Marine Dynamics crowned winner of the ATTA® Marine Impact Award
Marine Dynamics Shark and Whale Tours has been honoured with the ATTA® Marine Impact Award during the Experience Africa Travel Conference in London on 23 June 2025. The award recognises organisations making a tangible difference in protecting Africa's marine and coastal environments while fostering long-term community benefits. Accepting the award on behalf of Marine Dynamics was Fern Montgomery, Sales Director in London at 3Sixty Luxury Marketing, a valued tourism partner and friend. Now in its inaugural year, the ATTA® Marine Impact Award shines a spotlight on organisations whose marine or coastal initiatives have measurable impacts on conservation, education and community engagement along Africa's coastlines.
Marine Dynamics is a leader in marine eco‑tourism in Gansbaai, South Africa. Over the past 25 years, the organisation has seamlessly combined shark cage diving and whale-watching with marine science, education, pollution initiatives, and community empowerment. Its ecosystem includes the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary (APSS), the Marine Dynamics Academy volunteer programme, and a tourism hub at the Great White House.
CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo congratulated Marine Dynamics on receiving the ATTA® Marine Impact Award. “As a long-standing partner through their work on Dyer Island and with the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, Marine Dynamics play an important role in supporting our conservation efforts along the Overberg coastline. Their work contributes to the protection of marine species and habitats, while also creating opportunities for education, skills development, and scientific research. This international recognition highlights the value of consistent work over many years.”
By leveraging tour-based marine observations and partnerships with marine biologists, Marine Dynamics has contributed to over 30 peer-reviewed scientific papers - advancing understanding of key species and informing conservation policy. Judges of the ATTA® Marine Impact Award praised the finalists, noting the importance of initiatives that both preserve ocean ecosystems and empower local coastal communities. “This award is a testament to what's possible when conservation and tourism are united with purpose,” said Wilfred Chivell, CEO of Marine Dynamics and Founder of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. “Over 25 years, our team's commitment to scientific research, local upliftment, and marine stewardship has established a new model for sustainable tourism. We are honoured to receive this international recognition and inspired to continue protecting our ocean heritage.” For more information, visit www.marinedynamics.co.za
Christine Wessels (Public Relations Marine Dynamics)
