Boat to Seal Island from Cape Town: Worth It?

The boat ride to Seal Island takes about 40 minutes each way from Hout Bay harbour. Expect a colony of several thousand Cape fur seals barking on a smelly, rocky outcrop – it's loud, chaotic and genuinely wild. You won't set foot on the island; the boats circle it at a distance. The trip often includes a view of the wreck of the sunken ship Kakapo on the beach nearby. It's a short, salty experience that pairs well with a drive along Chapman's Peak if you're doing the full peninsula loop. On choppy days the ride can be bumpy, so don't go if you're very prone to seasickness.

Best time is December to April when the sea is usually calmer and visibility is better. Expect to pay around R800–R1,400 per person depending on whether you choose a basic shared boat or a slightly more comfortable catamaran with better viewing spots. The cheaper options are perfectly fine if the weather is good.

Pick an early morning departure to avoid the worst wind and get better light for photos. Skip it if the forecast shows strong winds or big swells – the island itself doesn't change much, but a rough trip turns it into an unpleasant, wet two hours. Bring a light jacket even on sunny days; it gets cold once the boat gets moving.