Steve Benjamin, owner of Animal Ocean and a skilled marine photographer, has dedicated his career to exploring and showcasing the rich marine life of Cape Town’s oceans. As the founder of the Ocean Safari, Steve offers visitors a chance to experience the diverse ecosystems of this region up close. In this interview, Steve shares his insights on what makes Cape Town’s waters so unique, his work in wildlife film productions, and what visitors can expect from an Ocean Safari.
Why do you get excited about going on the ocean in Cape Town?
Cape Town is a truly unique place with diverse marine ecosystems. It sits at the southern tip of Africa, where the cold Atlantic meets the warmer waters of False Bay, creating two distinct habitats. On the Atlantic side, you have cold-water specialists like Cape Fur Seals, African penguins, and vast kelp forests. False Bay, on the other hand, is home to endemic species more typical of the east coast. You never quite know what you’ll encounter, whether it’s dolphins, southern right and humpback whales, or even orcas passing through. The Cape Peninsula is also part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, so there’s still an abundance of life here. From kelp forests to whale migrations, the biodiversity and unpredictability make it a special place to be on the water.
You’ve worked on many film shoots and wildlife projects in Cape Town. Can you share some of those experiences?
I’ve been lucky to be part of some incredible productions. When humpback whales formed massive feeding groups off Hout Bay, we filmed the behaviors for Netflix’s Our Planet, narrated by David Attenborough. It was one of the first natural history series the he emphasized the impact humans are having on the planet. We’ve also worked with Thomas Peschak of National Geographic on photographing seals and box jellyfish for award-winning shots. Another exciting project is Our Oceans, which will feature waves, fish species, and the sardine run from our waters, which is still to be released. I’m proud to have been part of these productions, helping to bring Cape Town’s marine life to a global audience.
What should visitors know before going on an Ocean Safari?
There are a few things visitors should be aware of. The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to book your Ocean Safari early in your stay so you have flexibility. Wildlife sightings vary daily—while we do our best to find incredible animals, we can’t guarantee specific encounters. If you’re prone to seasickness, be sure to take precautions, like using the right medication. The water here is cold, ranging from 10-15 degrees Celsius, but we provide thick wetsuits and hot drinks to keep you comfortable after snorkeling. Snorkeling typically lasts about 30 minutes, depending on the group, but most of the 4-hour trip is spent exploring by boat, observing marine life, and learning from our guides.
Where can visitors go to learn more and support conservation after their Ocean Safari?
I recommend visiting the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, where you can learn about local marine species, visit the turtle rehabilitation center, and even dive in the tanks. Supporting their conservation efforts, like seal disentanglement, makes a real difference. Another great organization is SANCCOB, which rescues and rehabilitates injured seabirds, including the endangered African penguin. Donating or visiting their center helps protect these vulnerable species.
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