Seal Swims in South Africa: 15 Compared on Price and Time

1.Swim with Seals

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 887 reviews · 1h 30m · from $61Our pick

Take the Robberg Express from Central Beach to a colony of about 8,000 Cape fur seals. With a divemaster, wetsuit, mask, and fins, you spend up to 30 minutes in the water while the seals approach at their own pace. Guides such as Angelo and Claude are known for clear safety briefings and close attention to swimmers.

“Amazing experience! The kayak, the lilo, the cliff diving. Our guides OG and Clinton were so nice and helpful. Would do that over and over”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.30 Minute Harbour Boat Cruise with Seal Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 376 reviews · 30 min · from $4Best value

Board a double-decker trawling boat at Quay 5 for a 30-minute cruise around Cape Town’s Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Expect English commentary, working-harbour views, moored boats, and close looks at seals in the water. This short ride suits families, first-time visitors, and anyone wanting a low-cost break between Waterfront activities.

“I had a great experience, definitely worth the price!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Cape of Good Hope, Seals and Penguins Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 327 reviews · 10 hours · from $39

Spend 10 hours touring the Cape Peninsula with hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and stops at Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak, Cape Point, Boulders Beach, Muizenberg, and Bo-Kaap. Guides such as Gabriel, Armando, Albert, Leticia, and Jeffrey are praised for lively history talks. Seal Island and the Cape Point funicular are optional extras.

“The day-long tour was a truly wonderful way to see a lot in a short time. Our guide, Armando made the experience especially delightful! He was charming, intelligent and funny. All great qualities for an exceptional guide. I would highly recommend you take the opportunity to do this day trip. You won't be disappointed!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.30 Minute Seal-Watching Harbour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 267 reviews · 30 min · from $6

Take a quick cruise from the V&A Waterfront, departing in front of the Two Oceans Aquarium. You’ll watch Cape fur seals around the harbour, pass working docks and ships, and hear clear audio commentary in 15 languages. At $6, it is an easy, low-cost way to add water views to your Cape Town day.

“nice quick cruise around harbour with bit of info, also plenty of seals about, keep an eye in the tyres for them”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Seal Island,Cape of Good Hope&Penguins Shared Tour,From Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 161 reviews · from $43Top rated

Spend about nine hours touring Cape Town’s Peninsula with a guide such as Nuria, Albert, Francis, Armando, or Treasure. Visit Bo-Kaap, Camps Bay, Hout Bay, Cape Point, Boulders Beach, Simon’s Town, and Muizenberg. Seal Island, the lighthouse funicular, meals, and major entry fees cost extra, so plan your budget before booking.

“A great day trip to the main sites of the Cape. Albert made the day entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable, would definitely recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Glass-Bottom Boat Seal Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 147 reviews · 45 min · from $8

Leave Hout Bay Harbour aboard Circe Launches’ modern boat for a 45-minute cruise to Duiker Island, home to thousands of Cape Fur Seals. You’ll pass old fortifications, Sentinel Mountain, and Chapman's Peak, then spend about 10 minutes near the seals. Two small glass viewing panels offer glimpses of kelp and water below.

“Glass bottom boat shouldn’t be advertised, two tiny windows on the bottom of the boat, the boat does not stop to allow activity of the seals to swim underneath the boat, (as the boats propella would simply harm the seals, so you’re wasting your time if you get your hopes up, the trip to seal island was longer than the actual experience itself, which was very disappointing as the seals are the main attraction. I thought this would be extremely unique but rather try go for a harbor tour at the V&A waterfront instead.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Swim with Seals

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 121 reviews · from $51

From Offshore Adventures in Plettenberg Bay, you take a beach-launched speedboat to the Robberg seal colony, then snorkel among curious Cape fur seals. Guides provide equipment and instruction, with groups capped at 12. The water is described as moderate, but this remains a wild open-water encounter, not a caged attraction.

“Flexibele meedenkende en zeer vriendelijke guides. Het zwemmen tussen de zeehonden was een geweldige ervaring en wat waren het er veel.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Seal Colony Viewing Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 100 reviews · 1h 30m · from $34

Board the Robberg Express at Central Beach for a 90-minute trip to the Robberg Marine Protected Area. English- and Afrikaans-speaking guides explain the seal colony while you watch Cape fur seals swim, play, and rest near the boat. The tour includes boat transport and pictures, with lockers available at the office.

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Swim with the Seals

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 31 reviews · 1h 30m · from $61

Meet your guide at Beacon Island Resort 45 minutes before launch, get fitted with a wetsuit and snorkel gear, then take a fast boat to Robberg Nature Reserve. Spend about 30 minutes in the water near a colony of 6,000 to 8,000 Cape Fur Seals. You can also stay dry and watch from the boat, with free photos afterward.

“An incredible experience from start to finish! The swim with the seals was unforgettable, and the guides were absolutely fantastic—friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable. They shared great information about the seals and the local environment, making the outing both fun and educational. Everything was well-organized and safe. Highly recommend this adventure to anyone visiting the area!”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Seal Swimming Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · 1h 30m · from $61

Meet Plett Seal Adventures at Hobie Beach for a 90-minute trip to the Robberg Cape Fur Seal colony. Guides including Jade and Ash provide wetsuits, masks, fins, and safety support before you spend 20 to 25 minutes swimming near playful seals. Photos are free to download, but the trip depends on weather.

“The team was incredible! They explained everything and had all sorts of equipment ready. I’m not an experienced swimmer but they were ready with floatables and kept an eye out for me as I was enjoying the swimming with the seals experience as well. Truly a unique experience. Loved loved it! Should out to Jade and Ash for being incredible guides!”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Cape of Good Hope, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Penguins , Seals

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · 8 hours · from $44

Spend eight hours touring the Cape Peninsula in a minibus with an English-speaking guide and hotel pickup. Visit Bo-Kaap, Maiden’s Cove, Chapman’s Peak, Noordhoek, Cape Point, Boulders Beach, and Muizenberg. Optional extras include the Seal Island boat trip and Cape Point funicular. Guide Duduzikle has led some departures.

“Very knowledgeable friendly guide. Plenty of time given at each place to explore & photo opportunities. Day was divided up well down to the cape of good hope. Would definitely recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Seal Island, Cape of Good Hope& Penguins Private

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 10 hours · from $112

Spend 10 hours with a private English or French-speaking guide visiting Bo-Kaap, Camps Bay, Seal Island, Chapman's Peak, Cape Point, Boulders Beach, Muizenberg, and Simon's Town. The day includes hotel pickup, an air-conditioned van, and bottled water. Entry tickets, lunch, and the optional lighthouse funicular cost extra.

“Nuria was our private guide and driver. She was the best!! Very knowledgeable about the history of the area and able to answer our questions. She was very friendly and personable. I would recommend her to anyone who wants to see Cape Town and the area and enjoys a happy upbeat guide. You would not be disappointed!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Seal Viewing Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 16 reviews · from $32

Join a professional English or Afrikaans-speaking guide for a scenic boat ride from Beacon Island Hotel to Robberg Nature Reserve. Watch Cape fur seals, cormorants, and Cape gannets in the wild, with possible whale and dolphin sightings. You can stay dry, rent an action camera, and receive free photos and video afterward.

“It was a great activity. Prodive guides were extremely nice and professional. The boat ride was a lot of fun and it was beautiful to see so many seals in the colony, especially lots of puppies. I would definitely recommend the activity or the swim and totally recommend Prodive.”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Cape of Good Hope Penguins Seals & Chapmans Peak Shared Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 9 reviews · 8 hours · from $45

Spend eight hours touring Cape Town's peninsula in a shared minibus with an English-speaking guide. See Bo-Kaap, Maiden's Cove, Hout Bay, Chapman's Peak, Cape Point, Boulders penguins, and St James Beach. Optional boat, funicular, and café stops cost extra. Pickup is included within 6 km of central Cape Town.

“This was a great experience . I only wish we had more time at the stops, to enjoy the views and breathe in the beautiful scenaries”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.Boulders Beach Penguins and Seal Island Boat Trip Half Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 9 reviews · from $75

Visit Boulders Beach for endangered African penguins, cruise from Hout Bay to Seal Island, and stop at Chapman’s Peak. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Guides such as Raphael, Jacques, and Chris provide transport, local context, and practical help. Budget separately for the Boulders Beach and boat fees.

“Great experience. Cape Town and surrounding areas were a mess due to cycle race. Our driver did a great job giving us a fantastic tour. Due to fog our ship was two hours late so were we, Jacques waited and gave us the entire tour, even though we were late.”

Check availability →Read our full review