Seal Island Mossel Bay
Witness thousands of Cape Fur Seals on their rocky island home, a vibrant spectacle of marine life just off the coast of Mossel Bay.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmer seas, active seals
Seal Island Mossel Bay
Best Time
Calmer seas, active seals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness thousands of Cape Fur Seals on their rocky island home, a vibrant spectacle of marine life just off the coast of Mossel Bay.
"Fantastic experience with family and friends on the Kiyana Boat Cruises in Mossel Bay. Highly recommended!"
👃 Brace for the Smell
The island has a strong, natural odor from the seals. It's part of the experience, but be prepared!
🛥️ Book Boat Trips Ahead
Popular boat trips to Seal Island fill up fast, especially during holidays. Book online or call in advance.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 30 reviews
Type
Wildlife Refuge
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cape Fur Seal Colony
Seal Island
Witness thousands of Cape Fur Seals basking, swimming, and interacting on their rocky island home. A truly wild spectacle!
Ocean Views & Breezes
Boat trip around Seal Island
Enjoy the fresh sea air and stunning coastal scenery as you cruise towards the island. Perfect for a refreshing escape.
Potential Shark Sightings
Waters around Seal Island
Keep an eye out for Great White Sharks, often attracted to the seal population. An exhilarating, albeit rare, possibility.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Aroma (or Not!)
Boat Trip Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👃 Brace for the Smell
The island has a strong, natural odor from the seals. It's part of the experience, but be prepared!
🛥️ Book Boat Trips Ahead
Popular boat trips to Seal Island fill up fast, especially during holidays. Book online or call in advance.
📸 Camera Ready!
Bring your camera for incredible wildlife shots, but be mindful of choppy waters affecting stability.
🚫 Avoid Local 'Guides'
Be wary of individuals offering seal interactions or photos; they may expect payment and their actions can harm the seals.
Tips
from all over the internet
👃 Brace for the Smell
The island has a strong, natural odor from the seals. It's part of the experience, but be prepared!
🛥️ Book Boat Trips Ahead
Popular boat trips to Seal Island fill up fast, especially during holidays. Book online or call in advance.
📸 Camera Ready!
Bring your camera for incredible wildlife shots, but be mindful of choppy waters affecting stability.
🚫 Avoid Local 'Guides'
Be wary of individuals offering seal interactions or photos; they may expect payment and their actions can harm the seals.
🌊 Consider a Swim (Brave Souls!)
Some tours offer the chance to swim near the seals. It's an unforgettable experience, but be aware of the marine life.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the incredible sight of thousands of seals on Seal Island, calling it a fantastic experience, especially on boat cruises. While the strong, natural smell is frequently mentioned as a drawback, the sheer abundance of wildlife and the opportunity to see seals up close make it a highly recommended attraction. Some also highlight the thrill of potential shark sightings.
"The smell is GOD AWFUL!!! Be prepared for it to hit your nostrils are you approach and pray the wind is blowing in the other direction. Super cool to see all the seals basking in the sun and relaxing/swimming. The island contains mostly males where they stay until they are ready to mate. Don’t take pictures of the seals hanging out with the locals at your bay they will expect money. NEVER pay them or give them attention. What they are doing is wrong and they should not be feeding the seals or touching them. Only gave 4 stars for the smell."
Tej Naik
"Fantastic experience with family and friends on the Kiyana Boat Cruises in Mossel Bay. Highly recommended. The weather was beautiful and the Seals entertained us! Well worth a visit!"
Lekker Leef Eiendomme Mosselbaai
"Its been a while since I went there. Went for a cage dive with the big whites. About 8 sharks came to swim with us and eat some tuna heads. There were a lot of shocks on the cage but no problems at all. Adrenaline at the highest level. Great dive!"
Eduardo Perini
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Seal Island is best accessed by boat from Mossel Bay harbour. Several tour operators offer trips specifically to the island. Driving to Mossel Bay is straightforward via the N2 highway.
No, Seal Island is a marine protected area and can only be visited by boat. You can drive to the harbour in Mossel Bay to catch your tour.
Mossel Bay is accessible by car via the N2 highway. The nearest major airports are George Airport (GRJ) and Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ), both requiring a drive to Mossel Bay.
Intercity bus services operate to Mossel Bay, connecting it to major cities in South Africa. However, for reaching the harbour and specific tour departures, a taxi or ride-sharing service might be necessary.
The boat trip to Seal Island typically takes around 30-60 minutes each way, depending on the tour operator and sea conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You need to book a boat trip to visit Seal Island. Tickets are purchased directly from the tour operators, and it's advisable to book in advance.
Tour times vary by operator and season, but most offer morning and afternoon departures. It's best to check with your chosen tour company for their specific schedule.
Prices can vary depending on the tour operator and duration. Expect to pay anywhere from R300 to R800+ per person for a standard Seal Island cruise.
No, Seal Island is a protected area and can only be visited as part of an organized boat tour departing from Mossel Bay harbour.
Some operators may offer group discounts or package deals. It's worth inquiring directly with the tour companies when booking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Seals are generally active throughout the day, but morning and late afternoon cruises often offer good viewing opportunities as they bask or swim. 
Wear comfortable, layered clothing as it can be breezy and cooler at sea. A windbreaker or waterproof jacket is recommended. Bring sunscreen and a hat.
Some adventurous tours offer the option to swim in the waters near Seal Island. This is a unique experience but requires caution and awareness of marine life.
The primary attraction is the large colony of Cape Fur Seals. You might also spot various seabirds, and occasionally, dolphins or even Great White Sharks in the surrounding waters.
Yes, most boat trips are family-friendly. Children will likely be fascinated by the seals. Ensure they are supervised and wear a life jacket if provided.
📸 📸 Photography
Use a zoom lens to capture seals from the boat. Be prepared for movement and spray; a protective camera cover is useful. Capture the sheer number of seals and their interactions.
Absolutely! Photography is a major draw for visitors. Just be respectful of the wildlife and maintain a safe distance.
A camera with a good zoom lens (e.g., 70-200mm or longer) is ideal. A wide-angle lens can capture the overall boat and ocean scenery. Waterproofing is a plus.
Generally, no restrictions apply to photographing the seals from the boat. However, avoid intrusive photography of any local individuals who may be present.
Morning and late afternoon light can be beautiful, offering softer shadows and warmer tones. Midday sun can be harsh, but still provides good visibility of the seals.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit