine run in The Herald recently. The article below leaves me with little much to add!
  Friday, 19th May 2023
• Skål International Nelson Mandela Bay 2023 AwardsCongratulations to Lloyd Edwards for winning the Front Runner Award, Skål International Nelson Mandela Bay 2023.
  Tuesday, 25th April 2023
• Killer Whale Predation in Algoa BayOn a recent cruise to Bird Island to do the first white shark cage diving attempt of the season, we came across the unexpected. We were nearing Bird Island after a tip off from the marine research vessel skipper, Koos Smith, that they were slightly a...
  Thursday, 13th April 2023
• Killer Whales in Algoa Bay Video
  Thursday, 13th April 2023
• First sighting of an Albino Bottlenose Dolphin in AfricaAfter 31 years of marine cruises in Algoa Bay . . . I thought I had seen it all. What a mistake that turned out to be! It was a very special day as we were celebrating my son Kalahari’s wedding where he tied the knot with his new German bride Anton...
  Tuesday, 4th April 2023
• EXCITEMENT WITH A DASH OF CONCERN IN ALGOA BAYThe exciting news is we have started to see some small sardine bait balls in Algoa Bay. The bad news is that some of this precious resource is going to waste. 
  Thursday, 16th March 2023
• Algoa Bay Awaits The 2023 Sardine RunDuring the past few weeks, prevailing Easterly winds have resulted in some major upwelling in Algoa Bay. This upwelling brings nutrients which in turn brings an abundance of baitfish. With the nature of the marine environment being as it is, when you...
  Tuesday, 14th February 2023
• Long-beaked common dolphins on the run again!For the first time in ages we headed out into Algoa Bay with a boatload full of only South Africans . . . whew, we haven’t had this in ages! Very soon we had ticked off a few schools of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and a quick look at some Indo...
  Monday, 9th January 2023
• The Largest Bottlenose Dolphin Groups on the Planet are found in Algoa BayAccording to Dr Thibaut Boveroux, Algoa Bay boasts the largest reported groups of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops aduncas ) found anywhere on the planet! Our observations over the last 25 years concur with this. The paper was published in...
  Monday, 2nd January 2023
• Long-beaked common dolphins, Delphinus capensis, steal the show in Algoa Bay!While on a recent cruise, I spotted one of the many cruise liners we have been entertaining, steaming into Algoa Bay past Cape Recife. I thought it would be a good idea to welcome them into our stunning bay. While cruising alongside them, our head gu...
  Thursday, 29th December 2022
• AP263 - not just a number – but a special little penguin!On Thursday 22nd September, Kyle, our part time skipper called me with concern as we were prepping for a marine-eco cruise out into the Bay with a group of guests from around Europe. There was an injured African Penguin in the harbour. It swam toward...
  Wednesday, 21st December 2022
• The Massive 2022 Humpback Whale MigrationWow wow wow, that is all I can say about this year’s Humpback whale migration. Since setting up Raggy Charters 25 years ago, this year had the most humpback whales and especially calves, that I have ever seen! In fact, I am convinced that this is t...
  Tuesday, 20th December 2022
• Secret Heroes of AfricaWe would like to thank Paddington Station Inc for including us in the Secret Heroes of Africa Campaign.  Showcasing Lloyd and all he has done and all we continue to do for conservation.  The funds received from this campaign assisted us greatly wi...
  Thursday, 15th December 2022
• South African fur seals.With the advent of Ship to Ship fuel transfers in Algoa Bay since 2016, there have been many more vessels lying at anchor. Seals are quick to capitalise on this and they are often observed resting on the bulbous bow of ships awaiting bunkers.
  Tuesday, 13th December 2022
• Raggy Charters turns 25 years old!It has been a long haul but Raggy Charters managed to achieve this milestone with a 100% safety record and never having missed a cruise due to mechanical failure. It was only the weather gods who always had the final say!
  Tuesday, 6th December 2022
• Bottlenose Dolphins Caught in the Act!During our 25 years of running marine cruises in Algoa Bay, Raggy Chances have seen Indo-Pacific dolphins on around 98% of cruises. Quite remarkable and a good reason to be named the “Bottlenose Dolphin Capital of the World”, which we proclaimed ...
  Monday, 5th December 2022
• Humpbacks visit St Croix IslandAs per our previous posts, we are still experiencing the largest humpback Southern migration in 30 years and arguably the largest since whaling commenced in our waters in 1908. I have tried for many years in vain to get some great images of humpbacks...
  Tuesday, 29th November 2022
• SANParks Kudu Awards 2022On the 24th of November 2022 Purity was flown to Johanesburg by SANParks to attend the SANParks Kudu Awards.
  Thursday, 24th November 2022
• Killer Whales Hunting in Algoa BayReports of a massive school of 500 Indo-Pacific dolphins just off Shark Rock Pier came pouring in from early on Thursday morning. Thanks to our team of dedicated cetacean spotters along the beach front. We had a late start with passengers from the cr...
  Thursday, 17th November 2022
• The Perfect Breach . . . in Reverse!Check out these 8 images in sequence of an adult humpback whale breaching in Algoa Bay near the new commercial port of Coega.
  Saturday, 5th November 2022
• Humpbacks just keep coming!Since my last post which had 30k hits n Facebook, I have been inundated with people who are sharing the joy of this remarkable recovery of a population from the brink of extinction. The number of cow calf pairs coming past Algoa Bay are showing no si...
  Monday, 31st October 2022
• Largest Humpback Migration on RecordIn my 30 years of going to sea in Algoa Bay, this is the most Humpback whales I have ever seen in any one year. Remember that the population of humpback whales that pass us are known as Breeding Stock C2 of the Western Indian Ocean. When modern day w...
  Friday, 21st October 2022
• Humpback Whales Stealing the ShowWe have been having amazing sightings during our recent cruises. From the ever-present Bottlenose Dolphins, to large pods of Common Dolphins coming in from the deep and Bryde’s Whales feeding on Penguin Bait Balls. In the midst of all the excitemen...
  Wednesday, 12th October 2022
• Debe Valley Primary School, Middledrift, Visit PEWith much excitement a group of 38 learners from Debe Valley Primary School in Middledrift, near King Willilams Town,  came to visit PE. We were very happy to welcome them and host them for the afternoon.
  Wednesday, 28th September 2022
• International Coastal Cleanup Day! 17 September 2022 - What a successful day and great turnout! International Coastal Cleanup day!  Thank you to all who made this happen and all those who volunteered on the day. We can make a difference.
  Saturday, 17th September 2022
• Three Whales in an Hour!The whale season has been simply spectacular this year in Algoa Bay. Heading out with a boatload of international tourists, they just did not know what a surprise they were in for!
