CapeNature’s marine conservation work showcased in new kykNET adventure series ‘Hey Skipper’
The beauty, biodiversity and conservation value of the Western Cape’s coastline will be shown to audiences across South Africa when CapeNature features in the new primetime Afrikaans series, Hey Skipper, premiering on DStv Channel 144 kykNET on Saturday, 4 July 2026 at 18:00. Produced and presented by adventurer, filmmaker and outdoor enthusiast Dewald Visser, Hey Skipper takes viewers on a journey across some of the world’s most spectacular marine environments, exploring the relationship between people, water and conservation.
Dewald Visser, kykNET Hey Skipper Producer and Presenter.
As part of the 13-episode series, The Western Cape’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) will feature prominently as Visser explores the unique coastal landscapes, marine biodiversity and conservation initiatives that make the Province’s coastline of global conservation importance.
CapeNature manages six MPAs, namely Robberg, Goukamma, Stilbaai, De Hoop, Betty’s Bay and Rocherpan. All will feature in the series while other nature reserves including Lambert’s Bay Bird Island, Walker Bay, De Mond, Dyer Island, Keerbooms and Geelkrans will also be included.
Robberg Nature Reserve and MPA features in the Hey Skipper series.
The episodes will highlight the important work taking place to conserve marine ecosystems, including efforts to protect vulnerable species, maintain healthy marine environments, and promote responsible interaction within these areas.
Storytelling has the ability to connect people with nature and through Hey Skipper, viewers will get to experience the coastlines of the Western Cape while learning more about the conservation work that takes place to conserve these ecosystems. Our Marine Protected Areas play an important role in maintaining healthy oceans, supporting biodiversity and creating opportunities for sustainable nature-based tourism. We are proud to share the work of our teams and partners through this exciting series.
Visser said the series aims to inspire viewers by showcasing the adventure, beauty and conservation stories found along coastlines around the world.
Every destination has a story to tell, and our oceans are filled with incredible people, places and conservation efforts. CapeNature’s MPAs are examples of how protecting these environments can create opportunities for exploration, education and appreciation.
The series will feature a variety of marine adventures, from exploring local coastlines and waterways to showcasing global marine conservation projects. Each episode will highlight the importance of understanding and protecting the ocean environments that sustain both nature and surrounding communities.
ABOUT CapeNature
CapeNature is a public institution mandated to promote and ensure biodiversity conservation within the Western Cape and is the custodian of the Cape Floristic Region. The Entity manages most of the mountain catchments and reserves that supply ecosystem services to the citizens of the Western Cape. This requires good scientific data, a sound understanding of fynbos ecology and commitment to the principles of integrated biodiversity management and planning. Most of this work is in remote areas out of the public eye but has a direct bearing on the quality of life of millions of people in the province.
ABOUT Hey Skipper
Hey Skipper is a new kind of TV production where the presenter makes the viewer feel part of the show and allows them to travel with him on water adventures unlike anything seen before on TV screens. Viewers can watch Hey Skipper every Saturday at 18:00 from 4 July 2026 on kykNET (DStv Channel 144).
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
CapeNature
General Manager: Advocacy
Petro van Rhyn
pvrhyn@capenature.co.za
071 231 7576
Related News
Roll-out of baboon-proof bins to start as northern fence gets under way
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team is pleased to announce key developments related to the practical implementation of the approved Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan (CPBSMP). The Action Plan that guides the practical implementation of the CPBSMP was approved by SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town in November 2025.
Explore the Western Cape for free this Access Week – Nature is for Everyone
A week of free access to some of the Western Cape’s most spectacular natural spaces is on offer this September, as CapeNature opens the gates to selected nature reserves for its 12th annual Access Week. Taking place from 19–25 September 2026 under the theme “Nature is for Everyone”, Access Week invites individuals, families and communities to explore participating reserves without paying a conservation entry fee.
CapeNature extends cashless payments to more nature reserves
Building on the success of its initial rollout, CapeNature will extend its cashless payment system to a further five nature reserves in September 2026, in line with its ongoing commitment to service excellence, sustainability and safety. Following the successful transition to cashless payments at Robberg, Keurbooms, Stony Point, Bird Island and Walker Bay nature reserves earlier this year, CapeNature will expand the cashless payment system to reach more visitors across the Western Cape.
CapeNature updates fees for commercial filming across its reserves
From fynbos-covered mountains and indigenous forests to rugged coastlines and Marine Protected Areas, CapeNature’s reserves have long provided a diverse backdrop for local and international film and television productions. From 1 October 2026, CapeNature is updating its commercial filming tariff structure to better align fees with the scale of productions and the demands they place on protected area management.
Western Cape communities called to join the 2026 #DontBeTrashy Drive
CapeNature in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning is calling on communities, schools, businesses and visitors across the Western Cape to take part in the annual #DontBeTrashy Drive, running from 1—30 September 2026. The month-long campaign aims to reduce waste, protect biodiversity and raise public awareness about the growing impact of pollution on the Province’s land, rivers
Stony Point workshops equip tour guides to deliver informed and responsible eco-tourism experiences
CapeNature has brought tour guides and tourism operators together at Stony Point Nature Reserve to strengthen their knowledge of the site and support more informed and responsible visitor experiences. The first-ever CapeNature tour guide and operator workshops were held at Stony Point on 26 and 27 August, covering the reserve’s history, biodiversity, African Penguin colony, conservation work, and