The Great African sea forest and beyond - Learn more about the inspiration behind 'My Octopus Teacher'

TThe documentary is set in the Great African Sea Forest - False Bay area, Western Cape province, and focusses on the intimate relationship between independent film maker, Craig Foster, and an Octopus, coming together in the Atlantic Ocean. The False Bay area in Cape Town is home to the South Africa’s largest Naval Base in Simonstown and also features fishing harbours, beaches, yacht clubs, coastal nature reserves and the famous Boulders Beach, home to the gorgeous African penguins. Learn more from "My Octopus Teacher" Film Director, Pippa Ehrlich.

DDISCOVER THE WHALE COAST ROUTE

300-KILOMETER SCENIC COASTAL DRIVING ROUTE THAT SNAKES FROM CAPE TOWN TO GANSBAAI

Boulder’s Beach Penguin Colony: Cape Town boasts some of the most fantastic activities and experiences and one of the most unique of these is visiting the African Penguin colony, residing at Boulder’s Beach in False Bay. These local residents can be found just one (very scenic) hour drive from Cape Town city centre, on the way to Cape Point Peninsula. The drive on Chapman’s Peak allows travellers to take in sweeping views of Hout bay, past Noordhoek and Kommetjie and finally reaching the African Penguin’s home of Boulder’s Beach.

The colony is estimated to have around 2,500 – 3,000 birds often spotted sunbathing on the boulders or riding the waves in the protected bay. As well as an ideal place to see the penguins up close, the beach is a great spot for a refreshing dip and a picnic to round up a beautiful day. There is a R65 conservation fee (around £3.50) and it is very rarely packed. For entry and exit times, see here: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/tourism/get_there.php

TThe unquestionable surfer’s paradise: Muizenberg beach, famous for its colourful beach huts, it is also the perfect place to learn to surf. This is not only because it is situated on the Indian Ocean side of Cape Town, so its waters are a bit warmer, but also because it has a sand bottom and gentle rolling waves, perfect for beginner surfers. There are a number of surf schools to choose from, including Gary’s Surf School, the oldest surf school in the country. https://garysurf.com/

MMuizenberg to Kalk Bay: a Coastal Stroll AUDIO TOUR : Travellers can take the Kalk Bay Audio tour with Maggie Follett, a proud local, freelance journalist, poetry scribbler and occasional filmmaker as your guide. This popular route takes you on a gentle but bracing stroll around the spectacular curve of False Bay, from the laid-back coastal suburb of Muizenberg (the gateway to the South Peninsula), via beautiful St James, to the vibey, bustling village and harbour of Kalk Bay. Distance from Cape Town to Kalk Bay: 30,7 km (around 35 minutes). https://voicemap.me/tour/cape-town/muizenberg-to-kalk-bay-a-coastal-stroll

AAfrican Penguin and Sea Bird Sanctuary (APSS): Based near Dyer Island and situated 8.5 Km from Kleinbaai harbour in Gansbaai, APSS is home to over 29 bird species including one of the largest colonies of the endangered African Penguin in the Western Cape. The organisation is devoted to nursing injured and sick seabirds back to health before releasing them back into the wild. Visitors can visit APSS for free when booking with Dyer Island Cruises. https://www.whalewatchsa.com/african-penguin-and-seabird-sanctuary/

Watch ITV’s ‘South Africa with Gregg Wallace’ episode 4, when Gregg sets off to explore the Whale Coast Route to learn more about this project. Or Read more here.

SShark Cage-diving: ‘Shark Alley’, a narrow channel between the penguin home of Dyer Island and a six-thousand strong colony of Cape Fur Seals, is one of the best areas in South Africa for shark cage diving. For travellers looking for safari action on the open water, there’s no better place. Visitors preferring to watch from the safety of the boat certainly won't miss out on any of the action, as the sharks remain just under the surface of the water and come right up to the boat. During peak season, between June and September, onboard spectators may also see Great Whites breaching. https://www.sharkcagediving.co.za

Whale watching & Walking Trails: Whale-watching along the Gansbaai coast and Hermanus are also excellent, particularly between May and December, when southern right whales come to mate, calve and nurse their young in the area. There are also numerous hikes and walking trails around the cliffs of De Kelders at Gansbaai, which feature caves to explore, abundant fynbos, spectacular ocean views and the fascinating history of ancient peoples in this area, revealed by archaeological digs that deliver rich hauls of prehistoric artefacts regularly. https://www.gansbaaiinfo.co.za/town

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