  Sunday, 11th September 2022
• Bunkering in Penguin Feeding HotspotCo-operative group foraging of African Penguins in Algoa Bay has been documented by Profs Ryan and Pichegru using images taken by myself during our marine eco-cruises. It was argued that if penguins benefit from group foraging, then a decrease in the...
  Saturday, 10th September 2022
• Welcoming the Whales to Watamu, KenyaLloyd's last trip took him from Libreville in Gabon on the West Coast of Africa to Watamu, Kenya on the East Coast of Africa. 
  Saturday, 27th August 2022
• Southern Right Whales Mating Frenzy in Algoa BayYesterday 23 August was an exceptionally good day for us at Raggy Charters. Waking up to a favourable wind and swell forecast made us eager to prep our boat "My Bru" and meet our guests at the Yacht club. Our guests arrived right on time dressed for ...
  Tuesday, 23rd August 2022
• Welcoming the Whales to GabonWhile it has always been our goal to get to the Humpback whales calving and nursing grounds off West Africa, Covid thwarted us. Finally arrived here on the 11th August 2022 and the next morning went straight out to sea. The conditions were good but o...
  Friday, 12th August 2022
• First record for Snowy Sheathbill in Algoa BayAfter an adventurous cruise into Algoa Bay, we arrived at St Croix Island to observe what is left of our endangered penguins. As I peered at the island, I suddenly noticed a white bird that looked something like a cross between a chicken and a pigeon...
  Friday, 22nd July 2022
• White Southern Right Whale calf born in Algoa Bay.After seeing calves of humpback, Southern right and Bryde’s whales recently, it was great to observe a new-born white Southern right calf with it’s mother. This is the fifth white calf I have recorded since I started Raggy Charters 25 years ago. ...
  Friday, 22nd July 2022
• New Calving Record for Algoa BayWhat a great sighting we had this week of two species of migratory whales, both sporting newborn calves! Add this to a recent sighting of our partially resident Bryde’s whale, also with a newborn, we realise how incredibly blessed we are to have su...
  Monday, 18th July 2022
• Something Good Beach Clean UpThank you to all the following for collaboraing and working together to keep Gqeberha clean: the team from Rainbow Recycling, Mr current Mr Ubermann and Madammoiselle PE, Aidan Tuohy (Mr Ubermann 2022) and Bianca Barnard (Madamoiselle PE 2022) and An...
  Sunday, 17th July 2022
• Spectacular Beachfront Sunset CruiseWith the beautiful weather we are currently having and a few lovely family groups keen to sunset cruise, we filled the boat with our awesome marine life 'spotters' and keen local photographers. What an amazing time they had.. here is a video compiled...
  Tuesday, 28th June 2022
• First Southern Right Whales in Algoa Bay 2022What a joyous occasion to see the first Southern Right Whale in Algoa Bay and what a display we witnessed! Earlier that morning our Operations Manager, Jake Keeton, headed off in our catamaran “My Bru” to Bird Island to see if the white sharks ha...
  Sunday, 26th June 2022
• SANCCOB Appreciation, Plea to Assist & Penguin ReleaseRaggy Charters tries to assist SANCCOB Saves Birds with dropping off rehabilitated penguins and picking up injured or ill birds whenever we can. Click here to view the last drop off/pick up done on 21st April 2022 - cheers of success! 
  Monday, 20th June 2022
• World Oceans Day 8th June 2022Algoa Bay ... take a minute to look and digest the beauty of this marine wilderness.. pop to our Baywatch Conservation Projects tab to read about ongoing projects and see how you can help us keep the Bay as it should be... 
  Wednesday, 8th June 2022
• Killer Whales on the Increase?Last week we had the privilege of seeing yet another pod of seven killer whales about two miles south of Cape Recife. The week before it was the notorious killer whale brothers, port and starboard, seen lurking off the port at Coega. They were spotte...
  Monday, 6th June 2022
• Welcoming the Whales 2022The Fest was Fab! THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE HUMPBACK WHALE MIGRATION ROUTE
  Saturday, 4th June 2022
• Collegiate Eco-Club Talk and CruiseJake and Purity visited the Collegiate Eco Club. They joined the nature minded young ladies in the afternoon of the 18th May 2022 to chat to them about Algoa Bay's marine life. 
  Wednesday, 18th May 2022
• Bottlenose Dolphins Surf at Woody CapeAfter having spent the morning around Bird Island looking for sardine run action, we had lunch in the channel between the old guano jetty and seal island. We watched the coming and going of the 250 000 strong Cape gannet colony, the largest on the pl...
  Wednesday, 4th May 2022
• Giving Them Wings Cruise AdventureWe were very happy to assist the GIVING THEM WINGS FOUNDATION with arranging an outing for Grade 10 learners to experience the marine life in Algoa Bay on Earth Day. All were very excited and braved the windy conditions.  Nothing could put a dampner...
  Friday, 22nd April 2022
• Sardine Run 2022 off to a good start in Algoa BayThursday 21 April marked our second sighting of a large bait ball in Algoa Bay. As we were approaching Bird Island at the far Eastern end of Algoa Bays Marine Protected Area, a sizable portion on the horizon was distorted in a blur of splashes. Tryin...
  Thursday, 21st April 2022
• African Penguins ride first class back to Bird IslandOn this past Thursday 21 April our White Shark Cage Diving tour got off to an exciting start. We arrived to see a magnificent sunrise reflecting off the mirrorlike water between the boats. Please see our next post to find out what we saw during this ...
  Thursday, 21st April 2022
• Jubilation as Moratorium on Ship to Ship Fuel Transfers ExtendedCelebrations went on well into the night as the South African Marine Safety Authority extended the moratorium of granting of new ship to ship fuel transfer licenses, until a comprehensive risk assessment has been carried out. This was a result of a l...
  Wednesday, 30th March 2022
• Special Edition of Gino’s Spot - Ship-to-Ship RefuellingMarine conservationist, passionate outspoken activist & owner of Raggy Charters, Lloyd Edwards, co-hosts a special edition of Gino’s Spot to sound the alarm on the catastrophic consequences of the looming conservation disaster facing Algoa Bay ...
  Tuesday, 22nd March 2022
• Largest ever pod of Killer Whales seen in Algoa BayThe only downside to this sighting was that the killer whales were first observed slap bang in the middle of where ship to ship bunkering takes place in Algoa Bay. Please watch this page for an update on our latest action to fight this unacceptable s...
  Tuesday, 8th March 2022
• HUMPBACKS BREAKING THE RULES in ALGOA BAYDuring our last five consecutive cruises out to St Croix island we have sighted the same two sub-adult Humpback Whales. The last sighting was one of the most spectacular with the larger of the two individuals launching itself into the air in a series...
