Algoa Bay Islands

Algoa Bay holds two island groups - St Croix and the Bird Island group - that between them carry a large share of what is left of two seabird species. Bird Island supports one of the biggest Cape gannet colonies on earth, tens of thousands of pairs on a small rock, and the islands together long held the world's largest African penguin population. That population has collapsed: St Croix lost most of its penguins within a decade, a decline linked in the scientific literature to sardine and anchovy availability and argued over in relation to ship-to-ship bunkering that began in the bay in 2016. The islands are part of Addo Elephant National Park's marine section and landing is not permitted, so visits are boat trips that circle offshore. The bay also has a resident bottlenose dolphin population and humpbacks pass in season.

What you actually see

• The gannet colony - one of the largest Cape gannet breeding sites in the world.
• The penguin decline - a collapse from the world's biggest colony, still being studied.
• The no-landing rule - boats circle; only researchers go ashore.
• The bay wildlife - resident bottlenose dolphins and seasonal humpbacks.

When to go

October to April for the calmest seas. Half a day including the boat.

Honest expectations

Landing is not allowed, so this is viewing from a moving boat at a distance - bring binoculars. Trips cancel often in swell and wind. Seasickness is common on the run out. The penguin story is genuinely grim and guides do not hide it.

Nearby

Addo Elephant National Park is inland; Gqeberha's beachfront is on the bay.