Alexandria Dunes Cruise
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Our Alexandria Dunes Cruise is a 6.5 to 7-hour experience. We meet on the grass area at the Nelson Mandela Bay Yacht Club in the Port Elizabeth Harbour at 7:00am (this time can be adjusted to accommodate requests; booked guests will be notified of any changes). We depart shortly thereafter and return at approximately 2:00pm. If sightings are particularly rewarding and guests are not in a rush, we may extend the tour to make the most of the day. This cruise is designed to maximise time in the whale and dolphin sighting hotspots we have come to know over the years, while also showcasing the vast Alexandria Dunefield.
The tour begins with a full safety briefing, after which we exit the harbour and set course for the Alexandria Dunefield. Our route may vary depending on the time of year and recent sighting patterns. Typically, we begin by heading into deeper water in search of migrating humpback whales during the winter months or feeding Bryde’s whales in summer. We then cross the bay to the Alexandria Dunefield—the largest mobile dune field in the Southern Hemisphere—our favourite location to observe bottlenose dolphins surfing the waves. Migratory southern right whales also visit this area annually to mate, calve, and nurse their young.
The pristine dune backdrop offers exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime photographic opportunities.
From the dunefield, we pass the Sundays River and continue to St Croix Island, home to the Bay’s breeding colony of African penguins. Both the Alexandria Dunefield and St Croix Island now form part of the Addo Elephant National Park, allowing rangers to patrol the islands in aid of conservation efforts to protect the African penguin population.
St Croix Island is home to approximately 3,000 African penguins and is a vital breeding site within a Marine Protected Area. Here, guests can enjoy close-up encounters with these charismatic birds while learning about the challenges that have led to a 90% decline in the population over the past 15 years. Please note that all viewing is conducted from the boat; disembarking on the islands is not permitted.
In addition to the species mentioned, guests may also encounter long-beaked common dolphins, Indian Ocean humpback dolphins, minke whales, Cape fur seals, various shark species, Cape gannets, and a range of pelagic birds including terns, petrels, skuas, shearwaters, and albatrosses.
We aim to keep this tour as plastic-free as possible. Fresh spring water is available on tap, and serve freshly baked rolls in paper packaging. Guests are welcome to bring their own refreshments, but we kindly ask that single-use plastics are avoided. (Please note that alcohol is not permitted on board.)
After the cruise, we gather for a late lunch at a nearby restaurant, offering time to relax and reflect on the day’s experience. The day concludes at approximately 3:30–4:00pm.
Rates
2025/2026 Rates (1 Nov 2025 to 31 Oct 2026)
R4,600 per adult | R2,900 per child (under 12)
2026/2027 Rates (1 Nov 2026 to 31 Oct 2027 - rates are subject to change)
R4,950 per adult | R3,000 per child (under 12)
Please note a passenger weight limit of 120kg per person applies for safety reasons (exceptions may be considered for athletic individuals—please enquire if unsure).
Included:
• 6–7 hour whale and dolphin watching experience
• FGASA Marine Guide accompanying the cruise
• Light snack and spring water on board
• Late lunch at nearby restaurant
With a minimum of 4 people, although there may be discounts for groups of 10+. Please email us directly to make a booking. Gift Vouchers are also available to purchase, which make a great birthday/christmas present for family members (locals please enquire about prices).
Disclaimer
Raggy Charters cannot guarantee animal sightings on any cruise. Raggy Charters offers guests the opportunity to view wild animals which will move around at their own will and therefore we cannot be held responsible for the movements of these animals. Guests who are taken to St Croix are guaranteed to see African penguins, and therefore no refund will be given if other marine animals are not spotted. If absolutely no animals are sighted compensation, in the form of a free ticket for the next boat trip, may be given at the discretion of the skipper.
