About

Neptune’s Nautical Academy

At Neptune’s Nautical Academy, we believe that learning to operate a powerboat or personal watercraft should be more than just ticking boxes, it’s about gaining real confidence, real skills, and real-world experience on the water.

Located in the picturesque Hermanus New Harbour, our academy is an accredited RYA (Royal Yachting Association) training centre specialising in powerboat handling, safety at sea, and navigation skills. We offer internationally recognised courses, including:

• RYA Powerboat Level 2

• RYA Personal Watercraft (PWC) Proficiency

These certifications are respected worldwide, opening doors both locally and across the globe for anyone wishing to start or advance their maritime career.

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Our Team & Leadership

Our academy is led by Chief Instructor Marx Mohr, who has worked commercially on the water for more than 18 years. From skippering vessels to marine tourism operations, Marx brings unmatched knowledge, practical seamanship, and a passion for teaching.

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Alongside him, his wife Makayla Mohr has been working with him for over 12 years. Today, she serves as the Principal of Neptune’s Nautical Academy, ensuring the school operates with the same dedication, professionalism, and family values that built their success in Hermanus.

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His Father and business partner, Dolf Mohr,  has been a cornerstone in the growth of both Neptune’s Divers & Cruises and Neptune’s Nautical Academy. With his steady leadership, vision, and hands-on support, Dolf has played a crucial role in shaping the companies into the trusted names they are today. His behind-the-scenes guidance and commitment ensure that everything from operations to long-term strategy runs smoothly.

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Together, the Mohr family has built a training academy that stands on the strong foundation of their parent company, Neptune’s Divers & Cruises, a long-standing name in Hermanus marine tourism.

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Our Approach

Training with us is more than a classroom experience, it’s an immersion into life at sea. Students learn in real-world conditions, gaining practical skills that can’t be taught on paper alone. Set against the stunning backdrop of Hermanus, every course blends technical instruction with the inspiration of our natural surroundings:

• From the calm, sheltered waters of the harbour perfect for mastering basics,

• To the open coastline where the ocean meets towering cliffs, offering real-world challenges.

Here, students don’t just pass a course — they develop confidence, seamanship, and a lifelong respect for the sea.

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Why Choose Us?

• Accredited RYA Training Centre – Globally recognised qualifications.

• Expert Instructors – Decades of hands-on commercial and tourism experience.

• Family-Run Values – Built with care, commitment, and a personal touch.

• Local Knowledge – Rooted in Hermanus’ unique and dynamic coastal waters.

Your Journey Starts Here

At Neptune’s Nautical Academy, you’ll leave with more than just a certificate, you’ll leave ready to take the helm with skill and confidence, anywhere in the world.

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⚓ Chart your course with us, and let the ocean be your classroom.