Adventure
Whale Watching: Southern Right whales visit our shores each year from June to November to calf and mate, before departing again for their feeding grounds in the lower reaches of the Antarctic. Between 14 to 16 metres in length when mature, Southern Right’s are characterized by wart like “callosities” on their heads and can be frequently seen in the shallows of the beaches or just off the rocky shores anywhere along the Hangklip coastline. These gentle giants are fascinating to watch as they “sky hop”, “breach”, “lob tail” and go through the “side by side” rituals of courtship. A few more adventurous spirits can be seen as early as May in our waters. Bryde’s and Humpback whales along with dolphins can also be seen along our shores, though not as frequently.
Hermanus is the self- proclaimed “whale watching capital of the world”, and there definitely is some truth therein. The town, a mere half and hour drive from Pringle Bay, boasts a full time “Whale Crier” who’s regular horn blowing in season, alerts visitors to the whales whereabouts. Some 200 odd Southern Rights were counted in the greater vicinity of Walker Bay last season, and according to the “Whale Crier”, the cows are coming to our shores earlier each year to calf. An extended season allows their calves to mature and gain strength for the long journey south in November each year.
Great White Shark Tours: The Great White Shark is the ocean's largest predatory fish, and the most feared resident of the sea, to both sailors and sea creatures alike. For adrenalin junkies, “Cage shark diving” is a must. Depart from a small fishing village called Kleinbaai, which is near Gansbaai (120 odd kilometers from Pringle Bay), on a new luxury 36-foot catamaran for a memorable day excursion. The trip includes a trip to Dyer Island (home to 23 different species of seabirds), Geyer Rock Cape Fur Seal Colony, lunch on board, and of course for the diving enthusiast, shark diving in a special steel cage, supervised by 2 highly skilled Dive Masters. Surface viewing is also 90 % successful on most trips. Your hosts will gladly book an adventure trip for you!! Give them a day’s notice please.
Crayfishing, Diving and Charter Cruises: Crayfishing is seasonal, your allotment limited, and only permitted if you have obtained a permit. These are easily obtainable at the beginning of the season. Rigid controls are in place; both to protect and increase the Abalone and Crayfish population, and Marine Officials are vigilant in their daily patrolling of the coastline. There are many areas dotted along the coastline from Gordon’s Bay to Betty’s Bay that are favoured by fisherman. Except for the safe bathing areas, this coast is notorious for freak waves, and caution is advised when venturing out to remote areas.Charter cruises leave both Harbour Island and Gordon’s Bay harbour daily, weather permitting. This is a great way of exploring the magnificent coastline between Gordon’s Bay and Pringle Bay.
River rafting and Kayaking: The Palmiet River is ideal to explore during both the low water summer months and in winter when this friendly stream becomes a torrent of class 3+ whitewater. An Adventure Tour Operator offers thrilling rafting in the middle of winter in the heart of the Kogelberg Biosphere to provide you with a memorable and excitable way of getting back in touch with nature. White water rafting is allowed in the Biosphere from 1 June to 30 September. Training in white water rafting as well as a course in flat water canoeing is available. For a more sedate paddle, canoes can be hired at the lagoon at Kleinmond; for those with their own kayaks, the Palmiet and Bot rivers lagoons, estuaries and vleis are yours to explore……
Beachcombing and Sand Boarding: Wander along the shoreline of the magnificent Silver Sands beach in search of the elusive white Nautilus paper shell. For the more adventurous, the slopes of the Silversand dunes are a superb sandboarding arena.Mountain Biking and Cycling: Both local and foreign cyclists favour this area for mountain and road training. A 19km trail from Grabouw through the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve is the experience of a lifetime. We have a pair of mountain bikes available for guest use. Please enquire with the Duty Manager.