Are you looking for an ocean and nature packed holiday?
Then come with on an Adventure with The Marine Diaries to Cape Town, South Africa; a trip which combines the most breath-taking aspects of both land and sea.
South Africa is home to hundreds of endemic species. On this trip, we will explore the rich marine biodiversity this unique country has to offer.
We’ve partnered with Cape RADD, a leading NGO and Hope Spot Champions based in Simons Town, to deliver this trip packed with scuba diving, citizen science, and learning.
DISCOVER. CONNECT. LEARN.
South Africa Adventure - Trip Overview
Get ready to wake up to the sound of the ocean with stunning sea and mountain views in a luxurious 4-star hotel. This trip is packed with adventure, both above and below the waves. So whether you’re a scuba diver, keen photographer, or just looking for authentic wildlife encounters - we’ve got you covered.
Learn from local experts, explore the magical kelp forests, and enjoy fantastic wildlife without compromising on comfort and without the hassle of planning the details.
Dates: 18 - 27 September 2024.
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights.
Location: Cape Town and surrounds, South Africa.
Activities*: scuba diving, snorkelling, visits to Boulder’s Beach, Cape Point Nature Reserve, Table Mountain, and Cape Town, wine tour, behind-the-scenes tour at Two Oceans Aquarium, educational talks, welcome and farewell braais.
Wildlife**: African penguins, whales (southern right, humpback), dolphins, sharks, Cape fur seal, kelp forest, and more!
Diving certification requirements: This is a scuba-only trip. You must be open-water certified to join.
-
9 nights accommodation in a 4-star hotel, breakfasts, lunches and 2 braais, airport transfers and activity transport, 7 scuba dives, trips to Boulders Beach, Cape Point Nature Reserve, Table Mountain and Cape Town, BTS tour of Two Oceans Aquarium, wine tasting, educational talks, all scuba and snorkel equipment, Cape RADD t-shirt and 10% off any dive equipment purchase.
-
Flights and visa requirements, dinners on days 2-8*, personal travel and diving insurance, extra dive kit (dive computer & specialised equipment), additional travel outside of trip itinerary, personal spending money and gratuities.
Optional extras: Out-of-hours airport transfer (£20 pp), scuba refresher course (£125 pp), night dive (£50 pp).
-
Breakfast and lunch is provided every day, as well as dinner on your first day and last night. We can cater to all dietary needs. Just let us know your requirements when making your booking.
Based on guest feedback, dinner from day 2-8 has been left flexible so you can explore the local culinary diversity. Simon’s Town is filled with affordable dining options - your host can recommend restaurants and book a table for you.
-
A non-refundable £700 p/p deposit is required to secure your place.
We offer flexible payment options, as long as your balance is paid in full by 18 July 2024. Please get in touch to find out more.
DISCOVER
Dive into the vibrant wildlife of Cape Town. Our expeditions offer intimate and respectful encounters with marine life. Hosted by experienced dive guides and marine biologists, we’ll ensure you’re in the right place at the right time to maximise wildlife opportunities.
CONNECT
Immerse yourself in a mesmerising underwater world and South Africa’s boundless wildlife, and deepen your connection to nature.
Form lasting bonds with fellow explorers who share your passion for ocean adventures.
LEARN
Education and adventure go hand in hand on our trips, leaving you empowered to become an ocean advocate. Through educational lectures, citizen science, and ocean-positive activities, our expedition offers a holistic approach to understanding and connecting with the marine environment.
“Magical. We dived in the Great African Seaforest, met penguins, seals, and shy sharks face-to-face, joined marine biologists in their research, and even dissected a shark. It was fun, and I learnt a lot about the ocean. Deeply grateful for this experience.”
“Fabulous, adventurous, and FUN... So informative and educational. This was such a well organised trip that encompassed the many beautiful facets of Cape Town. Rebecca from The Marine Diaries is such a positive force, well informed and did everything in her power to make this an unforgettable trip! I highly recommend booking the next South Africa Adventure.”
Expedition FAQs
-
You should book a flight to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) - arriving on 18 September 2024 and departing on 27 September 2024. We recommend booking a flexible flight which allows you to change the dates, in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Please contact The Marine Diaries before booking your flights to confirm transfer windows.
If you wish to extend your stay in South Africa, our team would be happy to recommend local sights and destinations.
-
Visa requirements depend on your country of origin. Please check any visa requirements on the South African Department of Home Affairs website, or speak to your local South African embassy before travelling.
Please check with the South African Government for the latest COVID entry requirements.
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, or if you have transited for more than 12 hours in an airport in a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Please check the latest WHO list.
The Western Cape is far from all malaria zones and there are no diseases of concern. Some travel sites recommend you have your Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Hepatitis B, but this is at your discretion and not a requirement to enter the country or participate in the trip.
-
This is a scuba based trip. You must be Open Water certified (or equivalent) in order to attend.
Anyone who hasn’t dived for over 6 months is encouraged to take a scuba refresher course, dependent on your level of certification. This is available at an extra charge of £125.
The local area is shallow, easy diving which should be accessible for most divers. The water is cold (15°C). While all necessary gear is provided to keep you warm, these conditions may be an adjustment for some divers. Everyone will have an opportunity to find their comfort level through an acclimation dive, and we’ll cater dives to the group’s ability and experience level. Cape RADD’s team of experienced divemasters and instructors will be guiding each dive.
-
You must be 18+ and Open Water scuba certified (or equivalent).
As we will be spending time in open water, you must also be a competent swimmer.
If you have accessibility requirements, please get in touch with us before booking.
-
We can cater to all dietary needs. Just let us know your requirements when making your booking.
-
All weather gear (waterproof jacket, sturdy footwear, hat, sunscreen, swimwear).
Toiletries, towels, camera, camera equipment, binoculars, and spending money.
All dive and snorkel gear is provided, except dive computers. Snorkel equipment will be made available free of charge for you to use at your own leisure. If you prefer to bring your own snorkel or dive gear you are welcome to.
-
You will be staying in the 4-star Quayside Hotel, right on the harbour and offering mountain and seaside views.
The hotel is situated in the centre of Simons Town, with walking distance of local restaurants and cafes, as well as the Cape RADD Hub.
Each guest or couple will have their own room with an en-suite bathroom.
Facilities include: En-suite bathrooms (with toiletries), room service, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, laundry facilities, and free parking.
Ready to book?
A non-refundable £700 deposit is required to secure your place.
The total cost of the trip is £3,575 per person. After paying your deposit, we will contact you with further information on how to pay the remaining balance, which must be paid in full by 18 July 2024.
Cancellations
If you change your mind within the next 48 hours, your place can be cancelled. Your deposit will be returned, less any fees we have incurred.
If you need to cancel once you have made a part or full payment, we can return a part of your balance within a certain time period (your deposit is non-refundable):
If you cancel 61 days or more before departure (on or before 19 July 2024), we will try to sell your place. If we are able to sell your place we will offer a refund of your balance, minus your deposit and any fees we have incurred. If we are unable to sell your place, we cannot offer a refund.
If you cancel 60 days or less before departure (on or after 20 July 2024), you will not receive a refund.
This also applies if the trip departs in 60 days or less at the time of your booking (ie if you make your booking on or after 20 July 2024).
If Cape RADD cancels the trip, then we will offer refunds. The exact amount will depend on the reason for cancellation and the proximity to the trip start date.
