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Revenue managementDynamic pricingChannel managementOTA managementBooking.com managementListing optimizationVacation rental marketingTwo hours, boat ride and snorkelling — swim alongside playful fur seals in the marine protected area of Robberg Nature Reserve, equipment provided.
This two-hour activity begins with a scenic boat ride to Robberg Nature Reserve, a designated marine protected area known for its lively fur seal colonies. Once there, snorkelling gear—including wetsuits available in various sizes—will be provided, allowing participants to swim and interact with the seals in their natural habitat. No prior experience is necessary, and children from 6 years and older can join in on the fun.
A few practical tips: dress appropriately for the weather and wear sunscreen, as you'll be exposed to sunlight during the boat ride. Keep in mind that the seals can be quite inquisitive, so be prepared to enjoy an up-close connection with these playful creatures.
Reviews
Transformative and incredible, this tour is beyond description. My first experience swimming with seals was unforgettable. The ocean sounds and proximity to these amazing animals created a unique moment. The offshore team prioritized both safety and close encounters. The boat ride was thrilling, the crew’s knowledge impressive, and the seals were simply breathtaking. I highly recommend this experience.
Swimming with seals was an unforgettable experience. After a storm caused a delay, we rescheduled for the following day with no issues. Our guide Angelo provided excellent gear and clear instructions. It was exciting for my daughters, aged 12 and 13, and Angelo ensured we all felt very safe. I highly recommend this activity to anyone visiting Plettenberg Bay.
My experience during the “Swim With Seals” activity was unacceptable. I joined with friends, lured by the promise of a unique adventure, but it turned out to be traumatic. While in the water, a seal bit my shoulder. I informed the guide, who said he’d check on me later but didn’t seem worried. I later learned I would require six injections: two for cleaning the wounds and four rabies vaccines. I was unaware that rabies is a significant issue with Cape Fur seals. The guide only briefly warned us not to touch the seals, without explaining how often they might approach and bite people unprovoked, even a minor bite leading to serious medical procedures. The Off Shore Adventures website offered no warnings about the rabies history of the seals or the associated infection risks requiring multiple vaccinations. In my view, this constitutes serious misinformation, which is unacceptable. The site boasts an excellent safety record, which my experience did not support. It also promises interactions with the seals as they swim playfully in their environment, without any expectation of being bitten unexpectedly. To their credit, after the incident, the company did contact a private doctor, who treated me well and helped me arrange my second vaccine dose. However, my holiday was ruined, and I'm returning home with negative feelings, unfinished vaccinations, and substantial medical expenses.
The experience was average. The boat ride was around 15 minutes each way, with only 15 minutes spent in the water. While it was fantastic to be near the seals and witness the large colony, it was frustrating to be repeatedly instructed to stay very close together, making it difficult to swim or snorkel without others crowding in. I get the need for proximity, but it felt excessive and detracted from the overall enjoyment. Additionally, the wetsuits were old and worn.
The staff members are friendly and attentive, making for a unique experience. It can be a bit intimidating for those who are anxious, as there are many seals swimming nearby. However, it is definitely worthwhile.
The advertisement's image presents a misleading impression, as you can't get as close to the seals as suggested. This might be a cautious approach by the organization following recent biting incidents. They do warn participants about the risks and provide gloves and arm protection along with wetsuits, indicating they acknowledge the potential for issues. It's also unusual that one person per boat has to sign a waiver releasing the organization from liability, particularly given the biting incidents. However, you do see plenty of seals, and the guide did attempt to make the experience enjoyable, including during the return to shore.
After donning a wetsuit with anti-bite sleeves and shin guards, we boarded the boat and traveled for about 15 minutes to a location teeming with seals. The water felt quite cold in November, but the wetsuits helped to adjust. However, it was very murky and green, limiting visibility to roughly 3 meters, which meant it was difficult to see much underwater. You're not allowed to swim towards the seals and are kept tightly grouped as a tour. While we could occasionally see seals from above water, it was hard to make out anything while snorkeling due to the poor visibility. After about 15 minutes, we were called back to the boat. I might have had overly high expectations, but overall, I found it disappointing.
It was an incredible experience. Angelo served as an excellent guide, full of knowledge. The entire team was very friendly and supportive.
The 15-minute speedboat journey can be quite turbulent, requiring passengers to sit on the sides and hold onto a rope while their feet are secured in straps. Though life jackets are provided, they must be removed when entering the water, with floats available if necessary. The seal colony is located on rugged rocks, and the sea tends to be rough, making swimming challenging. The website states that this trip is suitable for ages 6 and up with no prior experience, but I believe that one should be a confident swimmer to be safe on this excursion. More detailed information regarding safety and risks is essential for potential customers to properly assess if this trip is appropriate, especially for families with younger children.
The experience was fantastic with hundreds of seals around. Our guide was friendly and provided safety instructions for swimming. I would definitely do this again.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
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