Adventure Tours
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 94% of travellers
94% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
R 895
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Offshore Adventures
Offshore Adventures
5
Scuba & SnorkellingBoat ToursWater SportsEco ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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About
Offshore Adventures is offering you a once in a lifetime experience in Plettenberg bay! The most amazing wildlife encounters, you have always dreamed of! Action packed adventures, not to be missed! Explore the ocean at its best, Swimming with seals and the Ultimate free diving marine safaris!
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Offshore Adventures
Adventure Tours
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
R 495
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
347 reviews
Excellent
305
Very good
28
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
7
Gary S
Johannesburg, South Africa38 contributions
Dec 2020
Tristan, our guide, and his colleague the skipper were both friendly and capable.
The setup is good and the boat, wetsuits and other equipment is in good condition. It is a fuss-free experience.
The beach launch and re-beaching are memorable moments.
The actual snorkel site is off Robberg reserve. Just understand that this is the ocean; the presence of sharks is a possibility!
I really like that they take care of photography so you can concentrate on just enjoying a worthwhile and positive experience.
The setup is good and the boat, wetsuits and other equipment is in good condition. It is a fuss-free experience.
The beach launch and re-beaching are memorable moments.
The actual snorkel site is off Robberg reserve. Just understand that this is the ocean; the presence of sharks is a possibility!
I really like that they take care of photography so you can concentrate on just enjoying a worthwhile and positive experience.
Written 30 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jpw1969
13 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Fabulous morning snorkelling with seals. It was all well organised and every aspect was explained carefully. Particular thanks to Stuart who was very kind and patient with a rather nervous snorkeller!! The rest of my group loved every minute of it and found the whole experience incredible.
Written 15 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind review. Glad you enjoyed the tour with us!
Written 16 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JoandPeterWiltshire
Wiltshire110 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Had a great couple of hours with Claude today. Saw loads of seals. Great boat ride, kit all clean and in good order and safety was prioritised. Really enjoyable swim with the seals who were very playful.
Written 31 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
trfc82
London43 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
I have thought long and hard about this review and have decided that I can only be honest about our experience. I wish that we had been properly advised about the risks that we were taking when we took this trip and I think it is only fair that I share my husbands experience, particularly as this trip is advertised as being suitable for children from the age of 6. I booked this trip after reading the reviews and looking at the information contained on the offshore adventure website. The pictures of the cute playful seals were adorable and it seemed like a fantastic safe tour.
We arrived early and were provided with our equipment, all of which seemed of good quality. We boarded the boat and the ride out to the Robberg peninsula was really fun. Once we got to the spot where we were going to swim we were advised that it was mating season and if we were to see a male and female on their own to stay out of there way in quite a jokey manner. We got into the water and there was a guide, who I believe was a dive master in the water with us, whilst the boats captain remained on the boat.
There were many seals in the water and to be quite frank I couldn't tell the difference between males and females. Also it was difficult to assess size as the water distorts size and the seals are really quick. They were swimming all around us. Myself and my husband were floating near each other. He was filming the experience with a GoPro. After a few minutes I looked to see where my husband was and swam towards him. As I got close to him he said I've been bitten and he showed me a gaping wound on his thigh and a huge hole in the wetsuit. We told the dive master who didn't really seem to know what was going on. We went to the boat and my husband got out of the water. To be fair to Offshore Adventures the captain reacted immediately. He took one look at the wound and immediately applied first aid. He called the other swimmers to the boat and radioed ahead to the doctors. We were taken back to shore and my husband was driven straight to the doctors by the guy in charge, whilst I got our things and car. I was then taken to the doctors.
The bite was significant and extremely deep. The seal missed the tendon in his thigh by millimetres, which would have involved invasive surgery. My husband required 20 stitches to repair the sheath covering the tendon and injuries inside the wound, along with 18 stitches on the exterior of the wound. Initially we had thought that this was a one off freak incident, however, we were told by the doctor that this has been the third bite this week, although my husbands was the most serious. Although, the other 2 did require stitches. I was quite shocked by this. We had to go back to the doctors 2 further times and I clarified whether the other 2 people that had been bitten were on tours with Offshore Adventure and I was told that they were. This shocked and disappointed me. We should have been told about this and been given the information to make an informed decision.
My husband has replayed the incident in his mind over and over again wondering whether he had done anything to cause the incident. We have reviewed the GoPro footage and he is simply floating and the seal bites him from behind. He was not doing anything that would provoke a bite. However, in hindsight these are wild unpredictable animals and there are a number of reasons why they might bite.
The incident has ruined the final few days of our holiday. My husband has been on crutches and cannot put weight on his leg. He has been advised that he cannot work for 2 weeks and he has been prescribed 5 different kinds of medication as seals carry harmful bacteria.
My husband has very muscular legs and I am convinced that had the seal bitten anyone else on the trip then it would have damaged the tendons in their leg, which would have been a whole lot worse. My main concern is that despite there being a number of bites the tours are still going ahead. In fact, I understand that there was a tour later on the same day that my husband was bitten. Had this seal bitten a child I do not think I am exaggerating in saying that a child could lose a limb. I do not think that this is safe for children. Providing adults are given the full information about the potential risks then it is up to them whether they are prepared to take that risk. We are coming back to SA next year with our 19 year old sons and I would not let them do this trip as it is simply not safe.
We arrived early and were provided with our equipment, all of which seemed of good quality. We boarded the boat and the ride out to the Robberg peninsula was really fun. Once we got to the spot where we were going to swim we were advised that it was mating season and if we were to see a male and female on their own to stay out of there way in quite a jokey manner. We got into the water and there was a guide, who I believe was a dive master in the water with us, whilst the boats captain remained on the boat.
There were many seals in the water and to be quite frank I couldn't tell the difference between males and females. Also it was difficult to assess size as the water distorts size and the seals are really quick. They were swimming all around us. Myself and my husband were floating near each other. He was filming the experience with a GoPro. After a few minutes I looked to see where my husband was and swam towards him. As I got close to him he said I've been bitten and he showed me a gaping wound on his thigh and a huge hole in the wetsuit. We told the dive master who didn't really seem to know what was going on. We went to the boat and my husband got out of the water. To be fair to Offshore Adventures the captain reacted immediately. He took one look at the wound and immediately applied first aid. He called the other swimmers to the boat and radioed ahead to the doctors. We were taken back to shore and my husband was driven straight to the doctors by the guy in charge, whilst I got our things and car. I was then taken to the doctors.
The bite was significant and extremely deep. The seal missed the tendon in his thigh by millimetres, which would have involved invasive surgery. My husband required 20 stitches to repair the sheath covering the tendon and injuries inside the wound, along with 18 stitches on the exterior of the wound. Initially we had thought that this was a one off freak incident, however, we were told by the doctor that this has been the third bite this week, although my husbands was the most serious. Although, the other 2 did require stitches. I was quite shocked by this. We had to go back to the doctors 2 further times and I clarified whether the other 2 people that had been bitten were on tours with Offshore Adventure and I was told that they were. This shocked and disappointed me. We should have been told about this and been given the information to make an informed decision.
My husband has replayed the incident in his mind over and over again wondering whether he had done anything to cause the incident. We have reviewed the GoPro footage and he is simply floating and the seal bites him from behind. He was not doing anything that would provoke a bite. However, in hindsight these are wild unpredictable animals and there are a number of reasons why they might bite.
The incident has ruined the final few days of our holiday. My husband has been on crutches and cannot put weight on his leg. He has been advised that he cannot work for 2 weeks and he has been prescribed 5 different kinds of medication as seals carry harmful bacteria.
My husband has very muscular legs and I am convinced that had the seal bitten anyone else on the trip then it would have damaged the tendons in their leg, which would have been a whole lot worse. My main concern is that despite there being a number of bites the tours are still going ahead. In fact, I understand that there was a tour later on the same day that my husband was bitten. Had this seal bitten a child I do not think I am exaggerating in saying that a child could lose a limb. I do not think that this is safe for children. Providing adults are given the full information about the potential risks then it is up to them whether they are prepared to take that risk. We are coming back to SA next year with our 19 year old sons and I would not let them do this trip as it is simply not safe.
