Experience the Ocean

Through a Scientist’s Eyes

Private safaris guided by marine biologists.

Explore whales, penguins, and kelp forests — and help restore the ocean with every journey.

As Seen In

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Real Scientists

Work with conservation biologists, tour guides and ocean speakers.

Private Access

Bespoke encounters with whales, penguins & kelp forests.

Direct Impact

Every booking contributes to understanding, connection and care.

This Season’s Signature Safari - Whales & Wine

November26 - March27

Two people on a boat taking photos or videos of whales swimming in the ocean.
Aerial view of multiple whales swimming in the ocean.
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A couple raising glasses of red wine in a toast at a dining table with a mountain view in the background.
Two smiling people, a man and a woman, standing in front of a helicopter on a tarmac. The man is wearing a white pilot uniform and the woman is dressed casually in shorts and a white top.
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Whale superpods, fine wine, and a scientist’s insight

All in one extraordinary day.

Our Services

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Private Ocean Safaris

Bespoke adventures by boat, snorkel, coastal walk, or helicopter flight — designed exclusively for you.

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Online Encounters

Interactive shark science and ocean wellness sessions for global teams, schools, and families.

Stories from Our Guests

1,500+ five-star reviews from travellers, artists, and scientists around the world.

  • Black and white portrait of Jeremiah Fraites from the Lumineers wearing a bowtie and a hat, with a contemplative expression, resting his face on his hand.

    Getting to see all that Cape Town has to offer with Justin was just incredible. He took me and some of the band out to go snorkeling with seals - definitely a highlight! Not to mention a visit to the turtle aquarium and a kayak trip in Table bay. Unforgettable experiences!

    Jeremiah Fraites of The Lumineers

  • Close-up of Dr George Branch with white hair and beard smiling outdoors.

    RockHopper is the brilliant invention of Justin Blake, who has entranced a multitude of tourists with his joyous knowledge about the riches of our coastline, and whose ‘Just On Marine’ newsletter is a fount of information.

    Professor George Branch, Marine Biologist & Author

  • A woman with brown hair smiling, wearing a blue top, in front of a window with greenery outside.

    Justin is brilliant! Thanks for teaching us of the importance of Marine Reserves and for your amazing storytelling

    Kathryn Thorpe, Online guest

  • Black and white photo of a young woman sitting cross-legged on a low wall, smiling with eyes closed, wearing a dark denim jacket and sneakers, with buildings in the background.

    Such a wonderful and memorable marine tour. Everything was exceptionally professional and perfectly planned, even beyond my expectations. I really couldn't have asked for more from my ocean experience and I cannot recommend RockHopper more highly from start to finish.

    Lisa Murray

See More Guest Stories →
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Scientists First, Storytellers Always

We’re not a tour company that adds conservation later — we’re marine biologists who began in the field, studying sharks, kelp forests, and coastal communities across Southern Africa.

Our work spans from tagging sharks to creating virtual dives for rangers who protect the ocean but rarely see beneath the surface.

RockHopper was born to share that world with you — transforming scientific understanding into private, life-changing journeys that reconnect people with the ocean.

Talk to a Biologist

Let’s design your ocean experience together.

Not Just a Tour.

A Scientist’s Ocean, Shared With You.

Most tours show you the surface. We take you deeper. Our day safari’s are crafted by conservation biologists who spend their lives decoding the ocean. From Science to documentaries, join the quest to understand, and reconnect.

With us, you gain rare access: insider knowledge, intimate encounters, and authentic stories.

Every moment is private, bespoke, and unforgettable.

Each guest experience directly supports marine conservation efforts: shark tagging, youth education, and globally actionable marine research.

Bookings Support

The RockHopper Fund NGO

Our Projects
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Ready to Begin Your Ocean Story?

Whether it’s a private whale safari in Cape Town or a virtual classroom encounter,
we’d love to have you onboard.