The Penguin Patrol experience is an exciting and educational day out in Port Elizabeth learning all about the incredible marine life we have in the bay, focusing on our favourite and endangered bird.. the African penguin.
The penguins in our bay lost 70% of their population in 7 years, due to overfishing of sardines and anchovies, but hopefully we are not too late to reverse this trend with the help of research, education and conservation. The Penguin Patrol tour begins with a boat trip in to Algoa Bay with Raggy Charters. Guests will visit the largest breeding colony of African penguins in the world situated on St Croix Island. Over 22,000 penguins waddling around on the island, or gliding through the waves around it, guests will see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, as well as potential sightings of whales, dolphins, seals and other wildlife.
After the cruise guests will enjoy lunch in the Port Elizabeth harbour, before heading to the next stop… SAMREC, our own penguin rehabilitation centre. SAMREC has helped save hundreds of penguins, which have gone back in to the wild to keep the population going. Guests will explore the centre and learn about the important rehabilitation work.
The last stop of the day is at the Bayworld Oceanarium and Museum. It is here where guests will be treated to both a seal and penguin show, and hopefully end the excursion realising how important marine conservation is to the rest of the world. Funds from the tour go towards current research and conservation projects in the bay.