Seal Island Cruise: Worth It in Cape Town?

A Seal Island cruise takes you about 20 minutes from Hout Bay harbour to a rocky outcrop packed with hundreds of Cape fur seals. The boat circles the island so you can watch the animals barking, fighting, and sliding into the water. You won’t set foot on the island. The trip usually lasts 45–60 minutes and often includes a quick view of the nearby Duiker Island or a scenic return past the Twelve Apostles. It’s a straightforward wildlife outing: expect cold wind, engine noise, and a strong smell when you get close. On calmer days the water is flat; when the southeaster blows it can get choppy and some people feel seasick.

The best time is December to March when the sea is usually calmer and visibility is better. Expect to pay around $35–65 per person depending on whether you choose a basic shared boat or a smaller, more comfortable vessel with fewer people. Morning departures generally give you less wind and better light for photos.

Tip: pick a smaller boat that guarantees a maximum of 12–15 passengers if you want decent photos and less crowding; the big tourist catamarans are cheaper but you’ll be shoulder-to-shoulder and farther from the seals. Skip combining it with a full-day Cape Point tour if you don’t want to spend nine hours on buses and boats—do the island trip on its own from Hout Bay instead.