About · The team

Meet our Team

Marine biologists Cape Town Est. 2023

01 · The team

Three guides · Three more profiles coming soon

Led by working marine biologists.

Kirshia Govender, founder and marine biologist at Aonyx Marine Experiences

Kirshia Govender

Founder & Marine Biologist

Kirshia founded Aonyx Marine Experiences in 2023 after 15 years in the Cape's marine ecosystems — 14 of them at the Two Oceans Aquarium, first as a volunteer, then a penguin keeper, then nine years as an Aquarium Educator. She helped develop the FET Marine Science curriculum now taught in South African high schools. A commercial diver and sea kayak guide, she joined Riaan Manser's Students in Antarctica expedition in 2025 as an educator.

  • BSc Hons — Science Education & Marine Biology, UCT
  • Superpower: Excellent Educator

Favourite sea creature
Cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) — the company's namesake.

Courtney-Simone de Beer, dive, snorkel and marine guide at Aonyx

Courtney-Simone de Beer

Dive, Snorkel & Marine Guide

"Education should always be an adventure."

A certified Dive Master who has been diving since she was 13, Courtney brings years of in-water experience to every trip she leads. She worked as an Educational Assistant at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation and has judged and spoken at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists in Johannesburg and Cape Town. She is currently an intern at Bahori Consulting, working on environmental and sustainability projects.

  • BSc Life Sciences — Zoology, Botany & Geography
  • Superpower: Ocean Fanatic

Favourite sea creature
Whales.

Erich Thomas, marine guide at Aonyx

Erich Thomas

Marine Guide

"Guiding is about more than identifying species — it's about inspiring curiosity and respect for the natural world."

Erich is completing his Master's in Marine Science at CPUT, with a strong grounding in marine ecosystems, coastal dynamics and the biodiversity of our shores. He guides the rocky shore adventures, where every excursion turns up something new — camouflaged crabs, resilient sea anemones, and the occasional octopus.

  • MSc Marine Science (in progress), CPUT
  • Superpower: Octopus Finder

Favourite sea creature
Octopus or cuttlefish.

Photo coming soon

Guide 4

Profile coming soon

Space for this guide's biography, experience and connection to the ocean.

  • Qualifications to be added
  • Superpower: To be added

Favourite sea creature
To be added.

Photo coming soon

Guide 5

Profile coming soon

Space for this guide's biography, experience and connection to the ocean.

  • Qualifications to be added
  • Superpower: To be added

Favourite sea creature
To be added.

Photo coming soon

Guide 6

Profile coming soon

Space for this guide's biography, experience and connection to the ocean.

  • Qualifications to be added
  • Superpower: To be added

Favourite sea creature
To be added.

02 · The mission

Est. 2023

Every booking works for the shore.

A small group wading ankle-deep through a tidal pool at Three Anchor Bay at golden hour
Three Anchor Bay · low water

Discover Cape Town's coastline the way a marine biologist sees it. Founded by Kirshia Govender, a marine biologist and ocean educator with over a decade in marine conservation and ocean literacy, Aonyx Marine Experiences offers guided day and night rock pool walks, tidal pool snorkelling, and sea kayaking along Cape Town's coastal waters.

Our name comes from Aonyx capensis — the Cape clawless otter, a shy, elusive creature you have the chance of spotting foraging along the rocks on any of our experiences. It's a fitting namesake: much like the otter, our outings reward patience, curiosity, and a closer look at the coastline most people walk straight past.

Every experience is led by qualified biologists, so you're guided by people who don't just know the coastline, they understand the ecology behind it. From the octopuses and starfish tucked into tidal pools to the seals, dolphins, and penguins that call these waters home, our guides bring a scientist's eye and a genuine love of marine life to every outing, so you come away with real understanding, not just a photo.

Experiences are suited to explorers of all levels, including those who'd rather stay dry and explore from the rocks. We also offer private experiences for special occasions — birthdays, team-building, family gatherings, or anything worth celebrating by the sea. Get in touch to book your spot on the next rock pool walk, snorkel, or kayak tour, or to arrange something a little more personal.

My favorite moment is when guests see their first bioluminescent wave. It never gets old.
— Kirshia Govender · Founder