New cruises grow Nelson Mandela Bay tourism offering

L-R: Executive Director of Economic Development Tourism and Agriculture, Anele Qaba; MMC of Economic Development Tourism and Agriculture, Cllr Andrew Whitfield; NMBT CEO, Mandlakazi Skefile, Owners of The Stampede and Lochhead and owner of The Blue Pearl, Maclean.

“We warmly welcome the addition of new products to the tourism offerings of the city. Through increased unique experiences in the destination the tourism sector can positively contribute to the economic, socio-cultural and environmental growth of our destination,” confirmed MMC of Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture, Councillor Andrew Whitfield.

Algoa Bay is an incredibly diverse bay with four estuaries which need protection, the largest coastal dune field in the Southern Hemisphere, many historical shipwrecks, beautiful and safe beaches, some of the most diverse and colourful coral a diver could find as well as a variety of marine mammals and birds. Nelson Mandela Bay has recently also laid claim as the Bottlenose Dolphin Capital of the World.

Executive director, Anele Qaba: “There is no doubt that tourism in NMB has suffered a great loss due to the closure of crucial tourism products such as the Oceanarium, Apple Express, Red Location and others. This necessitated the NMBM to take introspection in relation to its destination management approach and to put plans in place to develop the tourism industry and sustain the key growth sector for the city. Losing the Jester had a negative impact on NMB tourism as a coastal attraction and I am thrilled that today we are launching these two boats, though not on a bigger scale will close the gap left by the departure of the Jester. This product will go a long way in meeting the expectations of visitors and locals from a coastal city."

Stampede Cruises

Rod Lochhead, director of Stampede Cruises, expressed excitement to share NMB’s unique natural heritage, “Stampede Cruises offers a unique boating experience combining a deep love of nature and conservation with a strong desire to share all that Algoa Bay has to offer with both local and international visitors alike. Our chartered tours around Algoa Bay are relaxed and fun with a touch of adventure, exploration and discovery. From the islands to the sea life, our bay has something for all.”

Stampede offers relaxed comfort on board a spacious catamaran, either seated on the sheltered bridge deck saloon or upfront on the trampoline. Tours will offer an adventurous day out with either a leisure style or responsible conservation style tour where you have the opportunity to visit St Croix, Jaheel, and Brenton Island, or further afield to the Bird Island Group.

violetta via pixabay

Blue Pearl

The Blue Pearl offers adventure trips for up to eight passengers around Algoa Bay and this creates awareness for marine conservation while affording passengers the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful bay from a unique perspective. The cruise assists to cultivate public support for the Algoa Bay Hope Spot and to promote the ethics and principles thereof.

The Blue Pearl is an 8 meter RIB with 2 x 115 horsepower motors. Blue Pearl can easily reach cruising speeds of 25 to 30 knots. Blue Pearl follows the ethos of Take 3 For The Sea which promotes public participation in beach cleanliness and encourages conscious enjoyment by all ocean users.

Morven Maclean, director of the Blue Pearl advises, “An ideal cruise hugs the coast past Summerstrand to the Cape Recife lighthouse. The way back we pass the Bell Buoy for a quick dip in the sea for the adventurous souls on board, we then head towards Kings Beach in through the harbour, we can then drop you off on the jetty at Algoa Bay Yacht Club or Shisas’- the South African restaurant in the Harbour - where you can get an instant cold beverage and a snack.”

NMBT CEO, Mandlakazi Skefile, “We are excited to collaborate with both products in order to showcase the destinations unique experiences and natural heritage. The additional experience will attract new visitors and extend the stay and spend leading to greater spend and thriving industry."