Marine Dynamics Shark & Whale Tours is thrilled to announce that our vessels, Slashfin, Dream Catcher, and Whale Whisperer, have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag eco-label for the 2024/2025 season. This recognition, part of WESSA’s recent Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards held at V&A Waterfront, highlights Marine Dynamics’ longstanding dedication to sustainable tourism and marine conservation.
Andre Blaine, Executive Manager of Marine & Industrial at V&A Waterfront; Cari Roets, Marketing Manager at Marine Dynamics; Zwelandile Matiwane, Boat Manager at Marine Dynamics; Dickie Chivell, Skipper at Marine Dynamics; Christine Wessels, Public Relations Officer and Personal Assistant to the Marine Dynamics CEO; and Cindy-Lee Cloete, CEO of WESSA.
The Blue Flag programme first recognized tourism boats with full criteria in 2016, with South Africa among the pioneers in adopting these standards for eco-tourism. For Marine Dynamics, achieving and maintaining Blue Flag status is a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship. According to WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete, “WESSA’s Blue Flag and Green Coast Programmes work collaboratively with partners to address critical environmental issues affecting coastal environmental management and sustainable tourism.” Today, over 5,000 Blue Flag sites globally represent operators making strides to preserve our planet.
For Marine Dynamics, this achievement is more than a symbol—it’s a legacy of conservation. Our CEO, Wilfred Chivell, along with Ted Knott, previously with WESSA, played a pivotal role in pioneering sustainable tourism practices for marine vessels in South Africa. Whale Whisperer, one of our vessels, was among the first to sign a Blue Flag code of conduct and served as a test case for the full tourism boat criteria. This early pilot status set the stage for the full Blue Flag criteria that were officially adopted in the 2016/17 season. Since then, all of our vessels, including Slashfin, Dream Catcher, and Whale Whisperer, have earned Blue Flag certification, underscoring our dedication to the protection of Gansbaai’s remarkable marine ecosystem.
According to Chivell, “Achieving Blue Flag status for our vessels is a testament to our unwavering commitment to protecting our oceans. This recognition symbolizes not only our dedication to world-class marine tourism but also our responsibility to lead by example in preserving these incredible marine environments for future generations.”
As a Blue Flag-certified operator, Marine Dynamics provides guests with unforgettable, responsible wildlife experiences. When you join us for a shark cage dive or a Marine Big 5 tour, you’re choosing an operator that prioritizes environmental stewardship, educates on marine conservation, and supports critical wildlife research through our Dyer Island Conservation Trust.
Thank you to WESSA and the Foundation for Environmental Education for continuing to inspire sustainable practices. Together, we’re committed to making a positive impact on South Africa’s coastlines, fostering a stronger connection between people and nature.
Join us in Gansbaai for a Blue Flag-certified adventure that promises not only breathtaking wildlife encounters but also the assurance that you’re supporting marine conservation.
