Plettenberg Bay: Swim with Seals

If you’re exploring South Africa’s Western Cape and looking for a signature activity that combines adventure, wildlife, and a touch of magic, swimming with seals in Plettenberg Bay might just be the highlight of your trip. While I haven’t personally swum alongside these curious creatures, the overwhelming positive feedback from travelers suggests this is an experience worth considering.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it offers an up-close interaction with thousands of Cape fur seals, who are famously playful and inquisitive. Second, the boat ride to Robberg Nature Reserve delivers stunning coastal views and a sense of adventure. Lastly, the inclusion of free tour pictures means you get lasting memories without extra cost.

One potential consideration is that the experience involves being in the water, which might not suit everyone — especially those uncomfortable in open water or with limited swimming confidence. With that said, this tour is best suited for animal lovers, adventure seekers, and families with children over six, who enjoy engaging with nature in an active way.

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Key Points

Close Encounters: Swim with thousands of curious, friendly seals in their natural habitat.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides prioritize safety and animal well-being.
Boat Ride: The journey to Robberg Nature Reserve offers scenic coastal views and excitement.
Inclusive Photos: Free professional pictures capture your memorable moments.
Value for Money: At $57 per person, it offers an authentic, well-organized marine wildlife experience.
Family Friendly: Suitable for children over six, with some considerations for water confidence.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary and Experience Breakdown

Looking for more options in Plettenberg Bay? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Starting Point and Preparation

The adventure begins at Offshore Adventures’ office, conveniently located in the main Car Park on Central Beach Hopwood Street. Arriving about 30 minutes early ensures you have time to check in, get fitted with your wetsuit, mask, and fins, and listen to the safety briefing. The staff, including guides like Angelo, Claude, Liam, and Stuart, have earned praise for their professionalism and friendliness, which helps set the tone for a fun and relaxed experience.

The Boat Ride to Robberg

Once everyone is ready, your group departs aboard the Robberg Express, a sturdy boat that launches from the beach with a splash and a burst of excitement. The boat ride itself is part of the adventure, offering refreshing sea air and spectacular views of Plettenberg Bay’s coastline. Reviewers consistently mention how enjoyable and fun this part is — with some saying it’s an “adventure by itself,” and a “highlight” to the experience.

Approaching the Marine Protected Area

The boat navigates toward Robberg Marine Protected Area, home to approximately 8,000 Cape fur seals. The journey takes around 10-15 minutes, during which guides share interesting facts about the seals, the marine environment, and safety tips. Water conditions and weather are factors that influence this part, but guides are attentive to ensure everyone is comfortable and prepared for the water segment.

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The Seal Swim

The core of the tour is the in-water interaction. Once at the seals’ habitat, you’ll be guided by a qualified divemaster to hop into the water. As one reviewer, Maximilian, puts it, “being so close to these amazing animals was simply breathtaking.” Seal colonies in Plettenberg Bay are known for their playfulness, with many seals approaching swimmers, chewing on fins, or swimming just beneath you.

Participants typically enjoy about 30 minutes of actual swimming, during which seals are free to come and go naturally. Guides emphasize that they do not chase or disturb the animals, ensuring the experience remains respectful and safe for both humans and wildlife. Many reviewers, like Bronke, mention how seals “love to play” and “come right up” to swimmers, making the encounter both fun and authentic.

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Post-Interaction and Return

After swimming, you’ll reboard the boat, often feeling exhilarated and a little awestruck. The guides assist with any equipment removal and help you back onto the vessel. The return trip offers a chance to chat about what everyone saw, snap more photos, and soak in the views.

Photos and Memory-Making

One of the most appreciated aspects of this tour is the inclusion of free professional pictures. Guides like Claude and Angelo are known for taking numerous shots during the water segment, capturing candid moments of seal interactions and snorkelers’ reactions. While some reviewers note that the photos are “the best examples” and a bit curated, most agree they’re a valuable souvenir.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Genuine Animal Encounters

The fact that seals are not fed or chased makes this experience genuinely wild and natural. Reviewers repeatedly mention the seals’ curiosity and friendliness — “they swim all around us,” says one guest, “not afraid to get close or even chew on fins.” This authenticity means you’re not just observing seals from a distance—you’re sharing space with them as they go about their day.