  Sunday, 6th February 2022
• My (ex) Octopus Teacher!Most years we are very privileged to have the man who filmed “My Octopus Teacher” coming to Algoa Bay to film the sardine Run. Roger Horrocks comes here as he is of the opinion that our bay is the best place along the South African coast to film ...
  Wednesday, 2nd February 2022
• Herald Article - Wild EntourageA wonderful sight to see in January 2022!  My China and guests enjoying cruising with this spectacular pod of Common Dolphins.
  Thursday, 20th January 2022
• Bottlenose dolphins always topsWhile doing some whale watching out of San Diego towards Mexico, I chatted to the official photographer onboard, Michael Peak. He informed me that Bottlenose dolphins on his site always generated the most interest. I argued with him and said that bre...
  Wednesday, 19th January 2022
• Lloyd Joins Gino Fabbri on Gino's Spot
  Tuesday, 18th January 2022
• The Long-beaked Common Dolphins of Algoa BayThese charismatic animals are the ones which make the “sardine run” come alive. As per previous posts, easterly winds cause the upwelling events which bring nutrients and plankton spores to the surface. Plant plankton feeds the animal plankton wh...
  Thursday, 13th January 2022
• One morning with a Bryde’s whale in Algoa Bay.After some recent spectacular morning cruises in Algoa Bay with sightings of sardine bait balls, we headed off to Bird Island in anticipation of something special. The sea was flat and there was not a breath of wind . . . and for the next two hours w...
  Friday, 7th January 2022
• Sardine Run VS Bunkering, Algoa BayWhile everyone hates the easterly winds which blow in Algoa Bay during December, there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! While the winds turn the waters into a washing machine and make the water freezing cold, plenty of good is happening be...
  Tuesday, 4th January 2022
• Our endangered Indian Ocean Humpback DolphinsIt is not often that we spot these elusive Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins along the surf at the Alexandria Dunefields in Algoa Bay. What a great surprise to find a school of around 14 of them swimming along close inshore. They are not the easiest dol...
  Monday, 3rd January 2022
• Jumping for Joy as Seismic Survey HaltedI guess if I were a Humpback whale, I would be jumping for joy as the Seismic Survey has been stopped. I managed to take this series of photos earlier this year on rapid fire with my trusty Nikon. It only took me 30 years to get the sequence with one...
  Tuesday, 28th December 2021
• Terns and the Start of the “Sardine Run”Sounds a bit odd I guess, but that is what is happening in Algoa Bay at present. The terns are of course the birds that lead us to these bait balls which are made up of tiny fish. The Easterly winds that blow during this time of the year create the u...
  Thursday, 16th December 2021
• Protest against the Seismic Survey on the Wild Coastupdate with good news: 01 September 2022 
  Sunday, 5th December 2021
• The Save Our Ocean Fun DayWhat a beautiful day we had at Brighton beach with the children. Who knew that marine conservation education can be this fun.
  Friday, 19th November 2021
• Baby boom in The Bottlenose Dolphin Capital of the WorldFemale Bottlenose dolphins reach sexual maturity three years before males at around ten years. Calves are born at an average of 1 metre and nearly 14kg, after a gestation period of a year. Although they can be born throughout the year, the peak is in...
  Monday, 15th November 2021
• Bottlenose Dolphins and the Alexandria DunefieldsIt could have not been more fitting. We took a film crew out into Algoa Bay to capture some footage for a documentary to celebrate Algoa Bay being declared a Whale Heritage Site. As we left port we saw our first humpback whale. This was followed by s...
  Sunday, 7th November 2021
• Ama-Zing Addo Agri - Art - AdventureWas really good to be a part of an event again after a very long almost 2 years of no events and 'getting out there'. to chat to people and share with them all that Raggy Charters has to offer. Lloyd also enjoyed chatting to visitors about the trees ...
  Saturday, 30th October 2021
• Bumper year for Southern Right Whales in Algoa BayThis has been the best year for Southern Right viewing in the past 15 years. Raggy Charters have spotted at least 15 cow / calf pairs, that is 30 whales and another 15 single whales, probably males, which brings the total up to 45. They have also rem...
  Wednesday, 27th October 2021
• Bon Voyage “Onenzi”Southern Right Calves begin leaving Algoa Bay.
  Tuesday, 12th October 2021
• African Penguins successfully rehabilitated and releasedAfrican Penguins successfully rehabilitated and released following Storm in Algoa Bay.
  Tuesday, 5th October 2021
• September is proving to be one of the best months...September is proving to be one of the best months for our full day Shark Cage Diving Tour.
  Tuesday, 14th September 2021
• The White Whales of Algoa BayEvery now and again we get treated to seeing a “white “whale in Algoa Bay. Well they are not really all white and do change colour with age.
  Sunday, 22nd August 2021
• Launch of My Bru“My Bru”, a Long time coming!
  Wednesday, 11th August 2021
• The Fastest Disentanglement Ever?As we were leaving port last week with some tourists aboard for a whale, dolphin and penguin island cruise, we received a radio call from Gareth Right, the skipper of the oyster boat. He informed us that there was a humpback whale attached to a buoy ...
  Tuesday, 10th August 2021
• Another Whale Calf in Algoa BayOn Saturday morning we left the port with Guy Cloete aboard, who had won a free cruise with us for naming the first born Southern Right whale in Algoa Bay. The search for “Onenzi” was underway. About two nautical miles from the harbour we came ac...
  Saturday, 7th August 2021
• Cruising with SPAR and the AMBASSADORS of the SPAR LADIES VIRTUAL RACE 2021A special morning cruising with SPAR EC Staff and the AMBASSADORS of the
  Tuesday, 3rd August 2021
• First Southern Right Calf Born in Algoa BayWe were so lucky to welcome the first Southern Right calf to be born in Algoa Bay. The birth was very recent, as the calf still had the evidence of fetal folds on its skin. These are caused by the calf being “folded” up inside its mother’s womb...
  Tuesday, 20th July 2021
• The Bottlenose Dolphins of the Greatest Marine WildernessYet again Algoa Bay keeps delivering amazing spectacles, especially in the Marine Protected Area. This area is part of the Greater Addo Elephant National Park and includes all three islands off the port at Coega and runs all the way to Cannon Rocks i...
  Tuesday, 13th July 2021
• Bottlenose Dolphins Surfing at the KraansIn amongst all the whale activity we still cannot ignore our iconic Bottlenose Dolphins who have been stealing the show on our recent cruises. Large pods of up to 400 individuals have been keeping us company at St Croix Island whilst we view the Afri...
  Wednesday, 7th July 2021
• African Penguins go back home! Yesterday Raggy Charters Crew went on a mission to Bird Island, setting off with a beautiful sunrise and precious cargo, 3 "blue" African Penguins. These African Penguins were abandoned and rescued by SANPARK Rangers on Bird Island in April 2021. T...
  Wednesday, 7th July 2021
• Welcoming the Whales 2021Welcoming of the whales 2021 The Southern Hemisphere Humpback Migration Route According to the late legendary whale and dolphin researcher, Professor Peter Best, the “Northern migration of Humpback whales seems to reach the African coastline in t...
  Wednesday, 16th June 2021
• Word Oceans Day 8th June 20212 statements that say it all ! 
  Tuesday, 8th June 2021
• "Fluke" Comes to Life 
  Saturday, 5th June 2021
• Sub-Adult Whales in Algoa BaySub-adult Humpback whales in Algoa Bay.
  Friday, 14th May 2021
• Early start to Humpback Migration
  Monday, 10th May 2021
• Early Arrival of Humpback WhalesGreat to be featured in The Herald with the first sightings of Humpback Whales 2021 Migration
  Tuesday, 4th May 2021
• Sardine Run Part 5, The ChaseSardine Run, Part 5: The Chase
  Tuesday, 27th April 2021
• Sardine Run Part 4, Killer Whales
  Monday, 26th April 2021
• Sardine Run Part 3, Cape Gannets
  Tuesday, 20th April 2021
• Sardine Run Part 2, Common Dolphins
  Thursday, 15th April 2021
• Brilliant start to Sardine Run 2021
  Sunday, 11th April 2021
• Sardine Run starts with a Bang
  Saturday, 3rd April 2021
• Screening of BBC's Perfect PlanetBBC Perfect Planet Screening S1E1 on DSTV Channel 184 Sunday 14th February 2021 at 4pm CAT
  Sunday, 14th February 2021
• Birds, Whales, Dolphins and Lots more birds!
  Friday, 29th January 2021
• Last of the Humpback Migration for 2020
  Friday, 22nd January 2021
• Transient Killer Whales hunting Bottlenose Dolphins in Algoa Bay.
  Saturday, 9th January 2021
• Algoa Bay features in BBC’s Perfect Planet Series A brand new BBC five series documentary narrated by David Attenborough is being screened at present. Some of the chapter called “Oceans” was filmed right here in Algoa Bay from the 17th April until the 8th May 2018.    A male killer whale...
  Wednesday, 6th January 2021
• South African Fur Seals Hitching a Ride
  Saturday, 26th December 2020
• Bottlenose Dolphins back in Force
  Wednesday, 16th December 2020
• Seals Pups get a second Chance at Life
  Thursday, 10th December 2020
• Agulhus Current Seal Release
  Monday, 30th November 2020
• Welcome Back Tourism Expo 2020Andrew & Julia of PeriExpo decided it was time for Tourism to make a comback face to face!! So on November 13th & 14th, after many hours of hard work the Expo came together. Raggy Charters were very happy and proud to be part of this gatherin...
  Friday, 13th November 2020
• EP Herald shares Killer Whale SightingsRare sightings of Killer Whales in Algoa Bay twice in 1 week! Thank you to the EP Herald for sharing our story! 
  Tuesday, 10th November 2020
• Killer Whales two weeks in a row!
  Saturday, 7th November 2020
• Getaway SA Features Killer Whales in Algoa BayGreat to receive a call from Getaway SA wanting to interview Jake on his latest experience of seeing this magnificent pod of Killer Whales! 
  Tuesday, 3rd November 2020
• Killer Whales re-visit Algoa BayKiller Whales re-visit Algoa Bay 01 November 2020
  Sunday, 1st November 2020
• Common Dolphins Featured in HeraldWonderful to share this amazing sighting with all in Port Elizabeth, Cape Recife Lighthouse an awesome landmark in the background.
  Thursday, 29th October 2020
• Epimeletic behaviour observed in Algoa Bay
  Saturday, 26th September 2020
• Another Magnificent Full Day Bird Island Cruise
  Saturday, 19th September 2020
• New Brochure ConceptRaggy Charters new concept brochure released!
  Friday, 11th September 2020
• Travel & Hospitality Awards 2020Raggy Charters first International award. 
  Thursday, 10th September 2020
• Bottlenose Dolphins in MonochromeAfter having spent a wonderful day at Bird Island on our last cruise we headed West to the St Croix Island group off the new port at Coega. As per our previous news article we had already been treated to breaching humpback whales, albatross, white sh...
  Sunday, 6th September 2020
• The Greatest Marine Wilderness in AfricaAlthough we have been going to Bird Island for the last 22 years, it is only recently that we have been running regular tours to this forgotten Eastern corner of Algoa Bay. The cruises just seem to get better and we are learning some of the animal’...
  Monday, 31st August 2020
• Southern right whales in Addo Marine Protected AreaAfter receiving news of a Southern right whale off the mouth of the Swartkops River, we decided to offer the Port Elizabeth locals a chance to come on an exploratory cruise. As we were not sure that we would be able to locate the whales, we offered t...
  Friday, 28th August 2020
• Lloyd's Tern Photograph Makes The Herald Front PageLloyd is very happy to have Terns featured on the front page of the Herald, the birds seem to be outshined by the whale and dolphin sightings, yet they are just as important and beautiful.
  Friday, 28th August 2020
• Algoa Bay 2021 Calendar - 13th EditionA wonderful way to showcase some great photographs taken by Raggy Charters Owner Lloyd Edwards and Manager Jake Keeton of the magnificent marine life seen on our tours in Algoa Bay over the last year or so. Our 13th Edition! Each months photograph h...
  Thursday, 27th August 2020
• Herald Article Showcases Topside Shark Viewing
  Tuesday, 25th August 2020
• Sunday Times "Post Cards from the Future"We were approached by the Sunday Times Travel Magazine to take part in the "Postcards from the Future" campaign they are running to help Tourism during the Covid-19 pandemic. Was wonderful to see it in print!  Thank you Sunday Times for the support....
  Sunday, 16th August 2020
• Lock-down day 136 & 142 Cruises for LocalsLong-beaked common dolphins steal the show
  Saturday, 8th August 2020
• White Sharks at Bird Island & Dolphins Surfing at Alexandria Sand DunesInternationally renowned white shark expert Chris Fallows recently joined Raggy Charters on an overnight exploratory white shark viewing cruise to Bird Island. Chris has pioneered white shark viewing in South Africa and was the first person to get ph...
  Thursday, 23rd July 2020
• The Herald front page for Raggy ChartersWonderful to be featured on the front page of The Herald today!  Something bright and beautiful for all to enjoy in the Bay amongst all the overwhelming Covid-19 news!  
  Monday, 20th July 2020
• Penguin Drop, Bottlenose Dolphins and First White Sharks for 2020Rehabilitated Penguins taken home and first White Sharks at Bird Island
  Thursday, 16th July 2020
• Covid-19 Lock-down 100th DayA special day for Raggy Charters
  Wednesday, 8th July 2020
• Welcoming the Whales to Algoa Bay Festival 2020- Covid-19 StyleWELCOMING the WHALES to Algoa Bay FESTIVAL 2020 Covid-19 edition!
  Tuesday, 16th June 2020
• Live Shark Project getting the Government AttentionAll our efforts starting to get the attention of SA Government.
  Saturday, 23rd May 2020
• Raggy Charters and Algoa Bay feature in SA Country LifeRaggy Charters had the pleasure of having Marion Whitehead, freelance journalist for SA Country Life on board to show her our magnificent Bay and all it has to offer.
  Friday, 22nd May 2020
• World Trade Market Speed Networking 2020World Trade Market 2020 - doing it the Covid-19 regulated way! 
  Friday, 24th April 2020
• Save our SharksPlease sign and share our petition to save our sharks - this being a part of our live shark project.
  Thursday, 23rd April 2020
• White Shark Media FrenzyAs we prepare for our White Shark Cage Diving, get our "Live Shark Project" running and as the petition to 'Save our Sharks in South African Waters' goes around there is much media attention around all.   (if you have not yet signed the petition p...
  Monday, 20th April 2020
• The Pink DolphinOver the last three years I have played witness to some amazing animal behavior and rare sightings in Algoa Bay. From Orcas hunting a Brydes whale to thousands of Long Beaked Common Dolphins chasing down sardines. You just never know what you might s...
  Thursday, 2nd April 2020
• Seal in Fishing NetIt is always such a sad sight to see anything entangled in a discarded fishing net. We saw this South African fur seal on St Croix Island recently. According to Dr Greg Hofmeyer from Bayworld, it has been seen in the same area on another occasion. It...
  Monday, 9th March 2020
• Carina's Swim & Stormy's Release 
  Friday, 28th February 2020
• Lover's Lane at St Croix IslandLover's Lane at St Croix Island
  Saturday, 8th February 2020
• Looking back at 2019 Public EventOn 28 January 2020, we gathered a lot of locals together at the local angling club, PEDSAC, to share wonderful sightings and things we had done and achieved during 2019 and to talk about our exciting plans for 2020.
  Tuesday, 28th January 2020
• The tale of two Humpback whalesOur records during the last 23 years showed initially that Humpback whales finish passing Algoa Bay by the second week of January. During the last four years they have been gone by the end of November. Imagine our "delight" in finding two sub adults ...
  Monday, 20th January 2020
• Raggy Charters features in Ibhayi Sunshine Saunter 2020Good to be on the cover of this years edition of Ibhayi Sunshine Saunter Brochure Map available for free to visitors to Nelson Mandela Bay.
  Friday, 10th January 2020
• Ziggy the Elephant Seal releasedRaggy Charters were proud to be a part of the release of Ziggy, a 2 month old elephant seal who can now find his way home. You can follow Ziggy's journey and read his story on Port Elizabeth Museum Marine Mammals page. Thank you for skipper Warren Ta...
  Friday, 20th December 2019
• International Campaign to Australia and New Zealand during 2019The Baywatch Project and Raggy Charters founder, Lloyd Edwards, led a four month tour of Australia and New Zealand from August until November 2019. The aim of the tour was to gain support for the Southern Hemisphere Humpback Migration Route (SHHWMR),...
  Saturday, 30th November 2019
• Acoustic Research In Algoa BayRaggy Charters were very excited to be part of a research project in November 2019 with Warren Tarboton as skipper, taking Elena Schall and Sarah Taudein around the Bay. Read the full story by Sarah Taudien:
  Monday, 18th November 2019
• Lilizela National Awards 2019Congratulation to the Raggy Charters Marine-Eco Cruises Team... Lilizela Awards 2019.. National Winners ... so proud !!
  Saturday, 9th November 2019
• Algoa Bay Calendar 2020Raggy Charters are proud to have put together the 12th Edition of the Algoa Bay Calendar 2020, an assortment of wonderful photographs taken in our Bay over the last year by Owner Lloyd Edwards and Manager Jake Keeton. 
  Friday, 1st November 2019
• Lilizela 2019REWARDING SERVICE EXCELLENCE AT THE EASTERN CAPE LILIZELA TOURISM AWARDS 2019
  Friday, 20th September 2019
• Whale Migration & Effects of Single Use Plastic - Knysna to KenyaThis year on the 16th of June we held our second annual celebration of the Arrival of the Whales Festival at Pine Lodge. This year the focus of the festival was to raise awareness of the northern humpback migration and the effects of single use plast...
  Monday, 9th September 2019
• Northerly Humpback Whale Migration With the Northerly Humpback Whale migration in full swing the Raggy Charters team and our guests are being treated to some spectacular displays of aerobatics in the Bay. The shear number of whales that are currently passing our coastline is aston...
  Tuesday, 13th August 2019
• White Humpback Whale seen off Cape RecifeWhite Humpback whale seen off Cape Recife.
  Friday, 2nd August 2019
• Raggy Charters fights against Oil Spills in Algoa Bay10 July 2019 Lloyd Edwards: "Today I cried!"
  Thursday, 1st August 2019
• Deeply scarred Humpback calf spotted in Algoa BayOn Sunday morning in perfect weather and sea conditions, we set off in search of whales. Just outside port we came across a school of around 200 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. Saw a few gannets feeding but otherwise pretty quiet.
  Monday, 29th July 2019
• Great Coverage in "Buite"Thank you to Mariska for this wonderful article.
  Friday, 12th July 2019
• Humpback Whale Calf Saved as Mother DisentangledIt all started as I was standing on my deck observing numerous Humpback whales breaching off Seaview. At 10am I saw a Humpback cruising past with a red buoy trailing about 200 metres behind it. I immediately called the National Sea Rescue Commander I...
  Monday, 24th June 2019
• Celebrating the Arrival of the Whales FestivalThe 2nd Celebrating the Arrival of the Whales Festival was held at Pine Lodge on the 16th June in perfect weather. The emphasis this year was on trying to reduce the amount of plastic waste that enters the marine environment. The stalls were split be...
  Sunday, 16th June 2019
• Algoa Bay becomes Marine Protected AreaWhat great news to know that the Greater Addo Marine Protected Area has been proclaimed! Many people have been working so long and so hard to achieve this, we salute you all!
  Tuesday, 28th May 2019
• Raggy Charters White Shark Cage Diving Features in The Herald
  Tuesday, 14th May 2019
• 2019's First large group of Humpback whales in Algoa BayKaren decided to run a Mother’s Day special for the “sardine run” cruise and we headed off into the bay with a full load of passengers. The weather was perfect, a flat sea and no wind predicted. We headed south past Cape Recife for around 5 mil...
  Sunday, 12th May 2019
• Double Breach of Bottlenose Dolphins caught on camera!Algoa Bay Port Elizabeth is the Bottlenose Dolphin Capital of the world based on pod size and frequency of sightings. During the last few weeks our special bay has been living up to its reputation with some amazing sightings of not only massive pods ...
  Saturday, 4th May 2019
• Feeding Frenzy Featured in The Herald
  Thursday, 25th April 2019
• Sardine Run action close to Port ElizabethWhat amazing Easter weekend’s “sardine run” action was had by all involved. Although the wind was close to gale force at times and the seas big, our new catamaran, "My China", managed to handle everything that was thrown at her. We hooked up wi...
  Tuesday, 23rd April 2019
• 2019 Migratory Whale Season begins!Our Whale/Dolphin/Penguin Island Cruise that took place this last Saturday, 13 April turned out to be a special one for both crew and guests, marking the start of the 2019 migratory whale season for Raggy Charters.
  Saturday, 13th April 2019
• Breaching Dwarf Minke Whale, Algoa Bay.Breaching Dwarf Minke Whale, Algoa Bay.
  Sunday, 7th April 2019
• January Feeding Frenzy
  Wednesday, 16th January 2019
• Cape Fur Seal Release at Bird IslandOn Tuesday 15 January 2019 at 8am myself, fellow skipper Warren Tarboton and Cherie Lawrence from Bayworld departed from the Port Elizabeth Harbour on our research/filming and backup boat Winkle. We were off to the Bird Island group which is 38 nauti...
  Tuesday, 15th January 2019
• Port Elizabeth Museum Marine Mammals Seal ReleaseRaggy Charters Marine-Eco Cruises Assists Dr Greg Hofmeyr with 4 Sub Antartic & 1 Antarctic Seal Realease... Keep track of their progress on the Port Elizabeth Museum Marine Mammals Facebook Page, Dr Greg Hofmeyr will be posting bi-weekly updates...
  Thursday, 20th December 2018
• Killer whales againLloyd's first St Croix tour on "My China"
  Wednesday, 5th December 2018
• The release of Silky the Cape fur sealThe release of Silky the Cape fur seal at Black Rocks seal colony on the 5th of December. She had been in rehab at Bayworld for two months. 
  Wednesday, 5th December 2018
• Killer Whale Family in the BayA fishing boat spotted this family of killer whales off the mouth of the Sunday's River this morning. To me it looked like an adult female, a sub-adult male, three other juveniles and a calf. The one had what looked like a piece of dolphin in its mou...
  Tuesday, 4th December 2018
• Whale of a Time in the Bay
  Friday, 16th November 2018
• Diving with Penguins by Pro Dive PEThank you Pro Dive for sharing this amazing footage with Raggy Charters.
  Thursday, 15th November 2018
• Video of Sea trials with "My China"Butt Cat Boats presents the first of its kind - 10.1 metre Butt Cat XLW Walk Around. See the below video link.
  Wednesday, 7th November 2018
• Raggy Charters launches new vessel, "My China"Butt Cat Boats, Atlin Chemicals CC, Suzuki Marine and Nauti-Tech Suzuki confirmed their commitment to marine conservation by making generous sponsorships towards the new research and marine eco cruise vessel, "My China". Without their support this ...
  Tuesday, 6th November 2018
• Epimeletic Care from Bottlenose Dolphin Mother
  Monday, 22nd October 2018
• Humpback Whale Stranded at Gamtoos River Mouth
  Thursday, 20th September 2018
• Raggy Charters scoops Lilizela Tourism Awards for 4th time!On the 20th September, the Provincial Lilizela Tourism Awards were held in East London. Raggy Charters received their 4th Award for the best Marine Adventures in the Eastern Cape. We have also won the National Award for the best Marine Adventures in ...
  Thursday, 20th September 2018
• Infamous Orcas, Port & Starboard, visit the Bay
  Thursday, 26th July 2018
• Male Humpback Whale Breaching off Cape Recife
  Saturday, 14th July 2018
• Celebrating the whales in Algoa Bay 2018This year Raggy Charters, conservation projects, private companies and NGOs will be hosting the Celebrating the Whales Festival on Saturday 16th June 2018 from 9am at the Pine Lodge Resort, Algoa Bay. The aim of the festival is to bring the people of...
  Friday, 15th June 2018
• BBC Films Perfect Planet with Raggy ChartersSilverback Films,  who were producing a sequence for the BBC 1 series "Perfect Planet", worked with the Raggy Charters team in April and May of 2018. We are entrusted with taking the film crew out to find various marine species within Algoa Bay....
  Wednesday, 23rd May 2018
• Shark-cage diving set to boost Bay tourism New venture first of its kind in the Eastern Cape   Shark-cage diving looks set to start in Nelson Mandela Bay soon. Port Elizabeth-based Raggy Charters was at the Tourism Indaba in Durban yesterday to market the new venture, the first of its...
  Thursday, 10th May 2018
• Feeding Frenzy - Common Dolphin in Algoa Bay
  Thursday, 3rd May 2018
• Killer View
  Saturday, 28th April 2018
• Feeding Frenzy makes the Herald Front PageLloyd's spectacular photograph makes the front page of the Herald! 
  Tuesday, 16th January 2018
• Our Research Fleet is ExpandingWe at Raggy Charters are thrilled to announce that the arrival of our new research vessel is in sight. After searching high and low for corporate assistance to fund the new research vessel, three companies were eager to help sponsor the expansion of ...
  Tuesday, 16th January 2018
• Raggy Charters Win Best Marine Adventure in South Africa!After winning the award for Best Marine Adventure in the Eastern Cape at the provincial Lilizela awards held in East London on 21 September 2017 Raggy charters went on to attend the National Lilizela Tourism awards ceremony held on 29 October 2017 at...
  Wednesday, 6th December 2017
• Raggy Charters Win Best Marine Adventure in Eastern Cape - 10/2017On Thursday 21 September 2017 the Raggy Charters team together with the "best of the best" of tourism attended the Lilizela Tourism Awards held in East London. Being aware of the level of competition the Raggy Charters team were overjoyed when they r...
