Plettenberg Bay: Seal Colony Viewing Excursion

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Introduction

If you’re visiting the Western Cape and craving a close encounter with South Africa’s wildlife, the Seal Colony Viewing Excursion in Plettenberg Bay is worth considering. While we haven’t done this exact trip ourselves, the combination of expert guides, stunning coastal scenery, and the chance to see a large colony of seals in their natural setting makes it a compelling option.

What stands out most about this tour are the knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience with interesting insights, the beautiful views along the coast, and the friendly, playful seals that often approach the boat. The value for money—costing just $32 per person—also makes it accessible for many travelers.

One potential consideration is the safety aspect of swimming with seals, which isn’t recommended due to the risk of rabies and seal aggression, according to reviews. This tour is best suited for those who prefer observing wildlife from a boat rather than engaging in more risky activities like swimming with the animals.

If you’re after an authentic, family-friendly wildlife experience that combines scenic beauty with educational value, this excursion could be a highlight of your Plettenberg Bay trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Stunning coastal scenery and views of beaches and rocky platforms
Expert guides who answer questions and share insights
Close-up sightings of over 8,000 playful seals
Affordable price offering good value for the experience
Options to stay dry or swim (though swimming carries risks)
Pictures provided during the tour to relive the experience

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

What to Expect on the Seal Colony Viewing Tour

This tour is designed to give travelers an up-close look at one of South Africa’s most adorable marine residents—the Cape fur seals. Starting at a central meeting point in Plettenberg Bay, you’ll first check in at Offshore Adventures on Hopwood Street. The friendly staff will handle the necessary paperwork and give a quick safety briefing before boarding the boat.

The Boat Ride and Scenic Coastal Views

The vessel, called the Robberg Express, departs from Central Beach, setting off through the surf toward Robberg Marine Protected Area. Expect a roughly 30-minute ride filled with stunning coastal scenery—sandy beaches, rocky platforms, and maybe even some seabirds overhead. The boat offers unobstructed views, making it easy to capture memorable photos of the coastline and, of course, the seals.

Approaching the Seal Colony

As you near the colony, you’ll see thousands of seals lazily basking in the sun, swimming, or playfully interacting with each other. The guides, who are highly knowledgeable, will point out behaviors and answer questions throughout the trip. Travelers have praised guides like Mike and Sarah for their professionalism and enthusiasm, which makes the experience all the more engaging.

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Seal Sightings and Interactions

The main event is observing over 8,000 seals in their natural environment. The seals themselves are often quite curious and may approach the boat, giving you a fantastic opportunity for photos and videos. One reviewer described it as “fantastic to get so close,” with the seals providing plenty of entertainment with their playful antics.

There's plenty more to explore in Plettenberg Bay

Swimming with Seals: A Controversial Add-On

Some boats in the area offer the option to swim with seals. Reviewers noted that a few experienced swimmers did go into the water, and the seals interacted closely with them. However, a medical doctor reviewer explicitly advised against swimming due to the risk of rabies and aggressive behavior. The guides do not always clearly communicate this potential danger, so travelers should weigh their desire for a thrill against safety considerations.

Return and Reflection

The boat ride back to the beach is often equally scenic and fun, with some reviews describing the landing as “an experience in itself.” The entire excursion lasts roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a manageable yet memorable activity.

Highlights of the Experience

Expert Guides and Friendly Atmosphere

Guests consistently mention the guides’ professionalism and enthusiasm, making the trip more educational and entertaining. They are happy to answer questions and help with photography, often using GoPro cameras to capture moments, which they then share for free.

Impressive Wildlife Encounters

The sheer number of seals—over 8,000—is impressive, and the way they interact with boats and each other can be quite captivating. The seals are playful, often swimming close to the boat, and some reviewers noted how engaging their behaviors are.

Scenic Coastal Views

While the main focus is on the seals, the views of Plettenberg Bay’s coast are stunning. You’ll see beautiful beaches and rocky outcrops, perfect for photos and to appreciate South Africa’s rugged coastline.

Good Value for Money

At $32 per person, this tour offers a memorable wildlife experience that’s also budget-friendly. The inclusion of free photos taken during the trip adds extra value, allowing you to take home professional shots without additional cost.

Practical Details

Booking and Flexibility

Reservations can be made through providers like GetYourGuide, with options to reserve and pay later, giving you flexibility in planning. Cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind if your plans change.

Meeting and End Points

The tour starts at Offshore Adventures, located in the main Car Park at Central Beach on Hopwood Street. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to fill out paperwork and settle in. The tour concludes back at the same spot, making logistics straightforward.

What to Bring

While the tour doesn’t include food or drinks, you may want to bring essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. Locker facilities are available at the office for storing valuables, so you won’t need to carry large bags on board.

Language and Accessibility

The tour is conducted in English and Afrikaans, making it accessible to a broad range of visitors.

What Reviewers Say

Most travelers have praised the guides’ professionalism and the close encounters with seals. Lucy raved about how she got “so close to the seal colony,” and appreciated the use of a GoPro to capture the moment. Brian found it to be “one of the most enjoyable family adventures,” emphasizing the feeling of safety and learning involved.

However, not all reviews are glowing. One reviewer, Sandrine, was disappointed, citing that the seals weren’t very active and criticizing the inability to take photos or videos for personal use, as the vendor offered only paid options. She also felt the tour was somewhat repetitive, suggesting other companies might offer better experiences.

Important Safety Note

The medical professional reviewer raised concerns about swimming with seals, citing confirmed cases of rabies and potential aggression. They recommended sticking to observing from the boat for safety reasons, which aligns with most guide warnings and safety instructions.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and coastal scenery lovers. It’s suited for travelers who prefer a relaxed, educational outing rather than adrenaline-pumping activities. The moderate cost and short duration make it accessible for most budgets and schedules.

Those interested in photography will appreciate the opportunity to capture seals in their natural habitat, especially with the added bonus of free photos. If you’re traveling with children or seniors, the calm boat ride and stable environment make it a safe choice.

The Sum Up

The Plettenberg Bay Seal Colony Viewing Excursion offers a genuinely authentic chance to see one of South Africa’s most accessible marine animal colonies. With knowledgeable guides, breathtaking coastal vistas, and close-up seal encounters, it’s a well-rounded experience for anyone interested in wildlife and nature.

The price point makes it excellent value for the quality of the outing, especially with free professional photos included. Whether you’re a family wanting fun, a photographer eager for wildlife shots, or simply a nature lover, this tour provides a memorable, safe, and engaging activity.

While the option to swim with seals might tempt some, most travelers will find the boat-based observation offers enough excitement, safety, and intimacy with these playful creatures. This tour is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable yet meaningful wildlife experience in Plettenberg Bay.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The entire excursion lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, including boarding, the boat ride, seal viewing, and return.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers the boat ride and photographs taken during the trip, provided free of charge. Food, drinks, and paid videos are not included.

Can I swim with the seals?
Swimming with seals is an option in some boats, but it is not recommended due to risks such as rabies and seal aggression. Most guides do not encourage or facilitate swimming for safety reasons.

Where do I meet the tour?
Meet at Offshore Adventures in the main Car Park at Central Beach on Hopwood Street. Arrive at least 30 minutes early.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it is suitable for families and children, especially because it involves a gentle boat ride and wildlife observation.

What languages are spoken during the tour?
The tour is conducted in English and Afrikaans, making it accessible to most visitors.

In essence, this seal-viewing tour offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, wildlife observation, and expert guidance—all at a reasonable price point. If you’re after a fun, educational, and safe activity in Plettenberg Bay, this excursion is a smart pick.

You can check availability for your dates here: