The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board has protected the province’s bathing beaches from shark attacks for more than 40 years. The Sharks Board is also involved in vital shark research and educates the public about sharks and their behaviour. more

Dyer Island was once the most important breeding ground in the world for the African penguin. But now these delightful birds are struggling to breed successfully. A new initiative has brought hope, though. You can give a penguin couple a home to raise chicks successfully. more

Seals are among the few mammals whose numbers are increasing. In fact, Cape fur seals number millions. South Africa and Namibia host enormous colonies of them – some of the greatest concentrations of wildlife outside of the Serengeti and Masai Mara reserves in East Africa. more

Dolphins in South Africa’s waters are protected by some of the strongest cetacean conservation laws in the world. There are several species, but only 3 occur so close inshore that they are reliably seen. They include the famous bottlenose dolphin, the beautiful common dolphin, and the shy humpback dolphin. more

Marine volunteer projects in South Africa are clustered mainly around Great White Shark and dolphin research, although the whales that visit the country’s shore each year provide a fascinating dimension to marine conservation activities. Exposure to penguins, seals and prolific pelagic bird populations add to these exciting marine voluntourism programmes. more

Southern right whales were so-called because they were the ‘right’ ones to hunt. Their tendency to move slowly and live near the surface also makes them perfect for whale-watching, either boat-based or from the shore. Every year thousands swim up from Antarctica to enjoy the spa-like conditions of the southern Cape. more

St Lucia Tours and Charters is famous for its hippo and crocodile tours on the St Lucia estuary. But it can also take you to see humpback whales coursing the seas on their way to Mozambique; turtles coming to lay eggs; and the Big 5 in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve. more

Coastal dune conservation in South Africa kicked forward a gear in 2001, when driving on the beaches was banned. This helped safeguard sensitive coastal birds whose nests were often crushed or breeding season interrupted by vehicles. But archaeologists have also welcomed the additional protection measures for evidence of ancient humans. more

Ocean Blue Adventures in Plettenberg Bay will introduce you to a world of humpback and southern right whales, joyous dolphins by the dozen, and Cape fur seals by the thousand. It is accredited by Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa, and extends its focus to the Qolweni community, too. more

The Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area (MPA) is possibly the most dramatic seascape in the country. The marine park curves around the long, thin Cape Peninsula. The 2 great oceans – Indian and Atlantic – mingle their waters all along this coast, adding to the spectacular diversity of this region. more

Dyer Island Cruises, based in Gansbaai, is a highly respected and ethical company that offers whale watching in season and shark watching all year round. The company, certified by Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa, offers an extraordinary, informative experience that will enrich your understanding of the sea and its biodiversity. more

The Bird Island Group Marine Protected Area is scattered in a rough group of tiny islands not far from Port Elizabeth. They are critical habitat for African penguins and gannets. Although not usually open for tours, the islands are lovely to cruise among, especially for bird (and shark) lovers. more

Around the middle of the Garden Route, you’ll find Plettenberg Bay’s Robberg Marine Protected Area. It’s a surprise to find a place of such serene natural beauty within a relatively built-up zone. Here, you'll find intriguing rock pools, seals and unspoilt coastal fynbos... more

The Pondoland Marine Protected Area conserves a remarkable seascape along the Eastern Cape's Wild Coast. This is where subtropical reefs and their attendant species lie, where pristine estuaries are nurseries to young fish, and where waterfalls drop directly into the sea. The Pondoland MPA sprawls over and includes the delightful Mkhambathi Nature Reserve. more