Cape Town

Seal Snorkeling with Animal Ocean in Hout Bay

Cape Town, South Africa
Seal Snorkeling with Animal Ocean
  • 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Snorkel with local seals in Hout Bay’s Duiker Island Cape Fur seal colony on this adventurous excursion from Cape Town. With expert snorkeling guides accompanying you and all equipment provided, even beginners will feel safe and comfortable. During the boat ride out to the colony, listen to in-depth commentary from your marine life-expert guide, as well as information on how to safely exist in the water with the seals.
  • Guide provides information and safety briefing
  • All snorkeling equipment provided
  • Use of facilities at snorkel center: changing rooms and hot showers
  • Light refreshments after the tour

What's Included

  • Seal Snorkeling Tour
  • Professional Skipper and Marine Guides
  • Educational and safety briefing
  • All equipment
  • Use of all facilities: hot showers, change rooms, WiFi
  • Transfers to Snorkel Centre
  • Camera rental - this can be arranged when you sign in
  • Gratuity

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • 8 Albert Rd, Hout Bay, Cape Town, 7806, South Africa

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • Please add a contactable cellphone number and valid email address to your booking
  • Children must be 13 years or older to participate
  • Minimum of 4 people booked per trip required to operate
  • Maximum of 10 people on each trip
  • Camera rentals offered at sign in
  • Activity is weather dependent - if cancelled a full refund or alternative date is offered
  • Guests must be confident swimmers
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers over 6 months
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

