- Western Cape
- Duiker Island (Seal Island)
Duiker Island (Seal Island), Western Cape
Duiker Island, also known as Seal Island, is a Seal and bird inhabited island off the coast of Hout Bay in Cape Town. Known for its excellent marine life it is visited daily by tourists and photographers.
Duiker Island is home to thousands of Cape Fur Seals and a huge variety of sea birds. For this reason, Hout Bay has now become well known as the port of departure for scenic day trips to the Island, home to these amazing animals.
Breeding time for Cape Fur Seals generally takes place during November and December each year however at Duiker Island you mainly find young male seals waiting to “come of age” before breeding. Duiker Island is not a breeding colony as the island is surrounded by very rough waters which could wash the pups away.
Bulls can grow up to 2.5 m in length and can weigh between 200 and 350 kg. The cows are much smaller, approximately 1.5 m and 40 - 60 kg. The seals have small, somewhat comical, round ears and are also referred to as eared seals.
Between January and March you will see the most seals. During this period, they do not go off in search of food but rely on fats they have stored in their blubber. Weather permitting, Monday to Sunday, 40 minute to 1 hour boat trips can be taken to the island. Watch the seals lazily rolling around on the rocks and jump and play in the water.
Snorkelling with the seals can also be arranged through Animal Ocean Seal Snorkelling. Most diving is done on the north western side of the island where it is too shallow for the charter boats to come. The seals are curious, playful, and sometimes quite pushy. You need to be confident and not flail your arms around, keep your hands to yourself! Shipwreck boat cruises are also available for those who wish to have a longer experience out on the water.
Things to do and see
- Cape Fur Seals
- Boat Cruise
- Bird Watching
- Whale & Dolphin Sightings
- Snorkel with Seals, booking essential
- Shipwreck Boat Cruise
- Hout Bay Harbour
Admission
Boat trips are approximately R90 per person, however prices are subject to change. Please contact Hout Bay Tourism Office for more information.
Contact details
Tel: +27 (0)21 405 4500
Fax: +27 (0)21 405 4524
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