Atlantic Ocean Safaris

13/06/2026

From December to March each year, the waters off Sant Helana Bay to Langebaan on South Africa's spectacular West Coast come alive with vast schools of sardines and anchovies. In 2027, Atlantic Ocean Safaris can take you right into the heart of this incredible marine spectacle.

The ocean was alive with nonstop activity this season as huge bait balls formed beneath the surface. Common dolphins worked tirelessly to herd the fish, while Humnpback and Bryde's whales, Cape fur seals, African penguins, gannets, and petrels all joined the feast.

Every encounter brought something new. Every dive revealed another breathtaking scene. The energy, excitement, and abundance of life left our guests smiling from ear to ear.

These are the moments that remind us why South Africa's West Coast is one of the world's most extraordinary marine wildlife destinations.

Happy clients, unforgettable encounters, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Join Atlantic Ocean Safaris in 2027 and experience this immersive wildlife adventure for yourself.

When will you book your adventure?

+27 721 420420

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29/05/2026

Die beste Walzeit & der spektakulärste Ort zur Walbeobachtung in Südafrika

Südafrika zählt zu den besten Walbeobachtungsdestinationen weltweit – und je nach Jahreszeit bieten verschiedene Küstenabschnitte ganz besondere Erlebnisse.

Von Juli bis November ziehen vor allem die beeindruckenden Glattwale entlang der Südküste vorbei. Rund um Hermanus gehören sie zum festen Bild der Küste. Hermanus ist weltberühmt für Walbeobachtung von Land – mit oft spektakulären Sichtungen direkt von den Klippen aus. Gleichzeitig ist dies die klassische Hochsaison mit entsprechend vielen Besuchern.

ABER
Wer ein exklusiveres und deutlich wilderes Erlebnis sucht, findet dieses an der Westküste Südafrikas.

Von Januar bis Juni begegnet man vor Langebaan regelmäßig einer außergewöhnlichen Vielfalt an Walen – darunter Glattwale, Buckelwale, Brydewale und sogar Minkwale. Besonders beeindruckend sind hier die intensiven Fresssituationen auf offenem Atlantik, oft begleitet von Delfinen, Seevögeln und riesigen Fischansammlungen.

Die beste und spektakulärste Zeit für Whale Watching in Südafrika liegt jedoch für viele zwischen Oktober, November, Dezember und Januar an der Westküste vor Langebaan.

Dann erscheint eines der beeindruckendsten Naturschauspiele des Südatlantiks: die berühmten Humpback Whale Superpods. Gruppen von 20, 30 – manchmal über 100 Buckelwalen versammeln sich gleichzeitig zum Fressen auf Krill. Überall Blasfontänen am Horizont, tauchende Wale in jede Richtung, gewaltige Bewegungen direkt an der Oberfläche – ein Erlebnis, das man kaum in Worte fassen kann.

atlanticoceansafaris.com bietet diese außergewöhnlichen Begegnungen an der Westküste in kleinen, exklusiven Gruppen an – maximal 10 Gäste pro Boot oder als Full Charter.
Keine Massenboote. Kein Tourismusbetrieb. Sondern echte, immersive Begegnungen mitten im Geschehen – mit Buckelwalen beim Fressen auf offenem Atlantik.
Ein Naturerlebnis, das weltweit seinesgleichen sucht.
Interesse?

+27 721 420420

atlanticoceansafaris.com

25/05/2026

A young Common Dolphin was sadly found deceased inside the Langebaan Lagoon this morning!

The animal was reported to DAFF and the scientific community, and was collected on site by SANParks West Coast National Park for further examination. At this stage, the cause of death remains unknown.

The Common Dolphin — Delphinus delphis — is one of the most widespread dolphin species in the world and a regular visitor to our waters off South Africa’s West Coast. They are highly social, fast-moving oceanic dolphins, often travelling in large groups and sometimes gathering in spectacular “superpods” of hundreds or even thousands of individuals.
Adults typically grow between 1.7 and 2.6 metres in length and usually weigh between 70 and 135 kilograms, although larger individuals are occasionally recorded. Their average lifespan is estimated at around 25–35 years. They feed mainly on schooling fish such as sardines, anchovies and mackerel, as well as squid, often working together to herd prey into dense bait balls.
On our regular ocean safaris with AtlanticOceanSafaris.com we encounter Common Dolphins frequently — especially at the moment, as large feeding groups are active offshore following the seasonal movements of sardines, much like the snoek. These encounters can be extraordinary: fast-moving pods stretching across the horizon, often with birds working overhead and predators feeding below.
Finding a stranded dolphin inside the lagoon is always emotional and reminds us how closely connected the lagoon is with the open Atlantic ecosystem beyond. Each stranding also offers scientists a rare opportunity to learn more about these animals and the changing marine environment they depend on.

We’ll share updates if more information becomes available from the examination.

22/05/2026

One of our expedition images from the West Coast has been selected from thousands of entries into the final circle of 108 images in the 2026 Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year competition—a breaching humpback whale captured in a powerful moment at sea. We are proud to showcase the West Coast in this way and to contribute to how this remarkable region is represented on a global stage, and we look forward to seeing the final results.

come join: +27 721 420420

22/05/2026

Experience one of the ocean’s greatest wildlife spectacles with the legendary Superpods of humpback whales on South Africa’s wild Atlantic coastline.

These extraordinary gatherings can include dozens — and sometimes hundreds — of humpback whales travelling, feeding, socialising and interacting in breathtaking proximity. Combined with dolphins, Cape fur seals, seabirds, sunfish and occasional orca encounters, the experience creates a marine safari unlike anywhere else on Earth.
AtlanticOceanSafaris.com offer exclusive expeditions focused on ethical, responsible and world-class ocean wildlife encounters. Based around the unique waters of South Africa’s West Coast and Langebaan region, these expeditions are guided by internationally recognised ocean explorers and award-winning photographers and filmmakers Rainer Schimpf.
A special highlight for professional photographers, filmmakers, production crews and content creators is the possibility of operating under special photo and film permits. These permits can allow enhanced filming opportunities and access for documentaries, television productions, commercial campaigns and conservation storytelling projects. Expert guidance is provided regarding logistics, safety, marine conditions and responsible wildlife interaction protocols. Every expedition is carefully planned around weather, whale movements and ocean activity to maximise the chances of exceptional encounters and premium visual content.
The Superpods season is highly dynamic and limited to select periods of the year when humpback whale activity reaches peak intensity along the Atlantic coast. Because of the rarity and exclusivity of these events, availability is extremely limited and many departures are reserved well in advance by photographers, filmmakers and ocean wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.
Whether you are looking for a private charter, expedition support vessel, documentary assistance, drone operation coordination, underwater filming opportunity or an unforgettable ocean safari adventure, customised options can be arranged for individuals, small groups and media productions.

Contact Expert-Tours today for available Superpods expedition options, private charters and special permit opportunities for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

WhatsApp South Africa: +27 721 420420

https://youtu.be/BRxamZJVldM?si=ztIThyxYivoOJ3Yj

Things you need to know about large pods of whales:Being in the water can be stressful. Especially when the visibility is so bad that you stretch out your ha...

18/05/2026

Orca VS Humpback Whale (2023)

What started as a regular ocean safari off South Africa’s West Coast became one of the most remarkable wildlife encounters ever witnessed in the region. While operating with AtlanticOceanSafaris.com near Santa Helena Bay, we encountered a large pod of orcas attacking a fully grown humpback whale that had become separated from a superpod.

Recognising immediately how rare this moment was, Rainer launched the drone and filmed the entire encounter from start to finish — something never documented before in our whale watching area. For nearly an hour, guests and crew witnessed the coordinated hunt unfold in real time.

This event became the first ever documented orca pod attack on a fully grown humpback whale in South African waters, as well as the first complete drone documentation of such an interaction in the region.

Since then, every season from January to April, we specifically search for orcas along South Africa’s wild West Coast — successfully locating them over the past two seasons. Join us and experience firsthand our expertise in finding and observing the ocean’s absolute apex predator: Orcas.

Join us in 2026 from 1st November onwards in search for Orca & Humpback Whale Expedition.(Superpods!)

Boot at:

+27 729863937
+27 721420420

atlanticoceansafaris.com

10/05/2026

Superpods again from November 2026.

Visually-Dive into one of the most extraordinary ocean encounters on the planet — the return of the
Superpods again from November 2026.
After a period of anticipation, the legendary Superpods are officially open for booking again, offering a rare opportunity to witness one of the most powerful and dynamic marine gatherings ever recorded. These events bring together vast numbers of dolphins, whales, and pelagic species in coordinated, high-energy movement across deep blue waters — a natural phenomenon that feels almost engineered in its precision, yet remains entirely wild.
From the first light over the horizon to the final golden reflections of the day, every Superpods encounter unfolds differently. Some days reveal fast-moving megafauna formations stretching beyond sight, while others deliver close-range interactions where dolphins spiral through bow waves and whales surface in synchronized rhythm. It is not a static safari — it is a living ocean system in motion.
The 2026 season introduces refined expedition routes, enhanced observation techniques, and a stronger focus on respectful, low-impact marine exploration. Each journey is guided by experienced ocean specialists and supported by world-class marine equipment designed for comfort, safety, and maximum visibility in changing sea conditions.
Onboard equipment and guest gear are carefully selected to elevate the experience.
Superpods 2026 is not simply a wildlife experience. It is a front-row entry into ocean intelligence, movement, and cooperation on a scale rarely seen.
Booking opens for a strictly limited number of expeditions from November 2026 onward.
Early reservation is highly recommended due to restricted group sizes and optimal seasonal conditions.
The ocean is preparing. The Superpods are returning. The question is: will you be there when it happens?

+27 721 420 420

03/05/2026

Cape Town, at "We are Africa" , privalage to be part of this show!

A further step to immersive whale and dolphin watching within the West Coast of South Africa.

Come and experience for yourself!

AtlanticOceanSafaris.com

22/04/2026

Superpods Humpback Whales,

our season will start again from End October 2026 till May 2027!

you can book already

or daily immersive adventures
atlanticoceansafaris.com

Across the world’s oceans, humpback whales are beginning to gather in ways that are both rare and scientifically surprising. Instead of travelling or feeding in small, scattered groups—as was long considered typical—large numbers of whales are now forming dense, surface-active feeding aggregations, sometimes numbering in the dozens, hundreds, or even more.

These so-called “super-groups” appear to be closely linked to highly productive ocean conditions. Where currents drive nutrient-rich waters to the surface, vast blooms of plankton develop, attracting krill and small fish—and in turn, large predators like humpback whales. In these moments, the ocean becomes a concentrated feeding ground, and the whales respond by gathering in unusually high densities to exploit this temporary abundance.

What makes this behavior remarkable is that it challenges earlier assumptions about humpback ecology. Traditionally, they were understood to feed more diffusely during migration, yet these events show a high level of adaptability. Humpbacks are known for cooperative and inventive feeding strategies, such as bubble-net feeding or coordinated lunges, and these large aggregations suggest that such strategies can scale up when conditions allow.

There is also a deeper, more hopeful dimension to this phenomenon. Humpback whale populations were once pushed close to collapse by industrial whaling, but global protection measures have allowed them to recover significantly. Today, growing numbers of whales are returning to feeding grounds, and in some regions even expanding into new areas or adopting new patterns of behavior.

At the same time, scientists see these super-groups as indicators of broader environmental change. Shifts in ocean temperature, currents, and prey distribution are likely influencing where and how whales feed. In that sense, these gatherings are not only a spectacular natural event, but also a signal—revealing how marine ecosystems are reorganising in a changing ocean.

What unfolds at the surface during such events is more than a concentration of animals—it is a moment where biology, oceanography, and recovery intersect. Vast numbers of whales feeding side by side highlight both the resilience of nature and the sensitivity of the systems that sustain it.

secure your spot today!

+27 721 420420

[email protected]

Why whale watching with Silke & Rainer Schimpf in South Africa?
South Africa has some of the strictest marine conservation laws in the world. Whales are fully protected and are not hunted here, making this region an important sanctuary for marine life conservation.
With Silke and Rainer Schimpf, whale watching is offered in a very exclusive and respectful way. Each trip is limited to a maximum of 11 guests, ensuring space, comfort, and unobstructed viewing for everyone on board. In most cases, we are the only vessel in the area, allowing for natural, undisturbed encounters without stressing the animals.
Our tours are small, sustainable, and highly educational. We combine close observation with expert knowledge and real immersion in the marine environment, always with respect for the wildlife.
Whale watching between St Helena Bay and Langebaan is not only spectacular, but also a model of responsible eco-tourism — offering rare, intimate encounters with whales in one of the world’s most important feeding regions.

22/04/2026

...another whale lost...

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2643590946012134