Written 30 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alicebum
Pylle5 contributions
May 2011 • Solo
Central Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches, the views of the mountains across the blue sea are a picturesque, and the beach has an awesome feeling and a warm buzz. There are a few restaurants and bars which provide excellent food and drink. The Offshore Adventure guys, who happen to be extremely enthusiastic about their jobs, will provide you with all the information and equipment you need for the specific activity. The boat trips are amazing and the views are unbelievable. Whatever activity you are doing you will have the best time, fact! My best experience was defiantly being able to see dolphins enjoy surfing the waves just off the coast, seeing them in their natural environment was so beautiful. Take Camera and case (you may get wet), jacket, sun cream, cap, sunnies and as many people as possible. Activities can probably rum from a few hours or you could definitely make a day out of it.
Written 3 August 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kerem T
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Please be aware of the risks, one of the seals severely attacked my girlfriend and a friend of us and she almost had to undergo surgery. While everything seemed fine at the beginning, we were told by Claude that seals may playfully bite you but that if you keep still we would be fine.
We just arrived at Robberg peninsula where we jumpednin the water. After 5 minutes of floating my girlfriend started screaming for help and yelling that the seal would not let go. I took a look through the snorkling goggles and saw the massive teeth of the seal stuck in my girlfriends ankle. It almost tore here ACL...
The skipper Red took her onto the boat to observe the wounds when a second person of our group (a friend of us) got atttacked. He got bitten severy on his shin. We then all realized the seriousness of the situation, which was horrifying...
Our friend got stitched up at the hospital (4 deep biting wounds were stitched). My girlfriend had to be driven to a specalist surgean in Knysna where she might have to get surgery for her ACL. Luckily the ACL seemed fine, but she still can't walk on her right foot (the attack happened 10 days ago).
I hope offhshore adventures does not operate the swimming with seals tour anymore. It too is dangerous!! Worst of all was that after our traumatic experience offshore adventures still wanted to know where we left their wetsuits...
We just arrived at Robberg peninsula where we jumpednin the water. After 5 minutes of floating my girlfriend started screaming for help and yelling that the seal would not let go. I took a look through the snorkling goggles and saw the massive teeth of the seal stuck in my girlfriends ankle. It almost tore here ACL...
The skipper Red took her onto the boat to observe the wounds when a second person of our group (a friend of us) got atttacked. He got bitten severy on his shin. We then all realized the seriousness of the situation, which was horrifying...
Our friend got stitched up at the hospital (4 deep biting wounds were stitched). My girlfriend had to be driven to a specalist surgean in Knysna where she might have to get surgery for her ACL. Luckily the ACL seemed fine, but she still can't walk on her right foot (the attack happened 10 days ago).
I hope offhshore adventures does not operate the swimming with seals tour anymore. It too is dangerous!! Worst of all was that after our traumatic experience offshore adventures still wanted to know where we left their wetsuits...
Written 5 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martijnvanBeek
Budel, The Netherlands5 contributions
Feb 2015
Hi we are martijn&Sabine from the Netherlands. Due to the weather that we had there was almost no interaction with the furies at all. The waves were to high and it was actually to dangerous....We are both advanced divers so we know our diving skills. The guide was not that skilled at all. If she knew better she would have cancelled the activities.....We said that to her afterwards...She did not do anything with our comments at all. Sabine collapsed on the rocks during the snorkeling....now she broke here shoulder.....We are thinking of making official complaints... So this can not happen again....
Written 25 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FLbecky
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa3 contributions
Aug 2011 • Friends
I did the combo adventure boat ride and seal swim. Both were absolutely worth it! The boat ride was exciting and a thrill for sure and the seal swim was incredible. To experience the playfulness and intelligence of these seals while they swim within 2 feet of you is like nothing else. I live in Florida and am in the Gulf of Mexico every day but this boat trip was like nothing I have ever experienced. Safe for the whole family! Be prepared to hang on tight!!
Awesome job guys, Becky E.
Awesome job guys, Becky E.
Written 10 August 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fantastic. Your review is much appreciated and hope to Get You Wet In Plett real soon again!
