Swim with seals in the Robberg Nature Reserve, South Africa

Organized by
2 hrs
Everybody welcome
From 6 years-old and up
Instant confirmation
Recommended
From€40

Play in the waves with Robberg Nature Reserve's resident African cape fur seals during this interactive snorkelling experience off Plettenberg Bay!

Jump in the water off the coast of South Africa and play with Robberg Nature Reserve's friendliest residents, the African Cape fur seal, on this snorkelling boat trip from Plettenberg Bay!

The Cape fur seal, with its soft brown fur, is the only seal species that is native to the South African mainland. They are an intelligent and inquisitive mammal and are a protected species in South Africa. Swimming with these creatures in their home environment is an absolute privilege and unforgettable experience!

To start your seal snorkelling adventure from the pretty seaside town of Plettenberg Bay, you will ride on a zodiac boat to the Robberg Nature Reserve peninsula. Located along the beautiful Garden Route of South Africa’s Western Cape Province and two hours from Port Elizabeth, Robberg Nature Reserve, also a World Heritage Site, is not only renowned for its lush hiking trails but also its incredible marine reserve where you can swim and snorkel among Cape fur seals, bright coral reef, and tropical fish!

Situated close to shore in the shallow waters that protect the marine area from the currents of the South Atlantic Ocean, Robberg's 6000- strong seal colony spend their time sunbathing on the rocky shore and cooling off in the turquoise waters. From Plettenberg Bay, swimming with these curious and playful marine mammals offers the ultimate human/animal interaction! Once the snorkelling boat tour arrives at its location at the Robberg Nature reserve, it is time for you to hop into the water! Equipped with a snorkel mask, fins, and wetsuit, you will have 30 minutes in the water accompanied by a certified dive master to play with the seals as they search for food! During your snorkelling boat tour from Plettenberg Bay, you’ll get to discover the seals’ superior swimming skills first hand as you frolic among the waves and meet these brilliant, wild animals in their natural habitat.

With Offshore Adventures, swimming with seals is both exhilarating and safe! When you are in the water swimming with seals, you will be dressed in multiple protective layers and will always have guides in the water with you who are on the lookout for any strange activity from the sealife. The boat stays nearby to you and the time spent in the water is calculated to be an ideal length to spend with friendly and curious seals! Safety is a top priority for Offshore Adventures and they have many protocols in place to mitigate any risk.

Book your snorkelling excursion from Plettenberg Bay now to swim with wild seals and experience South Africa like never before!

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Practical information

1.5 hour snorkelling boat excursion to Robberg Nature Reserve to swim with seals!


Course of events

-Meet at Offshore Adventures Office 30 minutes before departure time

-Check in and meet guides

-Receive safety and activity briefing

-Get equipped with mask, fins, and wetsuit

-Board boat and depart!

-Ride to Robberg Peninsula

-Jump in the water for 30 minutes and swim with seals!

-Return to boat and head back to shore

-De-equip

-End of activity

Activity requirements

Participants must check-in 30 minutes before departure time.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Special terms

Please note that since wildlife are unpredictable, their presence is never guaranteed.

For guests who would like to join the trip but stay in the boat instead of venturing into the water – book the Seal Viewing option instead.

Meeting point:
ADVENTURE ISLAND Central Beach Car Park, Hopwood Street, Plettenberg Bay
Spoken languages:Afrikaans, English
Included
  • Soft gear (wetsuit, snorkel, mask)
  • Divemaster
Excluded
  • Transportation to meeting point
Do not forget to bring
  • Swimwear
  • Suncream
  • Water
  • Towel

Reviews

Average rating

4.9/5

(13)
  • Excellent
    92.3%
    12
  • Very good
    7.7%
    1
  • Average
    0%
    0
  • Poor
    0%
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  • Terrible
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Lukas P., Croatia — 24/04/2024
5/5
From the boat trip to the swimming with seals itself… so unique and fun. Safe too.
mike B., Netherlands — 28/11/2023
5/5
It's realy Beautiful to see this magnificent animal so close and in their natural environment.
Emily S., Belgium — 29/09/2023
5/5
Get so close and personal with wild seals! They are so playful and not afraid to interact, such cute animals!
Leonie G., Germany — 21/09/2023
5/5
It was one of the highlights of our South Africa trip. Would highly recommend! You won’t get any closer with animals than that.
Roisin B., United Kingdom — 03/01/2023
5/5
Great fun! The sea was quite wavy but our instructor helped us feel calm and get the most of the experience despite the conditions not being ideal.

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