CAPE POINT OCEAN SAFARI & Snorkeling
Get away from the crowds and be alone on the water at Cape Point
Discover Cape Point from a completely different perspective on a private Ocean Safari, far from the crowds and surrounded by one of the wildest coastal landscapes in Cape Town. Departing from Miller’s Point, we travel through spectacular kelp forests and into Cape Point Nature Reserve by sea, with the opportunity to snorkel inside the reserve and explore the extraordinary underwater world of the Great African Seaforest.
Cruise past the Cape fur seal colony at Partridge Point before exploring secluded bays and towering cliffs that plunge dramatically into the ocean. Look for ostriches, baboons and bontebok along the shoreline, while dolphins, seals, seabirds and other marine wildlife may appear along the way. Depending on the conditions, we’ll find the best sheltered location to snorkel among kelp forests, endemic reef fish, catsharks, starfish and colourful marine life.
From the ocean, look up at the famous Cape Point lighthouse and the visitors high above while experiencing the peninsula from a perspective few ever see. In suitable conditions, we can even land on the rocks and explore an enormous sea cave hidden beneath the cliffs. Snorkel, explore, search for wildlife and escape the crowds on a private adventure into Cape Point Nature Reserve.
"Snorkel Cape Point. Escape the crowds. Explore the wild."
OCEAN SAFARI
What can I expect on this Cape Point Ocean Safari?
On this 4-hour Ocean Safari, you’ll start be meeting and getting kitted up at Millers Point slipway. There are NO facilities here, so please go to the bathroom before.
The boat tour begins along the coastline, where you’ll have the chance to spot wildlife like Cape Fur seals, African penguins and Sunfish. Afterward, we’ll head to the best snorkeling site of the day in the kelp forests, where you’ll spend time in the water. Our experienced team will guide you through the day to ensure you feel safe and comfortable.
To join, you need to be at least 10 years old, weigh less than 120kg, and be able to swim. Please note that the trip may be adjusted based on weather, swell, and animal behavior to ensure your safety and enjoyment. No prior snorkeling experience is required.
Private Ocean Safari to Cape Point
Cape Point is the highlight of any trip to Cape Town — a must-do activity. On this private ocean safari, you’ll escape the crowds and experience it from the water in our safari boat, the most adventurous and unique way to see one of the city’s main attractions.
Cruise below towering cliffs, watch penguins and sunfish, and glide through kelp forests. At the very tip of Cape Point, stand between the Atlantic and False Bay for a once-in-a-lifetime perspective. This is Cape Point at its best — wild, personal, and unforgettable.
Let us know - Request a Private Trip to Cape Point
Can I snorkel in the Kelp Forest on the safari?
Yes! For confident swimmers there is the option to snorkel in the Kelp forest. Equipment included upon request. Sizes need to be provided. You will be able to snorkel as much as you enjoy, condition depending, topside viewing for the rest of the trip.
How do I view whales and dolphins ?
Animal Ocean is not a Whale-watching vessel, join Simons Town Boat Company as the only permitted operator in False Bay.
On an Ocean Safari tour with Animal Ocean you may see Common, Heaviside and Dusky dolphins, which are very common in around the Cape Point area. Humpback whales are abundant from November to February each year. Animal Ocean follows the appropriate guidelines as a tour vessel and keeps 300m away from ceteacens.
What are the trip highlights ?
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Cape Point from the water
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Kelp Forest Snorkeling
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Close-up viewing of Cape Fur seals at Partridge Point
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Wildlife spotting - Dolphins / Whales / Sunfish
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Learning from passionate ocean guides
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Adventure Boat ride
Do Fur seals bite?
A normal Cape Fur seal is not aggressive and is completely safe to snorkel with however some individuals can become ill due to rabies and show abnormal aggression. We do not snorkel at the seal colony for this reason.
Are there sharks?
Yes, it is possible to see four species of small endemic sharks in the kelp forest: the Pyjama shyshark, Dark catshark, Leopard shyshark, and Puffadder shyshark.
We are often asked about Great White sharks, but they have never been seen on our snorkeling trips. The cold Atlantic waters around Cape Town are not their preferred habitat. Duiker Island, in particular, is shallow, surrounded by kelp, and has few young seals—offering little incentive for a Great White shark to visit.
Species list from Animal Ocean Safari trips
The list below showcases both marine and terrestrial species we have encountered on our trips—whether flying above, at the surface, or underwater. Some species are frequently seen, while others are rare, one-time sightings, as indicated.
Common sightings >90%
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Cape Fur Seal
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African Penguin
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Cape cormorant
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White Breasted cormorant
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Bank cormorant
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Hautlaubs Gull
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Kelp Gull
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West Coast rock lobster
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Red rock crab
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Cape urchin
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Spiney starfish
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Cape Bream
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Swift tern
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Common tern
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Sandwich tern
Fairly often < 50%
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Southern Right Whale
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Brydes Whale
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Pyjama catshark
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Leopard catshark
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Dark shyshark
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Hagfish
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Sunfish
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Giant petrel
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Humpback Whale
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Dusky dolphin
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Common dolphin
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Common Octopus
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Pied Crow
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Red-winged starling
Rare sightings <1%
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Orca
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Blue Shark
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Leatherback turtle
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One-finned Electric ray
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Brydes whale
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Rock Hyrax
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Giant rocksucker fish
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Yellowtail Kingfish
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Atlantic bonito
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Black Eagle
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Booted Eagle
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Devil Ray
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Slender sunfish
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Snoek
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Kingklip
WHAT IS OUR REFUND POLICY?
Full refund will be given if we cancel due to poor ocean conditions. Will only cancel when conditions are unsafe to go out. Trips are canceled 24 hours before arrival. Will cancel at short notice if the ocean is unexpectedly rough. Cancellations by the guest within 48 hours of departure and no-shows will not be given a refund. All cancellations prior to 48hrs incur a 10% administration fee.
HOW DOES PAYMENT WORK?
Please fill out the booking form with all the relevant details. Make sure your contact details are correct, we may need to cancel the trip or re-schedule. We take full payment when booking. Master Card and Visa credit cards are accepted through the online payment and booking system. At the Harbour cash and Credit Cards are accepted for Go pro payments. If the trip is canceled due to bad weather we will try reschedule the trip or refund you.