Unlock New Worlds with Ocean Experiences

Where Travel Meets Living Science

Private ocean safaris guided by working marine biologists. Explore whales, penguins, and kelp forests while supporting shark tagging, ocean education, and restoration.

Not Just a Tour. A Scientist’s Ocean, Shared With You.

Most tours show you the surface. We take you deeper. Our safaris are crafted by conservation biologists who spend their lives decoding the ocean. We’ve worked on Planet Earth 3, Netflix Oceans and more.

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

Every moment is private, bespoke, and unforgettable.

Our Services

Private Safaris

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

Online Encounters

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

Scientists First, Storytellers Always

We are conservation biologists — not a tour company that adds conservation as an afterthought. Our team works daily in the field: tagging sharks, working with SANParks, and reading toward our PhDs.

RockHopper was born to share this work with you, turning cutting-edge science into private journeys that restore calm and connection.

Every booking directly supports research, ocean education, and training programs for marginalised youth — helping to open doors in a field that is rarely easy, nor lucrative.

Travel with RockHopper and become part of restoring the ocean.

This Season’s Signature Safari - Whales & Wine

November25 - March26

Whales & Wine by Boat (add Helicopter)

  • Private whale superpod experience.

  • Scenic helicopter flight.

  • Farm-to-table wine estate lunch.

  • Hosted by a marine biologist.

Testimonials

Jeremiah Fraites - The Lumineers

Jeremiah Fraites of The Lumineers

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!

Prof George Branch, author and marine biologist

Professor George Branch, Marine Biologist & Author

“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.”

Praise for Meet a Real Life Shark Scientist

Kathryn Thorpe, Online guest

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

Our Experiences have over 1500 5-star reviews

We’ve featured in

Business Insider - Meet a Real Life Shark Scientist
The New York Times logo in black letter font.
Conde Nast Traveller
Forbes - Be a Marine Biologist for a day
Vogue Logo
Luxury Magazine logo on a white background.
Cape Town Tourism Marine Biologist for the day
Fast Company logo
FT (Financial Times) logo on a peach background
AFRICAN Mag Logo
Travel + Leisure marine biologist for the day
Goop logo
Atlas Obscura logo with stylized letter A in a circle.
"The South African" logo in white text on a black background.

Bookings Support

The RockHopper Fund NGO

We provide science-led marine interactions for people and organisations to participate in working for the ocean to restore and protect it.

Either for commercial benefit or simply for doing good.

Supporters and Partners

BBC Studios Natural History Unit logo in black text.
Mount Nelson logo, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town
Shark Spotters

We’re an Airbnb Social Experience

Swarovski Optik logo with eagle illustration.
Logo of the Orca Foundation with stylized dolphin drawings and text.
Roger Horrocks Logo in bold lettering.
"187 Dist." logo with stylized wing design
Nathan Trust logo in blue and orange colours

Ready for Your Private Ocean Safari?