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Depart the city for Simonstown harbour to meet our Birding Guide and board a boat at sunrise. Head out along False Bay and into the Atlantic some 20-30 miles off Cape Point in search of trawlers that fish these waters - a magnet for many bird species. The coastal area around this Peninsula offers some of the world’s best pelagic birding. This is largely thanks to the coasts’ 2 prevailing currents - the plankton-rich waters of the cold Benguela Current from the south (the core of a food chain for pelagic fish), and the warm Agulhas Current from the east coast, which brings a host of sub tropical marine species. Both currents help provide a veritable larder for sea birds. Throughout the year, one can usually sight White-chinned Petrel, Sooty Shearwater, Cape Gannet, Sub Antarctic Skua, Wilson's Storm Petrel and 4 species of Albatross. During winter, one might encounter Giant and Pintado Petrel, Antarctic Prion and Tern. Summer species are supplemented by the likes of Manx Shearwater, Arctic, Pomarine and Long-tailed Skua, Great-winged and European Storm Petrel, Sabine's Gull, Arctic Tern and Grey Phalarope. Light snacks and refreshments are served on board the boat, which is custom-built for birding activities, with a layout ideal for photography, filming, and surface observation. Note: Warm clothes and binoculars are essential. (Minimum of 4 guests.)  |
