Family day

Five hours, planned around the youngest person aboard. Calmer routes, shorter distances, and a skipper who expects children rather than tolerates them.

What it's like

We pick the sheltered option. That usually means staying inside the bay rather than heading for open water, keeping the run times short, and stopping often. A boat that is moving is exciting for about twenty minutes, and a boat that is anchored somewhere interesting is good for two hours.

What you see depends on the day. Common and dusky dolphins move through in large pods and are a regular sighting rather than a guaranteed one. From Simon's Town, Seal Island and the Boulders Beach penguin colony are both close by. Boulders holds over three thousand African penguins, and they are visible from the water.

Between June and December southern right whales are in the bay, peaking through September and October. Humpbacks and Bryde's whales come through January to May, and Bryde's are around year-round. We will tell you honestly what is likely for your date.

What's included

• Skipper and crew for five hours
• Fuel, safety equipment, and kid-sized life jackets aboard
• Water, and an esky for whatever you bring

Kid-sized PFDs are aboard, and if a child under 30 kg needs an upgraded fit, tell us when you book. Catering platters are quoted per head.

The boats

El Grande takes ten, El Capitan eight. Both boats carry full shade, which on a Cape Town summer day matters more than most people expect.

Bring

Sunscreen and hats for everyone. Snacks and water. Swimwear and towels for the children. If you have your own PFD for a child under seven, bring it. We carry spares, but a jacket that already fits is better than one that nearly does.

Being honest about seasickness

Small children are usually fine. Adults who are unsure should take tablets an hour before departure rather than waiting to see. We run the calmest route available on the day, but this is still the sea.

If the weather turns

We call it 48 hours ahead, and on family days we are conservative: a marginal forecast that we would run for a group of anglers is a forecast we will move for a family. Full refund or a new date, whichever you prefer.