Hout Bay Seal Island Boat Trip and Chapmans Peak Drive — Full-Day from Cape Town
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short walks on docks and light uneven terrain at viewpoints.
Overview
Board a glass-bottom boat in Hout Bay, watch Cape fur seals on a nearby island, then finish with one of the world's most cinematic drives up Chapmans Peak. This six-hour private tour blends marine wildlife, dramatic geology, and easy coastal exploration.
Hout Bay Seal Island Boat Trip and Chapmans Peak Drive — Full-Day from Cape Town
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The morning air tastes of salt and diesel as the minivan peels away from Cape Town, climbing Kloof Nek with Table Mountain flanking your left. Windows frame a blue Atlantic that seems to pull the road toward it; gulls ride the thermals while the Sentinel of the range watches. Thirty minutes later you drop into Hout Bay harbor, a compact cove where fishing boats and leisure skiffs bob against a backdrop of weathered mountain stone.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Atlantic winds can turn warm mornings chilly—bring a windproof jacket even on sunny days.
Bring seasickness protection
The trip to Seal Island can be bumpy; take ginger or a motion-sickness patch beforehand if you’re prone to nausea.
Protect your gear
Salt spray and wind are constant—use a UV filter or protective cover and secure straps on cameras.
Budget time for lunch
Harbor-side eateries are best experienced without rush—plan an hour to explore and eat before driving Chapmans Peak.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Cape fur seals
- Heaviside and cape gannets and occasional dolphins
History
Hout Bay grew from a 19th-century fishing and processing hub into a recreational harbor; its economy still balances commercial fishing with tourism.
Conservation
Seal Island and the surrounding marine environment are sensitive—keep distance from wildlife, avoid littering, and support local operators who follow sustainable viewing practices.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cape Town
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof jacket
Blocks chilly Atlantic winds on deck and at the Chapmans Peak lookout.
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Sturdy walking shoes
Useful for slippery docks and short uneven trails around the harbor and viewpoints.
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Travel sickness remedies
Patches or oral meds help if you’re sensitive to boat motion on open water.
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Camera with zoom and wide lens
Telephoto for seals and seabirds; wide-angle for sweeping coastline panoramas.
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