Marine Dynamics Wins ATTA® Award
Marine Dynamics Shark and Whale Tours has been honoured with the ATTA® Marine Impact Award during the Experience Africa Travel Conference in London on 23 June 2025. The award recognises organisations making a tangible difference in protecting Africa’s marine and coastal environments while fostering long-term community benefits.
Accepting the award on behalf of Marine Dynamics was Fern Montgomery, Sales Director in London at 3Sixty Luxury Marketing, a valued tourism partner and friend.
Now in its inaugural year, the ATTA® Marine Impact Award shines a spotlight on organisations whose marine or coastal initiatives have measurable impacts on conservation, education and community engagement along Africa’s coastlines.
Marine Dynamics is a leader in marine eco‑tourism in Gansbaai, South Africa. Over the past 25 years, the organisation has seamlessly combined shark cage diving and whale-watching with marine science, education, pollution initiatives, and community empowerment. Its ecosystem includes the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary (APSS), the Marine Dynamics Academy volunteer programme, and a tourism hub at the Great White House.
CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo congratulated Marine Dynamics on receiving the ATTA® Marine Impact Award.
As a long-standing partner through their work on Dyer Island and with the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, Marine Dynamics play an important role in supporting our conservation efforts along the Overberg coastline. Their work contributes to the protection of marine species and habitats, while also creating opportunities for education, skills development, and scientific research. This international recognition highlights the value of consistent work over many years
By leveraging tour-based marine observations and partnerships with marine biologists, Marine Dynamics has contributed to over 30 peer-reviewed scientific papers—advancing understanding of key species and informing conservation policy.
Judges of the ATTA® Marine Impact Award praised the finalists, noting the importance of initiatives that both preserve ocean ecosystems and empower local coastal communities.
This award is a testament to what’s possible when conservation and tourism are united with purpose. Over 25 years, our team’s commitment to scientific research, local upliftment, and marine stewardship has established a new model for sustainable tourism. We are honoured to receive this international recognition and inspired to continue protecting our ocean heritage.
Related News
Firefighters honoured after one of the Western Cape's toughest fire seasons
CapeNature hosted an appreciation event in Velddrif on 4 August 2026 to honour firefighters who were on the frontlines during the Western Cape's most recent fire season. A representative group attended the event on behalf of CapeNature's larger cohort of Field Rangers and firefighters working across the Province. Despite extreme heat and challenging terrain, the firefighters remained steadfast in their commitment to protecting communities, infrastructure and the Western Cape's
CapeNature welcomes the conviction of Cape Town couple for wildlife crime
CapeNature welcomes the sentence imposed by the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Mr Zirkie Bernardus Jansen and Mrs Valerie Gayle Simpson-Jansen of Kirstenhof following their conviction on multiple offences relating to the unlawful keeping, possession and transport of reptiles. The couple were each sentenced on 30 July 2026 to pay a fine of R40 000 or serve 18 months’ imprisonment after being convicted on seven counts under the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974.
The joy of being outdoors
Life has a way of becoming busy, but sometimes the greatest luxury is simply slowing down. Imagine waking up to fresh mountain air, taking a gentle stroll beneath towering trees, listening to birdsong, or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee while overlooking breathtaking natural landscapes. These are the moments that help us reconnect with ourselves and appreciate the simple joys of life. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the restorative power of nature. That's why we're inviting senior citizens to enjoy peaceful escapes across the Western
Freshwater science takes centre stage at the 2026 SASAqS Conference
The Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists (SASAqS) is a learned society concerned with the research, management and conservation of inland waters and their associated biota throughout southern Africa. Established in 1964 as the Limnological Society of South Africa, SASAqS provides an important forum for discussion and sharing of scientific ideas. The two cornerstones of the society's activities are the annual conference and the African Journal of Aquatic Science.
Marine Protected Areas hold the key to human wellbeing
On 1 August, we celebrate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Day, a global occasion first marked in 2021 to recognise the role that MPAs play in conserving our oceans while supporting the wellbeing of people and communities. The day encourages us to appreciate the value of MPAs and the many ways they benefit both us and the extraordinary marine biodiversity they are designed to protect. This year's theme, "Ocean Protection Needs Human Connection," reminds us that conserving our oceans is a shared responsibility.
Bringing Conservation to Life Through Storytelling, Film and Digital Media
When was the last time a film, photograph or story about nature made you stop and feel something? Perhaps it was a breathtaking wildlife documentary. A short social media reel that transported you to a mountain peak. A travel video that inspired your next adventure. Or a story that highlighted the impact of a wildfire and reminded you why conservation matters. Every adventure has a story. Watch ours on our YouTube channel and subscribe for more.