Plettenberg Bay: Swim With the Seals

Plettenberg Bay, a coastal gem in South Africa, offers an extraordinary opportunity to swim with a colony of Cape Fur seals. This unique adventure promises an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Participants can choose to snorkel alongside the seals or observe their playful antics from the safety of a boat, all while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Robberg Nature Reserve. With professional guidance and amenities provided, this activity is suitable for families and friends looking to create lasting memories. But the true allure of this experience lies in the chance to witness the seals’ captivating behavior up close, leaving one curious to learn more.

Good To Know

• Enjoy a 1.5-hour guided experience to swim with a colony of 6,000-8,000 Cape Fur seals in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa.
• Includes a scenic boat cruise to Robberg Nature Reserve, wetsuits, snorkeling equipment, and safety briefing.
• Suitable for ages 6 and above, with an option to view seals from the boat for R495.
• Receive a R150 discount per person for groups of 4 or more.
• Experience rated 4.3 out of 5 based on 9 positive reviews highlighting exceptional service and enjoyable encounters with the seals.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The swim with Cape Fur Seals experience in Plettenberg Bay offers visitors a unique opportunity to interact with these captivating marine mammals in their natural habitat.

Priced from R1,175 per person, the 1.5-hour activity includes a scenic boat cruise to the Robberg Nature Reserve and the chance to snorkel alongside the seals.

Participants can also choose to view the seals from the boat if they prefer not to get wet.

The experience provides a safety briefing and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

With a group size of up to 6,000-8,000 seals, this immersive encounter promises an unforgettable adventure.

Experience Details

Guided exploration led by professional dive guides allows visitors to enjoy the seals’ natural habitat.

Swimmers can expect to spend 30 minutes swimming alongside the curious Cape Fur seals that make their home on the Robberg Nature Reserve. Groups of up to 6000-8000 seals can be encountered at the colony, providing an unparalleled opportunity to observe these playful marine mammals up close.

For those who prefer to stay dry, the option to view the seals from the safety of the boat is available.

Post-activity, guests can make use of the changing rooms, lockers, and showers to freshen up before continuing their Plettenberg Bay adventure.

Inclusions and Exclusions

As part of the package, visitors are provided with wetsuits, snorkeling equipment (including masks and fins), and towels. Plus, hotel pickup and drop-off services are included. After the activity, participants can take advantage of the available changing rooms, lockers, and showers. While photos and videos of the experience are complimentary, waterproof action cameras are available for rent.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Wetsuits	Children under 6 years
Snorkeling equipment	–
Towels	–

The package is not suitable for children under 6 years of age.

Booking and Meeting Information

Visitors can reserve their spot for the swim with seals experience and pay later. The meeting point is the Beacon Island Hotel Main Entrance in Plettenberg Bay.

Clear directions are provided for parking and accessing the activity location. This makes it easy for participants to find the starting point.

The booking process is flexible, allowing travelers to secure their spot and pay at a later time. This reserve now and pay later option gives visitors the convenience to plan their trip without immediately committing the full cost.

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Customer Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the swim with seals experience in Plettenberg Bay, awarding it an impressive 4.3 out of 5 rating based on 9 reviews.

Positive feedback highlights the exceptional service and enjoyable experiences participants have had. Reviewers mention the thrill of swimming alongside the seal colony, which can number up to 8,000 seals.

The trip also includes a scenic boat cruise and safety briefing, meeting the needs of both adventurous swimmers and those who prefer to observe from the boat.

For larger groups, a special offer of R150 discount per person is available, making the experience even more accessible.

Special Offers

Along With the exceptional customer feedback, the swim with seals experience in Plettenberg Bay offers a special offer for larger groups.

Guests who book in groups of 4 or more can receive a R150 discount per person. This makes the already affordable activity even more accessible for friends and families looking to enjoy this unique adventure together.

Plus, spectators who don’t wish to get in the water can join as seal viewing guests for R495.

With these special offers, the swim with seals experience caters to a wide range of visitors, ensuring an unforgettable encounter with the captivating Cape Fur seals.

Scenic Boat Cruise

A scenic boat cruise takes visitors to the Robberg Nature Reserve as part of the swim with seals experience.

The cruise lasts about 30 minutes, providing a chance to admire the stunning coastline and catch glimpses of the seals’ colony. Participants can choose to view the seals from the boat if they prefer not to get in the water.

The boat ride is included in the activity’s duration of 1.5 hours, ensuring a well-rounded experience.

With the Robberg Nature Reserve as the backdrop, the boat cruise sets the stage for an up-close encounter with the charismatic Cape Fur Seals in their natural habitat.

Safety and Precautions

Safety is paramount for the swim with seals experience. Participants undergo a thorough safety briefing before entering the water, ensuring they understand the guidelines and emergency protocols.

The wetsuits and snorkeling equipment provided are thoroughly sanitized and checked for proper fit. The professional dive guide closely monitors the group, maintaining a safe distance from the seals and intervening if any participant requires assistance.

Participants are instructed to avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle the seals. Plus, the activity isn’t recommended for children under 6 years old, as their safety can’t be adequately guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Weather Like During the Swimming Activity?

The weather during the swimming activity is typically mild and pleasant, with average temperatures around 21-23°C (70-73°F). The water temperature is cool but comfortable for the activity, usually ranging from 18-20°C (64-68°F).

Can I Bring My Own Snorkel Equipment?

Customers can’t bring their own snorkeling equipment for the swim with seals activity. The tour provides all the necessary gear, including wetsuits, masks, and fins, as part of the package to ensure proper fit and safety.

Is There a Weight or Age Limit for Participants?

The activity is not suitable for children under 6 years old, but there doesn’t appear to be a specific weight or age limit mentioned. Participants should be able to comfortably swim and snorkel in the open water environment.

Do I Need to Be a Strong Swimmer to Participate?

One doesn’t need to be a strong swimmer to participate in the seal swimming experience. The activity includes a safety briefing, wetsuits, and guided support to ensure participants of all swimming abilities can comfortably interact with the seals.

Can I Bring My Own Waterproof Camera?

Participants can bring their own waterproof cameras to capture their experience. However, the activity provider also offers waterproof action cameras for rent, providing a convenient option for those who don’t have their own.

The Sum Up

This captivating seal-swimming experience in Plettenberg Bay promises an unforgettable adventure. With a scenic boat cruise, 30 minutes of interaction with thousands of seals, and professional guidance, it’s an ideal activity for families and friends. The complimentary photos and convenient amenities make this a must-do for anyone seeking a thrilling encounter with South Africa’s marine wildlife.

You can check availability for your dates here: