hout bay duiker island cruise

40 Minute Seal Colony Cruise

This is an exciting 40 minute cruise from hout bay harbour to duiker island the seal colony where you can view thousands of wild cape fur seals, close up in their natural habitat..

Adults: R130 • Children under 14: R70 • 2 years and under: FREE

There are 35 species of seals in the world. Duiker Island is a Cape Fur Seal and bird sanctuary, home to thousands of seals and many birds such as the Cape Cormorant, the Bank Cormorants, Black Back Gulls, Kelp Gulls and Hartlaub Gulls.

It is illegal to go onto the island. The majority of the seals on Duiker Island are males waiting out their time until they reach the right breeding age, which is between the ages of 8 to 12 years depending on their size. Duiker Island is not a breeding colony as the sea can get very rough and the pups get swept off. The island is most densely populated from January through March due to the seals moulting. During this period they do not go off in search of food but rely on fats they have stored in their blubber.

Breeding is a continuous cycle and takes place in November/December in breeding colonies around the coastline of South Africa and Namibia. After fertilization there is a dormant period of 4 months and thereafter development continues, making the active gestation period 8 months. The pups are then born in late November early December. A cow usually only has one pup at a time when she reaches the breeding age which is 4-5 years old. She knows her pup by its smell and call and she will only mother her own offspring. Pups are entirely dependent on milk for the first 6 months. They are weaned between 8-10 months old.

They grow quickly and start to swim at 6 weeks old. By about 7 months they can spend 2-3 days at sea on their own and can already swim long distances. It has been noted that tagged seals have swum from Cape Town to Cape Cross in Namibia, a distance of 1600 kms at the age of 8 months. The Cape Fur Seal dives to a depth of 36m on average but diving abilities varies between species. Their ears and nostrils close tightly when they dive and they cannot breathe underwater. Even while sleeping in the water they have to surface to breathe, every 10-15 minutes for young ones and 30 minutes for the adults.

• In general they eat fish, shrimps, shellfish and squid.
• Seals can hear quite well in the air but their hearing underwater is much better.
• Their ability to tell what direction a sound is coming from is very good.
• Their eyes are adapted to see both on land and in the water.
• They maintain a constant body temperature of 38.5 C
• Bulls can weigh up to 350 kgs and cows up to 113 kgs

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Expect breath-taking views of the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive and the Sentinel Mountain. This is an exciting, child friendly 40 minute cruise from Hout Bay harbour to Duiker Island the Seal Colony where you can view thousands of wild Cape Fur Seals, close up in their beautiful natural habitat.

Daily Departures 10H00 /10H45 /12h00 /14h00 /15h15* (* = subject to minimum 15 passengers)

As this activity is weather dependent we advise that contact them directly on the day to confirm operation and the most suitable departure time for you. Tel: +2782 658 7055

Daily - Subject to weather This ticket is valid for single entry for 14 days after the chosen date

Hout Bay harbour - near our stop No 24

09H15 / 10H00 / 12h00 / 14h00 / 15h15* (* = subject to minimum 15 passengers)

Cruise, Seal viewing

Please see the MEGA PASS

• 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

Description

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.

Drumbeat charters have been cruising the Cape coast since 1989. Their Seal Colony 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.

+27 21 511 6000 [email protected]

36 Auckland Street, Paarden Eiland, Cape Town, 7420

Copyright © City Sightseeing South Africa 2024

A Seal Island Cruise with Circe Launches

As you venture along the Cape Peninsula, a visit to Hout Bay and Duiker Island is a must. Join us, Circe Launches , a trusted name in boat excursions for the past 50 years, on a seal island cruise. We ensure a memorable experience aboard our glass-bottom boat Calypso. Here’s what you can expect from our seal island boat trips .

Upon entering Hout Bay Harbour, our friendly staff is ready to greet you warmly. Our ticket kiosk is conveniently located right next to the parking area. Simply look out for our big sign.

Explore Hout Bay from the water

Our cruise commences by gliding past the Hout Bay Yacht Club Marina. As we navigate the waters, historical landmarks unfold, such as West Fort, a relic from 1781, built by the Dutch East India Company and the French. Strategically positioned, the fort’s cannons once guarded the bay’s center.

Further along, Chapman’s Peak Drive graces the port side, while Sentinel Mountain stands tall on the starboard side. Chapman’s Peak Drive with its many outlook points and picnic spots, a marvel completed in under eight years in 1922, is another highlight you should add to our travel list.

Approaching Duiker Island, our skipper positions the boat for an up-close encounter with the curious Cape fur seals. Calypso’s glass-bottom viewing compartment promises spectacular glimpses of kelp forests and marine life beneath the boat – get a scuba-diver’s view without the need to get wet.

Seals, dolphins, whales and so much more

After spending time with the seal colony, Calypso sets course back to the bay, where dolphins and whales may grace your journey, depending on the season. We at Circe Launches ensure an immersive and educational maritime experience, leaving you with treasured memories of Hout Bay and its fascinating marine life. Let’s hop on board! Book your cruise tickets today. We look forward to welcoming you on board!

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Seal Island Boat Trips

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Seal Island Boat Trip - Circe Launches

Seal Island Boat Trip is available at the first stop of our Cape Point Private Tour.  Join a boat cruise to Duiker Island otherwise known as Seal Island to see thousands of Cape Fur Seals in their natural environment.

Seal Island Boat Trip - With Circe Launchers

CIRCE LAUNCHES, is the original 'SEAL ISLAND' (Duiker Island) Cruise operators from Hout Bay Harbour, was established in 1973.

Their vessel m.v. CALYPSO, operates departures to the Cape Fur Seal Colony at Duiker Island, commonly known as 'Seal Island'.

Seal Island Boat Trip - Glass Bottomed Boat

CALYPSO is the only true, GLASS BOTTOMED Passenger vessel, in South Africa. She has two viewing ports in the base of her hull, in the aft cabin, through which our passengers can see the seabed and sea life, around the Island, during good visibility and have close up views of the Cape Fur Seals, on the Island, from her decks.

Our cruises offer magnificent views of Chapman's Peak, the Sentinel Mountain, Hout Bay and the closest sightings of the Cape Fur Seals, in their natural habitat.

Our professional and experienced crew will ensure that your cruise with us will be a memorable one.

Seal Island Boat Trip - Departure Times

Departing 7 days a week 09:00 - 09:45 - 12:00 & 15:00

If you would like to take this boat trip, you might like to consider booking a Cape Point Tour, this is the first stop of the tour and the option is offered to guests to view the Habrour for 45Mins or Take the Boat Ride, Click for Details!

COME JOIN US FOR THE BEST SEAL ISLAND CRUISE!

Cruise times:  08h45, 09h45, 10h45 , 12h00 , 14h00 , 15h15

as well as other additional times for private bookings.

* Departure is 15 min after boarding time.

PLEASE CONTACT US ON +27  71 420 7723 or  [email protected]

TO CONFIRM YOUR BOOKING!

NAUTICAT CHARTERS ARE AVAILABLE 365 DAYS A YEAR!

Come cruise with us on a wondrous ocean safari and marvel at the playful seals, a variety of birds and beautiful landscapes. On occasion you will see majestic whales, joyful dolphins and various other sea life.

Our vessels, Jester and   Nauticat , have a fully licensed bar , state-of-the-art sound system for onboard parties as well as full toilet facilities for ladies and gents. The Nauticat also has glass bottom windows which make for incredible underwater viewing.

Whether it’s a Seal Island cruise to Duiker Island, BBQ or sunset cruise, staff party, family outing or just an escape from everyday life, you’re bound to enjoy one of our exhilarating, personally curated cruises in and around the bay or open ocean.

We operate out of Hout Bay Harbour and V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa.

The wonderful experience of sharing an event out at sea is unparalleled.

We look forward to having you on board!

PLEASE CONTACT US TO CONFIRM YOUR BOOKING!

TEL +27 71 420 7723

 EMAIL  [email protected]

Seal Island Cruise

45-60 min trip Hout Bay Harbour

Sunset Cruise

Choice of 2 vessels: Cape Town and Hout Bay

Braai/BBQ Cruise

Snack Cruise

Parties or Functions

“Great for a quick visit” Perfect spot to see Sea Lions, and have a change to buy many different African trinkets. The beach and sea are simply stunning.

