Duiker Island Seal Colony Cape Town
Witness thousands of Cape Fur Seals basking and playing on Duiker Island, accessible by scenic boat tours from Hout Bay.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light for photos
Duiker Island Seal Colony Cape Town
Best Time
Golden hour light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness thousands of Cape Fur Seals basking and playing on Duiker Island, accessible by scenic boat tours from Hout Bay.
"Incredibly experience to watch the seals. The cruise from Hout Bay is worthy, plus the breathtaking views of the cliffs around."
🚢 Book Boat Tours
Book your seal watching cruise from Hout Bay Harbour in advance. Drumbeat Charters and Circe Launches are popular options.
🤢 Beware of Seasickness
The boat ride can be rough. If you're prone to seasickness, take precautions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cape Fur Seal Colony
Duiker Island
Witness thousands of Cape Fur Seals basking, playing, and interacting in their natural habitat. A truly wild spectacle!
Hout Bay Harbour
Departure point for tours
The bustling harbor offers scenic views and is the gateway to your seal-watching adventure.
Coastal Scenery
En route to Duiker Island
Enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and cliffs surrounding Hout Bay.
Planning Your Visit
Boat Tour Essentials
Seal Etiquette & Best Viewing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Book Boat Tours
Book your seal watching cruise from Hout Bay Harbour in advance. Drumbeat Charters and Circe Launches are popular options.
🤢 Beware of Seasickness
The boat ride can be rough. If you're prone to seasickness, take precautions.
📸 Camera Ready!
Bring your camera for incredible wildlife shots. Consider a zoom lens for better close-ups.
☀️ Sun Protection
The sun can be intense on the water. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Book Boat Tours
Book your seal watching cruise from Hout Bay Harbour in advance. Drumbeat Charters and Circe Launches are popular options.
🤢 Beware of Seasickness
The boat ride can be rough. If you're prone to seasickness, take precautions.
📸 Camera Ready!
Bring your camera for incredible wildlife shots. Consider a zoom lens for better close-ups.
☀️ Sun Protection
The sun can be intense on the water. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the incredible sight of thousands of Cape Fur Seals at Duiker Island, calling it a 'breathtaking' experience. The boat tours from Hout Bay offer close-up views and stunning coastal scenery. However, some find the boat ride too rough, leading to seasickness, and suggest considering the time of day for optimal viewing conditions.
"See hundreds of seals laying about at Duiker Island. You will need a charter cruise to visit. The cruises leave from the dock and take about 15 minutes to the rock, then 10 minutes bobbing around watching the seals before returning to the dock. If you are easily sea sick this tour is not for you. The boat isnt large and rocks around a lot."
Timeshare Chinchilla
"Loved it. Plenty seal activity. You have to charter a boat to get here, you can't go on the island though."
Johannes Ebner
"Hundreds of fur seals live here. A ticket for an excursion is bought at the port and costs from 110 to 140 rand, depending on which company you buy from. The boat ride lasts 45 minutes. The fur seals are funny, some frolic in the water, and some lie belly up."
Ксения Л.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary way to visit Duiker Island is by taking a boat tour from Hout Bay Harbour. Several charter companies operate from the harbor, offering dedicated seal-watching excursions.
You can drive to Hout Bay Harbour, use ride-sharing services like Uber, or take public transport. Parking is usually available at the harbor.
While Hout Bay is the most common departure point, some tours might offer different starting locations. It's best to confirm with your chosen tour operator.
The boat ride from Hout Bay Harbour to Duiker Island typically takes about 15-20 minutes.
No, Duiker Island is a small rocky outcrop and is not accessible by land. A boat tour is the only way to see the seal colony up close.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary by company, but generally range from R110 to R150 per person for a 40-45 minute cruise.
Tickets are typically purchased directly at the Hout Bay Harbour from the various charter companies. Booking online in advance is also an option.
Yes, besides standard boat cruises, some operators offer longer tours or kayak expeditions for a more immersive experience.
It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee your spot on the boat.
The ticket usually covers the boat trip to Duiker Island and the time spent observing the seals. Food and drinks are generally not included.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon can offer beautiful golden hour light, but can also cause glare. Mornings might provide clearer light and more active seals.
Fast shutter speeds are crucial to capture seals in motion. Consider using a telephoto lens to get closer shots without disturbing the animals.
Boat tours get you relatively close, but remember to maintain a safe and respectful distance. Zoom lenses are very helpful for detailed shots.
You'll capture seals basking on rocks, swimming in the water, and interacting with each other. The surrounding coastal scenery also makes for great shots. 
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography from the boat, as long as you are respectful of the wildlife and other passengers.
ℹ️ ❓ General Information
Duiker Island is home to thousands of Cape Fur Seals, which are a type of eared seal.
While they are wild animals, the seals at Duiker Island are generally not aggressive towards boats. However, it's important to maintain a safe distance and not provoke them.
Cape Fur Seals are present year-round, so you can visit Duiker Island anytime. Breeding season is typically from November to December.
Some specialized tours, like kayak tours, might offer opportunities to get closer to the water, but direct swimming with the seals is generally not advised due to safety and conservation reasons.
Wear comfortable, layered clothing as it can be windy and cool on the water. A windbreaker or waterproof jacket is advisable.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Choose a reputable tour operator that prioritizes safety and offers a comfortable ride. Pack snacks and drinks, and ensure everyone has sun protection. The relatively short duration of the tours makes it manageable for even young children's attention spans. It's a great way to introduce kids to marine wildlife in a natural setting.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different times of day to find the best light. While the seals are always present, their activity levels can vary. Be prepared for a potentially bumpy ride, which might require image stabilization or shooting from a steadier position on the boat. Don't forget to capture the dramatic coastal landscapes as well.
+1🚢 Budget Travelers
Compare prices between different charter companies at Hout Bay Harbour to find the best deal. While some tours might be slightly longer or offer additional amenities, the core experience of seeing the seal colony is consistent across most operators. It's a cost-effective way to enjoy a unique natural attraction.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cape Fur Seal Colony
+1These seals are an integral part of the Cape's marine ecosystem. While they are wild animals, the tours are designed to observe them respectfully from a distance. The experience offers a glimpse into their natural behavior without disturbing their habitat. It's a chance to witness a thriving wildlife population in a stunning coastal setting.
It's important to remember that while the seals may seem tame, they are wild. Visitors are advised not to feed them, as this can disrupt their natural foraging habits and make them dependent on human interaction, which is detrimental to their health and survival.
Navigating the Boat Tours
When choosing a tour, consider the size of the boat and the duration. Some operators offer shorter, more direct trips, while others might provide a slightly longer experience. It's also worth noting that the sea conditions can significantly impact the ride. Reviews often mention that the boat can rock considerably, so if you are prone to seasickness, it's wise to take precautions or opt for a calmer day.
Booking your tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, to avoid disappointment. You can usually purchase tickets directly at the harbor from the various charter companies or book online through their websites. The cost is generally quite affordable, making it an accessible wildlife encounter for most travelers.
Photography Tips for Duiker Island
Consider the lighting conditions. While late afternoon can provide beautiful warm light, it can also lead to glare on the water and the seals' fur. Mornings often offer clearer light and may coincide with more active seal behavior. Experiment with your camera settings; a fast shutter speed is essential to freeze the motion of seals swimming or playing.
Remember to also capture the stunning surrounding coastal scenery. The rugged cliffs and the vast ocean provide a dramatic backdrop for your seal photos. Be patient, observe the seals' behavior, and you'll be rewarded with some incredible shots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit