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Travel bucket list idea:

Snorkel with Cape Fur Seals

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

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Bucket List Experience
Last updated: 24 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Richard Holmes

Cape Fur seals are a common sight on the coastline around Cape Town; with a handful of large colonies situated on the rocky islands situated close inshore.

While boat tours offer an accessible way to see these entertaining animals, adventurous swimmers can enjoy a scuba-free ocean wildlife experience by snorkelling in the kelp forests that thrive on the fringes of Duiker Island near Hout Bay.

No prior experience is needed. All you’ll require is a healthy sense of adventure… and the courage to get in the cold water.

Price from: £40
Minimum age: 10
Age suitable: 10+
When: All year around
Duration: 3-4 hours

Getting there & doing it

Snorkelling tours are weather-dependent – they won’t go in bad weather. Trips typically last 3-4 hours, with roughly an hour spent in the water with the seals. All equipment is provided, including thick wetsuits, as the water is cold (12-20 degrees) year-round.

When to do it

The experience is available year-round, but summer (September-May) is best. From late-March into April the young seal pups start to swim, offering the best time for interactions.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Seal Snorkeling with Animal Ocean in Hout Bay

Cape Town

Seal Snorkeling with Animal Ocean in Hout Bay
The Seal Snorkeling EXPERTS! Operating since 2009, Animal Ocean have become known as the Seal Snorkeling specialists in Cape Town and have been the TOP rated TripAdvisor activity in Hout Bay for many years! Snorkel with Cape Fur seals at Duiker Island in Hout Bay, Cape Town. Interact with these incredible creatures in their natural environment, surrounded by picturesque mountain and ocean landscapes. Snorkeling at the Duiker Island Cape Fur seal colony offers an intimate wildlife experience like no other! This 3 hour adventure activity includes all equipment, transfer from our Snorkel Centre to the Hout Bay Harbour, boat ride, Skipper, 2 Marine Guides, safety briefing, on-board refreshments as well as use of all Animal Ocean facilities. Have a hot shower before moving on to your next activity, enjoy the privacy of personal changing cubicles, plan the rest of your trip with free WiFi, and enjoy complimentary tea and coffee while relaxing in our comfortable lounge and sun filled garden!

Price: Z1,100

Min age: 13

Rating 4.96 / 5 [223 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Cape Town

Western Cape, South Africa

Aerial view of the whole city at dusk

A vibrant, multicultural city with dramatic scenery, adrenaline adventure galore, Africa’s best art scene, golden beaches world-class wine regions and outstanding gastronomy. All in the shadows of the mighty Table Mountain.

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