Boat Based Whale Watching

Land Based Whale watching is a must and simply impossible to miss in De Kelders. During Whale watching season (July - January) the bay is heavily populated with Southern Right Whales and Hump Back Whales. This beautiful coastline is so blessed with the shear numbers of Whales that come to the area that it has been renamed the Whale Coast.

Hermanus has been established as a large tourist attraction to overseas and home tourists for its Whales but is not however the only place or the best to view the Whales. Hermanus sits in Walker bay, a haven for these large Mammals as it is a safe shelter from the open seas and comfortable water temperature to breed. In Season there are over 200 Whales in the bay and for most of the time a majority of the Whales are on Gansbaai's side of the bay.

On the other side of Walker Bay from Hermanus stands Gansbaai and De Kelders. De Kelders is a hidden gem, not well known to the hoards of tourists that visit the area yearly. From people's experience here we are to believe that De Kelders is one of the best land based Whale watching spots in the world.

Visitors can enjoy a relaxing break away from the crowds and the commercial side of tourism and spend personal one on one time with a Whale in De Kelders. There are many kilometres of hiking trails along the coastline allowing visitors to take long walks whilst watching the Whales play only yards away.

It is not uncommon to be able to sit on a rock by the water's edge only 5-10 meters from a Mother and calf Whale. To be so close to these majestic mammals is extremely unique and this is definitely the place to visit to fulfill your dreams of being up close and personal with a Whale.

The beauty of De Kelders is that you can get close to the Whales without getting on a boat to see them. This is great for people nervous of boats or who get sea sick. The experience is still totally natural and just as special as going out on a boat to see the Whales.

The Whales are not just lying there in the water or moving along like many would think but they are playing all of the time. In season it is rare to not go through a day without seeing several Whales breaching out of the water. Below is a description of the type of things you will see the Whales doing in De Kelders.

Sailing

Sailing is when a Whale will raise it whole tail out of the water. It is unbelievable seeing this and difficult to believe how such a huge mammal can gracefully raise half of its body out of the water for a length of time. This is called sailing as it looks like the Whales tails are catching the wind like a sail. It is thought that they are doing this to regulate their temperature.

Spy Hopping

This is when a Whale lays vertically in the water and pops its head out of the water. The Whales do this several times in a row and as they can see clearly above water it is believed that they are just curiously looking out of the water to see what is going on.

Breaching

This is the most recognisable of a Whale's habits. It is a breathtaking site seeing a majestic 40 Tonne Whale launch completely out of the water and come crashing down onto it's back. The best time to view this is during October - November when the Mothers are teaching the calves to breach and you see them breaching simultaneously. If you see a Whale breach don't panic and drop your camera trying to catch the airborne whale. When they breach they breach from 5-8 times with an approximate interval of 20-30 seconds per breach.

Sun Bathing

This is seen very often and it is when a Whale lies on its back with its pectoral fins in the air waving them around. These fins are huge and it is a spectacular site.

Lob Tailing

This is very spectacular to watch and it is when a Whale fully raises its tail out of the water and slaps it hard against the water making a loud bang. The Whales do this many times in a row.

Mating

The Whales are not shy and it is not uncommon to see a group of Whales mating right against the rocks. During mating approximately 5 males try to Mate with the female and it is a fascinating site watching them rolling over each other whilst in the act.

Albino Whale Calves

3 percent of Southern Right Whales are born white and nearly every year we have an Albino Whale in the bay. This is a very beautiful and unique site.

Abundance of Whales

In peak season there are over 200 Whales in the bay and during October, November and December the winds are offshore SE which means they come from the land. This make De Kelders extremely calm and flat and the Whales tend to move across to our side of the bay. It is not uncommon to count 30-50 Whales in a day in De Kelders.

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Gansbaai, South Africa’s Shark Alley

From Cape Town to the Wild Coast, the Cape Coast is punctuated by idyllic towns and villages, each offering a variation on Cape hospitality, and each with a peculiar angle on marine sports or venture activity. None, however, can stake a claim to adrenalin fame quite like Gansbaai, a tiny fishing hamlet situated about 2 hours drive southeast of Cape Town, famous for its shark alley, and its dense population of Great White Sharks.

Gansbaai is one of the world’ top commercial cage diving destinations. The activity is focused on Dyer Island, and in particular a narrow channel between this and Geyser rock known as Shark Alley. Dyer island supports a large population of Cape Fur Seals which in trun attract large numbers of these deadly marine predators.

There are a handful of different operators offering commercial shark diving charters, but the opportunities do not end there. Whale watching is also very fruitful along this particular stretch of coast, and thanks to the adrenalin angle there is a small but vibrant backpackers culture that is very well linked to the Cape Town and more general South African backpackers lodge fraternity.

An annual Great White Shark Festival is staged in the town in October, which, if anyone had failed to notice the fact, celebrates and draws attention to the iconic attraction of the region…the Great White Sharks.

There is much more to the area than this, though, and the usual fare of great beaches, great food and great wine are all standards of the East Coast and the Garden Route, and if you are in the market for some hard core adventure, or you are simply a lover of great nature, check out Gansbaai as you make your way up or down the coast.

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Gansbaai Bed & Breakfast

Fun in the cities

Don�t feel stuck in a rut when you�re staying in a city or town - in South Africa there�s plenty of urban adventure just around the corner. Indeed you�re missing out if you ignore the vibrant variety of multi-ethnic experiences waiting for you on your doorstep.

City Highlights

Bloemfontein: Due to its central location, South Africa`s judicial capital, Bloemfontein, is a popular conference and convention centre. Known as the "City of Roses" the city has many gracious historical buildings, with numerous reminders of the Anglo-Boer War, including the War Museum of the Boer Republics and the National Women`s Memorial. The city is also known for its National Museum and Sand du Plessis Theatre, where opera, ballet and orchestral concerts are performed.

Cape Town: Known affectionately as the "Mother City", Cape Town is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Table Mountain provides a stunning backdrop for both the city and the Victoria and Alfred waterfront. An array of South Africa`s glorious flora greets visitors at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, while visits to the former prison colony of Robben Island depart from the harbourfront.

Durban: With its ideal climate, golden beaches, warm sea suitable for surfing, and lively atmosphere, Durban has been dubbed South Africa`s "Sunshine Playground". The vibrant Victoria Street Market, with its Indian shops and stalls, the Oceanarium and Sea World, City Hall and other old buildings, make Durban a firm favourite amongst visitors.

East London: South Africa`s only river port, offers all the amenities for family fun, with its sweeping white beaches and numerous watersports options.

Johannesburg: A great city for shopping, eating out and nightlife, Johannesburg is the commercial heartbeat of South Africa. Visit Museum Africa, which offers a superb insight into the country`s history or the Johannesburg Art Gallery, to see exquisite South African and international works. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange has a public gallery, while on the city outskirts is "Gold Reef City", a re-creation of the city when it was a turn-of-the-century gold mining town.

Kimberley: "The City of Diamonds" and capital of the Northern Cape, Kimberley retains reminders of its heady, diamond-rush past with the Kimberley Mine Museum and Big Hole, the result of the diamond diggers` excavations.

Port Elizabeth: The Victorian houses in Donkin Street indicate the "Friendly City`s" British settler past. The city also boasts lovely beaches and family entertainment such as the Oceanarium and Snake Park. It is a good jumping off point for the Garden Route.

Pretoria: This is an attractive metropolis, with much to entice the visitor including museums and historic buildings, like the Union Buildings as well as the Kruger House Museum and Melrose House on the old Church Square, the imposing Voortrekker Monument and other attractions including an excellent zoo and botanical gardens. Pretoria is nicknamed "Jacaranda City" because of the purple-blossomed trees which bloom in late-September and October.

Festivals

Most cities have annual shows or fairs, offering entertainment of every kind, presenting the city�s special talents and drawing large crowds.

Many are beginning to offer informal music festivals on weekend afternoons or late into the evening. These vary from classical string ensembles to jazz groups or feature national and international singers.

The International Eisteddfod of South Africa is a music and dance festival, with elements of folk as well as classical traditions. It attracts high-quality competitors from all nine provinces and entries from as many as 30 other countries. The event lasts about 10 days and takes place in September in Roodepoort near Johannesburg.

The Standard Bank National Arts Festival held in Grahamstown in the first two weeks of July is described as "Africa�s Greatest Cultural Kaleidoscope".

Featuring dance, theatre, music, opera, fine art, film, craft-art (traditional skills) and cabaret, the festival attracts over 50,000 visitors annually.

