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Cape Town

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Cape Town, South Africa

Seal Island Cruise (Hout Bay)

  • 40 Minutes duration
  • Departs Cape Town

AdultWas R160Now R139

ChildWas R80Now R75

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Tour overview

• See thousands of Cape fur seals at the foot of the spectacular Sentinel Mountain

• Family boat cruise around picturesque Hout Bay

• You might also encounter some dolphins and whales

What To Expect On The Seal Island Cape Town Cruise

Join a thrilling boat cruise to Duiker Island to see thousands of Cape fur seals in their natural environment. Along the way, take in some of the most spectacular scenery the Cape Peninsula has to offer as you cruise along the rugged coastline from Hout Bay harbour. Expect breath-taking views of the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive and the Sentinel Mountain, in addition to the chance to see other marine life including dolphins and whales.

History Of Seal Island

Drumbeat charters have been cruising the Cape coast since 1989. Their Seal Island Cape Town Cruise boat has been specially designed to handle the unique weather conditions of the Cape waters. It’s most-frequented destination is Duiker Island, renowned for its Cape fur seal population and birdlife.

What's Included

  • Visit the Cape Fur Seals
  • 40-minute seal island cruise
  • Instant confirmation - Mobile ticket

Additional Information

How close does the boat actually get to the seals?

The boat cruises to Duiker Island, which is a low-lying rock teeming with thousands of Cape Fur Seals. Because the vessel is specially designed for these waters, it can get remarkably close to the edge of the colony without disturbing the animals. You will be near enough to hear the seals barking and see them playing in the kelp forests around the boat, offering excellent photo opportunities without the need for a massive zoom lens.

Is this the same "Seal Island" where Great White Sharks jump out of the water?

No. There is often confusion because Cape Town has two "Seal Islands." The one famous for shark breaching is in False Bay. This cruise goes to Duiker Island in Hout Bay. While it has thousands of seals and beautiful scenery, it is a much shallower area and is not known for shark breaching. This makes it a much more relaxed, family-friendly cruise focused on the seals and the dramatic views of Chapman's Peak and The Sentinel.

What makes the "Drumbeat" boat different from other harbor charters?

Unlike standard pleasure boats, the Drumbeat vessel was specifically built for the Hout Bay coastline. This part of the Atlantic can have a significant swell, and the boat's design allows it to handle the unique local weather conditions while remaining stable. It also features open decks for 360-degree viewing, ensuring that no matter where the seals are swimming, you have an unobstructed view.

Can I see other marine life besides seals on this 40-minute trip?

While the seals are the guaranteed highlight, the route passes through a very active marine corridor. It is quite common to spot Heaviside's dolphins (which are endemic to this coast) or even Southern Right Whales during the whale-watching season (June to November). The boat crew is experienced at spotting these "bonus" sightings and will usually point them out to passengers during the trip.

If I’m on the Red Bus, how do I coordinate my arrival with the boat times?

The cruise departs from Hout Bay Harbour, which is Stop 24 on the Blue Mini Peninsula Tour. Since the boat has fixed departure times (like 10:00, 12:00, and 14:00), you should check the "Live Bus Tracking" on the City Sightseeing app to ensure you arrive at the harbor at least 15 minutes before your desired cruise. If you miss a boat, the harbor has several local craft markets and seafood restaurants where you can spend time until the next departure.

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