5.0
246 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 246 reviews
Disappointed
KATHLEEN_M, Apr 2024
Communication was great prior to our outing but 50 minutes prior to our departure I received a call telling me that our trip was canceled due to the skipper calling out/the winds “picking up.” We were 5 minutes away from arriving and incredibly disappointed as there is not much else to do in this area. Wasted our time. We were we would be refunded but should also be compensated for our travel!!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We genuinely regret any inconvenience caused by the cancellation of your trip. We understand your disappointment and frustration, especially considering your proximity to the departure location. While we are unable to offer compensation for travel expenses on this occasion, we want to express our sincere apologies for the inconvenience you experienced. We value your patronage and hope you'll consider giving us another opportunity to provide you with a positive experience in the future. If you have any further concerns or would like to discuss this matter further, please feel free to reach out to us. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we're here to assist you in any way we can. Thank you for your understanding. Warm regards, The Animal Ocean Team
Seal of approval
Howard_T, Mar 2024
Staff very professional we had an excellent time dolphins escorted from the bay in a massive pod Then snorkelled with the seals unbelievable The go pro download needs updating To export to phones on site.
sounds scary but give it a go
John_P, Nov 2023
A good trip although I personally found the the extra buoyancy of the wet suits difficult to deal with. staff/guides were very helpful.. Everyone enjoyed the experience, The bonus was seeing a huge elephant seal.
Response from Host, Dec 2023
Hi John, Thank you so much for braving our waters to see our seals, and amazing that you got to see Buffel our resident elephant seal. The buoyancy of the wetsuits can take a bit of getting used to, but i'm so glad you found the guides helpful. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. Kind Regards, Lara Caine
Souranded by seals
Agata_P, Apr 2023
It have been one of the best experiences in my life. Whole trip has been executed with immaculate precision from the equipment to hot chocolate at the end (with almond milk!). Stars of the show, seals did not disappoint. There has been a lot of young pups approaching us and swimming around.
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Hi There, Thank you so much for such a lovely review. I'm so glad to hear you had a great time, and got to experience our adorable little seal pups. I hope you had a wonderful time in Cape Town! Kind Regards, Lara Caine Manager
This was one of the best...
Nadine_T, Apr 2023
This was one of the best snorkeling experience possible. With Great insights about the species, it was memorable.
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Hi Nadine, Thank you so much for such kind words. I'm so glad you enjoyed your experience and hope you will enjoy your seal memories for years to come. Kind Regards, Lara Caine Manager
Interesting experience
DeMing_W, Mar 2023
the entire trip was pretty interesting. The operators were friendly and gave good clear instructions. The equipment were in good condition too. We went in March and there were quite many baby seals. We got to see them real close as the young seals were more curious. The sea water was real cold and be prepared.
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Hi There, Thank you so much for braving our cold waters to join us. I'm so glad you got to experience the adorable little seal pups. Kind Regards, Lara Caine Manager
AMAZING
Sarah_M, Feb 2023
The highlight of our entire trip in Cape Town was the seal experience!!! It was so much fun and the seals are so cute! They come right up to you but don’t be afraid, they are so playful; they’re just curious. Make sure to take some Dramamine beforehand if you get a little sea sick. Overall the experience was the absolute best!!!! Will never forget it!
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Hi Sarah, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. I'm so happy to hear you had fun. I hope your seal memories last you a life time. Kind Regards, Lara Caine
Great experience
Isaiah_B, Feb 2023
This was an awesome experience. The staff were so nice and accommodatable. Even the group of people I went with were nice and super fun. They put safety first and everything was awesome.
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Hi Isaiah, I'm so glad to hear you felt safe and well looked after. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. Kind Regards, Lara Caine
It was a beautiful one
Sylvia_S, Jan 2023
Excellent people. My swimming is not good at all but I was still helped by the guide to be able to have fun and enjoy the time in water.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Hi Sylvia, Thank you so much for such a lovely review. I'm so glad to hear you had a good time with us. I hope the your seal memories last you a life time. Kind Regards, Lara Caine
Exciting and exillerating trip
Wendy_C, Nov 2022
The whole experience was well thought out by Animal Ocean. The safety aspect and explanations of what to do and expect were given before we set out. All the equipment was provided for each individual. We were 'sized' up for wetsuits which was pretty much spot on. The water sadly wasn't terribly clear but the swim was exciting and exillerating. I loved swimming over the kelp and watching the seals ahead of us. Surprisingly, the water wasn't as cold as I thought because of the quality of the wetsuits, boots and gloves provided. The hot chocolate and hot showers afterwards were much appreciated! This was an experience to be remembered for a very long time. Thank you. Wendy
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Hi Wendy, Thank you so much for joining us and take the time to leave such a lovely review. Cape Towns visibly is notoriously unpredictable, but i'm so glad you still got to enjoy our favourite little underwater creatures. Kind Regards, Lara Caine
5 stars
Robin_D, Mar 2022
Everything was well-organised – the staff even laid out our gear next to individual name plates for us to get changed into. The meeting place is a converted house with shower/toilet facilities, waiting area and small gift shop. All clean and well-maintained. The equipment is also washed thoroughly after each session which is more than can be said for a lot of tour providers. The snorkelling was fantastic; lots of opportunity to get really close with the seals and plenty of time to enjoy it. There are two safety swimmers in the water with each group so no safety concerns.
Response from Host, Mar 2022
Hi Robin, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a detailed review. We really appreciate it! I'm so glad you found everything up to standard and that you enjoyed your time with us. Warm Regards, Lara Caine
An awesome time if you want to get upfront and personal with seals
Leela_P, Mar 2022
An amazing trip. They do a great job of setting you up with everything you need. They even rent underwater cameras which is how I took these shots. Our timing was great and got to see loads of young cubs 3-4 months old they were precious and so inquisitive. I mealy did not do this because I hate cold water the wetsuit was supe helpful and it was well worth a short bit of cold to have this experience
Response from Host, Mar 2022
Hi Leela, I'm so glad to hear you braved the cold and had such a great time with us and our adorable seal pups. Thank you so much for taking the team to leave such a great review! Warm Regards, Lara Caine
GREAT EXPERIENCE :)
Julia_M, Mar 2022
super enjoyable spring break activity! saw lots of seals and the instructors were kind, helpful, and engaging highly recommend for large groups as well!
Response from Host, Mar 2022
Hi Julia, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review. I am so glad you enjoyed your time with us! I hope you enjoyed the rest of your spring break :) Warm Regards, Lara Caine
Amazing!
Jamie_B, Mar 2022
Great trip! Amazing to see the seals so close up! The staff were great too and the hot chocolate and wet suits kept us warm!
Response from Host, Mar 2022
Hi Jamie, I'm so glad you enjoyed your seal experience with us, and that you weren't too cold. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review Warm Regards, Lara Caine
The whole team at animal...
Jeremy_J, Mar 2022
The whole team at animal ocean were extremely friendly and helpful during the whole excursion! If you don't make this a part of your vacation to cape town, you are missing out!
Response from Host, Mar 2022
Hi Jeremy, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a great review and recommendation. I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed your time with us. I hope you have great memories of our seals Warm Regards, Lara Caine
So much fun!!
Elmarie_D, Feb 2022
We had so much fun and the team from Seal Snorkeling were so friendly and professional. Definitely an experience we won’t forget.
Response from Host, Feb 2022
Hi There, I'm so glad to hear you had such a great time with us. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review, I hope you have loads of great seal memories to cherish. Warm Regards, Lara Caine Manager
Awesome experience!
Don_D, Jan 2022
We loved the whole experience from start to finish! Totally professional set up. Boat trip out to seal island and back was very exciting. Guides were friendly and helpful. Snorkelling equipment was in very good condition. Snorkelling with the seals was unbelievable. The setting was beyond description! Worth every cent!
Response from Host, Feb 2022
Hi There, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review. I'm so glad you enjoyed your trip so much. I hope you have wonderful memories of the seals. Warm Regards, Lara Caine
Excellent
Michelle_C, Jan 2022
Staff were amazing and made every step of the way comfortable. Highly recommended experience. My first experience snorkeling with seals was far more intimidating but this trip really made a difference to my experience of deep sea snorkeling.
Response from Host, Jan 2022
Yay!! We are so glad you enjoyed your time with us. I am glad our staff was able to help you get through your first Seal Snorkeling experience. Hopefully we will see you soon for your next trip! Kind regards, Sam Sivewright
Amazing experience with warm staff
Mert_U, May 2021
Amazing seal snorkeling tour from very professional but yet extremely friendly instructors. Enjoyed every second of it.
Bucket list experience
Zanele_K, Apr 2021
This was the best experience of my life. The Staff was friendly and the hospitality was excellent. I am surely doing this again
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From $61.51

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

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