Flea Markets and Shopping
Flea markets are to be found in all South Africa�s major cities, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth to name but a few. They operate mainly during weekends, giving small traders the chance to sell a wide range of South African crafts and providing shoppers with the opportunity to pick up unusual souvenirs at cheap prices.

Visit the huge flea market at Bruma Lake near Eastgate shopping centre, a mere 15 minutes� drive from central Johannesburg.

Close to the flea markets are the sophisticated shopping centres and malls providing a totally different experience, but offering bargains just the same.

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Gansbaai

Gansbaai nestles at the foot of Duyenefontein Mountains, and boasts a beautiful coastline with magnificent "Fynbos" vegetation. It is the World Capital of the Great White Shark, with Dyer Island presenting the best place in the World to discover, observe and dive with these elusive and wonderful animals. From June through December, Gansbaai becomes home to the Southern Right Whale. This coastline and the many bays then become the breeding area for these giants of the Oceans. Gansbaai is also located at the Heart of the Fynbos Biome, the smallest Floral Kingdom in the world but also the richest. The rich and scenic region includes the small towns of De Kelders, Perlemoenbaai, Kleinbaai, Franskraal, Pearly Beach and Dyer Island and Geyser Rock.Along with the fishing industry, Gansbaai has grown into a charming village and holiday resort. It has a primary school, churches of various denominations and shops to provide for every need. Fishmongers are stocked with fresh catches daily. Gansbaai is a popular holiday resort for boating and fishing enthusiasts and whale watchers. Dyer IslandDyer Island near Gansbaai is a breeding colony for jackass penguins while seals breed on nearby Geyser Island. A warder, stationed on Dyer Island, protects the birds breeding there. A number of these are endemic species, such as the Oyster Catcher and the Swift Tern. There is a narrow channel in the sea between Geyser Rock and Dyer Island which is home to up to 60 000 Cape Fur Seals. The sea around these islands has become the feeding ground of the endangered great white shark and regular shark safaris are undertaken from Gansbaai. Since the area around Dyer Island has been declared a nature reserve, boats may only enter this area with a permit given by the Department of Nature ConservationHistoryIn 1881, one Johannes Cornelis Wessels, an 18 year old fisherman, walked all the way across the dunes from Standford to the now Gansbaai.(named after a colony of Egyptian geese that used to nest in the area) Fishing was so good that he decided to settle here in a hut he made from stone, daub and reeds. Soon other families followed and built primitive dwellings among the dunes close to the sea. The center point was the freshwater fountain next to the present harbor which provided the small but successful community with drinking water. This fountain was home to wild geese and soon the place was known as "Gansgat" (goose-hole), later changed into the more respectable Gansbaai (Goose bay). The name Wessels and those of other early settlers are still the common names in Gansbaai. The fountain has recently been restored into its former glory. The "gansgat-community" was not the first of its kind in the immediate area. Already in the early 1800's the first permanent fishing cottages had been built by Khoi-descendants under ancient Milkwoods in Stanfordsbaai, a secluded cove in De Kelders. Archeological excavations have shown that Klipgat Cave was inhabited by early modern man 80'000 years ago at a time when Neanderthal man was still the only representative of the genus "homo" in Europe. Today, the hike from Gansbaai harbour to Klipgat Cave, the "Klipgat Trail", is not only a stunning nature walk along small and larger caves, but also a walk in time. Maps and information on the Klipgat trail can be obtained from the Tourism Bureau. Fynbos-RoadThe vast hinterland of Gansbaai can easily compete with the richness of the marine-life in the local waters. Whether you leave Gansbaai from the east or the west, you will quickly hit the "Fynbos-Road", the 100km long scenic stretch of floral abundance from Stanford to Africa's southernmost point, Cape Agulhas. The Fynbos-Road crosses one of the richest parts of the Cape Floral Kingdom, itself the richest (though the smallest) Floral Kingdom on earth. Of the thousands of plant-species along this road, many are strictly confined to this area and some of them are amongst the rarest plants on earth. Thousands and thousands of hectares of plains and mountains in this area are protected in private-and public- conservancies and reserves. ActivitiesMany of these fynbos-estates are open to the public, either for day-visits, hiking-, horse- and 4x4-trails or for residential guests. Special hiking tours are regularly organized for small groups of local enthusiasts and visitors, but personalized guided tours can also be arranged. Ask the Tourism bureau or at Café on Main at the beginning of town for details. Closer to Gansbaai proper, experienced guides will take you on a tour through Masakhane, the rural and peaceful township of Gansbaai, which you can conclude with a traditional Xhosa culinary experience under the ancient milkwood trees at the local restaurant. From there it is only a short drive to Franskraal where you will find the local museum on the shore. The Strandveld Museum is a little gem in an original fishing cottage with a treasure of stories and relics of the local history. A visit to the lighthouse at the tip of Danger Point Peninsula is also a historical trip; a short distance out to sea is where the famous HMT Birkenhead was wrecked. The Lighthouse is open to the public and one can climb the many steps to the top for a fantastic view. The Gansbaai Festival takes place annually in July in the Gansbaai harbour and the Winter Fynbos show is a great attraction not to be missed. The Abalone farm, just outside Gansbaai, immediately on the shores of Danger Point Peninsula, produces this traditional local culinary delight in large quantities for the Asian market. AccommodationGansbaai offer s range of accommodation options - from guest houses & farms to self catering accommodation units.

