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In Area 16, whales were reportedly encountered regularly from October and as late as March, though
densities and numbers were described as relatively less than in Area 15. Actual demand by tourists
wishing to undertake pleasure trips, but not necessarily whale watching, was focused during October,
December and March corresponding to school holidays. This supports statements that boat-based
tourism in the area is not yet specialised and is based on generalised pleasure boat trips aimed at
domestic tourists.
Perceived trends and opportunities
Both operators in Area 15 indicated that boat-based whale watching was currently at a slow growth
phase due to a levelling off of tourist numbers and the devaluation of the rand, though overall demand
was expected to continue growing. This was also linked to increased investment in marketing and
use of more popular launching areas which would attract “walk on” clientele. While larger boat
capacity is facilitated by the existence of mooring facilities at the harbour, beach launching was being
investigated as a potential means to access more popular beach areas and thus raise the profile of
boat-based whale watching. The presence of a large concentration of tourists at beaches was
envisaged to offer an opportunity to capitalise on a significant “walk on” tourism segment in the
region. This specific operator did however indicate that the existence of mooring facilities did give
them a good capacity fro further growth in boat size and passenger capacity should it become viable.
The non-permitted operator felt that there was scope for a second permit holder, though the current
permit holder indicated this was unjustified based on the current level of demand. Both operators
agreed that tourist numbers were not sufficient to allow them to be supported by whale watching
alone. . Indeed, other non-permitted operators had been unable to sustain their operations outside of
peak tourist seasons. Though numbers in Area 16 are currently too low to support a viable operation,
it was suggested that increasing tourist numbers may improve the potential in this area. One operator
indicated that they would seriously consider applying just for the sake of having the permit and thus
being in a position to capitalise on the opportunity when the market was ready.
6.3.2 Border Kei Region (Area 17; Permits: 0 of 1)
Area 17 is centred on the East London area. The Border-Kei region (Area 17) is similar in many
characteristics to the Woody Cape area, but with a slightly less sheltered coast as it grades into the
harsher environments found along the Wild Coast. In addition to the town of East London, the Border
Kei region is characterised by estuary-mouth resorts which are largely frequented by domestic tourists
on a highly seasonal basis.
Status of permits
No application has been made for the available permit in this region.
Non-permitted activity
Very little boat-based whale watching occurs in the Border-Kei – Wild Coast region, with no visible
signs of marketing of this activity. Researchers posing as tourists wanting to go whale watching
flummoxed the tourism agents, and were advised to try fishing charter boats. Indeed, there is fairly
little in the way of marine tours at all. In East London, two charter boats are available for cruises and
fishing, but do not advertise whale watching as part of the attraction. There is more of an expectation
of dolphins which sometimes enter the estuary, but whales can be sighted and do sometimes
approach the harbour wall. Further afield, almost no marine tours are on offer, apart from a handful of
fishing boats which can be chartered.
Tour operators were not very well acquainted with the regulations governing boat-based whale
watching, one claiming to be ignorant as to the minimum distance of approach, and only having vague
knowledge of the existence of permits. It was reported that the advantage of a large boat is the better
height for viewing. Nevertheless, one of the operators was not afraid of ‘sneaking up’ on whales, and
claimed there was no enforcement at all. The main operator did not believe a whale watching permit
would be viable or add value to the business.
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