Twenty-five years ago, Wilfred Chivell had nothing but a love for the ocean, a small inflatable boat, and a telephone. That’s how this extraordinary story began—one of resilience, passion, and a deep-rooted commitment to marine conservation.

Wilfred wasn’t just chasing a dream; he was building a vision. He started by taking guests out to Dyer Island, introducing them to the magic of the ocean. From those first tours, it was clear that he wasn’t just running a business—he was crafting experiences that would change lives. Soon after, he secured a permit for boat-based whale watching, brought in his first guide, and established Dyer Island Cruises.

Then came a pivotal moment. In 2005, he took a leap of faith and bought Marine Dynamics, expanding his mission beyond tourism and into the heart of conservation. What started as a small operation quickly became something much bigger. The business grew. The team grew. And with it, the impact grew.

Marine Dynamics wasn’t just about seeing sharks, whales, African penguins, seals, and dolphins—it was about protecting them. To ensure that conservation remained at the core of his work, Wilfred founded the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT). This was a game-changer. The model was simple yet groundbreaking: tourism would fund conservation. Every visitor who booked a tour wasn’t just embarking on an unforgettable experience; they were actively contributing to marine research, species protection, and local job creation.

But Wilfred wasn’t done yet. The Great White House became the home base, offering not only a space for guests to gather but also a central hub for operations. And then, in a moment of inspiration and necessity, he built something that would make a lasting difference—the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS), a lifeline for the critically endangered African penguins, and other seabirds.

Celebrating 25 Years of Passion, Conservation, and Unforgettable Experiences

Now, in 2025, Marine Dynamics is celebrating 25 years of pioneering eco-tourism and marine conservation. And what better way to mark this milestone than by launching a stunning commemorative yearbook, A Quarter Century of Excellence?

For 25 years, Wilfred and his team have been bringing people closer to the ocean’s gentle giants through whale watching. For 20 years, they’ve been shining a light on sharks, educating the world about these misunderstood creatures. The Great White House, their welcoming restaurant and gathering place, also turns 20, marking two decades of hospitality and conservation support. And incredibly, both the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary are celebrating their 10-year anniversaries—a decade of research, rescue, and hope.

This isn’t just a celebration of numbers. It’s a celebration of impact.

Wilfred Chivell: The Man Who Built a Conservation Legacy

Spend just a few minutes with Wilfred Chivell, and one thing becomes clear—this is a man who doesn’t just talk about conservation; he lives it. His business model is proof that eco-tourism can be a powerful force for good.

“We have to stop taking and start giving back,” he says. “I don’t believe that a company’s only goal should be to make money. We’ve built a business that proves you can succeed while caring for the planet, the wildlife, and the people who help run it.”

Wilfred’s approach isn’t just about saving the sharks or penguins—it’s about saving the future. Marine Dynamics operates on a model that not only sustains the ocean but also the economy. It’s a circular system, where guests book a shark cage diving or whale-watching experience, and that money goes directly back into research, conservation, and local job creation.

And it’s working.

With over 37,000 visitors from around the world, Marine Dynamics has put Overstrand and Gansbaai on the map as a must-visit destination for those who love the ocean and its creatures.

“You can’t protect what you don’t understand,” Wilfred says. “When you take a child into the ocean, when they see a shark up close for the first time—something changes in them. They care. They go home and tell their friends and family. That’s how we create the next generation of ocean guardians.”

The Magic of Shark Diving: Changing Perspectives, One Dive at a Time

At Marine Dynamics, shark diving isn’t just about the thrill—it’s about education and conservation. Every dive helps to dispel myths about these misunderstood creatures and replace fear with respect and admiration.

And it’s not just for the adventure seekers. Shark diving welcomes everyone—children, grandparents, first-timers, and seasoned divers alike. It’s an experience that transcends age and background, reminding us all of our connection to the natural world.

Beyond the cage, there’s important work happening. Marine Dynamics, in collaboration with the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, conducts groundbreaking research on shark behavior and movement. By using Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) surveys, researchers are gathering crucial data to support conservation policies and protect threatened shark species.

This research has already led to the identification of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), providing safe zones where sharks and other marine life can thrive. Every dive, every observation, every conservation initiative brings us one step closer to securing a future where sharks are not just feared, but celebrated.

“Worldwide, sharks are being decimated,” Chivell stresses. “Longline fishing vessels with thousands of baited hooks are slaughtering these animals indiscriminately. Every dive we host gives sharks a voice, helping to build a global community that values their survival.”

In a time when sharks are disappearing at unprecedented rates, responsible shark diving presents a vital opportunity to connect people with these misunderstood animals and foster a commitment to their protection. For Marine Dynamics, it’s not just about tourism—it’s about ensuring a future for one of the ocean’s most important and endangered predators.

“By creating a sustainable value chain, we support the livelihoods of guides, crew, service providers, local restaurants, shops, and other tourism partners, and contribute significantly to the South African economy. Importantly, this is achieved in a non-consumptive way—without taking the life of a single shark. A living shark has immeasurable value, generating benefits that extend far beyond the ocean and positively impact countless people,” says Chivell.

A Future Built on Conservation and Care

As Marine Dynamics enters its 25th year, one thing remains unchanged—its commitment to the ocean, its wildlife, and the people who make it all possible.

This milestone isn’t just about looking back at past achievements—it’s about looking forward to a future where eco-tourism and conservation go hand in hand.

For Wilfred, the goal has never been just about running a successful business. It’s about making a difference. It’s about ensuring that the oceans remain alive for generations to come.

So, as Marine Dynamics celebrates a quarter-century of excellence, one thing is certain—this is just the beginning.

The Marine Dynamics team is proud to have been working alongside Dirty Boots for over 20 years, and we will continue to proudly keep our (water) boots dirty to explore, educate, and conserve the oceans for generations to come.