Private Guided Snorkeling in Cape Town’s African Sea Forest (GoPro Included)
Slip beneath False Bay’s surface and glide through towering kelp forests with a private PADI guide and GoPro footage included. This four-hour experience combines wildlife encounters—seals, pajama sharks, octopus—with local maritime history and practical safety briefings.
The Experience
Before You Go
Wear a full wetsuit in cold months
Water can be brisk year-round; a 3–5mm wetsuit keeps you comfortable and extends time in the water.
Secure GoPro footage
Bring or use the operator’s GoPro package to capture wide-angle shots—ask the guide for best framing before entering the water.
Stay with your guide and buddy
Currents and kelp can disorient; maintaining proximity ensures quick assistance and better wildlife viewing.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Apply sunscreen before arriving and reapply on exposed skin after the swim to protect marine life.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Kalk Bay Harbour for post-dive seafood and tide-pool viewing
- •Boulders Beach walkway and quieter viewing points for penguin observation outside peak hours
Wildlife
- •Cape fur seal
- •African penguin
Conservation Note
The False Bay kelp forests face pressures from warming and overfishing; sticking to marked access points, using reef-safe products, and following guide instructions helps minimize impact.
Simon’s Town developed as a naval and resupply hub in the 18th–20th centuries; the coast’s reefs shaped local maritime routes and settlement patterns.
What to Bring
Full wetsuit (3–5mm)Essential
Insulates in False Bay’s cool water and reduces shock from wind after exiting the sea.
Mask and snorkelEssential
A well-fitting mask improves visibility and comfort while exploring kelp canopies.
Reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Protects skin and reduces chemical impact on sensitive marine ecosystems.
Neoprene booties
Help protect feet during rocky shore entries and exits and add warmth in cooler months.
Common Questions
Do I need prior snorkeling experience?
No — the trip is guided and suitable for beginners, but you should be comfortable swimming and able to float or tread water.
What is the water temperature?
False Bay ranges from roughly 10–22°C depending on season; guides recommend a wetsuit outside of the warmest weeks.
Are photos included?
Yes — the guide records GoPro footage during the swim and provides those images after the excursion.
How do I get to the meeting point?
Meet at Dive Team Centre, 66 St George's St, Simon’s Town; allow 30–40 minutes from central Cape Town depending on traffic.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
Simon's Town, Western Cape
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable swimming and able to snorkel for sustained periods; basic cardiovascular fitness and comfort in open water are required.
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