Since 1997 Raggy Charters has been offering guests expertly guided tours, led by knowledgeable conservationist, wildlife educator and marine safari specialist Lloyd Edwards, to see whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, penguins and other marine in Algoa Bay.
We hold the only permit in Algoa Bay for whale and dolphin watching, allowing us to approach these animals up to 50 metres. Although, being naturally curious creatures they usually come closer.
In South Africa whale season begins in June when we see humpback whales moving along the coast as they head up the East coast of Africa towards their breeding grounds. Humpback whales can be seen in Algoa Bay between June and early January, reaching peaks in July/August and again in November/December when they make their return journey, with calves in tow. Southern right whales can be seen from July to October as they enter the safety of the bay to give birth. Southern right whales are usually seen very close inshore and often nearby to the harbour. They are the most frequently observed whales along the South African coast.
We also offer Penguin Island Cruises where we take guests to visit St Croix Island. St. Croix is home to 22,000 African penguins, the largest breeding colony found in Africa. It is here where guests will get a close-up encounter with these comical birds. The African penguin’s breeding season reaches its peak between March and May, when guests may be able to see the chicks from the boat. As well as African penguins, both St. Croix and Brenton Island (a smaller islet close by) are inhabited by the endangered African black oystercatcher, white-breasted cormorants and Cape cormorants.
Raggy Charters has been assisting Dr Lorien Pichegru in her African penguin research for the past 5 years. Funds generated from eco-tours with Raggy Charters are used to fund this research and also the Baywatch Marine Conservation Project (www.thebaywatchproject.com).
