Seal viewing boat trips
All of the boat ride and all of the seals, with none of the getting wet. You ride out with the swimmers and watch the colony from the deck.
- Price
- R795 pp
- Whole trip
- About 1.5 hours
- Runs
- All year
- Daily departures
- 10:00 12:00 14:00
- Ages
- 2 and up
- Seal sightings
- Guaranteed
The seals do the work
What makes this trip is the interaction. The young seals swim out to the boat and show off alongside while the older ones lie about on the rocks and float in the sun.
It starts with a beach launch through the surf from Central Beach, then a ride along the coast to the Cape fur seal colony at Robberg. Our crew knows this water and these animals, and you will hear a lot about both on the way. Whether you just want to see the seals, or you want to watch your friends swim with them, this is the trip.
- The same boat, skipper and route as the swim
- Runs through June and July, when swimming pauses
- Photos of the trip from the crew
- Open to children from 2 years
Who books it
- Grandparents, toddlers and anyone who feels the cold
- Partners and friends of swimmers, who ride on the same boat
- Photographers who want the colony from the water
- Winter visitors, when it is boat trips only
What to bring
- A windbreaker
- A camera
Meet at the office in the Central Beach car park, Hopwood Street, 30 minutes before departure. Snorkelling gear is not part of this trip.
From the deck
From people who stayed dry
We chose to view the seals rather than swimming with them. It was a very enjoyable experience, with good guides. It was very special to have all the young seals swimming and showing off around the boat, while the older ones lay around or floated.
Jean, booking review
I joined my husband and son who swam with the seals. The experience was amazing from start to finish. The staff are professional, knowledgeable and friendly.
Ayesha, booking review
The tour was very well organized, the staff was friendly and accommodating, the boat trip itself was an adventure, we saw many seals and had a lot of fun.
Siegmund, booking review
Good to know
If I don't want to swim, can I still come on the boat?
Yes, provided there is space. Book a Seal Viewing trip: you ride on the same boat as the swimmers and watch everyone else get wet.
Will we definitely see seals?
Yes. The colony lives at Robberg all year, so seal sightings are guaranteed. Dolphins and whales are a bonus when they turn up.
When do you operate?
Every day, all year round. Trips leave at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00, with an 08:00 trip in busy season. Departures depend on the weather and on numbers. We are closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
What should I bring?
A swimsuit to wear under your wetsuit, your own towel and something warm for afterwards. We supply the wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins. For Seal Viewing, bring a windbreaker and a camera.
Do children pay the same as adults?
Yes. Children need all the same equipment and take up a full boat seat under SAMSA standards. They often need more attention during the trip, which we are happy to give.
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.
How do I book?
Pick your trip, date and time on the booking calendar and pay by credit or debit card. If you would rather talk to someone first, WhatsApp or call the office.
A seat on the boat
Seal Viewing leaves Central Beach every day, all year. Pick a date, pay by card, bring a windbreaker.