About Salt Life Charters
Who we are
Family-Owned. Ethically Run. Unforgettable Experiences.
Salt Life Charters is more than just a fishing charter; it’s a passion passed down through generations. Our team is dedicated to providing you with an unforgettable experience on the water, whether you’re sharing the trip with others or booking a private fishing charter. We proudly uphold ethical fishing practices, ensuring that every catch is handled with care and respect for the ocean’s delicate balance.
For those who prefer to stay above the waves, our offshore birding trips offer a rare opportunity to observe the rich variety of pelagic birds that call Mossel Bay home. From African Penguins to majestic albatrosses, our tours bring you up close to some of the most sought-after seabirds while offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline.
The family crew for our private fishing charter
Whether you’re after the thrill of deep-sea fishing or a relaxing day on the water, our charters cater to all skill levels and preferences. Join us for a day of reeling in the catch of a lifetime, all while enjoying the beauty of Mossel Bay’s marine environment. If you prefer the boat to yourself, contact us about a private fishing charter.
We will provide all the necessary equipment, tackle and bait. Read our what to bring section to check what to pack.
As a SAMSA registered surveyor, safety is our highest priority and our boat is kept in tip-top condition. Instagator, our 26ft Butt Cat, is purpose-built for fishing and has all the features of an ideal deep sea fishing vessel. It’s comfortable with exceptional handling, ensuring our guests have a very pleasant trip.
Get closer than ever to the seabirds of Mossel Bay. Our offshore birding tours are a must for bird lovers, photographers, and environmentalists alike. Mossel Bay, being a region of significant importance for pelagic birds and attracting African Penguin, albatross, petrels, shearwaters, terns, cormorants, gannets, and skuas, makes it a prime destination for birding tours.
With over a decade of experience working with documentary filmmakers, research teams, and photographers, our skipper is proficient with the protocols involved in ocean expeditions for the Film and TV and research industries. You can hire our boat and crew for film and TV locations out at sea. We provide all the safety equipment and can discuss any customisation requirements.
The set-up of our butt cat ensures that the bow and stern both offer ideal camera platforms, and the bow, in particular, presents uninterrupted 360-degree camera views.
Read more about our filming opportunities and how we can help you with the logistics for your production.
You’ll need water and snacks, and we recommend you bring a hat and sunglasses, plus extra layers of clothing in the winter months. We provide all the necessary equipment, tackle and bait. Please note that the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment requires all fishers to apply for either an annual or a temporary fishing permit. You can apply for this at any Post Office, or we can organise it for you with enough notice.
Prefer the boat to yourself? Get in touch to book a private fishing charter.
In accordance with SAMSA’s policy on the numbering and certification of small vessels, they appoint safety officers and external surveyors under the Merchant Shipping (National Small Vessel Safety) Regulations 2007. Justin McCarthy is an external appointed surveyor and can carry out compliance surveys of pleasure vessels, on behalf of SAMSA. We can survey your recreational vessel or organise any vessel maintenance or repairs you may need. Contact us to book a boat survey or discuss any maintenance requirements.
Wildlife viewing is a bonus for our charter guests, and you may spot marine life during your fishing trip. Regular year-round sightings are bottlenose, common, and humpback dolphins. We also see sharks and seals throughout the year, and hammerhead, thresher, and ragged-tooth sharks more in summertime. Winter brings the migrating humpback and southern right whales. We are also visited by turtles and have seen large green turtles, hawksbill turtles, and small loggerhead hatchlings. A once rare and now more regular sighting is orcas (killer whales).
Some of our guests prefer the boat to themselves and we can organise a private fishing charter. This is perfect for families, friends, bachelor/bachelorette events or corporate team building. We will provide all the necessary equipment, tackle and bait as usual, and you can get in touch with us about any tailored requirements. We have contacts in town for catering and more.
