Swim with seals in the Robberg Nature Reserve, South Africa

Jump in the water off the coast of South Africa and play with Robberg Nature Reserve's friendliest residents, the African Cape fur seal, on this snorkelling boat trip from Plettenberg Bay!

The Cape fur seal, with its soft brown fur, is the only seal species that is native to the South African mainland. They are an intelligent and inquisitive mammal and are a protected species in South Africa. Swimming with these creatures in their home environment is an absolute privilege and unforgettable experience!

To start your seal snorkelling adventure from the pretty seaside town of Plettenberg Bay, you will ride on a zodiac boat to the Robberg Nature Reserve peninsula. Located along the beautiful Garden Route of South Africa’s Western Cape Province and two hours from Port Elizabeth, Robberg Nature Reserve, also a World Heritage Site, is not only renowned for its lush hiking trails but also its incredible marine reserve where you can swim and snorkel among Cape fur seals, bright coral reef, and tropical fish!

Situated close to shore in the shallow waters that protect the marine area from the currents of the South Atlantic Ocean, Robberg's 6000- strong seal colony spend their time sunbathing on the rocky shore and cooling off in the turquoise waters. From Plettenberg Bay, swimming with these curious and playful marine mammals offers the ultimate human/animal interaction! Once the snorkelling boat tour arrives at its location at the Robberg Nature reserve, it is time for you to hop into the water! Equipped with a snorkel mask, fins, and wetsuit, you will have 30 minutes in the water accompanied by a certified dive master to play with the seals as they search for food! During your snorkelling boat tour from Plettenberg Bay, you’ll get to discover the seals’ superior swimming skills first hand as you frolic among the waves and meet these brilliant, wild animals in their natural habitat.

With Offshore Adventures, swimming with seals is both exhilarating and safe! When you are in the water swimming with seals, you will be dressed in multiple protective layers and will always have guides in the water with you who are on the lookout for any strange activity from the sealife. The boat stays nearby to you and the time spent in the water is calculated to be an ideal length to spend with friendly and curious seals! Safety is a top priority for Offshore Adventures and they have many protocols in place to mitigate any risk.

Book your snorkelling excursion from Plettenberg Bay now to swim with wild seals and experience South Africa like never before!