Cape Town Pelagic

Cape Town Pelagics

Trip Details

Departure
Cape Town Harbour, Western Cape
Schedule
Monthly, year-round; additional summer dates November–March
Price
R1500–R2500 per person

About This Trip

Cape Town Pelagics operates in the famed waters where the cold Benguela Current meets the warmer Agulhas Current off the southern tip of Africa — one of the world's premier pelagic birding destinations. Monthly trips from Cape Town's harbour venture into deep offshore waters to encounter albatrosses (nine species possible), petrels, shearwaters, storm-petrels, and endemic Southern Ocean specialties. The Cape Point area offers some of the most accessible and species-rich pelagic birding anywhere on Earth.

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Keep Exploring

More pelagic trips in Western Cape → All pelagic trips in South Africa →

Before You Go

Gear checklist → Everything to pack for a day offshore. What to wear → Layers, shells and footwear for a wet deck. Best binoculars → 8x vs 10x and what matters at sea.

Further Reading

Best Pelagic Birding Trips in South Africa

A guide to South Africa's top pelagic trips, from the Benguela Current albatross runs off Cape Town to the warm-water Indian Ocean pelagics out of Durban.

Read article →

When to Go Pelagic Birding in South Africa

A seasonal guide to pelagic birding in South Africa: when albatrosses peak off Cape Town, the Eastern Cape's winter shearwater season, and Durban's spring Barau's Petrel window.

Read article →

Where to See Albatrosses on Pelagic Birding Trips

A guide to where to see albatrosses on pelagic trips worldwide, including Cape Town, where four species — Shy, Black-browed, Indian Yellow-nosed, and Atlantic Yellow-nosed — are near-guaranteed year-round on the Cape Town, Hout Bay, and Birding Ecotours pelagics.

Read article →

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the Cape Town Pelagic depart from?

The Cape Town Pelagic departs from Cape Town Harbour, Western Cape, South Africa.

When does the Cape Town Pelagic run?

Monthly, year-round; additional summer dates November–March

How much does the Cape Town Pelagic cost?

R1500–R2500 per person.

Who operates the Cape Town Pelagic?

The Cape Town Pelagic is operated by Cape Town Pelagics.

How do I book the Cape Town Pelagic?

You can book the Cape Town Pelagic directly through Cape Town Pelagics using the operator link on this page to check availability and reserve a seat.