Great African Sea Forest Guided Snorkel

Highlights

• Explore the Great African Sea Forest, one of the world's most biodiverse kelp forest ecosystems with uniquely rich marine life.
• Contribute directly to ongoing marine research and vital conservation efforts while snorkeling with a marine biologist guide.
• Interact with local marine life including sea urchins, octopi and friendly endemic shark species in their natural habitat.
• Learn about the underwater ecosystem from expert marine biologists, including how octopi hunt and where shysharks hide.
• Get special access to the FinSpotter app to stay updated on shark sightings and contribute to research data.
• Become an Ocean Ambassador as recognition for your assistance with marine research and conservation efforts.

Tour Overview

This 2 hour guided snorkeling tour offers an immersive way to explore the Great African Sea Forest, making it ideal if you want to experience one of the world's most unique marine ecosystems while contributing to marine science. The tour is led by marine biologists and operates with small groups of up to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and safety throughout your underwater adventure.

You begin with an in-depth briefing at the dive center on the shore of False Bay, where your marine biologist guide explains the area's biodiversity, what you might encounter during the snorkel, and how to safely interact with marine life. You are fitted with quality snorkeling equipment including mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit, all provided as part of the tour. The guide explains the research component of the experience and how your observations contribute to ongoing shark research.

You enter the water and follow your marine biologist guide through the kelp forest, learning about the ecosystem as you explore. The guide points out various marine species including sea urchins, octopi and shysharks, explaining their behavior and importance to the ecosystem. You participate in shark research by helping to locate and photograph friendly endemic shark species for identification purposes. Throughout the experience, your guide takes underwater photos to document your adventure. The tour concludes with a return to shore, where you receive recognition as an Ocean Ambassador for your contribution to marine research.

Typical Itinerary

1. Arrival at dive center - Arrive at the dive center on the shore of False Bay and check in for your Great African Sea Forest snorkeling experience.
2. In-depth briefing - Attend a comprehensive briefing conducted by a marine biologist covering the area's biodiversity, marine life you might encounter, safety procedures and research objectives.
3. Equipment fitting - Be fitted with snorkeling equipment including mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit. The guide ensures everything fits properly and provides tips for comfortable snorkeling.
4. Research introduction - Learn about the shark research component of the tour and how your observations and photos contribute to ongoing marine science and conservation efforts.
5. Entering the water - Enter the water from the shore and begin your exploration of the Great African Sea Forest kelp ecosystem.
6. Kelp forest exploration - Follow your marine biologist guide through the kelp forest, learning about the unique ecosystem and its diverse marine life as you snorkel.
7. Marine life encounters - Observe and learn about various marine species including sea urchins, octopi and shysharks. The guide explains how octopi hunt, where shysharks hide, and why sea urchins wear 'hats'.
8. Shark research participation - Help locate and photograph friendly endemic shark species for research identification purposes, contributing directly to ongoing marine science.
9. Underwater photography - Your guide takes underwater photos throughout the experience to document your adventure and capture marine life encounters.
10. Return to shore - Exit the water and return to the dive center, where you can warm up and discuss your experience with the guide.
11. Ocean Ambassador recognition - Receive recognition as an Ocean Ambassador for your contribution to marine research and conservation efforts during the tour.
12. FinSpotter app access - Get special access to the FinSpotter app to stay updated on shark sightings and continue contributing to research data.

The exact route and marine life encounters vary depending on weather conditions, water visibility and marine life activity. The activity takes place rain or shine, as conditions are suitable for snorkeling in most weather. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed as animals are in their natural habitat, but the marine biologist guide will do their best to locate and identify various species during the tour. You need to be able to swim or at least be comfortable in the water, though this activity does not require a high fitness level.

What's Included

• 2 hour guided snorkeling tour in the Great African Sea Forest with a qualified marine biologist guide.
• Complete snorkeling equipment including mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit provided for use during the tour.
• In-depth briefing about the area, biodiversity and activity conducted by a marine biologist before entering the water.
• Underwater photos taken by your guide throughout the experience to document your adventure.
• Marine life education including information about octopi, shysharks, sea urchins and endemic shark species.
• Participation in ongoing shark research by helping to locate and photograph sharks for identification purposes.
• Special access to the FinSpotter app to stay updated on shark sightings and contribute to research data.
• Ocean Ambassador recognition for your contribution to marine research and conservation efforts.

Not Included

• Swimwear and towel, which you need to bring with you for the snorkeling experience.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off service, as the tour departs directly from the dive center on False Bay.
• Personal items such as sunscreen, water bottles and any additional snacks.
• Tips for the marine biologist guide, which are optional and appreciated for good service.
• Underwater camera equipment beyond the photos provided by the guide, though you may bring your own if desired.

Accessibility & Practical Info

• This tour is not suitable for children under 10 years of age, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or people over 95 years of age due to the physical requirements of snorkeling.
• You need to be able to swim or at least be comfortable in the water to participate safely in this snorkeling experience.
• This activity does not require a high fitness level, but you should be comfortable swimming and floating in the water for extended periods.
• Bring your swimwear and towel. All snorkeling equipment including wetsuit is provided, so you don't need to bring your own gear.
• The activity takes place rain or shine, as conditions are suitable for snorkeling in most weather. Tours may be cancelled if conditions are unsafe.
• Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed as animals are in their natural habitat, but the marine biologist guide will do their best to locate and identify various species during the tour.
• The tour operates with small groups limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and safety throughout your underwater adventure.
• Your participation directly contributes to ongoing marine research and conservation efforts, making you part of important scientific work.
• You will receive underwater photos taken by your guide, which serve as both memories of your experience and documentation for research purposes.
• This tour is likely to sell out, especially during peak season, so advance booking is recommended to secure your preferred date and time.