Francesca O

“Interesting harbour” It was initial just a stop to go to Cape of Good Home. But it has revealed quite interesting with boats, sun, people and seals... It was really nice to have lots of photos giving color and detail at such a beautiful place.

Hout Bay: Duiker Island Seal Colony Cruise

Experience the beauty of Cape Town’s coastline on a Duiker Island Seal Colony Cruise in Hout Bay. Enjoy a unique and exciting opportunity to observe the Cape Fur Seals in their natural habitat. This boat tour is a great way to learn more about the seals and their environment. The tour begins with a cruise along the picturesque coastline of Hout Bay, where you can take in the stunning views of the bay and the surrounding mountains. Once you reach Duiker Island, you will be able to observe the seals from the boat, as well as take part in an informative guided tour of the island. The tour is led by an experienced guide who will provide interesting facts about the seals and their habitat. You will also have the chance to take some amazing photographs of the seals and their surroundings. After the tour, you will have the opportunity to enjoy some refreshments on the boat before heading back to Hout Bay. This cruise is a great way to experience the beauty of the Cape Town coastline and observe the seals in their natural habitat.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the duiker island seal colony cruise, what should i bring for the cruise, can children join the cruise, what types of seals will i see on the cruise, is it guaranteed that i will see seals.

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Hout Bay Boat Trip Seal Island

Hout Bay Boat Trip Seal Island Includes

Hout bay boat trip seal island overview.

Visit the abode of over 4000 seals on the Duiker Island on your Hout bay boat trip seal island. The on-site guide on this tour will get you acquainted with the behaviour seal and the history related to it. Visit the location underneath Chapman's Peak, the area of De Jossie with gorgeous locations. Enjoy the journey on return to the harbour amidst the breath-taking views of the ocean on your Hout bay seal island trip. The high speed of the boat will surely cause the flow of adrenaline in your veins.

What to Expect from Hout Bay Boat Trip Seal Island 

Sight over 4000 seals on Duiker Island Also renowned by the name of Seal Island, the Duiker island is called so because of the presence of over 4000 seals in it. Apart from fur seals, the island is also abode to a variety of fauna like seabirds and others that are worth exploring on seal island Hout Bay, South Africa.

Enrich yourself with history of Hout Bay The name Hout Bay came from the huge amount of yellow wood trees and timber trees that were found by the Dutch sellers. Learn more astonishing facts like these from the live tour guide assisting you on Seal Island Hout bay Tour about this city founded in 1653.

Experience Adrenaline rush at high speed boat The 360 degree spins of the high speed boat taking you to Hout bay boat trip seal Island. Hold on tight as you experience adrenaline rushing throughout your body and enjoy a high speed boat ride to the island.

Get acquainted with the seal behaviour from guide The certified guide on board with you for Hout bay boat trip Seal Island will acknowledge you about all the astonishing facts, secrets and behaviour of the fur seal residing on the seal island. Capture the snaps of the same and enrich yourself with this great species.

Know before you go Starting time: 8:45 AM Tour Duration: 40 Minutes Meeting location: Near blue flag with the local partner's logo, directly opposite to the harbor entrance, Hout Bay, Cape Town, 7806, South Africa. Reaching there: Drive via M62 and Victoria Road or rent a taxi to reach the location as it is the fastest mode of commute.

• Hout bay boat trip seal island

Other Inclusions

• Life jackets to wear throughout the trip
• Splash jackets to prevent you from getting cold and wet
• Live tour guide

Things To Carry

• Thrillophilia voucher
• Valid ID proof
• Not fit for pregnant women, people with mobile impairments and is not wheelchair accessible.
• This is a group tour

Hout Bay Boat Trip Seal Island : Cancellation Policy

• If cancelled 24 hours prior to the date of the activity: Full Refund
• If cancelled within 24 hours of the date of the activity: No Refund

Hout Bay Boat Trip Seal Island : Refund Policy

• The applicable refund amount will be processed within 15 business days

Hout Bay Boat Trip Seal Island : Booking Confirmation Policy

• The customer receives a confirmation voucher via email within 24 hours of successful booking
• In case the preferred slots are unavailable, an alternate schedule of the customer’s preference will be arranged and a new confirmation voucher will be sent via email.
• Alternatively, the customer may choose to cancel their booking before confirmation and a full refund will be processed.

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