Seal Viewing Boat Trip in Plettenberg Bay

The seals dive and play in the water right alongside the boat, not behind glass or from a distance.

A guided boat trip from Plettenberg Bay to Robberg Nature Reserve where you watch over 8000 Cape Fur Seals in their natural habitat: sunning on rocks, diving into the ocean, and interacting with the boat. The 20-minute ride out includes the chance to spot dolphins and whales; an English-speaking guide explains seal behavior and marine life; life jackets and free photographs afterward are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Seal viewing boat trip experience

• Meet at dive centre and sign in
• Walk on beach to boat launch
• Boat ride to Robberg Nature Reserve
• Observe Cape Fur Seals and marine life
• Watch for dolphins and whales
• Receive free photos after trip

The experience

You arrive at the dive centre, sign in, and walk a short distance down the beach for a Plettenberg Bay–style boat launch. The 20-minute ride to Robberg Nature Reserve is scenic in itself: dolphins and whales pass through the bay regularly, so the route itself can turn into a sighting. Once at the reserve, the seals come toward the boat. They're curious and active, dropping from rocky ledges into the water, lazing in the shallows, and putting on what the guides call an acrobatic show.

Your guide is experienced and speaks English, giving you a full breakdown of seal behavior, the colony's size and habits, and the other marine life around you. Cormorants and Cape Gannets are usually visible. The seals themselves number over 8000 in the colony. The whole experience runs about 2 hours from start to finish. Life jackets are provided, and there are lockers at the dive centre if you need to leave belongings behind.

After the trip, free photographs taken during the boat ride are made available to you: a practical way to keep the moment without managing a camera on the water yourself.

What’s included

• Boat ride to Robberg Nature Reserve.
• life jacket.
• locker for belongings.
• free photographs taken during the trip.
• English-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00

Book up to1h before

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by ProDive Seal Swims

Is this one for you?The boat launch and the ride itself involve water and motion, so it suits travelers comfortable on a small vessel. The 2-hour commitment is a morning or afternoon activity, not a full day.

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the boat trip itself take?

The ride out to Robberg Nature Reserve is 20 minutes each way. The full experience, including time at the reserve watching the seals, runs about 2 hours total.

What are the chances of seeing dolphins or whales?

Dolphins and whales frequently visit Plettenberg Bay, so they pass by regularly during the route to Robberg, though sightings are never guaranteed on any single trip.

Do I need to get in the water to see the seals?

No, you watch the seals from the boat itself. The trip is designed for anyone who wants to see them up close without entering the water. Life jackets are provided for safety.

What's included in the price?

The boat ride, life jacket, locker space at the dive centre, and free photographs taken during the trip are all included. You meet 30 minutes before launch to sign in.

What else might I see besides the seals?

Cormorants and Cape Gannets are usually visible around Robberg Nature Reserve, and the bay itself offers a scenic backdrop. Dolphins and whales are frequent visitors to the area.