Knowledgeable and Friendly Guides

Guides like Liam, Angelo, and Stuart have received high praise for their ability to make everyone feel safe and informed. They are attentive and passionate, providing clear safety instructions and lots of interesting facts about the seals and marine environment. Several reviews emphasize how guides “made us feel comfortable” and “paid attention to every participant,” which adds to the overall sense of security and enjoyment.

Scenic Boat Ride & Location

The boat journey itself is more than just transportation — it’s part of the experience. With views of Plettenberg Bay’s coastline and Robberg Nature Reserve, you’ll enjoy a scenic adventure before entering the seal habitat. Reviewers often highlight how this brief cruise adds value, making the entire trip feel like a mini marine expedition.

Value for Money

At $57 per person, this tour offers exceptional value, combining boat transport, a chance to swim with seals, safety gear, and professional photos. Many mention that it’s “well organized” and “good value,” especially considering the personalized attention and respectful approach to wildlife.

Suitability for Families and Water Confident Travelers

While the tour is suited for children over six, some reviewers note that confidence in water is helpful. Floating devices are available, but nervous swimmers or those unsure in open water may find the experience challenging. Still, most agree it’s manageable with guidance and support.

Practical Details and Tips

What to Bring

Swimsuit and towel (not provided)
Change of clothes
A sense of adventure and confidence in water

Guides recommend arriving 30 minutes early for check-in and safety briefing.

Duration & Group Size

The tour lasts roughly 2 hours, including the boat ride and swimming. Group sizes are small—around 10 people per guide—ensuring personal attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Cancellation & Payment

Booking can be flexible; you can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand. This flexibility is great for travelers with uncertain plans.

Accessibility & Restrictions

The activity isn’t suitable for children under 6, and participants should be comfortable in water. Guides are attentive, but those with health concerns should consider their safety.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Reviews highlight how much people loved the guides’ professionalism and the seals’ playful nature. Lana called it a “brilliant experience,” while Sarah said the actual swimming was “fantastic,” especially with the included photos. Many mention how the boat ride added a fun, adventurous element to the day, and that the experience was “respectful of the animals,” which is an important factor for eco-conscious travelers.

Several reviews describe the seals as genuinely curious and playful, with one noting “many animals” coming close. Guides are commended for their knowledge and efforts to ensure everyone feels safe, even when nervous. The photos are appreciated, although some note they could be better — but overall, they’re included in the price, which adds value.

Final Thoughts

Swimming with seals in Plettenberg Bay offers an exciting, authentic chance to connect with nature in a respectful way. The combination of a scenic boat ride, knowledgeable guides, and playful seals makes this activity a standout for animal lovers and adventure seekers alike.

The experience’s focus on safety and wildlife conservation ensures you enjoy a genuine encounter without disturbing the animals, which many reviewers appreciate. For families, solo travelers, or small groups wanting a memorable marine adventure, it’s a fantastic choice.

While not suited for those who dislike open water or have limited swimming skills, most participants find it accessible and incredibly rewarding. The included photos and small group sizes help make it a personal, meaningful memory.

If you’re in Plettenberg Bay and looking for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet playful seals in their natural environment, this tour delivers on all counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but children should be over 6 years old and comfortable in water. Guides recommend some confidence in swimming, as well as the use of floating devices if needed.

What do I need to bring?
Bring your own swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes. Snorkels, masks, fins, and wetsuits are provided by the tour.

How long does the activity last?
The entire experience lasts about 2 hours, including the boat ride and swimming segment.

Are the photos really included?
Yes, the tour provides free professional pictures taken during the water segment, capturing your seal interactions.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your plans.

What is the group size?
Groups are kept small, typically no more than 10 participants per guide, ensuring a personalized experience.

Overall, if you want a genuine, respectful, and fun wildlife encounter in South Africa, swimming with seals in Plettenberg Bay is a superb choice. The combination of scenic boat rides, friendly guides, and playful seals makes it a memorable activity for many travelers seeking an authentic marine adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: