This year, Marine Dynamics proudly celebrates 25 years of excellence.
For the past 25 years Marine Dynamics has led the way in marine ecotourism, offering world-class experiences that connect visitors with the ocean’s most iconic creatures. Definitively more than just a tourism company, it has been a driving force in marine conservation, research and education ensuring that every trip taken with them contributes to the protection of South Africa’s unique marine environment.
25 years of boat-based whale watching
20 years of diving and protecting sharks
20 years of the Great White House Restaurant
20 years of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust
10 years of the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary
Marine Dynamics -an award winning and globally recognised marine ecotourism company has made a substantial impact in marine science and conservation for more than two decades. By using the daily observational platform and employing marine biologists, it has produced over 30 scientific papers that have contributed to the conservation policy of the country. Its ‘ecosystem’ encompasses shark cage diving, whale watching, a conservation trust with a dedicated seabird sanctuary, a volunteer programme and a tourism hub, that together are a globally recognised brand in marine experiences and marine conservation and research.
Marine Dynamics plays a significant role in protecting sharks and promoting ocean conservation by combining responsible tourism with scientific research and conservation efforts. It protects sharks through a combination of shark cage diving tours, research initiatives and conservation efforts, all within the framework of responsible ecotourism and it monitors shark populations, contributes to scientific studies and supports conservation efforts, including the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. The cage diving operations also generate revenue that supports conservation and community development.
The Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT), founded by Wilfred Chivell, has played a pivotal role in conservation efforts over the past two decades. The trust has been at the forefront of African penguin conservation, implementing a nesting project that provides safe habitats for these endangered seabirds, supporting rehabilitation efforts at the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary (APSS), and conducting vital monitoring of wild populations. In addition to penguin protection, the trust has expanded its efforts to seabird research and intervention, recently funding a Seabird Ranger to further conservation efforts on Dyer Island. DICT’s marine research extends beyond seabirds, with dedicated studies on Great White Sharks to track their movements and understand population dynamics. The trust has also been deeply involved in marine pollution mitigation, leading stranding response efforts, removing ghost fishing gear and conducting beach cleanups to reduce human impact on the marine environment. Through eco-tourism and public awareness programmes the trust educates visitors and engages them in conservation initiatives, fostering a deeper understanding of the delicate marine ecosystem. DICT’s commitment to education extends to the local community, where environmental programmes inspire young minds and provide career development opportunities in marine sciences.
African Penguins & Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) – opened in 2015, the APSS is a custom-designed marine bird rehabilitation centre. It provides temporary care to diseased, displaced, injured, oiled and abandoned marine birds with special focus on the critically endangered African penguin. Marine bird rescue, rehabilitation and releases form part of the conservation management plan to stabilise and maintain population numbers. Rehabilitation is a re-active but important intervention. Every single penguin saved through rehabilitation contributes to the conservation effort to prevent the extinction of the African penguin.
The Great White House: a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, onsite curio shop and luxury accommodation at adjacent chalets. At the restaurant – you can enjoy high quality, locally-sourced food and fine wines, beneath a thatched roof and Southern Africa’s largest Southern Right Whale skeleton exhibit, hanging from the ceiling. While the Chalets, with rustic hardwood floors, a fireplace and open-plan living, offer a relaxed and cosy atmosphere.
Marine Dynamics celebrated this milestone by sharing stories and reflections of its remarkable journey and amazing achievements over the past 25 years. A breakfast, with the penguins took place at The African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary, followed by a lunch at Gansbaai Golf Club accompanied by a selection of wines from the Overstrand and music.
In commemorating a ‘Quarter Century of Excellence’ this function was not just a celebration of past successes, but rather a ‘Call to Action’ for the future, to ensure that the marine species of the Dyer Island ecosystem continue to thrive for generations to come.
