Animal Ocean Safaris
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 262 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Animal Ocean Safaris worth booking?
Animal Ocean Safaris is a 4-hour experience in Cape Town, South Africa, from $2950 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 262 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 82 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (262)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $2950 per person
Discover the beauty of the ocean with our new Ocean Safaris! While we may be transitioning from our seal snorkeling roots, we’re excited to offer you an unforgettable adventure exploring the breathtaking marine landscape
What you get
- Professional Skipper and Marine Guides
- All equipment
- Use of all facilities: hot showers, change rooms, WiFi
- Educational and safety briefing
About this experience
Discover the beauty of the ocean with our new Ocean Safaris! While we may be transitioning from our seal snorkeling roots, we’re excited to offer you an unforgettable adventure exploring the breathtaking marine landscapes of Hout Bay. Our Ocean Safaris take you on a captivating journey, where you can witness diverse marine life in their natural habitat, all while surrounded by stunning mountain vistas. This immersive experience includes a guided boat trip with knowledgeable crew members who are passionate about sharing the wonders of the sea. Enjoy the thrill of spotting dolphins, seabirds, and other incredible wildlife as you cruise along the coastline. After your adventure, unwind at our Safari Centre with hot showers, changing facilities, or relax in our inviting lounge and sunlit garden. Join us for a remarkable ocean experience that celebrates the magic of the marine world!
What's included
Included
- Professional Skipper and Marine Guides
- All equipment
- Use of all facilities: hot showers, change rooms, WiFi
- Educational and safety briefing
Not included
- Transfers to Snorkel Centre
- Camera rental
- Gratuity
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cape Town
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Animal Ocean
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please add a contactable cellphone number and valid email address to your booking
- Children must be 10 years or older to participate
- Minimum of 4 people booked per trip required to operate
- Maximum of 10 people on each trip
- Activity is weather dependent - if cancelled a full refund or alternative date is offered
- Guests must be confident swimmers
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers over 6 months
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 262 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
262 verified traveler reviews for Animal Ocean Safaris. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Brilliant way to spend a morning
We had a brilliant time on this excursion. Our guides were a great mix of fun, friendly and informative making it a great trip and a really unique way to enjoy the area. Diving on the wreck was a really wonderful experience, seeing the wildlife up close, and the treats on the boat were delicious. A great way to spend a morning.
Response from the operator: Wow, thank you for such a lovely review! We are absolutely delighted that you had a brilliant time with us. It means so much to hear that our guides struck the perfect balance of fun, friendly and informative, as creating that kind of atmosphere is exactly what we aim for on every trip. We are so glad you enjoyed diving on the wreck and experiencing the wildlife up close. Those moments in the water are truly special. And we love that the treats on board were a hit too. There is nothing better than great snacks after an adventure at sea. Thank you for choosing to spend your morning with us. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience soon. Best Fishes, The Animal Ocean Team
via Tripadvisor
Not Worth It
Not worth it. We traveled pretty far by boat, jumped into the freezing water & nothing! Very poor visibility area with no sea creatures in sight. Nice seeing seals & dolphins along the way but a complete waste of time & money as far as "underwater safari" goes
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re sorry that this particular trip didn’t meet your expectations. Our focus is exploring the ocean environment as a whole, both above and below the surface. As with any ocean-based activity, water temperature (10-15C) and underwater visibility are entirely dependent on natural conditions and can change daily. We truly appreciate your feedback and will continue doing our best to set clear expectations while offering authentic, nature-based experiences in a wild and ever-changing ocean environment. Kind regards, The Animal Ocean Team
via Viator
A must-do experience for everyone in Cape Town!
