Ocean Life Fishing Charters

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.



Trip availability and prices

  • Private trip
    Nearshore charter morning
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Price for up to 5 persons
    US $513
    We offer these nearshore trips where we focus on targeting a variety of reef species closer to home. These trips are ideal for families with kids or sightseers that would prefer to remain closer to shore. These trips are also more flexible when it comes to departure times.
    Types of fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Drift Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Snapper (Red)
    Red Snapper
    Grouper (Red)
    Red Grouper
    Rockfish
    Rockfish
    Shad
    Shad
    Kob
    Kob
    Shark (Gummy)
    Gummy Shark
    Dogfish
    Dogfish
    Gurnard
    Gurnard
    Bream (Black)
    Black Bream
    Geelbek (Cape Salmon)
    Geelbek (Cape Salmon)
    Squid
    Squid
  • Private trip
    Nearshore charter afternoon
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    Price for up to 5 persons
    US $513
    We offer these nearshore trips where we focus on targeting a variety of reef species closer to home. These trips are ideal for families with kids or sightseers that would prefer to remain closer to shore. These trips are also more flexible when it comes to departure times.
    Types of fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Drift Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Snapper (Red)
    Red Snapper
    Grouper (Red)
    Red Grouper
    Rockfish
    Rockfish
    Shad
    Shad
    Kob
    Kob
    Shark (Gummy)
    Gummy Shark
    Dogfish
    Dogfish
    Gurnard
    Gurnard
    Bream (Black)
    Black Bream
    Geelbek (Cape Salmon)
    Geelbek (Cape Salmon)
    Squid
    Squid
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip - Inshore (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Price for up to 5 persons
    US $621
    You will be targeting various inshore species like Yellowtail, Cape Snoek/Barracouta, Bonito and various reef species around Cape Point or heading towards Seal Island to target various Red and Reef fish, Kob, Yellowtail, Cape Salmon and Elf/Bluefish. We can accommodate up to 5 guests but recommend a maximum of 4 for the most comfortable experience. Spear-fishers bringing their own equipment can also be accommodated by prior arrangement.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Bottom Fishing
    Jigging
    Handline
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Drift Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Yellowtail Amberjack
    Yellowtail Amberjack
    Shark (Tope)
    Tope Shark
    Shad
    Shad
    Shark (Gummy)
    Gummy Shark
    Snoek
    Snoek
    Bream (Black)
    Black Bream
    Squid
    Squid
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip - Inshore (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    Price for up to 5 persons
    US $621
    For those wanting to sleep in while on holiday. You will be targeting various inshore species like Yellowtail, Cape Snoek/Barracouta, Bonito, and various reef species around Cape Point. You can also head out towards Seal Island to target various reef fish, Kob, Yellowtail, Cape Salmon and Elf/Bluefish. We can accommodate up to 5 guests but recommend a maximum of 4 for the most comfortable experience.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Bottom Fishing
    Jigging
    Handline
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Drift Fishing
  • Private trip
    8 Hour Trip - Inshore
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Price for up to 5 persons
    US $756
    Spend a full eight hours fishing for Yellowtail, Cape Snoek/Barracouta, Bonito and various reef species around Cape Point. Otherwise, head out to Seal Island to catch various Kob, Yellowtail, Cape Salmon, Elf/Bluefish, and various redfish. We can accommodate up to 5 guests but recommend a maximum of 4 for the most comfortable experience. Spear-fishermen bringing their own equipment can also be accommodated by prior arrangement.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Bottom Fishing
    Handline
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Drift Fishing
  • Private trip
    10 Hour Trip - Tuna (4 -5 MAX)
    In demand! Last booked: 2 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    10 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Price for up to 5 persons
    US $1,161
    4 - max comfort/ 5 - max Head out past the magnificent Cape Point to the world-class Tuna grounds beyond. Target massive Yellowfin Tuna and other Tuna species like Longfin/Albacore, Bigeye, Skipjack, and Bonito, as well as Dorado/Mahi Mahi. En-route to the Tuna fishing grounds, there is also a good chance of catching Yellowtail Kingfish! We can accommodate up to 4 guests fishing but recommend 3 for the most comfort! Spearfishers bringing their own equipment can also be accommodated by prior arrangement.
    Types of fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Popping
    Heavy Tackle
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Drift Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Tuna (Bluefin)
    Bluefin Tuna
    Tuna (Skipjack)
    Skipjack Tuna
    Tuna (Yellowfin)
    Yellowfin Tuna
    Tuna (Albacore)
    Albacore Tuna
    Shark (Blue)
    Blue Shark
    Shark (Mako)
    Mako Shark
    Tuna (Bigeye)
    Bigeye Tuna
There are 9 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 45 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (101)
Amazing Time!
Amazing Time!
Amazing Time!
+98
Angler rating
43
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
96%
Appropriate for children
93%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
93%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 45 reviews
Paul M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

