is a compilation of our “too numerous to mention” images of the most incredible humpback whale displays of fun, playfulness and communication between whales.

The humpback whales are visible along our coastline annually from early June until late November.

Join us for a fun-filled trip, weather and ocean conditions permitting.

Book with us here…. https://offshoreportstjohns.com/contact/

The post Humpback whale fun days appeared first on Offshore Africa Port St. Johns.

is a slide show with just a few of our incredible images of jumping and playful dolphins along our coastline the Wild Coast.

We have taken huge delight in filming the antics of these incredibly special and playful dolphins on big surf days as well as during their hunting moments in the sardine run months June – August each year.

If you are keen to come and experience what our oceans along the Wild Coast have to offer, get in touch with us here https://offshoreportstjohns.com/contact/

The post Jumping dolphins diary appeared first on Offshore Africa Port St. Johns.

The annual Sardine Run off the Wild Coast of South Africa is like nothing on earth!

Whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, gannets…are just a few of the usual suspects that pitch up for the easy pickings. And the sardines just keep coming. Being herded and feasted upon mercilessly.

Rob and Debbie, the team who run Offshore Africa, https://offshoreportstjohns.com have been taking eager guests out to see the action right up close, for over a decade. They are the only local operators in Port St. Johns, the gateway to the sardine run and they operate from the nicest place. Right on the river. Boats moored out front ready to go!

On the most recent Sardine Run, in 2017, Rob and team got a few more camera angles for us to enjoy. And put together this cool and quick “Sardine Run day out” compilation.

The Sardine Run Experience with Rob and Debbie and the Offshore Africa Port St. Johns team…

• flexible accommodation & time frame options
• safe boats and highly experienced skippers and crew
• local knowledge
• perfectly maintained equipment
• beautiful location
• a highly personal & flexible offering
• A combined experience in the industry in excess of 30 years

And to really top it all off, you are in Port St. Johns. One of the most picturesque and interesting little towns in all of Africa. It’s history is as colourful as the surroundings. Set at the mouth of the mighty Umzimvubu River, at the base of a huge gorge, this town is full of stories!

There are many things to do in between outings to sea. Hikes and tours. Amazing views from up at the airstrip and all over. Coastal drives. Nature reserves. River cruises.

The team at Offshore Africa can help you arrange any of these fun things to do in and around Port St. Johns. And anything else you might need on your trips out to sea and back with them.

Trips are tailor made to suit you, your time and your budget.

You can learn all about the Sardine Run with Offshore Africa, by clicking here. This is a nicely detailed document that should answer all your questions.

Bookings have been opened up for the 2018 Sardine Run, so get in touch!

Click on over to our Contact page here.

Catch up with us on Facebook by clicking here.

We are on YouTube here.

Post prepped by…

The post Video: a Sardine Run day out appeared first on Offshore Africa Port St. Johns.

Waterfall Bluff Transkei

Waterfall Bluff, where the Mlambomkhulu (the big river) flows directly into the ocean, is simply too beautiful for words.

The Transkei coastline boasts some incredible waterfalls, but Waterfall Bluff, as it is commonly named, is just a breath taking waterfall and a must see when visiting our area.

Waterfall Bluff can be accessed either as a hike, leaving Luphuthana and heading south until the hike leads into Waterfall Bluff, or via the ocean on board our vessel Offshore 1 from a launch through the surf at Port St John’s https://offshoreportstjohns.com/shop/.

The scenery change as we get closer to Waterfall Bluff is nothing short of dramatic. It is like WOW!!!!!

There are few waterfalls in the world that flow off the top of a cliff directly into the ocean and Waterfall Bluff is home to 2 of these.

In the video below you will see the Mlambomkhulu (the big river) drops an initial 33 metres and then a further 60 metres into the ocean below.

The smaller but higher Mfihlelo Falls are found 2.4km further to the west.

Cathedral Rock is another spectacular piece of scenery close to Waterfall Bluff.

Hikers enjoy sitting underneath the ledge at Waterfall Bluff and for the adventurous, getting closer to the actual fall, sitting on the ledge and getting a good spray, is the ultimate.

A visit to our area is not complete if you have not visited Waterfall Bluff.  If you need to extend your stay to do this, it will be so rewarding.

If you choose to hike to the waterfall, it is an easy hike and will take approximately 40 minutes one way, that is if you do not stop to enjoy the stunning scenery along the way.  You will need to negotiate the river before Drifters Camp before the hike begins. Make sure that you know the tides.

If you choose the boat option, it is a half day trip leaving Port St John’s at around 07h30 in the morning and returning just after lunch.  Refreshments are provided on board Offshore 1 vessel.  We have a minimum of 4 for the trip and a maximum of 10.  It is definitely a weather permitting trip.

The post Waterfall Bluff Transkei appeared first on Offshore Africa Port St. Johns.

Spotted Ragged tooth shark course

Our spotted ragged tooth shark course is aimed at all those wishing to learn more about sharks and in particular, about the hugely famous “Raggie” as it is commonly known in these parts of the world.  Other names given to this species are Sand tiger or Grey nurse.

They say………….

We only conserve what we love,
we only love that which we understand,
we only understand what we know,
we only know what we are taught.

Author: Baba Dioum

There has never been a more true saying than the above and especially when it comes to shark preservation & conservation and in fact to sharks in general.

Sharks need our help desperately and it is only through a learning and understanding process that you will come to understand how important these few words are.  We all need to take on the role of shark ambassadors in our oceans, worldwide.

Never before has the plight of sharks been so important as it is now. The converted, those that understand, compared to those that do not,  is heavily tipped on the scale of the latter and it is up to each and every one of us to pass the information on.

It is absolutely imperative that they remain in our oceans and that man understands the pivotal role that they play in our oceans with regards to  sustainability and assisting in maintaining a healthy balance within our oceans.

Amongst other things, this short formal presentation will cover:-

• Ragged tooth shark classification
• Distribution & habitats
• Biology
• Behaviour
• Threats

There will be a short quiz after each section to help you to remember the key points about this species of shark.

You will also do a scuba dive with this incredible shark and be given the opportunity to put your newly found knowledge into perspective when spending time with them underwater.

A highly informative slate will be issued to each diver to keep, which will assist with the learning process in identifying this species.

It is simply not good enough to “just dive” with sharks, one must learn more about them, how vastly different each species is and how one can interact positively and safely with each through additional knowledge gained.

There have been many dives done by divers that see a shark, not really knowing much about it or how it differs to another species.  And on a less positive note, to hear someone say “Did you see the shark” and someone asking “what shark was that” to receive an answer “I don’t know, it was a shark”.

The spotted Ragged tooth shark is a very unique shark in many, many ways and this course will assist you to learn why.

So come and be the difference you would like to see happen through knowledge, respect and understanding.

Come and join us at ScubaCo Dive centre, Aliwal Shoal, South Africa on 6th & 7th August 2017, which will be a kick start date to a series of shark awareness courses in the area over a period of time.

The post Spotted Ragged tooth shark course appeared first on Offshore Africa Port St. Johns.

After a hugely successful day on the ocean, dropping off our clients we now head back to base.

We spent time with at least 9 humpback whales and pods of bottlenose dolphins in every bay along the way………….

a truly magical ocean safari day was had by all…………………

Check out this new image

from Offshore Africa Port St John’s.

Sardine Run 2017 bookings are open. Please get in touch if you are keen to experience this exciting event on the marine calendar.

The post Offshore Africa team appeared first on Offshore Africa Port St. Johns.