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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Hopwood St, Plettenberg Bay, 6600, South Africa
View on Google MapsAfter changing (a wetsuit with anti-bite sleeves and shin guards below) you soon get into the boat. After about 15 minutes you arrive at a place where there are a lot of seals. Time to get into the water. The water was a bit cold (November) but quickly settled through the wetsuits. The water was very green/murky. You could see +- 3 meters underwater, this made sure you didn't actually see anything. You are not allowed to swim towards the seals and you are kept very close together as a group. Above the water you could see the seals quite close at times (5-10 meters away). But because of the murky water you could see snorkeling only shadows or nothing. After +- 15 minutes there was already a shout that time was up and we had to get back in the boat. Perhaps I had romanticized the experience a bit but for me it was disappointing.
The picture attached to the ad gives a distorted picture, because you don't get that close to the seals. This may also have been kept the same by the organization because of some recent incidents with biting seals on people. The organization does point out the dangers of biting seals in advance and provides gloves and arm pieces in addition to wetsuits, so they are aware that there are incidents. Per boat there is also 1 person who has to sign a document that shifts all responsibility from the organization, so that is also a bit strange, especially with the recent biting incidents. But you get to see a lot of seals and the guide tried to put some fun into it (including with the arrival back on the beach).
ZAR 995
per personPricing
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Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
The professionals are very friendly and attentive. The experience is very cool, however I do not recommend it for people who are medrose, as it scares a little by the amount of seals that stay swimming next to you. But the experience is worth it.
Experience was ok. About a 15 minute boat ride each way with 15 minutes in the water. Was amazing to be close to the seals and see the huge colony but was a bit annoying to constantly be told to be closer to one another - as in, basically touch everyone else! - as it meant you couldn't actually swim or properly snorkel as you just had other people in your face. I understand you need everyone to be close together but it was a bit extreme and ruined the experience somewhat. Wetsuits were old and worn out.
What has happened to me during the “Swim With Seals” experience is, in my opinion, unacceptable. Together with some friends, I decided to take part in the organized trip, as it had been described to us as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It did indeed turn out to be that, but not for good reasons. Once in the water, everything was going well until a seal approached me from behind and bit me on the shoulder. I immediately informed the guide, who replied that he would check on me later, but he did not seem particularly concerned. What I did not know at the time is that I would later have to undergo a total of 6 injections: two to clean the wounds and four rabies vaccines. I had no idea that rabies is such a big problem among the Cape Fur seals. Before leaving the office, the guide only briefly told us not to touch the seals because they “could” have rabies, without explaining that the seals often approach people and may bite them without any provocation, and that even a small bite would require such a serious medical procedure. When I checked the Off Shore Adventures website, where I booked the experience, there was no mention at all of the fact that the Cape Fur seals you interact with have tested positive for rabies in recent years. Nor was there any warning that participation carries a high risk of infection requiring multiple vaccinations. In my opinion, this is a serious case of misinformation, which is unacceptable. Instead, the website proudly claims: “We pride ourselves with an excellent safety record” which was not reflected in my experience. It also promises: “you will get to snorkel and interact with the oceans most loved character and see them playfully swimming in their natural environment.” Reading this one would never expect to be bitten and injured without even attempting to interact with the animals. To the company’s credit, after the bite, they did call a private doctor, who treated me well and helped me arrange the second dose of the vaccine. However, my holiday was effectively ruined, and I am now returning to my home country with a negative experience, further vaccinations to complete, and significant medical expenses to cover.
What an amazing day swimming with seals! Our trip got postponed because of a storm (a wise decision!), but we easily rescheduled for the next day. Angelo, our guide, hooked us up with great gear and gave clear, friendly instructions. Swimming with the seals was such a cool experience — even with my 12- and 13-year-old daughters! Angelo kept a close eye on everyone and made us feel super safe. Definitely a must-do if you’re around Plettenberg Bay!
Life changing, amazing, words cannot describe... Nothing I can write in this review can explain what this tour offers. This was my 1st tour swimming with the seals, and it was incredible. Being in the water, the sounds of the ocean and getting up and close with these marvelous creatures are a once in a lifetime experience. The team at offshore ensures closeup encounters but with utmost safety precautions. The boat ride is adventurous, the knowledge of the crew impressive and the seals spectacular. This is a Must do experience!
I booked this experience a bit frightened but excited about the challenge. The entire crew couldn't have been more friendly and accommodating. Angelo, the Captain, and Claude were all exceptional. My daughter and I will relive this memory and the laughs about it for years to come. xxx to the Staff!
3 months in South Africa and this was one of the best experiences! Go without fear, the seals are curious, but extremely nice. I highly recommend!
This place was fantastic. We booked with ease prior to arriving in Plattenburg Bay. When we arrived the organisers were fantastic. The briefing before we went out was professional and reassuring. I was a little nervous of Great white sharks, but the instructor was great and reassured my safety and concerns. It could not have gone any better.
