Offshore Adventures is an adventure company based in the beautiful town of Plettenberg Bay, in the Garden Route. I recently enjoyed a truly unique and memorable experience with them, I went snorkelling with seals!
As a lover of the natural environment and the ocean as well, the thought of snorkelling with seals was something I could not wait to do. I have gone snorkelling a few times before, with the simple objective of trying to spot as many fish species as possible. This snorkelling experience was definitely out of the ordinary.
As we arrived at the reception desk at the Central Beach in Plett, we changed into wetsuits and were given a mask, snorkel and fins. My friends and I noticed that there were so many foreigners joining us, the different dialects and accents made me feel like I was far away in a foreign country. It is encouraging to see that people come from all around the world to see what South Africa has to offer, another reminder of how fortunate we are to live in such a naturally diverse country.
We made our way along to beach towards the boat, the weather was particular good that day so the beach was packed. We climbed aboard and strapped in, very soon the sight of the beach began to seem a great distance away as the skipper continued out to our snorkel spot, which was the seal colony at Robberg Peninsula.
It was now the time we were waiting for, actually going snorkelling with the Fur Seals. We were advised not to touch them, but rather to swim near them and observe. It is important to remember that they are wild animals at the end of the day. This being said, it was such a joy to be near them. Their curiosity and grace in the water made for such a spectacle. At times I often wondered who enjoyed this more, the humans or the seals themselves!
The fact that they offer visitors the chance to download the GoPro footage free of charge is amazing, the photos captured are truly unique. Our instructor, Red, was really helpful throughout the time and his thorough knowledge was really appreciated.
I never imagined the prospect of snorkelling with seals was a realistic option, so I am grateful to have had the chance to be able to enjoy a day spent with Offshore Adventures. It was truly an incredible experience and one that I will never forget. I would absolutely do it again in a heartbeat.
Offshore Adventures Activities
Offshore Adventures offer a range of adventurous aquatic activities, besides their popular snorkelling with seals excursions, they also have jetski adventures, seal viewing, free diving marine safaris and they also have packages for the Sardine Run which takes place each year in Port St Johns.
To make a booking for one of their activities online, click HERE.
The team understands the complex relationship at play with us and the natural environment; this is why they have put into practice a number of conservation and educational projects in order to sustain the regions biodiversity.
This activity can be enjoyed whilst staying at the Bungalow Plett, which is a few hundred metres away.
Offshore Adventures is located in the Central Beach Car Park, Hopwood Street, Plettenberg Bay. Here is their location on Google Maps. For bookings, call +27 (0) 82 829 0809; email info@offshoreadventures.co.za.Follow them on Facebook HERE or on Instagram HERE.
