Swimming
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 99% of travellers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
R 1 100
per adult
Animal Ocean Seal Snorkeling
Animal Ocean Seal Snorkeling
5
Scuba & SnorkellingBoat ToursWater SportsEco ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
The TOP TOUR in Hout Bay and one of the most loved by visitors to Cape Town! The Seal Snorkeling experts since 2009 - join Animal Ocean for the ultimate wildlife experience. Plunge into the ocean and swim with hundreds of Cape fur seals. Interact with them in their environment and on their terms. This 2.5 hour experience is suited for people who are confident swimmers and love the ocean. We want to share our passion and love for Cape Town's marine wildlife with you - come and snorkel with the Animal Ocean Crew and the friendly Cape fur seals!
Tours and Tickets by Animal Ocean Seal Snorkeling
Travellers talk about
(119 reviews)
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
857 reviews
Excellent
820
Very good
25
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
4
Camper34728546086
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Friends
Best experience! We saw so many seals in the wild from so closeby. Everything was managed so well; from the sea mobile (car) to the harbour, the boat, all equipment to also keep you warm and the kind and cautious personell. Would highly recommend!
Written 16 November 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.
Travel720888
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
Had an amazing time, we got lucky with calm waters and great visibility. The team
Were super informative and friendly! 10/10experience
Were super informative and friendly! 10/10experience
Written 15 November 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.
Robert V
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
Nice experience. Terrible crew. Especially Jamie, she was very unkind. The seals were very funny. We saw a sea elephant.
Written 10 November 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.
Andriessens B
4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Water was cold but gear is ok to protect enough.
Small boat so be prepared for possible rough sea. Snorkeling is done in calmer water protected by a wonderful wall of algae. Seals can be very active or quite lazy so you have to have a bit of luck.
The price is reasonable and the organisation is professional.
Small boat so be prepared for possible rough sea. Snorkeling is done in calmer water protected by a wonderful wall of algae. Seals can be very active or quite lazy so you have to have a bit of luck.
The price is reasonable and the organisation is professional.
Written 10 November 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.
Seal_Snorkeling_No1
Hi there,
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. I'm so glad you found the gear helped you in the cold water.
Kind Regards,
Lara Caine
Written 12 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kelly H
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
A transcendent experience is what my daughter said. A rare addition of a pod of dolphins, on the way to the seals, was an unexpected wonder! Swim with the seals! It was unbelievable. Staff was top notch! Equipment and gear were clean and of high quality! Recommend this adventure 100%
Written 30 October 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.
Seal_Snorkeling_No1
Hi Sunshine,
Thank you so much for such a wonderful review. I'm so glad to hear you had such a great time. Thank you for the recommendation we really appreciate it.
Kind Regards,
Lara Caine
Written 12 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kristy S
Miami, FL11 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
What a fun afternoon spent snorkeling with seals. They are adorable and it almost felt like they were putting on a show for us! Animal Ocean was a great company and very helpful. So glad we were able to fit this into our schedule!!
Written 24 October 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.
Seal_Snorkeling_No1
Hi There,
I'm so glad to hear you had a fun afternoon with us, enjoying our favourite marine mammals. Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review.
Kind Regards,
Lara Caine
Written 12 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Orlagh D
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Amazing experience. I was quite nervous in the water and Marcel one of the guides was amazing! Very kind and stayed with me till I felt comfortable! Many seals to be seen!
Written 13 October 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.
Seal_Snorkeling_No1
Hi there,
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review. I read your review to Marcel and he was very happy to have helped.
I hope you have great seal memories to last a lifetime!
Kind Regards,
Lara Caine
Written 12 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tim C
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Couples
This excursion was such a blast! First off, the staff was incredible. From the moment we arrived, they assisted us with storing our belongings and helping us put on our gear. After a brief, but important lecture, we took a two minute ride to the boat launch and headed out to the island. The skipper and guides helped us find the seals and always made us feel safe. We saw tons of seals and above all else, we were out in the ocean with incredible views around us. After we finished, they had water, snacks, and showers waiting for us. It was quite an experience and I highly recommend this excursion if in Cape Town.
Written 18 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.
Seal_Snorkeling_No1
Hi There,
Wow, what an amazing review to read. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review and for the recommendation we really appreciate it. I'm so glad you had such a great time with us.
Kind Regards,
Lara Caine
Written 12 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Esmee
1 contribution
Aug 2023
Although the organisation was real good, we are very disappointed in our snorkeling tour. All the seals were on the rocks en I have not seen any seals at all in the water. The staff did not mention before the trip that there was a possibility of not seeing any seals at all in the water, so we expected to swim in between several seals. That was also what we have read before booking the tour. I know that the staff can’t change anything about the behaviour of the seals, but we did not get the impression that the staff cared about it. When we came back, no-one (guides and manager) mentioned anything about the disappointing trip. Even when we mentioned to the manager that we have not seen any seals at all, she did not actually respond to that.
One positive thing is that I hired a underwater - camera, but we did not need to take the videos and photos (which we did not have many) and pay for that.
One positive thing is that I hired a underwater - camera, but we did not need to take the videos and photos (which we did not have many) and pay for that.
Written 14 August 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.
Seal_Snorkeling_No1
Good Afternoon,
We appreciate your feedback and are very sorry that you were disappointed with your seal snorkelling experience. We aim for every one to have a wonderful in-water encounter with our Cape fur seals, but as you experienced, we are not in control of the natural environment and we are sorry you didn’t see a seal underwater. I'm sorry you felt the staff or myself cared about your disappointing trip as this is definitely not the case.
During our winter months (Jun-August) the 5000 Cape fur seals on Duiker Island are resting and feeding offshore and can be less active in the water than the rest of the year. We do try inform everyone that this is a natural wildlife experience and we are not in control of the seals movements and they are free to move as they naturally would.
We would love to offer you a voucher to use yourself or to give to any of your family or friends a chance to see our Cape Fur Seals underwater.
Please get in touch with us to arrange this.
Kind Regards,
Lara Caine
Manager
Written 15 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jack L
Brighton, UK3 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Seal snorkelling is a must do in cape town! We almost went twice we loved it so much! If you're thinking about this, definitely do it! All the staff are great and make you feel really comfortable from the start. The boat out to Duiker Island is great fun, and the hot chocolates and cookies for the journey back to land after being in the water was such a nice touch. Would 100% recommend!
Written 9 June 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.
Seal_Snorkeling_No1
Hi There,
Thank you so much for the review and recommendation it is greatly appreciated.I'm so glad to hear you had so much fun with us, we would love for you to join us again.
Kind Regards,
Lara Caine
Written 12 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hi looking to book a trip - can we have a private boat and how suitable is it for children aged 12+ (good swimmers who have snorkelled elsewhere in sea) just thinking of the water temp
Animal Ocean Seal Snorkeling
Hout Bay, South Africa4 contributions
Hi there,
You are welcome to book a private boat - please contact Animal Ocean Seal Snorkeling directly (find our info on our Google Business page). The water temperature averages about 10 - 11 degrees Celsius at this time of year, but we supply all the relevant wetsuit equipment, and limit the in water time to 50 minutes to manage the cold. As long as children are competent swimmers and are above the age of 10 years old they may join us, with a parent present for those under 18 years.
Lauren
Manager
Animal Ocean
Hello, have you got a last minute place for tomorrow (wednesday) at 12h30 or after ?
Animal Ocean Seal Snorkeling
Hout Bay, South Africa4 contributions
Hi Isabelle, my apologies I have only just received the notification of this message. I am sorry we could not accommodate you today. Perhaps in the future! You can find our direct contact details and booking options by searching for Animal Ocean Seal Snorkeling online.
Addie C
Boston, MA3 contributions
Hello, what is the maximum group size you can accomodate for an afternoon (looking at march 16, 2020)?
Animal Ocean Seal Snorkeling
Hout Bay, South Africa4 contributions
Hi there Ayda,
Maximum group size we can accommodate is 22 people at 1 time slot - we have 2 boats that can each accommodate 11 clients. During March our afternoon time slot is at 13:30, and the trip duration is 2.5 hours long.
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Thanks,
Lauren
Manager
Animal Ocean
MarieWalsh89
4 contributions
Hello, do you take underwater pictures that I can purchase or would I need to bring an underwater camera?
Thank you
Animal Ocean Seal Snorkeling
Hout Bay, South Africa4 contributions
Hi there,
We do not take/provide guest pictures but you are welcome to bring your own camera for the trip. If necessary you can also rent a waterproof camera - the rental price includes the take home micro SD card. Alternatively if your bring your own empty micro SD card you can rent one of our waterproof cameras at a reduced price.
Let us know if you have any further questions :)
Thanks,
Lauren
Manager
Animal Ocean
anson
1 contribution
Hi, may I know if it is available to snorkel with seals in mid-August? and how is the water temperature?
Animal Ocean Seal Snorkeling
Hout Bay, South Africa4 contributions
Hi there Anson,
We do operate in August if the weather predictions allow, as we are restricted by the ocean swell and wind conditions. Best bet would be to contact us when you are in Cape Town to chat about availability - August is only the start of our season so you will be able to book at short notice. The water temperature ranges from about 10 - 15 degrees Celsius, but we provide all the relevant and necessary equipment to keep you warm whilst you enjoy the activity :)
O3039LPlaurag
Cape Town Central, South Africa33 contributions
Hi, i arrive a Cape Town 16/4 I am a sub is possible to swim with a wetsuit total dry and a full face mask with sub cylinders ? 11 degree it very cold too much for me, I stay enter ten meters down, only for stay warm and see animals
Or other experience to have a direct contact with seals?
Marais C
35 contributions
My advise is to contact the Animal ocean’s office and arrange to go on a boat trip only. They have that fascility and they are very friendly and helpful! From a safe and dry distance, it is still possible to interact with those cute animals and experience nature! You have to go!!!
milie
Ningbo, China6 contributions
Hi, may I know what is the sea temperature mid april? Is it gonna be cold?
Hi there, the water temperature at this time of year averages around 11 degrees Celsius - we do have very thick wetsuits which you will wear to keep you as warm as possible! The gear used includes a 2mm vest, 5mm wetsuit with integrated hood, as well as neoprene boots and gloves. The in-water time is limited to about 50 minutes due to the water temperature. Hope that helps!
Alice277
Doha, Qatar3 contributions
Hi there,
Will you accept the 7yo kid for the swimming activity? He is perfect swimmer and is dreaming about this adventure. Thank you!
Hi Alice,
Thank you for your question. Our minimum age limit for snorkeling is 10 years old. However your 7 year old is welcome to join us as a boat viewer.
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions.
Kind Regards,
Lara
Animal Ocean
Shaun B
London, UK149 contributions
Hi, silly question - how difficult is it to get back into the boat? Myself and my wife are in our mid 50's and although we are good swimmers, we're not that flexible (or strong in the arms) to pull ourselves into a boat!
Thanks
Marais C
35 contributions
No problem with that!! I am 48 years old and was also worried about that, but the instructors were very very helpful and patient! I can really recommend this exciting adventure!