Just as South Africa’s landscapes are diverse and magical, so is its coastline! Not only is South Africa the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian oceans, it is also the home of an abundance of marine species.
Expect beautiful coral reefs and tropical fish on the East Coast, with an array of shark species, dolphins and shipwrecks. On the West Coast, you’ll find whales, seals and many rock formations and artificial reefs waiting to be discovered.
South Africa boasts a number of majestic marine animals that roam the underwater world of Mzansi. No tourist will be left unsatisfied when exploring South Africa’s coastline - there is a lot to see and explore.
The Big Five of the ocean - African penguin, Cape fur seal, Dolphin, Southern right whale and Great white shark - thrive in both the warm and cold waters of the country. It is an amazing experience to see these impressive creatures in their natural habitat.
West Coast Dwellers
The cold waters of the West Coast is most notably home to the African penguin, with small colonies situated around the Western and Eastern Cape at Dassen Island, St Croix Island, Robben Island, Bird Island, Dyer Island and Boulders beach. These coastal birds are quite playful and it’s adorable to watch them interact with one another.
The Cape fur seal is a popular sight along the Cape Peninsula, where they are the true stars of Hout Bay, V&A Waterfront and Kalk Bay harbours. You’ll see them sniffing for food around the harbour walls, swimming alongside fishing boats or snoozing in the sun. They are quite whimsical - but be careful, you never know when one might mistake your hand for a fish!
Along with the seals, tourists will be delighted to know that sharks also frequent the waters of the West Coast. They are at the top of the marine food chain, and the combination of speed, agility and power makes this fearsome animal a favourite for any ocean safari.
The West Coast supports large fisheries, with a healthy population of sardines, tuna, anchovies and other edible fish found in the area. Diving spots on the West Coast will allow tourists to spot marine life such as crayfish, oysters, schools of galjoen and starfish among kelp forests and a range of rock formations.
East Coast Residents
Up the east coast of South Africa, tropical marine life can be found that thrive in the warm Agulhas current. The area is famous for its abundance of dolphins who frequent the coast, playing in the waves and swimming up close to boats. These lovable creatures are well-spotted during the months when sardines make their way down the coast. As the country has strict regulations concerning dolphins, swimming with them is prohibited.
Southern right whales thrive in the warmer waters of the east coast, so tourists can spot them at various beach towns along the Garden Route. They are among the largest of whale species and the sheer size of their tail will displace massive amounts of water when moved. It’s quite a sight to see them come up from the deep blue. Various species of sharks are found in the waters around KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, where shark cage diving can be done to get up close and personal with these creatures.
The east coast is an amazing area for scuba diving and snorkeling - colorful coral reefs are found in both shallow and deeper waters, where marine life such as starfish, jellyfish, ragged tooth sharks and stingrays live.
South Africa boasts exceptionally rich marine life. The country has a huge diversity of marine ecosystems and a variety of species...
South Africa is one of the most incredible destinations worldwide for watching marine mammals. The waters surrounding Southern Africa boast ...