  Monday, 2nd October 2017
• Lloyd Edwards awarded for the conservation of wetlands in the Eastern Cape
  Wednesday, 9th November 2016
• Lloyd Edwards from Raggy Charters was recently awarded the OWL AwardLloyd Edwards from Raggy Charters was recently awarded the OWL Awards for his outstanding contribution to the conservation of birds in South Africa. The annual ceremony took place on the 6th October at the beautiful Beachwood Gardens in Hyde Park, Jo...
  Thursday, 3rd November 2016
• Washed up whale found between Kini Bay and Lourie's BayA 15 metre whale washed up at St Francis Bay last Thursday, 27 October 2016. This was eventually towed back out to sea to decompose further. Although, the caption in yesterday's Burger says that is was a Southern Right Whale, it was infact a Hump...
  Monday, 31st October 2016
• Raggy Charters Win Best Marine Adventure in South Africa!On Sunday 16th October 2016 the "Best of The Best" in the tourism industry gathered together for the Lilizela Tourism Awards at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Johannesburg. Last month the provincial awards were held and out of the 589 finalists, 2...
  Tuesday, 18th October 2016
• National Marine Week Celebrated in bay 
  Sunday, 16th October 2016
• Stranded Bottlenose Calf A Result Of Dolphin Shooting? 
  Monday, 10th October 2016
• Algoa Bay is Bottlenose Dolphin Capital of the WorldOn Monday 18th April 2016 Algoa Bay was officially launched as the Bottlenose Dolphin Capital of the World. Raggy Charters and Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism hosted the launch at the Algoa Bay Yacht Club with over 270 people attending. After talking to v...
  Tuesday, 19th April 2016
• Sardine Run Action Gets Bay Excited
  Tuesday, 22nd March 2016
• Sardine Run Hits Algoa Bay  
  Thursday, 17th March 2016
• Proposed Fish Farm in Algoa Bay Still A Threat
  Thursday, 11th February 2016
• Algoa Bay Calendar 2016
  Tuesday, 3rd November 2015
• Coastal Clean-Up Day Saw PE Residents Rally!Saturday 19th September was International Coastal Clean-Up Day. All over the world beach clean-ups were organised in an effort to reduce the amount of garbage and plastic pollution that plague our oceans. Each year 8 million tons of plastic is dumped...
  Thursday, 24th September 2015
• Raggy Charters Assist Alikreukel BustThis is the forth Alikreukel arrest members from the Seaview Community have assisted with in the last year. The problem is getting a bit out of hand and escalating. The biggest problem is that the inspectors are so far from Seaview and take a while t...
  Tuesday, 15th September 2015
• Support For World Oceans Day
  Tuesday, 9th June 2015
• BBC Film Crew in Algoa Bay 
  Monday, 8th June 2015
• Celebrate World Oceans Day with Beach Clean-Ups!The World Cetacean Alliance is an organisation dedicated to the protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises. They have recently launched the 'Net Effect' campaign as they work to reduce the impact of ghost nets on marine wildlife. These fishing nets...
  Sunday, 3rd May 2015
• Alikreukel Suspects ArrestedAt 11:18 this morning members of the Seaview community reported people illegally collecting Alikreukel (South African Turban sea snails) in front of Main Road. A call was made to Inspector Dennis Mostert from DAFF and he dispatched an inspector to th...
  Tuesday, 20th January 2015
• Massive Increase In Beach Pollution From Fishing Industry?A letter to SAMSA
  Sunday, 11th January 2015
• Raggy Charters Cruises Recommended For Port Elizabeth Visitors
  Wednesday, 31st December 2014
• Green Turtle Rescue in Port Elizabeth
  Saturday, 27th December 2014
• Algoa Bay Hope Spot Launch Success 
  Tuesday, 16th December 2014
• More Humpback Calves StrugglingThe 2014 whale watching season has provided us with some great encounters, and we have been seeing a huge increase in calf numbers, along the entire South African coastline. Most whale sightings have included calves, among both the Southern right and...
  Thursday, 20th November 2014
• Raggy Charters Conservation Work 
  Thursday, 20th November 2014
• Southern Right Whale Dolphins Off Southern AfricaSouth Africa is pretty lucky when it comes to our abundant marine life and the various species we encounter here. Some only provide rare sightings but we can still boast that 11,130 different species of marine animals inhabit our shores. One of the m...
  Tuesday, 18th November 2014
• Successful 2014 For Raggy ChartersDuring the 15th South African Marine Science Symposium, held in July of this year, various medals and awards were presented and our very own resident scientist and Raggy Charters co-owner Dr Lorien Pichegru was honoured with the SANCOR Emerging Sc...
  Monday, 3rd November 2014
• Raggy Charters 2015 Calendar Now Available!  
  Thursday, 30th October 2014
• Raggy Charters 'Whale Whisperer' Lloyd Edwards
  Saturday, 18th October 2014
• Raggy Charters Assists Algoa Bay Hope SpotThe Algoa Bay Hope Spot will be launched by Dr Sylvia Earle on 11th December 2014, and recently Raggy Charters own Dr Lorien Pichegru became Committee Chair of the ABHS council. Her roles are to help organise public events and raise awareness about m...
  Monday, 13th October 2014
• Pelagic Birding Cruise A Success 
  Wednesday, 17th September 2014
• Raggy Charters Wins Best Marine Adventures At Lilizela Awards 
  Wednesday, 10th September 2014
• Humpback Whale Calves Already Struggling  
  Sunday, 10th August 2014
• Rare White Humpback Whale Spotted Off Port ElizabethMost people have heard of Migaloo, the rare white humpback whale, that has been sighted off the coast of Australia since 1991. This whale was the only documented white humpback whale in the world, until 2011 when another 100% white humpback calf was ...
  Saturday, 2nd August 2014
• Raggy Charters and NSRI Work Together To Free Entangled Humpback WhaleAt 14:40 on the 28th July 2014, I received a call from Irene Rule of Blue Horizon Bay telling me that I was about to go to sea! One of the residents of Maitland's Hill, Andre, had reported an entangled whale about 1km offshore from the river mouth. A...
  Tuesday, 29th July 2014
• Dr Lorien Pichegru Receives Emerging Scientist AwardDuring the 15th South African Marine Science Symposium, held in July of this year, various medals and awards were presented and our very own Dr Lorien Pichegru was honoured with the SANCOR Emerging Scientist Award. This award was established to ackno...
  Monday, 21st July 2014
• Orca Family Visits Port ElizabethA family of five orcas (killer whales) were observed on a recent whale watching trip with Raggy Charters. Three adults and two juveniles swam closeby and as the adults moved off the adolescents stayed with our whale watching vessel, Orca 2, and playe...
