Kelp Forest Snorkeling Safari
Snorkel the kelp forests of Cape Town
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Join Oceans Africa for a kelp forest snorkeling adventure in Cape Town. Our snorkel tours depart from Simonstown where we can explore the kelp fringes and reef systems of False Bay. With our deep knowledge of the dive sites and secret places, we are here to help you discover the magic of the Great African Sea Forest. Our kelp forest snorkeling trips are private charter experiences with three and four hour options available.
Kelp Forest Snorkeling
Kelp Forest Snorkel Safari Overview:
- Private charter experience
- ZAR 2850 pp sharing (min 2)
- ZAR 1200 under 12 yrs
- 3 hr at sea
- + ZAR 1000 4hr trip
- Mask, Snorkel, Fins & Wetsuit
- Water, fruit and snacks
- Experienced in-water guide
- Experienced Skipper
- First aid kit on board
- + ZAR 2000 night snorkeling
Snorkeling the Kelp Forests of Cape Town
Snorkel the Great African Sea Forest
Snorkel Cape Town’s magnificent kelp forests and join Oceans Africa as we explore the Cape Peninsula on our boat Sea Otter. Your private snorkeling safari will take you past towering cliffs that plunge into kelp-lined shores, pristine beaches and secluded coves.
These kelp forest fringes border the cape coastline and extend over 1000km north into Namibia, protecting the shores from storms and wave action and providing both food and shelter for a myriad of species including seals, octopus, crustaceans, small sharks, and countless invertebrate species.
Entering the realm of My Octopus Teacher enables a direct interaction with a mature and complex marine ecosystem that will leave you in awe of just how much life there is to discover in these rich and temperate waters.
Discover The Great African Sea Forest and join us on a snorkeling adventure into Cape Town’s spectacular kelp jungles.
Our Snorkel Safari Boat
You'll love our boat Sea Otter!
Experience a private snorkeling charter in Cape Town on our boat Sea Otter. Formerly a fishing charter boat, she has been re-purposed to provide the perfect platform for snorkeling adventures and private boat tours around Cape Town’s Southern Peninsula.
The ideal boat for small groups and families, she is licensed for up to five passengers, plus your experienced skipper and snorkeling guide.
Designed for Cape waters, she offers a smooth, stable ride and features a convenient swim platform for easy water entry and exit into the water. Whether you’re snorkeling, freediving, or scuba diving in Cape Town, Sea Otter provides a safe and comfortable base for exploring the region’s diverse marine environments.
Our snorkeling and freediving charters launch from either Simon’s Town or Hout Bay, providing access to the best of Cape Town’s snorkeling and diving locations.
Kelp Snorkeling at Night
Snorkel and swim under the stars!
Step out of your comfort zone and do something that very few people get to experience. Snorkeling at night is fun, perfectly safe and exhilarating!
Float under the night sky and connect mind body and spirit to the stars. Dive down beneath the surface to explore an inner space where you can find connection with nature and celebrate the beauty of the underwater world!
Snorkeling at night opens up a whole new world of possibility to explore. Available all year round, this activity is best during the summer months when the evenings are balmy and warm, and plankton blooms make for more bio-luminescence in the water.
Add a Subwing Session!
Fly underwater with the Subwing!
Become a Subwing pilot and learn to fly underwater! Guests with more water confidence and basic freediving ability will love the subwing option. The subwing adds a completely different dimension to the trip. And can be included free on the 4-hour charter on request.
Towed slowly behind the boat, the Subwing allows you to glide, roll and angle through the water column with subtle body movements. You can dip toward reef structure, sweep back up into the light, and carve smooth lines along the edges of the kelp forest.
For those comfortable equalising and diving a few metres, underwater flying with the Subwing becomes a physical extension of your snorkeling skills, transforming the way you explore depth and structure underwater.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Private charters only so highly personalised snorkeling trips, suited to your experience and interests.
- We operate both sides of the Cape Penisular and may launch from Simonstown or Hout Bay.
- Child friendly – no age restriction with parental guidance!
- Subwing and night snorkeling options.
You may see a rich variety of temperate marine life including small cat sharks, large stingrays, octopus, crustaceans, reef fish, and seals. The kelp forest ecosystem supports abundant invertebrates and fish life and offers a world class snorkeling experience.
Whales and dolphins may also be encountered during these trips however it’s not permitted approach whales or swim with cetaceans as per the Marine Living Resources Act 1998
Between cold fronts, Cape Town is blessed with some beautiful calm and sunny winter days, with clean water and excellent visibility, to False Bay, which is sheltered from the winter winds and swell.
We focus on the sheltered sites during winter, where north-westerly systems can flatten the bay and improve clarity on the right days. Water temperatures remain cool year-round and are very manageable with proper exposure protection.
Some of our clearest kelp forest snorkeling happens between May and September.
Prices are instantly quoted when you complete the booking form below. Our private charter rates are in line with many group tour offerings from other companies.
We’ve taken all ages from 5 years to 75 years snorkeling in the kelp forest. You don’t need prior snorkeling experience, and our guides tailor the pace to suit confidence and skill levels. Less confident swimmers can stay in shallow areas with support.
Participants need only basic comfort in the water and reasonable mobility to exit from the water on the swim platform. For guests wanting deeper exploration, guides can support basic freediving introduction to enhance the kelp forest experience.
We prefer terms like “refreshing” or “invigorating!” Cape Town water is temperate ranging from as cold as 10°C on the Atlantic side to as high as 22°C in False Bay in Summer. Appropriate exposure protection is important. We will advise accoringly based on recent conditions and location.
Small children do often struggle with the water temperature.
All participants are provided with mask, fins and snorkel, full 5mm wetsuit, boots, hoods and gloves (optional). Weight belts may be provided on request to clients who are trained to use them.
Please provide sizes in advance M/F Height, Weight, Waist and Shoe
We will have water, hot tea fruit and snacks on board.
Guests to bring, changing towel, sunblock, jacket or windbreaker to keep warm between dives and while traveling.
We recommend you book at least a week before your intended date, as trips are weather-dependent and availabity is limited. We only confirm closer to the day once we are sure conditions are favourable. It’s always good to have alternate days available to re-schedule if nexessary.
Book Your Kelp Forest Snorkeling Safari!
Complete the fields below for quotation and availability
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