We offer eco-tours to Dassen Island from Yzerfontein. Discover Penguins, Seals, Seabirds and more!

Cape Coast Expeditions offers exciting and educational eco-tours from Yzerfontein, located in the heart of South Africa’s West Coast.
The surrounding waters are home to one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world, featuring iconic species such as African Penguins, Cape Fur Seals, Sunfish (Mola-Mola) Great White Pelicans, Black Cormorants, and African Oystercatchers, among MANY more!
Our West Coast boat tours provide an immersive experience, showcasing the vibrant marine life of Yzerfontein, both above and below the water’s surface. As we explore the rugged beauty of 16-Mile Beach and nearby uninhabited islands like Dassen Island, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s natural richness and the conservation efforts required to protect it.
Each tour includes insight into the ecological challenges facing this dynamic coastline, encouraging responsible tourism and a collective commitment to preserving these coastal habitats for future generations.
While not a dedicated whale-watching tour, our trips often include exciting marine sightings — you might spot dolphins or whales along the way. When we do, we always observe from a safe, legal distance.

At the helm of Cape Coast Expeditions is Captain and Owner Alan Collinge, a seasoned ocean explorer with over a decade of global sailing experience. Having led multiple long-distance expeditions, logged thousands of underwater hours on both scuba dives and free dives, and cultivated a deep understanding of marine ecosystems, Alan is passionate about sharing the ocean’s wonders with others.
Through our tours, he aims to inspire a love for the sea and foster meaningful connections between guests and the marine environment.
By his side is his life partner, Azandè Schreiber, (who the boat was named after!) ensuring every journey with Cape Coast Expeditions runs seamlessly from shore to sea. Whether assisting guests on board, handing out refreshments, or managing the behind-the-scenes operations that keep everything running smoothly, Azandè brings warmth, organisation, and attention to detail to every voyage.

We’re more than just a boat tour — we’re a passionate team committed to marine conservation, education, and unforgettable coastal experiences.
Based in Yzerfontein, our tours give you front-row access to Dassen Island’s protected wildlife and pristine waters. With a focus on eco-tourism, comfort, and personalised service, we offer one of the best things to do on the Cape West Coast for both locals and tourists seeking authentic South African adventures.
A core part of our mission is to raise awareness about the African Penguin, a species now critically endangered and facing a rapid decline in numbers. Through our guided eco-tours, guests learn about the penguin’s vital role in the marine ecosystem, the challenges threatening its survival, and practical ways we can all contribute to protecting these incredible seabirds and their habitat.

Meet M/V ZANDIE, our state-of-the-art Infanta 900 LR, purpose-built to put Cape Coast Expeditions at the forefront of marine-based eco tours in South Africa.
With twin 300HP Suzuki outboards, a custom-designed deck layout, and the latest safety technology, she delivers a powerful yet smooth ride designed for both performance and passenger comfort.
Seating up to 12 guests comfortably, M/V ZANDIE offers ample space to move, relax, and take in the ocean views — a rare luxury on most smaller vessels. Whether you're cruising to Dassen Island for a sea safari or enjoying the open sea breeze, our boat promises one of the safest, most comfortable, and most efficient charter experiences along the Cape coastline.

October Special:
R1,500 per person (Normal price: R1,850.00 per person)
R12,500 - Up to 10 people (Normal price: R14,500.00 private boat)
Trips leaving daily at 08:00 and 12:00 (Contact for availability)
What to expect:
Just 5 miles off the coast of Yzerfontein, lies Dassen Island, a protected marine gem rich in history and wildlife. Join us on a guided boat tour to explore this unique West Coast sanctuary.
Spot African Penguins, Cape Fur Seals, Great White Pelicans, and more as you learn about the island’s fascinating past. Along the way, keep an eye out for dolphins, seabirds, and other marine life.
This eco-tour is perfect for wildlife lovers and anyone looking for unforgettable things to do in Yzerfontein. Experience one of South Africa’s top marine conservation areas — a true natural wonder.

R2,350 per person (Yzer Locals R1850)
R18,500.00 private boat (Up to 10 people)
Trips leaving daily at 08:00 and 13:00 (Contact for availability)
What to expect:
Experience South Africa’s stunning West Coast at your own pace with the extended half day tour. This cruise is the best way to explore the region’s natural beauty, dramatic abundance of marine life and the spectacular natural wonders including Dassen Island, 16 Mile Beach, and the coastline of Yzerfontein.
This slower paced tour allows us to spend more precious time observing and learning about the unique marine life that make up one of the worlds most unique ecosystems. You’ll also gain insight into the coastal ecosystems of the area and the importance of marine conservation. Perfect for thrill seekers, nature lovers, birders, and curious minds.

October Special:
R1,600 (Normal price: R1,950 per person)
Private Boat: R13,500 - up to 10 people. (Normal price: R16,500.00)
What to expect:
Bird Islands Tour
For avid bird watching lovers! We take a tour, launching from Mykonos, to the famous bird nesting/breeding destinations Malgas and Jutten Islands. Both islands are home to a plethora of seabirds including Cape gannets, Cape cormorants, Bank Cormorants, White-Breasted Cormorants, Kelp Gulls, Hartlaub’s Gulls, Swift Terns, and the striking African Black Oystercatcher along the shores.
Langebaan Lagoon Beach Cruise
Looking for something a little more laid back? Join us for the relaxing tour along the calm waters of Langebaan Lagoon part of the West Coast National Park. Discovering the local bird life inhabiting the national park and its beautiful sandy shores. Stop for an hour anchorage at Preekstoel where you will be able to go to shore and enjoy the beach.
Please reach us at alan@capecoastexpeditions.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Best way is direct contact with us through Whatsapp, email or phone. We are working on a booking platform for the website, which will be coming soon!
Please arrive 20 minutes before your trip starts. Example; for 08:00 tours, please arrive 07:40. We will send you a welcome email with everything you need to know before your trip. If you have not received it, please look in your Promotions Inbox, as our mails end up there from time to time.
Not to worry! The best remedy to prevent that is to take a seasick tablet at night before you go to bed, and another one as soon as you wake up - and you're good to go! Medezine is a good one, but you can choose one that suits your needs.
We also try go out on calm days, and where we anchor is very calm :)
Minimum age for this trip is 8 years old, all passengers need to be able to board and disembark the vessel unassisted and have a comfortable level of manoeuvrability. Due to the nature of our tours, we regretfully cannot accept customers with walking/back problems or any other disability that may be aggravated by the motions of the vessel.
We recommend bringing comfortable flat sole shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, rain jacket if possible, suncream, binoculars, motion sickness tablets and a camera. Some tours may require additional items, which will be noted in the tour description. PLEASE BRING A WATER BOTTLE.
If our Captain decides the conditions are unsafe for a tour we will do our best to reschedule you for another slot where the conditions are more favourable. If we cannot reschedule because of weather, we will offer a full refund.
We love our customers, so feel free to visit our office in Yzerfontein during normal business hours.
WE OFFER LOCALS DISCOUNTS!!
44 Buitekant Street, Yzerfontein, 7351, South Africa
Call & Whatsapp: +27 68 616 2621 / +27 61 396 8683 Email: alan@capecoastexpeditions.com
Open today | 08:30 – 17:00 |
We are fully operational from June through to April, where we will take a short break. We launch from the Yzerfontein Harbour.
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