Experience the World’s Most Responsible and Exclusive Orca & Humpback Whale Expedition in 2026 – with Expert-Tours on South Africa’s Wild West Coast

While orca tourism in Mexico is increasingly under scrutiny – often unregulated, chaotic, with stressed animals and questionable operators – South Africa shows how it should be done. Expert-Tours, in cooperation with Fairy Connection, is the only officially certified operator along the coastline from Langebaan to Elands Bay. We focus on ethically grounded wildlife observation, scientifically supported research, and genuine responsibility toward the ocean’s apex giants: humpback whales and orcas.

No mass tourism. No harassment. Just meaningful expeditions grounded in knowledge, respect, and once-in-a-lifetime encounters.

2026: A Year of Innovation

In 2026, Expert-Tours launches a revolutionary state-of-the-art whale watching vessel, custom-built for long-range expeditions, professional photography, filmmaking, and maximum comfort and safety at sea. This new boat will set new global standards in marine wildlife tourism, featuring super-quiet propulsion, elevated viewing platforms, and cutting-edge communications technology – designed to track and observe orcas and humpback whales with minimal impact.

What to Expect

When the weather cooperates and the whales are near, this 14 to 21-day sea expedition becomes an unforgettable experience – led personally by Silke and Rainer Schimpf (featured on BBC, National Geographic, ARTE), and “whale whisperer” Siggi Weiss. Backed by skilled skippers, local fishermen, and in constant contact with marine biologists, you will explore some of the most spectacular marine hunting grounds on Earth. Document moments of raw nature: orcas hunting sea lions, humpback whales breaching in dazzling displays – all observed in full respect of their natural rhythms and behavior.

Why This Expedition Is Unlike Anything Else:

• ✔️ Officially certified with exclusive permits for a protected observation zone
• ✔️ In cooperation with scientists & fishermen for real-time sighting updates
• ✔️ Led by Silke & Rainer Schimpf and Siggi Weiss – in person, on board
• ✔️ All-new "State-of-the-Art" expedition vessel (2026) for ultimate comfort & precision
• ✔️ Photographer-friendly design for aerials, close-ups, and stable tracking
• ✔️ No shows – just real nature, raw, scientific, and unscripted

Whether you're a dedicated nature photographer, a passionate whale watcher, or simply someone seeking more than ordinary tourism, this is for you. Discover what becomes possible when science, ethics, and adventure unite.

Expert-Tours – February 2026. South Africa’s wild coast is calling. This time, you're part of it.

Limited spots available – early booking essential.

Orcas in South Africa – The Powerful Legacy

Orcas in South Africa – The Powerful Legacy of Expert-Tours Across Two Oceans

For over a decade, Expert-Tours has been deeply involved with the extraordinary world of South African orcas. With unmatched expertise, close partnerships with scientists, and privileged access to key marine areas, we’ve documented numerous – sometimes historic – encounters. South Africa’s East and West Coasts are among the planet’s most dynamic marine ecosystems. And orcas, as apex predators, are not just rare visitors – they’re often the main actors in jaw-dropping wildlife drama.

Step-by-Step: Our Most Significant Orca Moments

1. First Recorded Orca Predation on Common Dolphins in South Africa

Off the Eastern Cape near Port Elizabeth, our team witnessed and documented one of the first known orca hunts targeting common dolphins. Orcas encircled a school, isolated individuals, and attacked with surgical precision. This behavior – coordinated teamwork, speed, and tactical communication – was eye-opening both for our team and accompanying marine scientists. It provided rare insights into the behavior of transient orcas in South African waters, far beyond the usual focus on fish or seals.

2. The "Handicapped Orca" of Port Elizabeth

Another profound moment: encountering a visibly deformed orca, likely due to past trauma or a congenital condition. Despite its physical limitations, it moved with surprising grace within its pod. This sighting became part of a larger marine research effort on social integration and adaptation among impaired individuals – and reminded us all of the incredible resilience and social intelligence of these mammals.

3. First Documented Orca Predation on an Adult Humpback Whale

Off St. Helena Bay, we observed something exceptionally rare: a coordinated attack by five orcas on an adult humpback whale. The scene was intense and unforgettable – targeted strikes at the blowhole, calculated exhaustion tactics, strategic dives. Such predations have only been observed in a few places worldwide, making this one of the most scientifically valuable and emotionally charged encounters in our history.

4. First Recorded Orca Predation on Sea Lions in South Africa

One of South Africa’s most historic marine wildlife moments: the first ever documented orca predation on Cape fur seals (sea lions), recorded off Ysterfontein. Working closely with local fishermen and researchers, we captured the calculated isolation of a young seal from a colony, followed by a swift, surgical strike. This confirmed a broader prey spectrum than previously known for South African orcas.

Regular Sightings & a Robust Network

Thanks to our strong presence on both coasts, ongoing cooperation with longliners, fishermen, researchers, and conservationists, we locate orcas more reliably than almost anyone – despite their wide-ranging migrations. Our guests don’t just see wildlife; they become part of genuine expeditions with scientific purpose and ethical depth.

Media Production & International Collaborations

Expert-Tours has worked alongside top international production crews to document these rare behaviors. Notably, we collaborated with National Geographic’s “Caught in the Act”, capturing a full orca-dolphin predation episode. We also supported the acclaimed “Sea Wolf” documentary, which portrays South Africa’s wild orca life – made possible only through our field knowledge, logistical support, and expedition leadership.

In addition, partnerships with Pangolin Photo Safaris, one of Africa’s top wildlife photography platforms, have produced world-class imagery of orcas, seals, and whales – often shot under the guidance of Silke and Rainer Schimpf, who personally lead many of our trips.

Our Foundation: Experience, Ethics, Exploration

These observations are only possible thanks to our years of field experience, minimal-impact operations, and deep-rooted scientific alliances. We work closely with experts in Port Elizabeth, False Bay, and Cape Town to log every sighting and feed our findings into active research. Our vessels feature advanced tracking and safety technology, our crew is trained in ecological responsibility, and our goal is clear: to offer authentic encounters, inspire understanding, and support marine conservation.

Final Word

South Africa’s orcas are not a spectacle – they are intelligent, social hunters deserving of deep respect. Expert-Tours has earned a unique place in documenting their lives and making that knowledge accessible through responsible expeditions. As we move toward 2026 and the launch of our new observation vessel, we invite you to join us on this next frontier of ocean discovery.