Drumbeat Charters Seal Colony Cruise

Enjoy 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 has to offer as you cruise along the rugged coastline from Hout Bay harbour. Expect breathtaking views of the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive and Sentinel Mountain, in addition to the chance of seeing other marine life including dolphins and whales.

Opt-in to continue the adventure and take the one-hour Seals & Shipwreck Tour, where the boat will travel further along with the Karbonkelberg Mountain range to Maori Bay to the viewing point of the ‘Shipwreck of the Bos 400’, which ran aground in 1994 during one of the famous Cape winter storms.

There can be as many as 7,000 Cape fur seals on Duiker Island. Those not sunbathing on the surface are swimming in the water below. Seals can dive to depths of about 40m.

Interestingly, a seal’s diving abilities depend on its species. In general, young seals surface to breathe every 10-15 minutes, and older seals surface every 30-minutes. Water also affects their hearing – it’s much better underwater than it is on land.

The cruise lasts between 40-minutes and is considered a relatively short and safe trip on the sea. The boat has a nicely stocked pub and snack bar providing refreshments on the trip. Guests are encouraged to relax and enjoy the ride to the island, and to bring a camera. There’ll be more than one opportunity to capture the seal colony up close!

Bookings are required;

We are following all Covid19 Safety Regulations;

Passengers are required to wear a mask on boarding;

All departures are weather and sea conditions permitting.