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The Gold Ball of Strepies – Sardine Run Magic off the Transkei Coast - by Linda Ness
Experience the magic of the Sardine Run with Animal Ocean on South Africa’s Wild Coast. Join Steve Benjamin as he recalls an unforgettable encounter with Bryde’s whales, dolphins, and a golden bait ball of Strepies — a rare spectacle captured by guest Linda Ness and featured in Diver Alert Network South Africa.
Sep 93 min read


Top 10 Things to Do in Cape Town — A Local’s Bucket List
Discover Cape Town through the eyes of local marine guide Steve Benjamin. From hiking ancient Table Mountain and exploring wild Cape Point to kayaking at Sea Point, surfing Muizenberg, and wandering Kirstenbosch, this bucket list is all about authentic, crowd-free adventures. Meet penguins at Boulders Beach, sip beer in Noordhoek, explore Kalk Bay, and join Animal Ocean on an Ocean Safari to see Cape Point from the water — the ultimate Cape Town experience.
Sep 16 min read


What is an Ocean Safari ?
Discover Cape Town’s wild side on an Ocean Safari with Animal Ocean. More than a boat ride, it’s a game drive at sea—spot seals, sunfish, and seabirds while exploring shipwrecks and cliffs only accessible by boat. Slip into the water to snorkel through magical kelp forests alive with catsharks, rays, and starfish. Immersive, intimate, and one-of-a-kind, this is Cape Town’s ocean like you’ve never seen it before.
Sep 12 min read


How to Be a Good Sardine Runner: A Guide for Guests Who Want to Get the Most Out of It.
Every year, the Sardine Run teaches me something new. This morning, while sipping coffee and thinking back on the season
Jul 313 min read


Sardine Run 2025: A Roadside Debrief - Words from the Wild: Steve Benjamin, Samantha Sivewright & Danny Jegels
Sardine Run 2025 tested us — physically, mentally, and mechanically — but it also gave us wildness, connection, and unforgettable moments
Jul 314 min read


Mdumbi Backpackers
The Sardine Run is more than just a wildlife spectacle — it’s a vital source of income and opportunity for the people of Tshani and...
Jul 312 min read


Nurdle spill appears around the Cape Peninsula
Ever heard of a nurdle? Nurdles - the raw material used in plastic production Local residents and organisations in Cape Town have been...
Oct 26, 20202 min read


My Octopus Teacher
My Octopus Teacher introduces the kelp forests of Cape Town to the world! These kelp forests sustain an abundance of life and their magic...
Oct 2, 20202 min read


Otterly Amazing! Surprised by a Cape clawless otter
With the lockdown regulations in South Africa being eased somewhat, many have taken to getting back into the ocean to surf, freedive and...
Jun 24, 20203 min read


Seal Snorkeling Surviving COVID-19
Navigating the effects of COVID-19 on the Tourism Industry Looking forward! Animal Ocean needs YOUR support! With the emergence of...
May 27, 20203 min read


Lockdown Life: Sunbird Series
Southern double-collared sunbird perched on a strelitzia flower Sunbirds in the city! Renowned for his captivating underwater imagery of...
May 27, 20203 min read


Lockdown Life: Steve's Sunbird Project
Lockdown Sunbirds in Kalk Bay, Cape Town Bringing nature into the home through the lens of photographer Steven Benjamin Renowned for his...
May 19, 20204 min read
The History of Animal Ocean
Seal Snorkeling since 2009! Animal Ocean was founded in Cape Town in 2009 by Steve Benjamin, after spending time in the warmer waters of...
May 19, 20205 min read
Lockdown Life: Local Wildlife
3 residents of Kalk Bay, Cape Town enjoying the lockdown period more than most!
May 18, 20202 min read


SEAL RESCUE - Animal Ocean Saves Baby Seals!
A real Animal Ocean Archive story – Cape fur seal pup rescue December 2014 It has become legend amongst the staff of Animal Ocean that...
Apr 16, 20204 min read


Animal Ocean helping Fur Seals
We at Animal Ocean know that our guest want to know that the interest of our Fur seals to come first, before the business of running Seal...
Sep 4, 20193 min read


Shysharks and Cape Fur Seals
Cape Fur seals and Shysharks We often find Dark shysharks (Haploblepharus pictus) around Duiker Island, hiding in the kelp forest. This...
Mar 5, 20192 min read


Seal Pups are Swimming with Snorkelers
Seal Pups The first seal pups of 2019 are swimming with the snorkelers. Cape Fur seal pups are born every November, helpless and unable...
Mar 5, 20192 min read


NEW Marine Protected Areas for South Africa
New Marine Protected Areas (MPA's) for ampills.com. South Africa - Breaking news ! New Marine Protected Areas for South Africa. The South...
Oct 26, 20185 min read
African Penguin Rescue by Animal Ocean
Staff at Animal Ocean spotted an injured African Penguin resting inside Hout Bay harbour, yesterday morning. The young bird, which is...
Oct 1, 20182 min read
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