Algoa Bay is a large, deep maritime bay on the east coast of South Africa's Eastern Cape, bounded by Cape Recife to the west and Cape Padrone to the east. The harbor city of Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) is situated adjacent to the bay, which is fed by the nutrient-rich Southern Indian Ocean. The bay reaches depths of up to 436 meters (1,430 feet) and features a complex marine ecosystem supported by the nearby Agulhas Current, which creates upwellings and inshore meanders. This productivity supports a vast array of marine life, from small forage fish to large pelagic species and cetaceans. The bay contains notable islands like the St Croix Islands and Bird Islands and is recognized for its conservation significance as both a Whale Heritage Area and a Mission Blue Hope Spot.