Animal Ocean Safari Reviews: What Guests Really Say About Cape Town’s Ocean Adventures

Every day, visitors from around the world join Animal Ocean in Hout Bay, Cape Town to explore the wild Atlantic on our Ocean Safari. These trips reveal dolphins, seals, whales, and the beautiful kelp forests that line the Cape’s coast — all viewed safely and respectfully from the boat.

Our guests have shared hundreds of glowing reviews across TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, and Google, describing their experiences with words like professional, safe, well-organized, and unforgettable. Here’s what they have to say.

Wildlife Encounters Guests Can’t Stop Talking About

In September 2025, Jeanne-Mari Terblanche wrote on TripAdvisor:

“I had such a fantastic experience with Animal Ocean today! The team was professional, welcoming, and made the whole adventure feel safe and fun. Snorkeling in the kelp forest was amazing — the underwater world was magical and full of life! And the dolphin sighting was epic!”

Earlier that year, Jack L (Feb 2025) said:

“The Ocean Safari was incredible — many seals and their frolicking pups, and even a few whales passing by late in their migration. We explored a shipwreck surrounded by fish and rock lobsters, and a pod of over a hundred dolphins followed the boat for half an hour.”

From GetYourGuide, Dainius from Lithuania (Aug 2025) shared:

“Everything was well prepared and instructed. We saw all kinds of fish, small friendly sharks, even an octopus. A fantastic tour — recommend!”

Linda from the Netherlands (Oct 2023) added:

“Greatest experience near Cape Town. Everything was well organised. We saw seals and an elephant seal — incredible! Afterwards we had cookies, hot chocolate, and even warm water poured into our wetsuits. We really recommend this tour!”

Across all platforms, wildlife variety stands out — seals playing in the surf, dolphins cruising beside the boat, whales breaching offshore, and the intricate kelp forests teeming with life.

Professional, Safe, and Calm — Every Step of the Way

Guests repeatedly highlight how relaxed and secure the experience feels.Orlagh D (Oct 2023) shared, “I was quite nervous in the water and Marcel, one of the guides, was amazing! Very kind and stayed with me till I felt comfortable.”Gordon (Feb 2024) echoed that: “The staff are super friendly, go out of their way to make sure you feel comfortable in the water. My partner felt safe and cared for.”

From Google, Jordi Perise (7 weeks ago) wrote:

“Sam, Lara, and Daniel were absolutely amazing — we felt safe and cared for throughout the trip. Their passion and knowledge made all the difference.”

That same sense of calm professionalism is echoed by Annemarie Nowak (2 weeks ago):

“We went on the Ocean Safari and were absolutely thrilled. Fun, adventurous, and informative — this tour stood out from the rest.”

Comfort Details Guests Remember

After every safari, reviewers talk about the small comforts that make the adventure complete — hot showers, snacks, and that signature mug of hot chocolate.

Arjan from the Netherlands (Feb 2024) wrote: “Hot water and hot chocolate at the end were very much appreciated!”Tracey H (Feb 2024) added: “The hot water after the dive was most welcome, as were the hot chocolate and showers. Fabulous memories.”

From Google, Zainab Osman (38 weeks ago) summed it up perfectly:

“We got to see dolphins and whales along with the seals. The snacks, hot chocolate, and showers afterwards were perfect. Everything felt smooth and enjoyable.”

Guides Who Make the Experience

Names like Sam, Lara, Jaime, Jessie, Robyn, and Daniel appear in review after review. Guests describe them as friendly, passionate, and deeply knowledgeable.

Marilize Morren (28 weeks ago) said:

“Sam, Jaime and Lara made such a positive impression. You can feel their passion for the ocean and its protection throughout the trip.”

Natasha Lynne Maggott (45 weeks ago) wrote:

“Amazing service from Lara, Jessie and Jamie! Loved the history on the trip and the kindness. The shower after is such an underrated luxury!”

These guides transform a wildlife cruise into an educational, personal experience that guests never forget.

Ethical and Responsible Ocean Tourism

After the 2024 seal rabies outbreak, Animal Ocean made the decision to stop all close seal-colony snorkeling. Guests now view the seals safely from the boat, alongside dolphins, whales, and other marine life.

Caroline Carey (42 weeks ago) acknowledged the change:

“Reinventing your trips after the seal rabies outbreak was a big step, and it means a lot that the experience is still excellent. We saw Heaviside’s and dusky dolphins, snorkeled in the kelp, and felt well cared for.”

That commitment to wildlife welfare is mentioned often — guests appreciate the transparency and care behind every decision.

Consistent Excellence Across All Platforms

• TripAdvisor: over 877 reviews and counting

• GetYourGuide: 80+ verified reviews

• Google Business: dozens of five-star ratings

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From Christopher Berry (41 weeks ago): “Worth every penny! What an amazing operation, from arrival to being on the water — flawless.”And Rose Vettraino (37 weeks ago) simply wrote: “We had the most magical, fun, amazing time together… the dolphin encounter was a highlight.”

Across every platform, guests describe the same core experience — professional guides, ethical encounters, comfort, and unforgettable wildlife.

Animal Ocean Safari Reviews - Why People Keep Coming Back

As Marilize Morren put it, “Our passion for the ocean and its protection came through during the experience.”That passion drives every trip — from the first briefing to the last mug of hot chocolate.

With hundreds of verified five-star reviews, Animal Ocean’s Cape Town Ocean Safari continues to be one of the most trusted marine adventures in South Africa — safe, educational, and full of wonder. Both of our websites — SealSnorkeling.com and AnimalOcean.co.za — belong to the same company, Animal Ocean Expeditions. They share the same live booking calendar and offer the same Ocean Safari activity.

• SealSnorkeling.com is our long-standing single-product site, easy for direct bookings.

• AnimalOcean.co.za is our newer, multi-page home for the full story: Ocean Safaris, expeditions, filming support, and conservation work.

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Although the original name remains, we no longer run seal-snorkeling trips. Following the confirmed rabies outbreak among Cape fur seals in 2024, all interactions now happen from the boat only. Guests still see plenty of seals — alongside dolphins, whales, and penguins — but the tours are entirely non-contact and focused on responsible wildlife viewing.

Book Your Adventure

Join us in Hout Bay for a responsible Cape Town Ocean Safari. See dolphins, whales, and seals safely from the boat, explore the kelp forests, and discover the rich marine world that defines the Cape.