What is Seal Island?
Seal Island is a small land mass located 5.7 kilometers off the northern beaches of False Bay, near Cape Town in South Africa. The island is so named because of the great number of Cape fur seals that occupy it. It is 5 acres in area and home to 64,000 cape fur seals.
Where Is Seal Island In South Africa
Seal Island is a small land mass located 5.7 kilometers off the northern beaches of False Bay, near Cape Town in South Africa. The island is so named because of the great number of Cape fur seals that occupy it.
IN AND AROUND SEAL ISLAND
As the name suggests, Seal Island is an island of seals. It inhabits a population of approximately 70 000 Cape fur seals.
Besides, some 24 different species of birds can be found on the island. Among them, there are some 200 kelp gulls and small groups of Cape and white-breasted cormorants. If you are lucky, you might spot a few Sub Antarctic skuas and jackass penguins.
The water temperature off Seal Island varies very little, between 13 and 14 degrees Celsius, throughout the year. The predominant winds are north-westerly from March to September; they change to south-easterly from October to February.
The shallow waters just surrounding the island are home to large shoals of southern mullet (a ray-finned fish) and red roman (the ‘golden-eyed broadhead).
All year round, you can often spot dolphins, Bryde’s whales, and humpback whales.
From July to November, you are more likely to encounter the southern right whales as they tend to be plentiful during this period. Common and Dusky dolphins are often followed by large flocks of Cape gannets, the large white and black sea birds with their peculiar yellow heads.
Vegetation or usable soil is scarce, which explains why most marine animals inhabit the island. However, you can also find the ruins of a few huts, a radar mast, and other structures as well as rock inscriptions of the 1900 – 1950s. These testify that humans were once present on this isolated island.
How do you get to Seal Island South Africa?
Tourists can take a road journey to Hout Bay and then board a boat or jetty to visit the island. The boat ride is quite astonishing thanks to some splendid views of the mountains it offers. 45 minutes to the boat ride and you enter a huge seal colony that houses this species in plenty.
How much does Seal Island cost?
Cost: R 120.00 per adult and R 60.00 per child younger than 12.