Swim with Seals and Take an Epic Boat Ride in Plettenberg Bay!

Hey there, fellow adventure-seeker! If you’re planning a trip to Plettenberg Bay, you’re in for a treat. This stunning coastal town on the Garden Route is an absolute gem, drawing visitors from all over the world. And let me tell you, I’ve uncovered some seriously cool activities that are guaranteed to make your holiday here one for the books!

As I prepare to embark on my adventure of swimming with seals and taking a thrilling boat ride with one of the tour operators at Central Beach, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. The day is overcast, and the threat of rain lingers in the air. Thoughts of sharks make my heart race as I make my way onto the Offshore Adventure boat.

Jaco Kruger, the owner and skipper, takes a moment to reassure me about the safety measures they have in place for seal swimming. I appreciate his attention to detail and concern for our well-being. As we set off, I snap a few photos from within a Ziploc bag, raindrops brushing against my cheeks. The boat bounces along the waves, following the contour of Plett’s Robberg Beach.

The Cape Fur seal colony, home to around 3000 seals, is located on the sheltered side of the Robberg Peninsula. This positioning creates tranquil, shallow waters, ideal for our adventure. The sight of countless seals basking in the sun is mesmerizing. We are provided with wetsuits, snorkels, and masks, all included in the fee. With our gear in place, we take the plunge into the crystal-clear water.

As soon as we enter the water, a playful wave of curious seal cubs joins us. They dance around us, darting in and out of sight, almost like they’re inviting us to play a game of catch-me-if-you-can. I try my best to capture their underwater acrobatics on camera, but they prove to be quick and elusive. One seal even remains still, seemingly posing in front of me. Despite the blurriness of some of my photos, I am captivated by the beauty and grace of these creatures.

This experience is truly extraordinary. Observing the seals in their natural habitat allows me to appreciate their unique qualities up close. Their shiny, dark eyes seem to reflect my own image, creating a moment of connection between human and animal.

When I joined the crew of Offshore Adventures, I quickly realized that they were experts when it came to seals and this particular colony. They were always ready to jump into the water and answer any questions we had. The water in this area isn’t exactly warm, so I eventually climbed back onto the boat, feeling chilly and hoping to capture some action shots of the seals leaping and dancing in the water.

The ride back to Central Beach was absolutely exhilarating. We cruised over the waves, feeling the spray on our faces, and then launched ourselves onto the sandy shore. It was the perfect ending to an amazing adventure.

After drying off, I was treated to a cup of coffee at the Ski Boat Club. As I sat there, listening to Jaco talk about Offshore Adventures, I could tell how passionate he was about his business. He said something that really stuck with me: “People don’t just want to see things anymore. They want to truly experience them. And that’s exactly what we offer. We make sure to prioritize safety and respect for the animals and their environment.”

Let me tell you about something really cool that I recently discovered in Plettenberg Bay. It’s this incredible experience where you get to swim with seals, and let me tell you, it’s absolutely amazing!

The folks who organize these swims are the only ones who have the permission to do it, and they’ve put in a lot of time and effort to make sure everything is just right. You can really see their passion and dedication during the trip, and it’s something that I really appreciate about them.

What’s great is that this experience is suitable for everyone – whether you’re old, young, fit, or even a bit scared like me. And the best part is, it’s actually quite affordable. I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first, but once I tried it, I was absolutely delighted. I would definitely do it again and again. Just being able to float and watch these fearless and playful animals in their natural habitat is truly something special.

If you ever find yourself in Plettenberg Bay, make sure to give it a try. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

The next day, the weather was perfect – the sun was shining and the water was calm. We hopped into a 12-seater super speed boat and set off on an adventure ride around the bay. It was like being on a rollercoaster! We zoomed over waves, made sharp turns, and the boat even did some really cool speed tricks. It was so much fun!

I could hear the excitement in the shouts and whoops from my fellow passengers. We were all having a blast. We spent a good amount of time out on the water, but of course, all good things must come to an end. We flew back to the beach, and as I sat there for a few moments to catch my breath, I realized how amazing this experience was.

It was such a thrilling and exhilarating alternative to just sitting on the beach and doing nothing. If you’re ever on a summer holiday and want to try something different, I highly recommend giving this boat ride a go. I guarantee you’ll have an incredible time!