Chris Hugo
Skipper
Chris Hugo has over 20 years of skippering experience. He has an unending love of the ocean and for the seals – with a great sense of humour to boot. He’ll be at the helm, ready to take you out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
You’re a man who’s spent many years out on the ocean and beneath the waves.
What keeps you coming back?
What keeps me going back is the freedom it gives you, and my love for the sea. It’s the most freeing thing when you launch the boat and you’re out there – I love it!
What are the seals like?
They really are amazing creatures. Super friendly. Super curious and playful. The interaction you can have with them, one-on-one, is just incredible. And it’s a real interaction. You don’t get this kind of interaction with other wild animals. If you scuba with dolphins or whales, for instance, they’ll normally just swim right by you. They’re on their own pluck. But the seals are unique, in the way you can spend so much time with them. It’s a very interactive experience.
What sets seal swimming apart from other outdoor experiences you could have in Plettenberg Bay?
It’s really the level of interaction you can have with these wild animals. The seals allow you to be one-on-one with them. They’re not worried; they’re happy with you in the water. They’re not in a cage – they’re free and playing. You can’t run with the gazelles but you can definitely swim with the seals!
What do you find to be the most rewarding part about these seal adventures?
When people get out there and into the water, they’re just blown away. I’ve done whale watching, dolphin swimming, paragliding – you name it, I’ve done it. But the most rewarding of all is really the seal swimming.
Is this an experience for everyone?
Yes! It’s super safe and you’ll have the best guide taking you out. You’ll have a great time – no regrets – guaranteed.
Ash Groep
Guide
Ash will keep you entertained with this humour, wit and seal expertise. With years of experience under his belt and a vast love for these incredible creatures, he’s the perfect guide to ensure an unforgettable experience out at sea.
What was your first-ever seal encounter like?
When I first jumped into the water, it was a bit of a shock – because of the way the seals come up to you; they’re jumping, and playing around. But it was a mind-blowing experience – something that really made me come out of my shell. I was like whoa! There’s so much to explore out here.
And since then?
Each and every day is incredible. I’ve developed such a passion for it – and for these amazing animals.
How would you describe the nature of the Cape Fur Seal?
They’re just like dogs! They like to play and have fun. And once you look into their eyes, you’ll feel that bond – that nature connection. It’s very special.
What makes the seal swimming experience so unique?
You’re out there, in the wild. The seals are living free, swimming around, doing their own thing – not in a cage. It’s a very unique experience. And you’ll always remember the way they look at you – with those big, round eyes. Once you see that, you’ll realise that there really is a soul here in this animal. There’s that connection. That’s usually why I’ll pick one seal out on a swim and focus on it – find that one to connect with.
How do these creatures like to interact with each other?
When you jump in, you might feel a little pinch… because they might give you a little nip on the bum! That’s the way they communicate with each other. If you watch them, you’ll see how they interact. Sometimes they’ll smell each other’s breath, sometimes they nibble each other, and sometimes they give a gentle little pinch… like a love bite!
How do people usually respond to the experience?
You could say that this might just be the most rewarding activity in the whole of South Africa. Because most of the people I’ve taken out have said that they’ve never done such a thing in their whole lives. I’ve had a few people come back for a second time – even a third!
Do you need to be a strong swimmer for this activity?
No, you don’t have to be fit to do this. We’ve got floats on the boat – so you can always hang onto the float. The wetsuits are really buoyant, so they’ll keep you floating too. I’ve even given a few people swimming lessons while we’re out there!
What do you enjoy about being down there, beneath the water?
Being underwater is like being in another world. It’s a whole universe on its own. There’s so much to explore. I’ll be 90 before I’ve seen it all!
And when you’re not keeping us all entertained with the seals, how else do you like to spend your time?
I love to be in nature or in the ocean. So you’ll find me fishing, taking a walk or going on a hike. Anything outdoors!
