Duiker Island

To sail out near Duiker Island, you will need to take a guided tour. As the island is so small, visits usually don’t take very long so are often bundled into broader sightseeing tours from Cape Town. These typically include visits to Boulders Beach to see the colony of African Penguins and to the Cape of Good Hope. Boat trips to Duiker Island leave from Mariner’s Wharf in Hout Bay.

• Duiker Island is a must-see for nature and wildlife lovers.

• Boat trips to the island may be canceled in the event of bad weather.

• The sea can be choppy. If you suffer from seasickness, it is advisable to take something before heading out.

• Visitors are not permitted to land on the island.

It takes around 30 minutes to drive from Cape Town’s city center to Mariner’s Wharf in Hout Bay, and from there, it’s a 20-minute sail to the island. If you are staying in Cape Town, rather than making your own way there, it is recommended to visit as part of a larger sightseeing tour that includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

Day tours typically leave Cape Town early in the morning in order to make the most of the day and fit in multiple activities. Tours typically only spend around an hour cruising around Duiker Island. The island is most densely populated with seals from January through March, when they are moulting and spend less time in the water.

Though often called “Seal Island,” Duiker Island should not be confused with another South African island, which is officially named Seal Island. The other island is off the northern beaches of False Bay, also close to Cape Town. Similarly, it gets its name from its large Cape fur seal colony.

While you can reserve boat tours that head to Duiker Island online just a day in advance, it’s a good idea to book further ahead. Advanced booking is an especially good idea if you want to visit the island on a weekend or during a public holiday.

Yes, taking a trip to Duiker Island is worth it, particularly if you love seeing wildlife and nature. However, the waters can be rough, so those who are sensitive to seasickness may need to take medicine or reconsider as they'll be on the boat for the tour duration.

The best time to visit Duiker Island by boat is in summer. The weather is lovely, and it's when you'll see the largest numbers of Cape fur seals out in their element. However, you'll spot seals on Duiker Island no matter when you visit.

No, you cannot go to Duiker Island on your own. You can get close enough to see the Cape fur seals on a boat tour, and you can snorkel and swim in the waters near the island from a boat, but the island itself is off-limits to humans.

No, you cannot walk on Duiker Island. Landing boats or walking on the island is forbidden as it could disturb the Cape fur seals and numerous seabirds that congregate on its shores. However, you can get close by taking a boat tour that includes a stop near the island.

It doesn’t take long to tour Duiker Island. You can’t set foot on the island, as it’s a protected wildlife area, so most people pass by it on a boat tour. Most tours to the island also include other famous spots, including the Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach.