Gansbaai With Kids: Penguins and Boat Trips
Start With the Penguins
The African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary in Kleinbaai is the easiest first stop with children. Entry is free, and the sanctuary is open daily from 09:00 to 16:00. Public penguin feeding takes place at 15:00 every day. It cares for rescued penguins and other seabirds, which means the birds on view change from day to day. Donations are welcome and help the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, which runs the sanctuary.
A Boat Trip for All Ages
The Marine Big 5 trip from Kleinbaai suits families because children under 5 travel free. It lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours and passes seals, penguins and dolphins, with whales in season. Children under 5 are free, and a child under 12 pays R1,725 (R864 for South African citizens), plus a compulsory R150 conservation fee. Whales are the main draw roughly from June to November. Bring layers, because the wind off the water is cold even on a sunny day.
Shark cage diving also has a child rate of R2,070 for international children under 12 and R1,188 for South African children. It involves breath-hold diving from a surface cage and cold water, so ask the operator whether it suits your child before you book.
Stanford’s Cove
Stanford’s Cove in De Kelders is a sheltered spot with a lawn, swings, toilets and outdoor showers. The rock pools are good for children who are closely supervised. Keep young swimmers in the shallows and stay within arm’s reach, because the open coast has cold water and strong currents. Kleinbaai Harbour is a working harbour and not a place to swim.
Platbos Forest
Platbos is a forest the operator describes as the southernmost in Africa, with trees over 1,000 years old. Entry is R50 for adults and R20 for children, paid into an honesty box at the Info Hut. It opens daily from 08:00 to 17:00, including public holidays, and no booking is needed. Dogs are not allowed. The trail loops take 1 to 2.5 hours, so choose a shorter loop for small legs.
Saturday Market and a Museum
The Gansbaai Market runs on Saturdays from 09:00 at Market Space on Kapokblom Street. Confirm the hours with Gansbaai Tourism before you go. The Strandveld Museum in Franskraal is a private museum with a large collection of relics from the Birkenhead shipwreck. Call 028 388 2414 for opening hours and the entry fee.
What Does Not Suit Children
Grootbos tours have a minimum age of 12. Dyer Island and Geyser Rock allow no landing, hiking or kayaking, so the islands can only be seen from a licensed boat.
Read more: Gansbaai activities for the full list, or walking tours for easy trails.
See family-friendly boat trips on GetYourGuide , check Platbos hours on the Platbos trail page , and read more about the penguin sanctuary .