Swim with Cape Fur Seals in Plettenberg Bay: View from boat option available

Jump into the water with 8,000 seals for 30 minutes of snorkeling in their natural colony

Swim with Cape Fur Seals at Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenberg Bay with a qualified guide for 30 minutes in their natural environment. Snorkel gear, changing facilities and lockers are included. Free photos and videos are provided after the trip. If you prefer not to get wet, you can view the seals from the boat instead. The boat ride itself is scenic, giving a different perspective of Plettenberg Bay on the way to the reserve.

The experience

You meet your experienced seal guide at ProDive, where changing rooms and lockers are available. After fitting your snorkel gear, the group walks a short distance to the boat for a briefing on procedures and what to expect. The skipper and guide cover boat safety and seal behavior before a short ride out to Robberg Nature Reserve, home to around 8,000 Cape Fur Seals.

Once in the water, you have 30 minutes snorkeling alongside the seals in their natural habitat. The seals are inquisitive and gentle natured, making the encounter interactive rather than passive. A qualified guide stays with you throughout. After returning to shore, you can shower and change in the facilities on site.

Free photographs and video footage from your swim are made available after the trip. If you'd prefer to skip the water, you can join the boat ride and view the seals from the deck instead. The journey itself is scenic and gives a different angle on Plettenberg Bay. Extra safety precautions are in place, including experienced marine spotters monitoring seal behavior and guides carrying first aid kits.

What’s included

• Use of snorkelling equipment.
• free photographs and video footage.
• changing facilities and lockers.
• a qualified guide throughout the water time.
• the scenic boat ride to and from Robberg Nature Reserve.

Before you book

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

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Under 6: can't be booked

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 effortWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by ProDive Seal Swims

Is this one for you?Choose the water swim if you're comfortable snorkeling and want direct interaction with the seals. Pick the boat viewing option if you'd rather stay dry or prefer to observe from the deck. Either way, the boat ride itself is exhilarating and gives you a different view of Plettenberg Bay.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

3 verified traveler reviews

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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.

What happens if I don't want to swim with the seals?

You can stay on the boat and view the seals from the deck during the same trip. The boat ride to Robberg Nature Reserve is scenic on its own and offers a different perspective of Plettenberg Bay.

What's included in the snorkel gear, and do I need to bring my own swimwear?

Snorkel equipment is provided and fitted for you on site. You'll need to bring your own swimwear. Towels are not included. Changing rooms and lockers are available to store your belongings.

How long is the actual time spent in the water with the seals?

You have 30 minutes in the water snorkeling with the seals. The full activity, including the boat ride, briefing and time to change, takes around 90 minutes.

What are the seals like? Will they interact with me?

The Cape Fur Seals at Robberg are inquisitive and gentle natured. They often approach snorkelers, making the encounter interactive. A qualified guide stays with you throughout to ensure your safety and enhance the experience.

Do I get photos or videos of my swim?

Free photographs and video footage from your encounter are made available to you after the trip, so you have a record of the experience.