My favourite experience in Cape Town by far! The team were welcoming and informative from the moment we walked through the door and delivered an incredible and authentic experience. I loved that we got to snorkel in the kelp forest, unlike many other ocean tours in the area. The hot chocolate and snacks afterwards were a lovely edition! This tour gave me a whole new perspective of Cape Town as we got to see many features and animals (dolphins, seals, sunfish, small sharks) that I would never have discovered from land! Highly recommend to both visitors to the area and locals 🦭
Response from the operator: Wow, what an incredible review to read. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Being called your favourite experience in Cape Town truly means the world to our whole team. We are so happy that you felt welcomed and informed from the very start and that the experience felt authentic and special. Snorkelling in the kelp forest is something we absolutely love sharing, and it is wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed exploring it. Seeing dolphins, seals, sunfish and even small sharks along the way makes every trip unique, and we are thrilled you got to experience such amazing wildlife. We are also glad the hot chocolate and snacks were the perfect finishing touch. Thank you for the heartfelt recommendation. We would love to welcome you back into the ocean with us anytime. Best Fishes, The Animal Ocean Team
via Tripadvisor
Don’t Miss the Snorkeling
I booked the ocean safari in Hout Bay with snorkeling, and it turned out to be one of the most awesome parts of my trip. Our crew—Daniel, Georgie, and Jesse—made the whole experience fun, safe, and surprisingly relaxing (except the parts where we were happily racing over waves, of course, which were exhilarating). I initially planned to skip the snorkeling because I was worried I wouldn’t be able to climb back into the boat afterward. The receptionist encouraged me to try it and reassured me I’d have help, so I took the plunge—literally. I’m so glad I did! Daniel lifted me back into the zodiac so easily that I didn’t even have time to be embarrassed. The safari itself was the perfect blend of calm and thrill: peaceful stretches cruising along the coastline, mixed with exhilarating bursts of speed across the bay with wind and salt spray flying everywhere. Woo hoo! We even passed a fascinating shipwreck, which felt like discovering hidden treasure right off the coast. It was eerie! The light snacks, hot cocoa, and warm water poured into our wetsuits after snorkeling—like a cozy ocean spa moment—were much appreciated. At the end, we got warm showers to wash off the saltwater. They also have a private changing room. The gear (wetsuits and rain jacket) were high quality and in excellent, clean condition. If you’re in Cape Town, don’t miss this. Even if you think you won’t snorkel… try it. Honestly, I worried about nothing, and it was cool.
Response from the operator: Thank you for such a thoughtful and detailed review! We absolutely loved reading about your experience. It means so much to know that your ocean safari in Hout Bay was one of the most awesome parts of your trip. We are so happy that Daniel, Georgie, and Jesse helped make the adventure fun, safe, and relaxing, with just the right amount of exhilaration along the way. Racing over the waves is always a highlight. We are especially glad you decided to take the plunge and join the snorkeling. Hearing that you felt supported and comfortable every step of the way truly makes our day. There is nothing better than seeing someone surprise themselves and love it. From peaceful coastline cruising to thrilling bursts across the bay, spotting the shipwreck, and warming up with snacks, hot cocoa, and that cozy wetsuit moment, it sounds like you embraced it all. We are also pleased the showers, changing facilities, and gear added to your comfort. Thank you for encouraging others to give it a try. We would be thrilled to welcome you back for another ocean adventure anytime. Best Fishes, The Animal Ocean Team
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable Ocean Adventure!
Our Ocean Safari was absolutely amazing! The crew was so friendly and welcoming, and the whole experience was unforgettable. We saw lots of wildlife, including seals and dolphins and got to snorkel around a shipwreck, which was such an incredible adventure. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for something fun and unique!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are absolutely thrilled that your Ocean Safari was such an amazing and unforgettable experience. It makes us so happy to hear that the crew made you feel welcomed and that you enjoyed every moment out on the water. Seeing seals and dolphins in their natural habitat is always so special, and snorkeling around the shipwreck really does add that extra sense of adventure. We love that you found it fun and unique, as that is exactly what we hope to create for every guest. Thank you for the heartfelt recommendation. We would love to have you back on board for another ocean adventure soon. Best Fishes, The Animal Ocean Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 10+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 92
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Animal Ocean Safaris: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cape Town.
How much does Animal Ocean Safaris cost?
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Prices start at $2950 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cape Town usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Animal Ocean Safaris take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cape Town is not rushed.
Is Animal Ocean Safaris worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 262 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Cape Town, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Animal Ocean Safaris?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Animal Ocean Safaris suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 10. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 4-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Animal Ocean Safaris?
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Around 92 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cape Town can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cape Town and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Animal Ocean Safaris start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cape Town within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cape Town?
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On Outty we rank every Cape Town experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Penguins Day Tour from Cape Town, Table Mountain, Boulders Penguins and Cape point Day Tour, Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cape Town?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cape Town?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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