Swimming with seals in Robberg Nature Reserve

An interactive activity for all the family, jump in and play with Robberg Nature Reserve's friendliest residents on this snorkelling trip to see the region's African Cape Fur Seal colony.

Situated close to shore in the shallow waters that protect the marine area from the currents of the South Atlantic Ocean, Robberg's 6000- strong seal colony spend the summer sunbathing on the rocky shore and cooling off in the safe waters. Swimming with these curious and playful marine mammals offers the ultimate human/animal interactive experience. Equipped with a snorkel, dive with them as they search for food and discover their superior swimming skills first hand as you play in the waves and meet them in their natural environment.

Location
Snorkelling trips to Rottenberg Peninsular sail from Plettenberg Bay, a seaside town on the Garden Route in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. Located two hours from Port Elizabeth, the protected marine reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its hiking trails on land and boat trips to swim with Cape fur seals, sharks, and tropical fish.

Activity
Swim with seals in Rottenberg Nature Reserve on this 80 minute interactive experience near Plettenberg Bay. Meet at the office, located in the car park area of Central beach 30 minutes before departure and step aboard “Robberg Express” for an exciting beach launch. From there; groups make their way towards Robberg Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area, home to approximately 6000 Cape Fur Seals. Hop into the water accompanied by a qualified divemaster and enjoy 30 minutes of amazing animal interaction among the area's resident fur seals. The ultimate wild animal encounter in their natural environment, without having to alter their behaviour

Conditions
This activity runs in the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere when cape fur seals are calving and pups can be seen on the shore (also a good time for whale watching). February is the hottest month in Plettenberg with an average temperature of 23°C (73°F). The best month to swim in the sea is in February when the average sea temperature is 21°C (70°F).