In addition to the petrels and albatrosses that flash beyond the waves in blustery conditions, the coastal areas hold endemic specialties such as Bank Phalacrocorax neglectus and Crowned Cormorants, migrant Antarctic Terns in winter, and even a chance of Greater Sheathbill.

The Cape's amazing seabird abundance and diversity are products of the Benguela current that originates in the icy waters of Antarctica. Surging up the west coast of southern Africa, the nutrient-rich waters cause upwellings along the continental shelf, nurturing a profusion of ocean life that supports both a lively fishing industry and vast numbers of seabirds. Pelagic species congregate around the trawlers, making them easy to locate and approach. The high point of a pelagic birding trip is trailing behind a trawler with up to 5,000 birds squabbling for scraps in its wake.

The diversity of seabirds is highly seasonal, so consult the monthly table, compiled from over 300 pelagic birding trip lists during the past ten years. This will help you to decide when best to go in order to maximise the chances of seeing your most-wanted species.

Note that seabird numbers fluctuate from year to year, and that birding in the vicinity of a trawler will make a huge difference to your trip.