Most travelers base their trip around Cape Town and drive to Gansbaai.

Fly into Cape Town International (CPT), then drive via the N2 and R43 past Hermanus and Stanford to Gansbaai (about 160 km by road).
If you are combining Gansbaai with the Garden Route, George Airport (GRJ) can work, but it is a longer drive.
Ocean activities typically depart from Kleinbaai Harbour, a short drive from central Gansbaai.

Main international gateway for the Western Cape and the simplest arrival point for a Gansbaai trip.

Most travelers base their trip around Cape Town and drive to Gansbaai.

Fly into Cape Town International (CPT), then drive via the N2 and R43 past Hermanus and Stanford to Gansbaai (about 160 km by road).
If you are combining Gansbaai with the Garden Route, George Airport (GRJ) can work, but it is a longer drive.
Ocean activities typically depart from Kleinbaai Harbour, a short drive from central Gansbaai.

Main international gateway for the Western Cape and the simplest arrival point for a Gansbaai trip.

Useful if you are already doing the Garden Route and want to loop back west via the Overberg.

A rental car is the easiest way to explore the Whale Coast.

Gansbaai and nearby villages are spread out, and public transport is limited.
Use your own wheels for De Kelders, Stanford, Hermanus, and day trips to Cape Agulhas or De Hoop.
For boat activities, arrive early to Kleinbaai Harbour and plan extra time for parking and check-in.

South Africa entry rules depend on your passport and current regulations.

Check official guidance from the South African Department of Home Affairs for visa requirements and permitted length of stay.
Carry a passport with sufficient validity and blank pages, and keep proof of onward travel and accommodation details accessible.
If traveling with children, confirm documentation rules well in advance as requirements can be stricter than many destinations.

Shark cage operators normally provide wetsuits and basic gear, but bring your own mask if you prefer a known fit.
For scuba and freediving, pack serious thermal protection. Many divers use a 7mm wetsuit with hood and gloves, or a drysuit if you own one.
Bring a dry bag, spare warm layers for boat rides, and a way to keep electronics dry (spray and wind are common).
If you plan any independent shore sessions, carry an SMB or float, a cutting tool for kelp, and a first-aid kit in the car.

ZAR is used everywhere. Cards are widely accepted in Hermanus and most accommodation, but keep some cash for small towns, tips, and reserve gates.

ATMs are available in larger towns like Hermanus and usually in Gansbaai, but can be sparse near nature reserves. Carry cash before driving to De Hoop or remote coastline gates.

South Africa commonly uses Type M three-round-pin plugs. Bring an adapter and a power bank for long day trips.

Communications

Mobile coverage is generally good in towns, but can drop on remote stretches of coastline and inside reserves.

Consider buying a local SIM or eSIM on arrival.
Download offline maps for the Overberg and De Hoop area.
For boat days, use a waterproof case and keep your phone in airplane mode to save battery.

Language

English is widely used in tourism and services. Afrikaans is common locally, and you may also hear isiXhosa. Learning a few greetings is appreciated but not required for travel logistics.

Insurance

For divers and freedivers, carry diving accident coverage (DAN is widely used in Southern Africa).
Make sure your travel insurance covers adventure activities like shark cage diving and ocean sports.
If you have medical conditions, bring a copy of prescriptions and a short medical summary.

Packing list

Temperate-water packing is different from tropical trips.

Wetsuit: 5mm to 7mm, plus hood, gloves, and booties for longer sessions.
Wind protection: light rain jacket or windbreaker for boat rides and cliff walks.
Sea-sickness: bring tablets or patches if you are prone to motion sickness.
Sun and glare: polarized sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen (reef-safe when possible).
Safety extras: SMB or snorkel float, and a small first-aid kit for the car.

Gansbaai

Logistics

Quick Facts

Getting There

Airports

Logistics

Quick Facts

Getting There

Airports

Getting Around

Entry Requirements

Gear Logistics Checklist

Practicalities

Currency

Electricity