Ocean Life Fishing Charters 

5.0
(73 reviews)
Recent reports
 Saint Georges Street, Cape Town, WC 7975, South Africa–

Ocean Life Fishing Charters 

Cape Town, WC, South Africa
–
28 ft
6
5.0
(73 reviews)

Ocean Life Fishing Charters is owned and operated by Donavan out of Simonstown, Cape Town. Come and spend a memorable day fishing in and around False Bay, at the meeting place of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. We offer a wide variety of trips, all tailored to meet your needs and specifications.

Their charter vessel is a 2017 model 28' Carry Cat powered by twin 130 HP Yamaha engines and running the latest Garmin electronics to get you straight out to the fish! Safety onboard is paramount and all equipment is certified and maintained to the highest standard!

Ocean Life Fishing Charters accommodate anglers of all skill levels and all charters come along with top class tackle, lures and the freshest baits available! Inshore, we focus on catching game species like Yellowtail Kingfish, Cape Snoek, and Bonitos. You can also try reef fishing for Red Roman, Cape Bream, Kob, Rockfish and various other delicious food fish.

Offshore, we offer full day trips fishing one of the best Yellowfin Tuna grounds in the world. Other species encountered are Longfin/Albacore Tuna, Bigeye Tuna, and Dorado/Mahi Mahi.

Ocean Life Fishing Charters is environmentally friendly and they try to tag and release fish whenever possible for the South African Oceanographic Research Institute. You have the option to keep your catch, which they will clean for you, or to tag and release it for research purposes and to be notified once recaptured.

Your Skipper and crew have a wealth of experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm that will educate and entertain you throughout your trip. While out on your adventure, you will get to see the diverse marine life that Cape Town has to offer like whales, dolphins, penguins and various Shark species.

Please note that a local fishing permit is required for all anglers onboard. These can be organized by the captain by prior arrangement at a small additional fee.

Ocean Life Fishing Charters is owned and operated by Donavan out of Simonstown, Cape Town. Come and spend a memorable day fishing in and around False Bay, at the meeting place of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. We offer a wide variety of trips, all tailored to meet your needs and specifications.

Their charter vessel is a 2017 model 28' Carry Cat powered by twin 130 HP Yamaha engines and running the latest Garmin electronics to get you straight out to the fish! Safety onboard is paramount and all equipment is certified and maintained to the highest standard!

Ocean Life Fishing Charters accommodate anglers of all skill levels and all charters come along with top class tackle, lures and the freshest baits available! Inshore, we focus on catching game species like Yellowtail Kingfish, Cape Snoek, and Bonitos. You can also try reef fishing for Red Roman, Cape Bream, Kob, Rockfish and various other delicious food fish.

Offshore, we offer full day trips fishing one of the best Yellowfin Tuna grounds in the world. Other species encountered are Longfin/Albacore Tuna, Bigeye Tuna, and Dorado/Mahi Mahi.

Ocean Life Fishing Charters is environmentally friendly and they try to tag and release fish whenever possible for the South African Oceanographic Research Institute. You have the option to keep your catch, which they will clean for you, or to tag and release it for research purposes and to be notified once recaptured.

Your Skipper and crew have a wealth of experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm that will educate and entertain you throughout your trip. While out on your adventure, you will get to see the diverse marine life that Cape Town has to offer like whales, dolphins, penguins and various Shark species.

Please note that a local fishing permit is required for all anglers onboard. These can be organized by the captain by prior arrangement at a small additional fee.

Donavan Cole
Captain
Donavan Cole
29 years of experience
ID & credentials verified

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
October 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Nearshore charter
In high demand Last booked: 1 day ago
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (8:00 AM, 1:00 PM)
Snapper (Red)
Grouper (Red)
Rockfish
American Shad
+7
US $694
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip - Inshore (AM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Yellowtail Amberjack
Shark (Tope)
American Shad
Shark (Gummy)
+3
US $815
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip - Inshore (PM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 1:00 PM
Bluefish (Tailor)
Shark (Tope)
Bonito
Rockfish
+3
US $815
Entire boat: up to 6 people
10 Hour Trip - Tuna (4 -5 MAX)
In high demand Last booked: 12 hours ago
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
10 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Oct 1 - Jul 1
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Tuna (Bluefin)
Tuna (Skipjack)
Tuna (Yellowfin)
+4
US $1,358
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There are 8 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
73 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (177)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
93%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
97%
Recommended
96%
Caught fish

Reviews (73)

  • Cindy Esterhuizen
    Cindy Esterhuizen
    za
    South Africa
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    More Than Just Fishing – An Incredible Day at Sea!

