OCEAN Safari
You haven't 'DONE Cape Town', until you've DISCOVERED its Ocean
Discover the wonders of Cape Town’s marine world on an Ocean Safari with expert guides who share a deep passion for exploration and wildlife. The Cape Peninsula plunges into the Atlantic at the edge of Africa, where the majestic Great African Seaforest thrives—best experienced beneath the waves. No trip to Cape Town is complete without encountering the remarkable marine life of this world-renowned city!
Venture into hidden coves, historic shipwrecks, and vibrant Cape fur seal colonies. Glide past towering cliffs and rugged granite islands, spotting humpback whales and the endemic Heaviside’s dolphins. For the adventurous, snorkel through magical kelp forests teeming with life—shy sharks, starfish, anemones, and shimmering seabream.
With small, intimate groups and expert guides, we take you where few ever go. Immerse yourself in this extraordinary world and uncover the secrets of Cape Town's wild ocean. Only then can you truly say you’ve ‘DONE Cape Town.’
What can I expect on this Ocean Safari?
On this 4-hour Ocean Safari, you’ll start with a boat tour along the coastline, where you’ll have the chance to spot wildlife like seals, dolphins, African penguins and Sunfish. Afterward, we’ll head to snorkeling in the kelp forests, where you’ll spend 10 to 40 minutes in the water, depending on the conditions. Our experienced team will guide you through the experience to ensure you feel safe and comfortable.
To join, you need to be at least 10 years old, weigh less than 120kg, and be able to swim. Please note that the trip may be adjusted based on weather, swell, and animal behavior to ensure your safety and enjoyment. No prior snorkeling experience is required.
Can I snorkel in the Kelp Forest on the safari?
Yes! For confident swimmers there is the option to snorkel in the Kelp forest. Equipment included upon request. Sizes need to be provided. You will be snorkel between 10-40 mins conditions depending, topside viewing for the rest of the trip.
Will we see whales and dolphins ?
Heaviside and Dusky dolphins are very common on our trips. Brydes and Southern Right whales can be seen occasionally. Humpback whales are abundant from November to February each year on Cape Town Atlantic seaboard. Animal Ocean is NOT a whale-watching permitted boat so will stick to the appropriate guidelines.
What are the trip highlights ?
Kelp Forest snorkel - 10 - 40 mins
Close-up viewing of Cape Fur seals in Hout bay harbor
Chapmans Peak Drive Ocean Cliffs
Duiker Island Seal colony - 5000 Fur seals
Maori bay and the Bos 400 shipwreck
Oude Schip Fur seal haul out point - 20 Fur seals
Twelve Apostles Mountain range
Strawberry Rocks Fur seal haul out rocks - 100 fur seals
Facilities
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Hot Showers
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Ocean Shop
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Changerooms
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Toilets
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Free WiFi
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The Pelican Cafe and Coffee shop next door
Do Fur seals bite?
A normal Cape Fur seal is not aggressive and is completely safe to snorkel with however some individuals can become ill and show abnormal aggression. Please choose to view the seals from the boat to avoid all risk.
Are there sharks?
No Great White sharks have ever been seen on our snorkeling trips. The cold Atlantic Ocean around Cape Town is not the preferred habitat of this species. there is little incentive for a Great White shark to come to Duiker Island as it is shallow, surrounded by kelp, and few young seals to attempt to feed on. In recent years, since 2017, orcas have killed many Great White sharks in the Western Cape, forcing these sharks to move away from our waters.
WHAT IS OUR REFUND POLICY?
We will only cancel when conditions are unsafe to go out. Trips are canceled 24 hours before arrival. Will cancel at short notice if the ocean is unexpectedly rough. Full refund will be given if we cancel due to poor ocean conditions. Cancellations by the guest within 48 hours of departure and no-shows will not be given a refund. All cancellations prior to 48hrs incur a 10% administration fee.
HOW DOES PAYMENT WORK?
Please fill out the booking form with all the relevant details. Make sure your contact details are correct, we may need to cancel the trip or re-schedule. We take full payment when booking. Master Card and Visa credit cards are accepted through the online payment and booking system. At the Harbour cash and Credit Cards are accepted for Go pro payments. If the trip is canceled due to bad weather we will try reschedule the trip or refund you.
