Have you ever been mask-to-whisker with Cape Fur Seals?
Seal snorkelling with local operator Animal Ocean is growing in popularity. The seals are naturally very inquisitive and playful and what better way to experience them than to join them in their natural environment.
Here are some interesting facts about the Cape Fur Seals.
Their closest living relatives are bears and raccoons, this has been established through genetic testing.
The Cape Fur Seals differ from true seals in that they have external ear flaps, this enables them to hear the direction of sound in air.
These seals can walk or gallop on land, this is since their hind flippers aren’t connected to their pelvis, allowing it better rotation.
A female seal can delay her pregnancy for 3 to 4 months to ensure that they give birth in summer where pups have the best chance of survival.
Seals can shut down different parts of their brains at different times so that they can sleep in water and still paddle to keep up with their group.
Cape Fur seals occur naturally on islands around the southern African coast and are found nowhere else in the world.
Animal Ocean operate on Duiker Island, off Hout Bay, this is within a marine protected area which is part of the Table Mountain National Park.
Animal Ocean provides all the necessary snorkelling equipment and adventure seekers as facilitated by passionate marine guides. Their vessels take 10 snorkelers. Their Snorkelling Center boarders the harbour and offers hot showers, private change rooms, free Wifi and coffee.
This is a unique opportunity to interact with these playful animals in their environment, on their terms.