Plettenberg Bay: Swim With Seals

Plettenberg Bay is a picturesque coastal town in South Africa that offers a unique opportunity to swim with Cape fur seals. This thrilling 1.5-hour adventure takes participants on a boat ride to the Robberg Marine Protected Area, where they’ll have the chance to interact with the approximately 8,000 seals in their natural habitat. With safety and ethical treatment as the top priorities, swimmers aged six and above can don provided wetsuits and capture unforgettable moments during the guided 30-minute swim. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or simply seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this encounter promises to leave you with memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Good To Know

• Experience a 30-minute guided swim with Cape fur seals in the Robberg Marine Protected Area near Plettenberg Bay.
• Explore the home of over 8,000 seals and observe their behaviors without physical contact, focusing on ethical interaction.
• Enjoy a thrilling boat ride from Central Beach to the Robberg Nature Reserve, setting the stage for the seal encounter.
• Receive complimentary photos and videos captured by the guides, showcasing the memorable moments of the swim.
• Benefit from the experience’s accessibility, with wheelchair accommodation and a minimum age requirement of 6 years.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Experience

The Swim With Seals experience in Plettenberg Bay offers visitors a unique opportunity to interact with Cape fur seals in their natural habitat.

Lasting 1.5 hours, the activity includes a 30-minute swim with the seals in the Robberg Marine Protected Area, which is home to around 8,000 seals.

The experience is guided in English and Afrikaans and is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible to a wide range of participants.

With a rating of 4.8/5 from 399 reviews, the activity is praised for its safety, ethical treatment of animals, and the exciting boat ride to the site.

Booking and Reservation Details

Pricing for the Swim With Seals experience starts from Kč1,178 per person.

Reservations can be made without any upfront payment and can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Availability for the experience can be checked on the tour provider’s website, with various starting times offered.

The tour departs from Offshore Adventures at Central Beach and includes a boat ride to the Robberg Nature Reserve, where you will enjoy a guided swimming experience with the seals.

All necessary equipment, such as wet suits, masks, and fins, is provided as part of the package.

Accessibility and Requirements

The Swim With Seals experience is wheelchair accessible, making it available to a wide range of participants. Guests must be at least 6 years old to join the tour.

For the swim, visitors will be provided with a wet suit, mask, and fins. Participants should bring their own swimwear, towel, and a change of clothes.

The guides focus on ethical animal interaction, ensuring no touching of the seals. With customer reviews praising the safety and helpfulness of the staff, travelers can feel confident in this unique seal swimming adventure in Plettenberg Bay.

Guided Swimming With Seals

Departing from Central Beach, participants embark on a boat ride to the Robberg Nature Reserve, home to approximately 8,000 Cape fur seals.

Once there, the guided swimming experience begins, allowing visitors to interact with the seals in their natural environment. The focus is on observing the animals’ behaviors and movements without physically touching them, ensuring an ethical and respectful encounter.

Guides provide expertise and ensure safety throughout the 30-minute swim. Complimentary photos and videos capture the memorable moments, which can be accessed after the trip via Google Drive.

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Boat Ride to Robberg Nature Reserve

Departing from Central Beach, participants embark on a boat ride to the Robberg Nature Reserve, home to approximately 8,000 Cape fur seals.

The boat ride is described as an exciting and bumpy launch, providing a thrilling start to the experience.

The journey takes visitors directly to the protected marine area, where they’ll have the opportunity to interact with the seals in their natural habitat during the guided swimming portion of the activity.

The boat ride is an integral part of the overall experience, transporting guests to the seal colony and setting the stage for the highlight – the up-close encounter with these fascinating marine creatures.

Included Photos and Videos

Participants receive a collection of free photos and videos captured during the swim with the seals. This allows them to relive the experience and share it with friends and family.

The package includes:

1. Stunning close-up shots of the seals interacting with swimmers.
2. Action-packed footage of the seals gliding effortlessly through the water.
3. Scenic views of the Robberg Nature Reserve from the boat.
4. Group photos taken by the guides to commemorate the memorable adventure.

These complimentary digital materials are provided to guests via a Google Drive link after the tour, ensuring they’ve cherished memories to look back on long after the trip.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Based on the 399 reviews, the overall rating for the swim with seals experience stands at an impressive 4.8 out of 5.

Reviewers consistently praised the knowledgeable and helpful guides, who ensured a safe and ethical encounter with the animals.

The boat launch was described as an exciting, bumpy ride. Customers appreciated the free photos and videos provided after the trip, which allowed them to capture memorable moments from their swim with the Cape fur seals.

What to Expect and Bring

The excursion commences with a boat ride from Central Beach to the renowned Robberg Nature Reserve, home to approximately 8,000 Cape fur seals.

Guests will be provided with the necessary equipment, including wetsuits, masks, and fins, to ensure a comfortable and safe swimming experience.

In terms of what to bring, the key essentials are:

1. Swimwear
2. Towel
3. Change of clothes
4. Sun protection

The swim lasts for 30 minutes, allowing visitors to interact with the seals in their natural habitat.

Free photographs and videos are included, capturing the memorable moments of this ethical and exciting adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Interact Directly With the Seals During the Swim?

No, visitors cannot directly interact with the seals during the swim. The experience focuses on observing and swimming alongside the seals in their natural habitat, without touching or disturbing them, for an ethical and sustainable wildlife encounter.

Is There an Option to Extend the Swimming Time?

The activity allows for a 30-minute swim with the seals. There’s no option to extend the swimming time, but the overall experience lasts 1.5 hours, including the boat ride to the protected area.

What Is the Policy for Photographer/Videographer Guests?

Guests who wish to bring their own photography or videography equipment are welcome to do so. However, they’ll need to pay an additional fee to cover the use of the equipment during the swim experience.

Are There Any Medical Restrictions for Participating?

The activity is generally suitable for most guests, but participants must be in good health. Those with certain medical conditions like heart or respiratory issues should consult the operator before booking to ensure the experience is appropriate for them.

How Far in Advance Should I Book the Experience?

The experience recommends booking in advance, as availability may be limited. Reservations can be made on the spot, but booking early ensures a spot during the preferred start time. No upfront payment is required.

The Sum Up

Plettenberg Bay offers a thrilling opportunity to swim with Cape fur seals in their natural habitat. The 1.5-hour adventure includes a boat ride to the Robberg Marine Protected Area and a 30-minute guided swim, with safety and ethical treatment prioritized. Participants can enjoy this unique encounter, complete with provided wetsuits and complimentary photos capturing the unforgettable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: