While shark tours are still very much a part of Gansbaai, there is much more on offer, with the warmth and hospitality of the locals second-to-none.
Fat bikes
Perfect for families looking for a bit of adventure, without too much hard work, the fat bike tours in Gansbaai combine incredible views, fresh air and some adrenaline-fuelled downhill dune racing! To be honest, apart from a couple of smallish climbs, most of the Sand Dunes tour is downhill or flat, meaning just about anybody can take part, even those with limited fitness levels. Other tours offered are the Hermanus Beach Trail, the DeKelders – Hermanus Beach Trail and for the fitter riders, The EPIC, which can last up to five hours.
Website: www.fatbiketours.co.za/fatbike-trails/
De Kelders Freshwater Drip Cave
As unassuming as the town in which it is found, the entrance to De Kelders Freshwater Drip Caves does not give away any of the magic found inside. It looks like an old sewer entrance, but it’s anything but that, with the caves home to some incredible stories, indelibly linked not only to the history of the Overberg, but the Western Cape as a whole. We won’t spoil the stories for you, but like the town, this natural drip cave is far more than meets the eye, with the pools buried beneath the rock just one of the jaw-dropping factors to be viewed.
Website: https://xplorio.com/gansbaai/de-kelders-drip-cave-tours/
Coffee on the Rocks for whale watching
Gansbaai has become synonymous with the Great White Shark, with the apex predator a big drawcard for many visitors, but the bay is also home to Southern Right Whales, who are often seen swimming close to shore. Coffee on the Rocks is a great place to put your feet up, grab a coffee and a bite to eat, all while watching these incredible animals breaching just a couple of 100 metres from your seat. It is arguably one of the best spots to view whales in the Western Cape without having to board a boat.
Website: http://coffee-on-the-rocks.com/
African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary
A project of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary was set up to help with the protection of the endangered African penguin colonies of Dyer Island. Set up with a fully equipped lab and rehabilitation area, the sanctuary also has a vet on standby to assure immediate treatment of injured birds and to ensure they have the best chance of survival. Visitors to the sanctuary can view the birds in the habitat through one-way glass, set up to ensure the birds are interfered with as little as possible. As well as their work with the birds, the sanctuary does important work in research and education to do as much as possible to mitigate human impacts on our colonies.
Website: https://xplorio.com/gansbaai/african-penguin-seabird-sanctuary/
Beachcomber Guide
While Gansbaai is well known for its water activities, there is plenty to admire on land as well. Beachcomber Guide offers a range of tours and hikes, ranging from a few hours along the shore to four-day guided slackpacking hiking trails. Explore unspoilt coastal walks and discover a quite spectacular ecosystem along this pristine coastal stretch.
Website: http://www.beachcomberguide.co.za/
Boat tours
Of course, you cannot go to Gansbaai without boarding a boat to explore the waters bordering the coastal town. There are a number of operators, offering a variety of tours, ranging from whale-watching cruises and sea safaris to eco tours focusing on the research and conservation of the marine wildlife found in the area.