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The Roundhouse: http://www.theroundhouse.co.za/

Shark Attack - Does Cage Diving Increase The Risks?

Gaansbaai Accommodation | The Round House

There is a massive debate raging about whether cage diving is causing shark attacks to increase in frequency.

The cage diving detractors say that we are conditioning sharks to associate humans with food because many of the cage diving operators use food thrown overboard into the water to attract the sharks closer to the boats. This practice is known as chumming.

They also make use of bait on a hook to bring the sharks closer to the cage once the divers have climbed inside.

The reasoning is that when the sharks find humans in the water at other times they will be expecting food too and this causes attacks on swimmers and surfers in the area to increase.

South Africa is at the forefront of these allegations because the cage diving industry is based on the Western Cape shoreline there and the shark attack figures show an upward trend from the time that the industry was established and become more active. There have been nine attacks in all between the years 2000 and 2005 and three of them have been fatal.

Not a great number by any stretch of the imagination but more than there were before the time of shark cage diving which plunges about 100 000 people into the ocean per year to come face to face with these huge predators.

So if you want to go cage diving anywhere in the world, should you be worried from an ethical point of view that you might be the cause of a shark attack on a swimmer somewhere in future?

What The Research Says

No less than the World Wildlife Federation has done research on this issue and they report that there is no scientific link between cage diving and shark attacks.

And the Shark Trust based in South Africa concludes the same thing from their research. Not enough evidence especially seeing as though most of the attacks take place away from cage diving locations.

The city of Cape Town has also done its research since 1998 and they also conclude that those who are talking about a causal link are clutching at straws.

So from the scientific community’s point of view there is no link between shark attacks and cage diving.

So Why Are The Number Of Attacks Increasing?

There is no definitive answer to that but these are some of the theories put forward by the International Shark Attacks File (ISAF) foundation: There are simply more people swimming, surfing, body boarding and windsurfing in the ocean which means that the chances for an encounter with a shark are statistically increasing.

In addition, due to recent technological advances in the manufacture of wetsuits people are able to stay in the water for longer periods.

Something else that has improved is the efficiency with which shark attacks are reported and recorded worldwide in the last decade which could also account for a seeming up tick in attacks but which in reality was an under reporting in the past.

So for the moment (there might be some scientific evidence that proves to the contrary in future) there is no link between cage diving and shark attacks so if you want to go and experience these amazing predators at close quarters you can do it with a clear conscience.

If your nerves can stand it that is...

This collection of trip reports and reviews gives an idea of what it's really like to go diving with sharks in locations worldwide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Whittaker

CONSERVATION AND ECO TOURISM

Gansbaai Accomodation | The Round House

http://www.gansbaaiinfo.com

The main reason that the Danger Point Peninsula area has become a premier nature destination is the fact that conservation of both the marine- and land-based nature has been embraced by all layers of society. Conservation in this area is not restricted to the several public nature reserves. Many private landowners have embarked on extensive alien-vegetation clearing operations as well as the restoration of indigenous vegetation and reforestation. By means of these programs, several red data species have been saved from immediate extinction. Thousands of hectares of private land have been brought into conservancies, the oldest and the largest whereof is the Walker Bay Conservancy from Stanford in the North to Grootbos and Flower Valley in the South. To read about this project of landowners who are determined to ensure the preservation of the natural splendour of the Walker Bay region, see www.fynbos.co.za

