“Snorkeling with seals in South Africa, truly is a wildlife adventure that brings you nose-to-nose with playful and inquisitive wild animals in their natural habitat, and affords you the privilege of viewing them on their own terms.” – Animal Ocean Seal Snorkeling Tour Agency

I know what you are thinking – “Are you crazy! Snorkeling with Seals in South Africa! What about the sharks?!”. I had the same thoughts at first and certainly every friend told me I was crazy for wanting to do it. And considering Cape Town’s popularity for Great Whites, it does sound like a crazy thing to do.

But of all the things I’ve been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to see and do around the world, snorkeling with seals has by far been one of the coolest! If you are in Cape Town, don’t miss this activity. I promise it will be one of the most adventurous things you ever do (and there really is no need to be afraid of sharks)!

Cape Fur Seals

The seals you will be swimming with are Cape Fur seals, which live on islands around the southern African coast and are not found anywhere else in the world. The most common spot for snorkeling with seals is Duiker Island in Hout Bay. It is home to some 5,000+ seals and lies within a protected marine area in Table Mountain National Park.

Duiker Island is on the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula and is not known for any shark activity. See, you’re all good! There are no sharks because Duiker Island is surrounded and protected by kelp forests. It’s also too shallow and cold for them (but not for you)! And despite all of the seals on Duiker Island, it’s a much smaller colony than others along the coast. Most guide companies say that they’ve never even seen a Great White in the area!

Seal Snorkeling in Cape Town has become incredibly popular of the past few years. Popular amongst visitors who seek out more intimate wildlife experience and are not afraid of freezing cold water. I started focusing on helping people play with the seals 9 years ago. In fact @hanliprinsloo and @roxy_davis_surf were probably the very first people I took by boat to play with the seals, all those years ago. Now Animal Ocean and the team of guides, takes many exited snorkelers out everyday. And it really is an increadable thing to do. Diving into the natural world and having curious wild creatures interacting with you is rare on this planet, and here you can do it easily. This aerial perspective really helps show everyone what it's all about. ———————————————–Go to www.sealsnorkeling.com to book and join us. @instagramcapetown @cityofcapetown @meetsouthafrica @capetown.guide #sealsnorkeling #seal #furseal #capetown #animalocean #houtbay #southafrica

A post shared by Wildlife/Conservation/Ocean (@animal_ocean) on Oct 2, 2017 at 2:58pm PDT

If you are like me and generally concerned with the ethics of any activity involving animals, rest assured about this one. The seals around Duiker Island are not fed by humans or trained. They are also certainly not like the sedated tigers you see in Southeast Asia or the chained up elephants at Pinnawala in Sri Lanka. The seals behave naturally and interact with visitors on their own terms. In all the years that companies have been taking snorkelers to Duiker Island, the seals have not changed their habits.

Who to Go With

There are plenty of companies to go with. We decided on Cape Town Bucket List Adventures (750 Rand, $54 per person) and had a great time. If they are booked up, other companies include:

• Seal Snorkeling Adventures (650 Rand, $47)
• Animal Ocean (800 Rand, $58)

When is the Best Time to Go

The best time to go snorkeling with seals is during Cape Town’s summer, which is from September until the end of May. According to the company we went with, during the end of March and into April the seal pups start to swim and this is the best time for interactions. We went in early January though and were surrounded by lots of seals and pups!

What to Expect

The trip heads out from Hout Bay, which is a 30 minute BEAUTIFUL drive from Cape Town’s city centre. Each group that goes out is usually 10 people or less. The guides at Cape Town Bucketlist Adventures helped us get suited up and gave a comprehensive briefing on what to expect, how to behave and safety. Honestly, I was less nervous about sharks or my safety and more concerned with being warm enough. Luckily, they gave us a vest with a hood, full wet suit, booties and gloves. Once we had on all of the gear we basically looked like seals! So, if anything, rest assured, the seals will just think you are one of them. 

Seal Snorkeling in April, Autumn, is amazing. The pups are curious and relaxed. There is no wind or swell. I love this time of year. Snorkeling boat and happy seal pup with starburst sun behind !! Magic. ————————————————— #sealsnorkeling #capetownbound #capetownactivities #snorkeling #snorkelinglife #animalocean #beoceanminded #oceanminded #capetown #houtbay #houtbaymarket #thingstodoincapetown #animal_ocean @getawaymagazine #mycanonworld

A post shared by Wildlife/Conservation/Ocean (@animal_ocean) on Apr 24, 2017 at 3:20am PDT

After we were suited and booted, we all pilled into a small boat to head out to Duiker Island where we would be snorkeling with seals. The ride out to the island isn’t far but it’s a beautiful trip so have your GoPro ready. Once there, we had about an hour to snorkel with the seals. It may sound like a lot but it goes by so fast! All of the adrenaline from the experience also meant that I didn’t actually get cold.

Swimming with the seals was incredible. There are hundreds swimming around you and because they are playful creatures they get really close. If you dive down underwater they will follow you and even nip at the back of your fins to get you to play more. The only thing that scared me at one point was that the seal pups were darting really fast in front of me and then darting off. Seeing there baby jagged teeth was a quick reminder that they are wild creatures but the guide in the water with us said that this is normal and they aren’t doing it aggressively but rather playfully. 

After the hour was up, we got back onto the boat and the guides put warm water down our wet suit (amazing!). They also gave us hot chocolate and biscuits before riding back into Hout Bay.

Tips

• Go to the bathroom before you gear up. Peeing in a wetsuit is gnarly! The pee stays in the wetsuit, which is not only gross to be swimming in but is awful for the person that has to clean the suit after you. Just don’t do it.
• Take a GoPro or rent one from the company you go with. This is an adventure you will definitely want to capture, especially because no one at home will believe you actually swam with seals in South Africa!
• Remain calm. The more you splash about, the more the seals think you are playing. Seals love to play, especially the pups, so if you are freaking out all over the place it will only get them more excited. And, in the end, it will just end up freaking you out more.

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