    6 Hour Trip - Inshore (AM) on July 18, 2026 • 4 adults

    What an incredible experience with Ocean Life Charters! A huge thank you to Donovan and Mickey for making it such a memorable family day. The fishing was great, but honestly, the entire experience was so much more than that. We were lucky enough to see whales, dolphins, and seals in their natural habitat, which made the trip absolutely unforgettable. We also caught some beautiful fish, tagged them, and released them back into the ocean, something we really appreciated as it reflects their respect for marine conservation. Donovan and Mickey were friendly, knowledgeable, professional, and made everyone feel welcome from start to finish. They went above and beyond to ensure we had an amazing time. Thank you for a perfect family day out. We made memories we’ll treasure for years to come, and we’ll definitely be back!

  • Graham Erskine
    Graham Erskine
    gb
    United Kingdom
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    what a great way to spen a day!

    6 Hour Trip - Inshore (AM) on December 4, 2025 • 2 adults

    It was a privilage to be in the company of Donavan and Mikey. The charter boat was clean and well organised. plenty of tackle and bait for all levels, and on hand instruction from the crew for all levels and size of angler. Both Donavan and Mikey know there stuff and will also talk about the history of the area as well as the marine life it contains. Catch and release operated on the boat with some species being tagged for marine research. you are able to take what you need to braai later! plenty of fish caught and sone really goid conversation. i will definitely be looking this charter up again when i return to capetown and hope to catch that big one that got away. thank you both for a stunning day.

  • Karry Moore
    Karry Moore
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Best Charter EVER!!!

    Nearshore charter - 1:00 PM on November 4, 2025 • 4 adults

    Captain Donovan and Mickey are the absolute best duo you could ask for on a charter. Cap Donovan was very communicative letting me know the weather was not favorable on the day l picked and we opted to go the next day. Best decision ever! We went out and got on the fish early. They didn’t wait around for the fish to come to us we were constantly moving to the fish. The shear excitement they shared while fishing is what you want in your captain and first mate. I’ve been fishing all around the world and this BY FAR was my favorite trip. Highly Highly recommend.

  • TYLER WILLIAMS
    TYLER WILLIAMS
    Repeat angler
    us
    New Mexico, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing fishing trip!!

    6 Hour Trip - Inshore (AM) on June 15, 2026 • 3 adults

    Donavan and Mickey are great guys that work together well! They are very passionate about fishing and did everything they could to make our trip as memorable as possible. I woild highly recommend these guys to anyone. My wife, my son and I all felt welcomed from the beginning and we left with some new friends.

  • Erik Mackenroth
    Erik Mackenroth
    de
    Germany
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    Great tour with exrta sightings

    Nearshore charter on March 20, 2026 • 2 adults

    Donavan and Micky made the tour very special to us. Not even that they brought us several fish to the hook. Even a bigger fight came up. Unfortunatly we lost the big fish. But Donavan managed to show us additional marine wildlife and explained a lot about the species, the landscape and South Africa in general.

  • Conor Pearson
    Conor Pearson
    gb
    United Kingdom
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Trip of a life

    Nearshore charter - 1:00 PM on January 2, 2026 • 3 adults

    Jason and Micky took me (27) my fiance (24) and son (5), the lads are absolutely brilliant and great with my son. We caught plenty of fish . My fiancé had never been fishing before and her first fish was a smoothhead (shark) which was such a magical moment. 100% the best experience ive ever had

  • Mike Timmers
    Mike Timmers
    us
    Wisconsin, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing Fish

    6 Hour Trip - Inshore (AM) on August 2, 2026 • 3 adults

    Donovan and Mickie were amazing! What a great trip for me and my two kids!

  • Holly Spanier
    Holly Spanier
    us
    Maryland, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    trophy fish for everyone

    Nearshore charter on March 29, 2026 • 6 adults

    myself and 3 teens reeled in some really lovely yellowtail. Our captain and skipper Mickey and Jason were amazing. They handled my ferril teenagers with ease. I highly recommend this trip. In fairness they did say our weather was pretty perfect.

  • Nepomuk Feigl
    Nepomuk Feigl
    de
    Germany
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    best trip ever !!!

    Nearshore charter on January 12, 2026 • 3 adults

    When Fishing ,Donavan und Miky are the best in Town we lerned so much about the marine life and caught soooo many fish it was unbelievable!!! We will see you next time thanks a lot Guys all the best to you from Robert Felix and Muk

  • Andrew Fisher
    Andrew Fisher
    gb
    United Kingdom
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Unbelievable trip

    Nearshore charter on February 18, 2026 • 4 adults • 2 children

    Donovan's crew were great. We had a fabulous day which included great fishing, bronze whaler sharks, a pod of dolphins and visit to seal island.

