When you’re in Gansbaai, make sure to book a tour through Marine Dynamics and Dyer Island Cruises, which support the Trust financially. The Trust’s philosophy of investing in research programs that directly benefit the conservation and understanding of the animals they concern is mirrored by these two eco-tourism companies that Wilfred operates, which aim to continually improve on the ethical standards of both whale watching and shark cage diving. In fact, Wilfred has received Honourary Life Membership of the Shark Conservation Society thanks to his action in protecting these incredible fish.

The community of Gansbaai has also been incredibly active in conservation, and Wilfred has close relationship with a lot of the Gansbaai locals who care as much for the marine animals and environment as he does. “The locals are our eyes and ears,” says Wilfred. “They will let us know when an African penguin or seal is entangled in fishing line, or they find a seabird that can’t fly.” 

To inspire the youth and let them know about the treasures that lie just outside their door, the Trust formed an Education Programme where students from Masakhane Primary School can enrol in a three-year long programme that exposes them to the field of science and conservation.

When he’s not spending time engaging with the incredible marine life of Gansbaai, or on his boat Calypso (named after Jacque Cousteau’s boat), you’ll find Wilfred in his indigenous garden. Here, he has his own bird hide and is surrounded by an abundance of our feathered friends, each of which he knows by name, when they breed and how many chicks they have. “It’s a privilege to have the freedom to go for long walks in nature, to have a garden and to sit in my bird hide at home and just watch birds,” says Wilfred. “I consider myself incredibly lucky to live in Gansbaai, with space to breathe and to think, fresh air, clean water, the ocean and mountain.”

And when it comes to visitors that will be spending time in this beautiful part of the world over the holidays, Wilfred is enthusiastic about all the incredible nature you’ll be able to experience. “Go walk, breathe, see, feel and do,” he says. “Don’t wait for anyone else to pick up litter, do it yourself! Come and experience our eco-tourism ventures at Marine Dynamics and learn more about the Dyer Island Ecosystem and our conservation efforts. And when you leave, make sure, that your impact will not have a detrimental effect on our area. Make sure that whatever you do will protect this area and allow it to flourish for many years to come.”