The Agulhas Biodiversity Initiative (ABI) has created a fresh approach in the region to the sustainable use of natural resources. This has resulted in the implementation of new standards in the picking of indigenous flowers for the cut-flower trade. The Lamond vineyards at the Kraaiboschdam has been the first vineyard that worked purely on the basis of organic fertilisers and sound-guns, instead of real guns, are used to chase antelopes away that aim for the fresh shoots of the vines. The population in Masakhane cherishes the old milkwoods that line the streets of the townships and locals of De Kelders embark on weekend missions to clear the coastal vegetation of invasive alien trees. The project to tar the road from Gansbaai to Elim is a project that goes beyond a pure engineering feat. As a unique feature in the Western Cape, the whole project has a clear nature conservation aspect to it. In the process, the original waterflows of swamps and rivers will be restored and both sides of the road will be cleared from invasive vegetation for a minimum of 50 meters.

The whale boat operators work closely together with marine biologists and strictly obey the prescribed 300 meter distance from any whales (the whales could not care less about this rule and come up to a few centimetres of the stationary boats). The local boat operators and its employees are furthermore strongly involved in the protection of African penguins and other seabirds and immediately come into action in case news comes in of yet another "oilspill of unknown origin". With the establishment of the Agulhas National Park, as the core of the Agulhas Biodiversity Initiative, an ambitious program has been set into motion that should result in a mega-reserve between Stanford and De Hoop Nature Reserve in which all the animals that once were common in this area will be re-introduced.

The conservation efforts as described above are immediately visible for the tourists and other guests to the area of Gansbaai. Marine biologists on board of the whale watching boats will passionately explain about the threats to the marine life and the measures taken to protect it. Most of the nature reserves and fynbos estates are open to the public, either for day-visits or -trails or for residential guests in top-of-the-bill lodges or rural self catering cottages. Guides will show the enormous efforts put into the restoration of indigenous vegetation and the safe-guarding of the vast tracts of natural land. The lodges and retreats in the hinterland work as a rule on the basis of eco-friendly techniques: water is recycled and waste-management is strictly applied.

Various education- and upliftment- programs are organised and funded by nature lodges and -notably Grootbos private nature reserve- has obtained national and international acclaim for their successful efforts in this respect. If you want to know more about conservation efforts in the whole of the Western Cape, please check out www.capeaction.org.za the website of C.A.P.E. (Cape Action for People & Environment)

Gansbaai Activities

Gansbaai Accomodation | The Round House

White Shark Diving

• Tour Price = R1100
• Duration = 4 to 6 hours
• Included = Breakfast, Lunch, Drinks and Snacks, All gear
• Bring: Hat, Sunscreen, Board Shorts / Swimming Costume, Sunglasses, Camera, Towel

This is possibly the greatest thrill that you will ever experience. Just imagine pulling up on the boat in 'Shark Alley', the open stretch of water between the mainland and Dyer Island off Gansbaai, South Africa referred to as the White Shark Diving capital of the world. The wonderful thing about shark diving in Gansbaai is that you only have to take a 20 minute boat ride to Dyer Island. In the winter time we can even see sharks before the shark chum is dropped into the water and it is clear to see why Gansbaai is named as being the most densely populated area for Great White Sharks in the World. We get White Sharks here along the coast all year round but Winter is the best time to come and see these beautiful animals.

The beauty is that in Gansbaai you do not have to be a qualified diver to see the Great White Sharks from the boat or cage. As the cages are mounted next to the boat and floated on the surface it is very easy for inexperienced divers to jump in and take a good look at the Great Whites as they cruise past the cage. For most of the year the divers do not use air or snorkels in the cage as the bubbles tend to make the Great White Sharks nervous and very cautious. We want the shark to be comfortable with the boat and people diving in the cages so that they will come as close as possible. It is not uncommon for a shark's pectoral fin to glide just into the gap in the cage as it swims past.

It is important to stress that you do not have to dive in the cage to see the Great White Sharks. The boat based viewing all year round is exceptional and there are many people who just take the trip to see the Great White Sharks from the boat. Unfortunately there is no difference in price to just view the sharks from the boat. The costs involved are virtually the same with the Chum, Bait, Catering, Crew, Fuel and Environmental taxes. It is simply a bonus if you decide when out there to slip on a wetsuit and jump in the cage to have a closer look.