6hr

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip - Inshore (AM) on November 8, 2024
Myself and 14 year old son had an amazing experience. Great communication before hand with a friendly welcome. Due...
Paul M. recommends Ocean Life Fishing Charters
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Carl W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

An Anglers Dream

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip - Inshore (AM) on October 23, 2024
I can’t compliment this outfit enough. Capt. Donovan and First Mate Grant not only put my family and I onto the fish, but...
Carl W. recommends Ocean Life Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Donavan Cole Captain replied

Scott W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

A Perfect Family Day w/ Cpt. Donovan

VERIFIED   Nearshore charter morning on October 16, 2024
We went out with Donovan for a 4 hour near shore fishing trip. It was THE HIGHLIGHT of our trip to Cape Town for our 8 year...
Scott W. recommends Ocean Life Fishing Charters
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  Donavan Cole Captain replied

Francois L.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing Time!

VERIFIED   NEW  6 Hour Trip - Inshore (AM) on January 10, 2025
We had such a great time with Captain Donovan and Adam. They are extremely knowledgeable and were so patient in trying to find...
Francois L. recommends Ocean Life Fishing Charters
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  Donavan Cole Captain replied

Wouter V.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip, definitely a recommendation!

VERIFIED   NEW  Nearshore charter afternoon on January 4, 2025
We had a wonderful trip with Donavan and Matthew. We saw hundreds of seals near the boat and caught 10 really big yellowtail...
Wouter V. recommends Ocean Life Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Donavan Cole Captain replied

FAQs about Ocean Life Fishing Charters

Ocean Life Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • ZAR 9,500 per group - Nearshore charter morning (4 hours)
  • ZAR 9,500 per group - Nearshore charter afternoon (4 hours)
  • ZAR 11,500 per group - 6 Hour Trip - Inshore (AM) (6 hours)
  • ZAR 11,500 per group - 6 Hour Trip - Inshore (PM) (6 hours)
  • ZAR 14,000 per group - 8 Hour Trip - Inshore (8 hours)
  • ZAR 21,500 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
  • 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
  • Drinks
  • First Mate

Ocean Life Fishing Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing
  • 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
  • Bonito
  • Geelbek (Cape Salmon)
  • Grouper (Red)
  • Kob
  • Rockfish
  • Shark (Mako)
  • Snoek
  • Tuna (Albacore)
  • Tuna (Skipjack)
  • Tuna (Yellowfin)
  • Yellowtail Amberjack

Your captain

Donavan Cole
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
ID & license verified
45 Customer reviews
Response time 2 hours
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.

The fish you can target

Bluefish Bluefish
Bonito Bonito
Geelbek (Cape Salmon) Geelbek (Cape Salmon)
Grouper (Red) Red Grouper

What the boat is like

Boat Image
Boat category
Catamarans
Capacity
5 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

Which types of fishing are offered

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
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
Drinks
First Mate

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.

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.

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