  Thursday, 17th July 2014
• Humpback whales entertain in the bay
  Saturday, 12th July 2014
• Raggy Charters Supports Hope Spot With Logo & Beach Clean-UpsAlgoa Bay is soon to be launched as one of South Africa's five Hope Spots. Mission Blue has been declaring special marine conesrvation areas all over the world as Hope Spots, as they are critical to the health of our oceans. With the support of the S...
  Friday, 4th July 2014
• Raggy Charters Launches Wildside Beachwalkers InitiativePlastic pollution on our beaches seems set to stay for the foreseeable future, and one may ask what can be done? Everyone is very quick to point fingers at the chokka and fishing industry, foreign ships and the authorities who fail to do anything abo...
  Sunday, 1st June 2014
• Algoa Bay Hope SpotMission Blue has been helping to establish important marine areas around the globe as 'Hope Spots'. The idea is that by putting protection in place around these diverse ecosystems we can hope to save and restore the whole ocean. So far 50 Hope Spots ...
  Friday, 23rd May 2014
• Sub-Antarctic Fur Seal in Port ElizabethSo I was taking my wife and dogs for my birthday walk at Maitland's River Mouth when I came across this adult Sub-Antarctic fur seal lying asleep on the beach. It was obviously very tired as it had a pile of sand building up on its windward side. I w...
  Tuesday, 20th May 2014
• Penguin Breeding Season Off To Bad Start  
  Sunday, 11th May 2014
• Carte Blanche Documentary on St Croix MPAOwners of Raggy Charters, Lloyd Edwards and Dr Lorien Pichegru (lead researcher in to the decline of the African penguin population), recently took the top documentary team in South Africa, "Carte Blanche", out to visit the largest breeding colony of...
  Friday, 25th April 2014
• Killer Whale Attack on Bottlenose Dolphin in Algoa BayRaggy Charters took a few tourists out on the 2nd March on a Penguin Island Cruise, and as usual hoped to spot some dolphins as well. They got a lot more than that when they came across a lone male killer whale which they then observed hunting & ...
  Friday, 28th March 2014
• Toxic Red Tide comes to Algoa BayLast year we had reports of red tide (a reddish coloured phytoplankton) in Algoa Bay, however, it was a harmless type which actually benefited the local marine life, as zooplankton and then baitfish gorged themselves. This year we're seeing a more da...
  Tuesday, 21st January 2014
• Seismic Surveys on Hold 
  Thursday, 19th December 2013
• Seismic Surveys Affecting Whale MigrationWith humpback whales migrating past Algoa Bay til as late as January, we are trying to delay the seismic surveys until after this point in order to minimalize the negative effects of these tests. Read the full article below...
  Thursday, 12th December 2013
• Raggy Charters Becomes Number 1 on Tripadvisor 
  Sunday, 8th December 2013
• Humpback Whale Carcass Causes Shark Alert 
  Thursday, 14th November 2013
• Humpback Whales in Port Elizabeth HarbourThese two humpback whales spent nearly the entire day swimming around the harbour entrance, seemingly enjoying themselves. The NSRI was called out to assess the situation and two tug boats preceded to 'herd' them out of the way in order to get a ship...
  Wednesday, 25th September 2013
• Sub Antarctic Fur Seals Visit Port ElizabethTwo young sub Antarctic fur seals were found stranded along the Eastern cape shoreline. They were injured and underweight so were taken to Bayworld where they were rehabilitated and released once strong enough. These seals come from about 1600km Sout...
  Saturday, 14th September 2013
• Mating Frenzie in Algoa BayFor the past few weeks Algoa Bay has been home to large numbers of Southern right whales who have come to the warm waters of the South African coast to breed and give birth. Guests have witnessed whales during the act of mating and even more spectacu...
  Tuesday, 27th August 2013
• Penguin's found in Port Elizabeth covered in oilAn oil spill near Knysna has started to affect the marine life found along the South African coast. Already three African penguins (which are endangered) have been found in Port Elizabeth covered with oil and have been taken to SAMREC for rehabilitat...
  Friday, 16th August 2013
• First Southern Right Whales of the SeasonA group of 10 Southern right whales were spotted on Sunday 21st July, near Coega harbour. Three males were seen fighting for the attention of a disinterested female and others were seen breaching further away. It was a spectacular sight and the guest...
  Tuesday, 30th July 2013
• Noise Pollution affecting whales in South AfricaAs a result of loud sonar used in military exercises whales within range have been found to stop feeding and move away, possibly to extreme depths which may be the cause of some mass strandings.
  Saturday, 6th July 2013
• Elephant Seal Visits Algoa BayA large male elephant seal was spotted resting on St Croix Island. Elephant seals often explore new areas but we hope it doesn't cause any problems for the resident penguins. Read the full article here.
  Thursday, 27th June 2013
• Sardine Run in Port ElizabethThe annual sardine run hits Algoa Bay, bringing with it all the top marine predators in the area. Whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, penguins, Cape gannets and other seabirds can all be seen in the bay following the shoals of fish.
  Saturday, 22nd June 2013
• BBC Films Gannets in Algoa BayFilm makers from the popular BBC documentary series Earthflight have returned to Port Elizabeth to film a 3D recap of their segments on gannets and the famous sardine run.
  Tuesday, 18th June 2013
• Visitors' Whale Watching FeastTwo visitors to Port Elizabeth enjoyed a feast of spectacular whale watching with dolphins and penguins besides.
  Monday, 24th December 2012
• Rare White Southern Right Calf in Algoa BayA rare white Southern right calf and it's mother make Algoa Bay their home for nearly three weeks. Read the full article here.
  Thursday, 18th October 2012
• Lloyd Edwards amazes with Marine PresentationLloyd Edwards gave a marine presentation to the Friends of the Heritage Centre. His knowledge of the whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, penguins and other birds in Algoa Bay kept his audience spellbound, each of them learning something new.
  Wednesday, 18th July 2012
• Raggy Charters secures whale watching permitRaggy Charters secured the only permit in the city to undertake boat-based whale and dolphin watching. This allows guests to get close to whales and dolphins- approaching them at a 50 metre distance. Other vessels are not allowed closer than 300 metr...
  Wednesday, 27th July 2011
• Port Elizabeth Penguin Numbers DecliningInternational researcher heads up team to discover reasons for the sharp decline in penguin numbers in Algoa Bay.(Weekend Post)
  Thursday, 23rd June 2011
• Fundraising to Protect PenguinsFunding is being sought to acquire sonar equipment to monitor the fish which are the penguins' food source.  (Translated from Die Burger, 26 Feb 2011).
  Saturday, 26th February 2011
• Algoa Bay Penguins Starving - Sonar Can Show WhyDr Lorien Pichegru's research is focused on the premise that our penguins are starving to death.
  Friday, 25th February 2011