Written 27 September 2011
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BCruick
Scotland, UK163 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
Very professional. On arrival you quickly get kitted out with your wet suit, snorkel and fins and you are then off walking to the beach. Once aboard, you launch from the beach and , you quickly arrive seal colony . Instructions are brief but conscise ... do not touch the seals - they bite ! I observed from the boat along with one other which was still lots of fun but my husband had a blast snorkelling with GoPro in hand . The seals are very inquisitive and quickly pile around the swimmers . It was the quickest half hour ever but most were getting cold by then so it was the ideal length of swim
Back to shore the fun continues as the boat lines up to shore then with great acceleration, the boat thrusts onto the beach, then quickly tilts to one side. Everyone loved it .
Even if you are not a keen swimmer you can have great fun being up close. The guide has a float which you can hold onto .
We both had a blast and would do it all over again .
The changing facilities are good, towels are provided and lockable lockers are included .
Such a great experience , you will regret it if you do not give it a go
Back to shore the fun continues as the boat lines up to shore then with great acceleration, the boat thrusts onto the beach, then quickly tilts to one side. Everyone loved it .
Even if you are not a keen swimmer you can have great fun being up close. The guide has a float which you can hold onto .
We both had a blast and would do it all over again .
The changing facilities are good, towels are provided and lockable lockers are included .
Such a great experience , you will regret it if you do not give it a go
Written 1 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
835sannal
Stellenbosch2 contributions
Sept 2016 • Friends
Me and two friends were supposed to go with Offshore Adventures to swim with seals. We went out with the boat, but the swimming was cancelled because of sharks in the water. Since we could not go into the water we could choose between going another time and getting half the money back. Since me and my friends really wanted to do this, we chose coming back another time and booked a new date for it. But when we arrived early in the morning, nobody was there. We sat there and waited and nobody came. We tried to call the people in charge but no one answered. After two hours of waiting we found out that the trip was cancelled because of bad weather and strong winds (the weather looked to us kind of perfect according to us...). Despite all this, we still just got half the money back.
Me and my friends stayed in Plettenburg two extra days just to be able to go and swim with the seals. We were extremely disappointed to miss out on this. The treatment we got from the people in charge when we wanted a full refund was just really bad, and to not be able to reach them for over two hours, when they knew that we were supposed to come there is just unspeakable.
This really sucked. Don’t go here.
Best regards
Me and my friends stayed in Plettenburg two extra days just to be able to go and swim with the seals. We were extremely disappointed to miss out on this. The treatment we got from the people in charge when we wanted a full refund was just really bad, and to not be able to reach them for over two hours, when they knew that we were supposed to come there is just unspeakable.
This really sucked. Don’t go here.
Best regards
Written 18 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Casper J Kruger
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Good day
That's fine, it's safe.
Kind regards
Offshore Adventures
Written 28 January 2020
If I don't know how to swim can i join this activity? I see there is snorkeling equipment provided.
Written 10 August 2019
Casper J Kruger
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Good day
Yes, you can do this activity. We'll provide you with a float, so you'll stay at the surface.
Kind regards
Offshore Adventures
Written 26 August 2019
Is it possible to swim with seals in this time of the year (next weak)?
Written 28 May 2019
Casper J Kruger
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Unfortunately not. We don't offer the swim with seals trip in your winter months (Mid May - Mid August)
Written 10 June 2019
Have there been any accidents with the seals, maybe because they felt disturbed or threatened or sth like that or is it safe?
Written 25 November 2016
Yes there has been incidents where someone has been bitten by a seal. My husband was bitten on 28/11/16 and suffered a deep wound that needed 38 stitches in total. When being treated by the doctor he was told that this was the 3rd bite in the space of a week, although the other 2 weren't as serious they did require stitches. The seal bit my husband from behind. My husband was filming with his go pro at the time and he was simply floating. Locals to Plettnhave suggested that during the mating season the males become territorial. We were not made aware of the 2 recent previous incidents until after my husband had been bitten. The doctor has advised that he will need to be off of work for 2 weeks. I do not consider this trip to be safe. The seal was not being provoked in any way, however, they are wild animals and as such are unpredictable.
Written 30 November 2016
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.