South Africa

South Africa offers world-class pelagic birding from Cape Town and other coastal cities, with trips venturing into the productive waters where the cold Benguela and warm Agulhas currents meet. The region is renowned for spectacular albatross diversity including Shy, Black-browed, and Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross, as well as sought-after species like Spectacled Petrel and Antarctic Prion. Peak season runs from May to October when subantarctic species move northward.

Sub-regions

All Trips in South Africa

Raggy Charters Algoa Bay Pelagic

Raggy Charters

South Africa › Eastern Cape
  • Nelson Mandela Bay Yacht Club, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
  • April–September (winter months); departures at first light; on request with minimum 4 participants
  • R5950 per adult (includes VAT and light lunch)

Bustards Birding Durban Pelagic

Bustards Birding Tours

South Africa › KwaZulu-Natal
  • Wilson's Wharf, Durban Harbour, KwaZulu-Natal
  • Monthly, April–October; departures at first light with return around 14:00–15:00; 8 places per trip
  • Price on application; all profits support the Albatross Task Force

Birding Ecotours Cape Town Pelagic

Birding Ecotours

South Africa › Western Cape
  • Simon's Town, Western Cape
  • Regular scheduled dates year-round; booked over two consecutive days with best-weather departure
  • R3400 per person

Cape Boat Charters Simon's Town Pelagic

Cape Boat Charters

South Africa › Western Cape
  • Wharf Street, Simon's Town, Western Cape
  • Selected dates year-round; full-day departures at 07:00 returning by 15:30; private charters maximum 6 passengers
  • Price on application; contact for charter rates

Cape Town Pelagic

Cape Town Pelagics

South Africa › Western Cape
  • Cape Town Harbour, Western Cape
  • Monthly, year-round; additional summer dates November–March
  • R1500–R2500 per person

Zest for Birds Hout Bay Pelagic

Zest for Birds

South Africa › Western Cape
  • Hout Bay Harbour, Western Cape
  • Approximately twice monthly, year-round; full-day Saturday trips with Sunday backup
  • R2000–R2800 per person