Rating

5.0
73 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (177)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
93%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
97%
Recommended
96%
Caught fish

All reviews (73)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 73 reviews
Jarno Järveläinen
Jarno Järveläinen
fi
Finland
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Great Trip !
6 Hour Trip - Inshore (AM) on August 31, 2026 • 5 adults

Trip was great, we where kind of early in the season, but these guys really hunted fish for me ! It was my 50 th birthday and that was very nice present. We did also reef fishing, I would say that then its 100 % to catch fish as we did and a lot and all sort of species. Then whale came to see us ! and also we went to see seals and heard horror stories what had happen to white sharks that used hunt for seals. Then we got great tip from Captain Donovan about shooting range near by! So of course we went there as well, I got to shoot with UZI and Desert Eagle .50 cal. So pretty decent birthday !! Thanks a lot.

Donavan Cole
Response from Captain

thanknyou Jarno, glad that we could celebrate the special occasion with you guys and hope to see you for the next one! Regards Donavan

Cindy Esterhuizen
Cindy Esterhuizen
za
South Africa
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
More Than Just Fishing – An Incredible Day at Sea!
6 Hour Trip - Inshore (AM) on July 18, 2026 • 4 adults

What an incredible experience with Ocean Life Charters! A huge thank you to Donovan and Mickey for making it such a memorable family day. The fishing was great, but honestly, the entire experience was so much more than that. We were lucky enough to see whales, dolphins, and seals in their natural habitat, which made the trip absolutely unforgettable. We also caught some beautiful fish, tagged them, and released them back into the ocean, something we really appreciated as it reflects their respect for marine conservation. Donovan and Mickey were friendly, knowledgeable, professional, and made everyone feel welcome from start to finish. They went above and beyond to ensure we had an amazing time. Thank you for a perfect family day out. We made memories we’ll treasure for years to come, and we’ll definitely be back!

Reported catch:
Black Bream
Donavan Cole
Response from Captain

Thank you Cindy! We had a great day out with you amd your family, we look forward to having you with us again! Regards Donavan

Graham Erskine
Graham Erskine
gb
United Kingdom
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
what a great way to spen a day!
6 Hour Trip - Inshore (AM) on December 4, 2025 • 2 adults

It was a privilage to be in the company of Donavan and Mikey. The charter boat was clean and well organised. plenty of tackle and bait for all levels, and on hand instruction from the crew for all levels and size of angler. Both Donavan and Mikey know there stuff and will also talk about the history of the area as well as the marine life it contains. Catch and release operated on the boat with some species being tagged for marine research. you are able to take what you need to braai later! plenty of fish caught and sone really goid conversation. i will definitely be looking this charter up again when i return to capetown and hope to catch that big one that got away. thank you both for a stunning day.

Reported catch:
American Shad
Yellowtail Amberjack
Black Bream
Squid
Donavan Cole
Response from Captain

thanks Graham, we had a awesome time with you guys on board, look forward to having you with us again!

Karry Bartley
Karry Bartley
us
Florida, US
Member since 2023
5.0
Verified
Best Charter EVER!!!
Nearshore charter - 1:00 PM on November 4, 2025 • 4 adults

Captain Donovan and Mickey are the absolute best duo you could ask for on a charter. Cap Donovan was very communicative letting me know the weather was not favorable on the day l picked and we opted to go the next day. Best decision ever! We went out and got on the fish early. They didn’t wait around for the fish to come to us we were constantly moving to the fish. The shear excitement they shared while fishing is what you want in your captain and first mate. I’ve been fishing all around the world and this BY FAR was my favorite trip. Highly Highly recommend.

Donavan Cole
Response from Captain

thank you Karry! we had a awesome time with you all on board!!

TYLER WILLIAMS
TYLER WILLIAMS
Repeat angler
us
New Mexico, US
Member since 2026
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Amazing fishing trip!!
6 Hour Trip - Inshore (AM) on June 15, 2026 • 3 adults

Donavan and Mickey are great guys that work together well! They are very passionate about fishing and did everything they could to make our trip as memorable as possible. I woild highly recommend these guys to anyone. My wife, my son and I all felt welcomed from the beginning and we left with some new friends.

Donavan Cole
Response from Captain

Thank you Tyler We had a wonderful day with you and your family on board! Look forward to having you guys with us again! Hope you have a good trip back home!

FAQs about Ocean Life Fishing Charters

Ocean Life Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • ZAR 11,500 per group - Nearshore charter (4 hours)
  • ZAR 11,500 per group - Nearshore charter - 1:00 PM (4 hours)
  • ZAR 13,500 per group - 6 Hour Trip - Inshore (AM) (6 hours)
  • ZAR 13,500 per group - 6 Hour Trip - Inshore (PM) (6 hours)
  • ZAR 22,500 per group - 10 Hour Trip - Tuna (4 -5 MAX) (10 hours)
When you book a trip with Ocean Life Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Portable
  • GPS Garmin
  • Fishfinder Garmin
  • Live bait well
  • Ice box
  • Radar
Trips booked with Ocean Life Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Traditional handline gear also available)
  • Live bait (When available)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (When time allows)
  • Snacks (Light snacks )
  • Drinks (Water and soft drinks )
  • First mate (We always have a first mate on board, he is also a qualified captain/skipper with many years experience )
Ocean Life Fishing Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing (Depending on our trips, inshore trips are done in and around the bay never more than a couple miles offshore, nearshore charters are mostly done inside the bay fairly close to shore, offshore tuna fishing is done anything from 10 to 30 miles offshore.)
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
Ocean Life Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Drift fishing
  • Handline
  • Spearfishing
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Ocean Life Fishing Charters include:
  • Bluefish (Tailor)
  • Bonito
  • Geelbek (Cape Salmon)
  • Grouper (Red)
  • Kob
  • Rockfish
  • Shark (Mako)
  • Snoek
  • Tuna (Albacore)
  • Tuna (Skipjack)
  • Tuna (Yellowfin)
  • Yellowtail Amberjack

Your captain

Donavan Cole
Donavan Cole
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
7 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
82 Customer reviews
Typical response within 1 hour
Member since December 2017
Donavan is extremely passionate about fishing. Whether at work or in his spare time, his entire life has revolved around the sea. He has fished both in South Africa and abroad recreationally, commercially and as a marine fisheries scientist. Donavan absolutely loves fishing and sharing it with others! Donavan is also a registered marine and coastal tour guide specialising in False bay and the Cape Peninsula with a wealth of knowledge in the marine and coastal environment of the areas of operation.
Donavan Cole
Donavan Cole
Fully verified
7
reports
82
reviews
2017
member since
~1h
response
Donavan is extremely passionate about fishing. Whether at work or in his spare time, his entire life has revolved around the sea. He has fished both in South Africa and abroad recreationally, commercially and as a marine fisheries scientist. Donavan absolutely loves fishing and sharing it with others! Donavan is also a registered marine and coastal tour guide specialising in False bay and the Cape Peninsula with a wealth of knowledge in the marine and coastal environment of the areas of operation.

The fish you can target

Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bonito
Bonito
Geelbek (Cape Salmon)
Geelbek (Cape Salmon)
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
Kob
Kob
Rockfish
Rockfish
Mako Shark
Mako Shark
Snoek
Snoek
Albacore Tuna
Albacore Tuna
Skipjack Tuna
Skipjack Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowtail Amberjack
Yellowtail Amberjack
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bonito
Bonito
Geelbek (Cape Salmon)
Geelbek (Cape Salmon)
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
Kob
Kob

Real catches by this captain

  • Trip of a lifetime!!
    Julie W.
    Julie W.
  • Amazing Fish
    Mike T.
    Mike T.
  •  More Than Just Fishing – An Incredible Day at Sea!
    Cindy E.
    Cindy E.
  • Amazing fishing trip!!
    TYLER W.
    TYLER W.
  • April fishing trip
    Charles Z.
    Charles Z.
  • trophy fish for everyone
    Holly S.
    Holly S.
  • Great tour with exrta sightings
    Erik M.
    Erik M.
  • Unbelievable trip
    Andrew F.
    Andrew F.
  • Top-notch charter in Simon’s Town!
    Markus H.
    Markus H.
  • best trip ever !!!
    Nepomuk F.
    Nepomuk F.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Catamarans
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
28 ft
Year built
2017
Boat manufacturer
Carry Cat
Boat type
Catamaran
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
2 x 130HP
Max cruising speed
37 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Drift Fishing
Handline
Spearfishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Portable
GPS
Garmin
Fishfinder
Garmin
Live bait well
Ice box
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Traditional handline gear also available
Live bait
When available
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
When time allows
Snacks
Light snacks
Drinks
Water and soft drinks
First mate
We always have a first mate on board, he is also a qualified captain/skipper with many years experience

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child friendly
Please inform on booking to pack kids life jackets
You keep catch
To be distributed by captain
Catch and release allowed
ORI tags on board for tag and release

How you can pay

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
 Cash
 Visa
 Mastercard
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 5% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Cape Town right now

BonitoBonito
Geelbek (Cape Salmon)Geelbek (Cape Salmon)
KobKob
Shark (Mako)Shark (Mako)
SnoekSnoek
Tuna (Albacore)Tuna (Albacore)
Tuna (Skipjack)Tuna (Skipjack)
Tuna (Yellowfin)Tuna (Yellowfin)
Yellowtail AmberjackYellowtail Amberjack

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