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African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary - Gansbaai, Western Cape

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This purpose-built facility is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured, oiled and abandoned seabirds, with a particular focus on the endangered African penguin. (Image adapted). © Dyer Island Conservation Trust
Skilled staff and volunteers work tirelessly to nurse seabirds back to health, preparing them for a return to the wild. © Dyer Island Conservation Trust
 © Dyer Island Conservation Trust
 © Dyer Island Conservation Trust

African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary - Gansbaai, Western Cape

Located close to the rugged shoreline of the Overberg, the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary offers a rare and meaningful encounter with South Africa’s coastal wildlife. Established by the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, this purpose-built facility is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured, oiled and abandoned seabirds, with a particular focus on the endangered African penguin. It is a place where conservation takes centre stage, and every visit contributes to a greater environmental mission.

Rather than a traditional tourist attraction, the sanctuary provides an insightful look into the behind-the-scenes work of marine conservation. Inside, a fully equipped rehabilitation centre houses everything from quarantine areas to intensive care units and pre-release pens. Skilled staff and volunteers work tirelessly to nurse seabirds back to health, preparing them for a return to the wild. Visitors can view this process through designated viewing areas, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges facing seabird populations along South Africa’s coastline.

The experience is both relaxed and enriching. Entry is free, though donations are encouraged to support the sanctuary’s ongoing work. Daily penguin feeding sessions are a highlight, offering an up-close glimpse of these charismatic birds in a safe and caring environment. A small coffee shop and curio store provide a pleasant space to unwind, while educational displays and exhibits make the visit engaging for all ages.

What truly sets the sanctuary apart is its sense of purpose. With African penguin numbers in steep decline, each rescued bird represents a small but vital step towards conservation success. A visit here is not simply about observing wildlife - it’s about connecting with a cause and witnessing the dedication required to protect one of South Africa’s most beloved species.

A visit typically lasts one to two hours, yet its impact lingers far longer.

Contact details for the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary:
Location: Van Dyks Bay, 72 Main Road, Gansbaai
Tel: +27 72 598 7117 / +27 28 384 8300
Email: see website
Website: https://dict.org.za
Opening Hours: Daily, approximately 09:00 – 16:00 (penguin feeding around 15:00)
Entry: is FREE, though donations are encouraged to support the sanctuary’s ongoing work.
Disclaimer: Video displayed is for entertainment purpose. We are not responsible for errors or misleading information, nor do we endorse the content or opinions expressed.

Accommodation Near African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary - Gansbaai, Western Cape

Showing 1 to 10 of 10 results
Aire Del Mar Guest House
Guest Rating: 8
Sleeps 21 in 9 units
From R 769.3
Per person, per night sharing
* Rates may vary according to season

Aire Del Mar Guest House

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Gansbaai

 1.4 km from African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary - Gansbaai, Western Cape

Aire Del Mar Guest House provides bed and breakfast accommodation in Gansbaai in the Overberg / Whale Coast region in the Western Cape. Aire del Mar is ideally situated in Kleinbaai (sometimes referred to as Van Dyks Bay) for the viewing of the Great Whi   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Crayfish Lodge Sea & Country Guest House
Sleeps 6 in 3 units
From R 3300
Per person, per night sharing
* Rates may vary according to season

Crayfish Lodge Sea & Country Guest House

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in De Kelders

 4.1 km from African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary - Gansbaai, Western Cape

Crayfish Lodge Sea & Country Guest House offers bed and breakfast accommodation in De Kelders, Gansbaai in the Overberg and Whale Coast in the Western Cape.   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Ganders & Geese
Guest Rating: 9.8
Sleeps 4 in 1 unit
From R 1700
Entire place per night
* Rates may vary according to season

Ganders & Geese

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in De Kelders

 4.9 km from African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary - Gansbaai, Western Cape

Looking for a pet-friendly and child friendly getaway to the lovely town of De Kelders just outside Gansbaai? Our fully equipped self-catering house (Sleeps 4, maximum 6 with extra 2 "trundle" beds suitable for children in the lounge).   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Whale Cove A104
Graded:
Sleeps 6 in 1 unit
From R 2500
Per unit, per night
* Rates may vary according to season

Whale Cove A104

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in De Kelders

 5.4 km from African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary - Gansbaai, Western Cape

Whale Cove A104 offers self catering apartment accommodation on the beachfront at De Kelders, Gansbaai in the Overberg and Whale Coast region in the Western Cape. Whale Cove A104 (sleeps 6) is a four-star rated, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom luxury apartment.   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sea Star Cliff
Sleeps 22 in 9 units
From R 3100
Per unit, per night
* Rates may vary according to season

Sea Star Cliff

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in De Kelders

 5.8 km from African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary - Gansbaai, Western Cape

Sea Star Cliff is a luxury lodge providing guest house accommodation in De Kelders, Gansbaai in the Overberg and Whale Coast region of the Western Cape. The luxuriously appointed guesthouse was designed and decorated with luxury in mind to create a...   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Pearly Beach Holiday House
Guest Rating: 10
Sleeps 12 in 1 unit
From R 2800
Per unit, per night
* Rates may vary according to season

Pearly Beach Holiday House

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Pearly Beach

 16.5 km from African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary - Gansbaai, Western Cape

Pearly Beach house is a spacious self catering home, sleeping up to 12 guests on the Pearly Beach seafront, near Gansbaai, with 180 degree sea views and easy access to rock pools in front of house and two nearby beaches.   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Lagoon View
Sleeps 21 in 3 units
From R 2300
Per unit, per night
* Rates may vary according to season

Lagoon View

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Hermanus Area

 19.8 km from African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary - Gansbaai, Western Cape

Lagoon View offers self catering accommodation in Hermanus in the Western Cape's Overberg and Whale Coast region. Looking for a quiet self catering getaway with fantastic views. This large stylish home (sleeps 7) overlooks the Hermanus Lagoon and is ideal   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Pacem
Sleeps 4 in 1 unit
From R 1500
Per person, per night sharing
* Rates may vary according to season

Pacem

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Hermanus

 20.9 km from African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary - Gansbaai, Western Cape

Pacem offers visitors self catering accommodation in Hermanus on the Overberg / Whale Coast, Western Cape. Located in the Hermanus suburb of Voelklip it has a magnificent view on the mountain as well as sea views. Pacem is situated in a quiet area...   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

House on Westcliff
Guest Rating: 9
Sleeps 16 in 7 units
From R 1260
Per unit, per night
* Rates may vary according to season

House on Westcliff

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus

 21.7 km from African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary - Gansbaai, Western Cape

House on Westcliff provides bed and breakfast accommodation in Hermanus on the Overberg / Whale Coast, Western Cape. A stone's throw from the cliff paths overlooking Walker Bay is House on Westcliff. This boutique Bed and Breakfast comprises six...   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

On The Cliff Guest House
Graded:
Sleeps 19 in 8 units
From R 2310
Per person, per night sharing
* Rates may vary according to season

On The Cliff Guest House

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus

 21.7 km from African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary - Gansbaai, Western Cape

On The Cliff Guest House offers accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in Hermanus Central on the Whale Coast, Western Cape. Situated on the famous cliff paths of Hermanus and is also walking distance to the old harbour in the town's centre.   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

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