Be A Marine Biologist for A Day with the Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, and shark scientist Justin Blake

Discover the extraordinary world that lives beyond Cape Town’s shores in the company of a real-life shark scientist. Completely exclusive to Mount Nelson guests, this ocean expedition takes you on an exploration of the Cape Kelp Forests, recently named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. You’ll enter the octopus gardens made famous in Oscar-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher, snorkel with (friendly, little) sharks, explore fascinating sea caves and discover spectacular views of Cape Town, both above and below the surface.

The experience is led by shark scientist Justin Blake. After completing his marine biology master’s degree, Justin established the RockHopper Fund in 2010. Its mission: to create healthy oceans, with sharks. As he shares his unparalleled knowledge, you’ll gain an understanding of the much-maligned fish’s importance in maintaining ocean ecosystems. Find out more from Justin here

Tracking kelp sharks

Using scientific tracking equipment, Justin will demonstrate how tags work as you search for sharks in the underwater wonderland. Keep eyes and ears out for small but striking kelp forest varieties, like puffadder shysharks, pyjama sharks and spotted gully sharks. If desired, you can plunge in and snorkel among the kelp fronds – you may even find yourself swimming with a little finned companion. Discover other creatures that make up the ecosystem, from starfish, nudibranchs and sea urchins to octopus, seals, penguins, dolphin and maybe even whales. Using his professional underwater camera, Justin will capture unique photos of the experience for you to keep.

Wild and magnificent

Expect the unexpected! The ocean around Cape Town is powerful and raw – there’s no land mass creating a barrier between Cape Town and Antarctica, which makes the sea far more powerful, restless and alive than most parts of the world. This trip is a unique opportunity to not only look at, but be part of the wildness, guided by a shark scientist who spends his days uncovering the mysteries and remarkable stories playing out under the water’s surface.
Guilt-free feast

As part of the experience, you’ll be treated to a sustainable seafood-inspired picnic created by Mount Nelson’s Chef Rudi Liebenberg. It will feature delicacies sourced from ABALOBI, a South African-based social enterprise supporting small-scale fishing communities globally. Justin will seek out an amazing spot to enjoy the spread – an island, perhaps, or the entrance to a sea cave – so you can simply relax, eat and soak up the wonderful environment.

Justin says: "I want people to understand the perpetual state of change in the ocean – influenced by tide, wind, storms and the animals that call it home. No one place is ever the same. I have spent the last 12 years discovering exceptional moments and stories, not seen by many, for natural history documentaries (BBC, Netflix, Amazon Prime) and scientific discovery that helps create healthy oceans and marine reserves. Join me as we discover the remarkable events happening on the day, guided by experience, the conditions and animals that call the Cape of Good Hope home."

Mount Nelson is delighted to be supporting The Rockhopper Fund’s work in creating healthy oceans with sharks, with the exclusive ‘Be a Marine Biologist for a Day’ adventure.

Additional Information:

Availability: throughout the year, subject to weather conditions
Cost: ZAR 23,900 for a half-day tour, up to 8 guests, excluding the sustainable seafood-inspired gourmet picnic basket which costs ZAR420 per adult and ZAR275 per child under 16 years old
Includes: transport from the hotel, ocean safari on a rigid inflatable boat, shark scientist Justin Blake as your guide, snorkel gear if desired, scientific shark tracking equipment, dry bags, and the possibility of a behind-the-scenes tour at the Two Oceans Aquarium (subject to COVID regulations)
Bring your own: sun protection, towel, change of clothing, warm layers, water bottle 
Ages: 8 years and over (younger children considered individually upon request)