Sea lion · South Africa
Where to see sea lions in South Africa
About this list
A common trap when looking for places to see sea lions in South Africa is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the sea lion as a target species, 5 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record: Overstrand Local Municipality, Simon's Town & Cape Town, Western Cape Garden Route and Western Cape. Encounters are split into boat-based watching, cage observation, snorkeling and scuba diving. Two "sea lion tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. 3 of the 5 operators (60%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. Most listings give the season as Nov–Jun. Boats can still be canceled for sea and weather conditions, so check before you book. No operator can guarantee a wildlife sighting, and rules on approach distance and in-water permits differ by country.
5 listed operators
South Africa · Overstrand Local Municipality
Marine Dynamics
Scuba divingIsland hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Jun–Nov
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source
South Africa · Overstrand Local Municipality
White Shark Diving Company
Scuba divingIsland hopping & boat tripsFamily & kids- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- See the operator page
- Checked
- Official source
South Africa · Simon's Town & Cape Town
Pisces Divers Cape Town
FreedivingScuba divingSnorkeling- Season
- Nov–Jun
- Price
- R 4,500 / person
- Checked
- Official source
South Africa · Western Cape Garden Route
Ocean Odyssey Knysna
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- Adults ZAR 1,820 · Under 12 ZAR 1,430
- Checked
- Official source
South Africa · Western Cape
Animal Ocean
SnorkelingIsland hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Ask the operator
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source
Sea lions in South Africa, by way to meet them
Sea lion season
Sea lions in other countries
Other marine life in South Africa
Activities in South Africa
Frequently asked questions
Where can you see sea lions in South Africa?
5 operators name the sea lion as a target species. Main regions: Overstrand Local Municipality, Simon's Town & Cape Town, Western Cape Garden Route and Western Cape.
Do you have to get in the water to see sea lions?
Formats on record: boat-based watching, cage observation, snorkeling and scuba diving. Boat-based watching stays on the boat; snorkeling, swimming and freediving put you in the water. Some countries ban getting in the water altogether, so check the format in the program details.
When is sea lion season?
Most listings give the season as Nov–Jun. Boats can still be canceled for sea and weather conditions, so check before you book.
Will I definitely see them?
No. Sea lions are wild animals, and whether you meet them depends on their movements and the sea. Maptlantis does not use wording that promises a sighting, and cancellation and refund terms follow each operator's policy.