We take your safety seriously
A seal swim happens in the open sea with wild animals. Here is exactly what we do about that, so you can decide with the facts in front of you.
On every trip
- A qualified guide in the water with the group the whole time
- A boat standing by close to the swimmers as a lookout
- A safety briefing before the launch and again before you get in
- Wetsuits that keep you buoyant, and flotation aids on request
- Life jackets for everyone on the boat ride
- First aid equipment on hand, including oxygen
- An indemnity form for every guest, signed by a guardian for under-18s
Our skipper and owner, Jaco Kruger, is station commander of NSRI Station 14, Plett's sea rescue station. The same crew provides water safety for professional surfing contests and film shoots. We hold WESSA Blue Flag status and an excellent safety record.
Sharks
Sharks are a natural part of the colony in winter, when they follow the sardines and young seals are learning to hunt. So in midwinter nobody swims.
June and July
No swimming. Seal viewing by boat only.
May, August and September
Swims run with spotters on the mountain who alert the boats to any shark.
October to April
Normal operations. We stay vigilant: it is the open ocean, and sharks move around.
Seal behaviour is a good indicator of shark presence, and the guides watch it constantly. Trips run at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00, when the sun is up and we can see well into the water.
- Swims and viewing
- Swims with shark spotters
- Viewing only
- This month
October: swims and viewing
Swims and seal viewing run every day, weather permitting. This is the main swimming season.
Rabies in seals
There has been a rabies outbreak in Cape fur seals. We monitor the situation closely with the environmental authorities and CapeNature. There have been a few isolated cases, and we continue to operate with extra measures in place.
- Spotters watch for unusual seal behaviour
- Guides stay close to you in the water, ready to help
- First aid supplies for bite wounds are carried on the boat
- Time in the water is slightly shorter, to keep the seals calm
- The local hospital is prepared, with trained staff and vaccines on hand
If you feel uneasy, join a viewing trip instead. It is just as enjoyable, and the choice is completely yours.
Weather and sea
We go out in most weather, rain included. We cancel for a strong east wind or east swell. The decision is ours to make, and we make it early: booked guests are told in advance, and if we can't find you another slot you are refunded in full.
If conditions turn unsafe for swimming after the boat has launched, the swim becomes a viewing trip and you are refunded the difference.
Who can swim
You need average fitness and no snorkelling experience. Weak swimmers are welcome. Children swim from 6 years. If you have a disability or a medical condition that might matter at sea, call us before you book and we will plan around it.
Asked most
Should I be concerned about sharks?
Sharks are a natural part of life at the seal colony in winter, when sharks and other predators follow the sardines. Pups born about six months earlier start hunting sardines, and because they are inexperienced, sharks get a chance to feed on them. The pups learn very quickly, so the sharks are only there for a short period: June and the first two weeks of July. We stop swimming in June and July. In May, August and September we use spotters on the mountain to alert the boats to any shark. From October we return to normal operations. Seal behaviour is a good indicator of shark presence, we keep a boat close by as a lookout, and we run at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00 so that the sun is out and we can see well in the water. It is the open ocean and sharks do move around, but we have been operating for more than a decade with an excellent safety record.
What about rabies in seals?
There has been a rabies outbreak in Cape fur seals. We monitor the situation closely with the environmental authorities and CapeNature. There have been a few isolated cases, and we continue to operate with extra safety measures: spotters watch for unusual seal behaviour, guides stay close to you in the water, we carry first aid supplies for bite wounds, and we have slightly reduced the time in the water to keep the seals calm. Our local hospital is well prepared for seal bite injuries, with trained staff and vaccines on hand. If you feel uneasy, join a viewing trip instead. The choice is yours.
What if the weather is bad?
Not to worry. We go out in most weather, even rain. The only time we cancel is for a strong east wind or east swell. We let booked guests know in advance, and if we can't reschedule you, we refund you in full.
I can't swim, or I'm not a strong swimmer. Can I still do it?
Yes. The wetsuit keeps you buoyant and we have flotation aids on request. Your guide is in the water with you at all times. We don't swim long distances: mostly we float around the seals.
Do I need to sign anything?
Yes. Every guest signs an indemnity form before the trip. A parent or legal guardian signs for anyone under 18.
What is your cancellation policy?
If we cancel because of unsafe sea or weather conditions, you get a full refund. Changes need 24 to 48 hours' notice by email. A no-show is charged in full. If conditions turn unsafe for swimming after launch, the trip is refunded down to the viewing rate. The full terms are on the terms and conditions page.
The seals are in. Are you?
Trips leave Central Beach every day at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00. Pick a date, pay by card, and we will have a wetsuit in your size waiting.