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Swimming With Seals

Gansbaai

Activity Description

Experience the excitement of meeting one of the ocean’s most charismatic animals, the Cape Fur Seal, on an expert-guided seal-dive adventure with Marine Dynamics, South Africa’s leading marine-ecotourism company.

Depart from the Great White House in Gansbaai and board a comfortable dive vessel for a scenic 20-minute ride to Dyer Island. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of the marine reserve and the chance to spot seabirds and even dolphins or whales.
You’ll dive at Hospital – and Batchelor Rock, part of the famous Geyser Rock Seal Colony — home to over 60,000 Cape Fur Seals and one of the most vibrant marine ecosystems along the South African coast. Under the guidance of trained crew who specialise in reading seal behaviour, you’ll spend 20–30 minutes in the water observing their playful movements as they glide and twirl around you.

Floatation devices are provided for rest breaks, and your guides remain close throughout to ensure both your safety and the seals’ welfare. All participants wear full protective wetsuits, gloves, and booties/flippers to stay warm and protected.
After your dive, enjoy a 20-minute cruise back to shore and warm up with optional hot showers (R 60) or a meal at The Great White House Restaurant, where a full menu and local hospitality await (own account).

Safety and conservation come first: Marine Dynamics maintains strict wildlife-interaction protocols, trained safety staff, and on-board medical kits. If sea or animal behaviour conditions are unsuitable, trips will be rescheduled or refunded.

Whether you’re an ocean enthusiast or first-time snorkeller, this small-group adventure offers an unforgettable, responsible way to experience South Africa’s vibrant marine life up close — while supporting ongoing conservation and research through the Dyer Island Conservation Trust.

Duration
Approx. 1.5 hours (including boat transfer and dive time).

Group Size
Maximum 10 participants per trip.

Age & Skill
Minimum 12 years old. All participants must be competent swimmers.

Meeting Point
The Great White House, Gansbaai (Marine Dynamics HQ).
Free parking is available. Check in 30 minutes before departure.

What to Bring
Towel, sunhat, sunscreen, swimsuit, and water bottle.

Facilities
Changing area, optional hot showers (R 60), restaurant and shop on site.

Good to Know
• Diving sites are selected according to daily sea and animal conditions.
• All equipment is sanitised and checked before each trip.
• No touching or feeding of wildlife is permitted.
• Activity may be cancelled or postponed in bad weather for safety reasons
• Bring a camera or GoPro if waterproof; photo options available on request.

Arrangements

DurationOpen Ended
When7 days a week year round, subject to availability and weather conditions. Only closed on Christmas day and New Year. Time slots are not confirmed times. Please ensure that you make the whole day available as times can only be confirmed the day before.
WhereThe Great White House, Gansbaai
WeatherThe service is weather and tide dependent. Time slots are not confirmed times. Please ensure that you make the whole day available as times can only be confirmed the day before and is not negotiable. You will be advised the day before what time your trip will go out.
What to WearBathing Costume, warm clothing (it is cold on the water when the wind blows), tackies/sneakers, wind breaker.
Things to BringTowel, Camera, Sunblock, Sunglasses, Bathing Costume, Anti-Nausea medication (should seasickness be a concern- recommend that it is taken the night before and two hours before the trip).
Guests or SpectatorsGuests can wait for their party at The Great White House Restaurant where they can purchase drinks, meals and shop for curios.

Requirements

Minimum Age12 years
Minimum Height0.0 m
Maximum Height0.0 m
Fitness LevelAverage
Maximum Weight150.0 kg
CertificationNot Applicable
Experience LevelIntermediate

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

Swimming with seals guided by two marine guides.
Equipment such as wetsuits, booties, masks and flippers is provided. Life jackets and waterproof jackets are also supplied.

ExclusionsTowel, sunblock and Swimwear

Notes

All trips are weather and tide-dependent, and launch times may vary accordingly from those stated. Your launch time will be confirmed the day before.
Please allow enough time for transport from Cape Town (3 hours) and Hermanus (1 hour) when travelling to Gansbaai. Please be aware that there are road works en route, and waiting times are included in the above travelling times.

Provider

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Marine Dynamics · Shark Tours · Shark Cage Dive

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