Explore the Unseen: Marine Biologist-Led Adventures in Cape Town.

As the sun sets over Cape Town's coastline, a different world wakes up. Join our marine biologist guides for a torch-lit exploration of the rock pools after dark, when many of the shore's most fascinating creatures, shy by day, come out to feed and forage.

Timed around low tide for the best viewing conditions, this guided walk takes you across exposed rock pools in search of octopuses, sea stars, anemones, sea urchins, shysharks, and shore crabs, with the chance of a surprise visit from a foraging Cape Clawless Otter. Your guide will point out behaviours you simply don't see during the day, and explain the adaptations that let these animals survive in such a harsh, ever-changing environment.

It's a slower, quieter, more intimate way to experience the shoreline, part treasure hunt, part science lesson, all guided by genuine ocean lovers.

Good to know

Dates are scheduled around the best low-tide and moon-phase conditions each month. Suitable for ages 8 and up, a great outing for curious explorers of all ages.

Where to meet

Our walks are based at Mouille Point Beach. Meet at the Aonyx banner on the beach. Occasional explorations at Dalebrook and Blouberg beaches can also be arranged for group bookings on request, so keep an eye on our socials for upcoming location updates.

What to wear

Bring a torch or headlamp, and wear closed, non-slip shoes for gripping wet rocks safely in the dark. Dress warmly in layers, as evenings on the coast cool down quickly.

Explore Cape Town's rock pools in daylight, when the low tide reveals a world of colour and life tucked into every crevice. Led by our marine biologist guides, this walk takes you across vibrant tidal pools in search of a variety of marine life, sea stars, anemones, sea urchins, and shy shore crabs, while you learn about the remarkable adaptations that help these creatures survive between the tides.

The real highlight for most guests? Spotting the elusive, endlessly curious octopus, a favourite among guides and visitors alike. Keep an eye out too for the Cape Clawless Otter, sometimes seen foraging along the rocks.

This is hands-on marine science made accessible: search, observe, and understand the shoreline's ecosystem up close, guided by people who know exactly where and how to look. Whether you're a curious first-timer, a seasoned nature lover, or bringing the whole family along, it's a rewarding way to slow down and reconnect with the ocean.

Good to know

Dates are scheduled around optimal spring low tides during full and new moon phases, for the best viewing conditions. Suitable for ages 5 and up.

Where to meet

Our walks are based at Mouille Point Beach — meet at the Aonyx banner on the beach. Occasional explorations at Dalebrook and Blouberg beaches can also be arranged for group bookings on request, so keep an eye on our socials for upcoming location updates.

What to wear

Closed, non-slip shoes are a must for gripping wet rocks safely. Dress in layers, as the coastline can be breezy even on warm days, and bring sun protection — a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Don't forget to bring water to stay hydrated along the way.

Explore the Great African Seaforest, Cape Town's remarkable kelp ecosystem, and one of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth. Guided by our marine biologists, this snorkel takes you swimming through towering stands of swaying kelp, where sunlight filters down through the canopy and the underwater world opens up around you.

Keep an eye out for a variety of benthic sharks, klipfish, urchins, starfish, anemones, and the occasional curious octopus, all sheltering within the kelp's protective fronds. Our guides will point out the small, easily-missed details, and the bigger picture of why this forest matters, as one of the planet's most effective natural carbon sinks.

Whether you're a confident swimmer comfortable in open water or just starting to explore the ocean, we have an experience for you. This kelp forest snorkel is best suited to those comfortable swimming in open water. If you're newer to the water, our tidal pool snorkel offers a softer introduction to the same magical marine world.

Where to meet

Millers Point or a different site based on ocean conditions. We meet at the dive shop to kit up before heading down to the water.

What to wear

All snorkel gear is provided, including a wetsuit — the Atlantic stays cold year-round. Bring your swimsuit, a towel, and sun protection.

Get out on the water and experience Cape Town's coastline from a completely different perspective. Join our marine biologist guides for a guided kayak adventure from Three Anchor Bay, along the Sea Point coastline while learning about the incredible ocean life found just offshore. Keep your eyes open for Cape fur seals popping up beside the kayaks, seabirds overhead, and, with a little luck, dolphins, sunfish and whales passing through the bay. Your guide will share stories about the local marine ecosystem, the Great African Seaforest and the fascinating animals that call these waters home.

But this experience is about more than spotting wildlife. Through marine education and conservation awareness, we encourage guests to better understand the pressures facing our oceans and the role we all play in protecting them. Along the way, we'll explore topics such as responsible wildlife viewing, marine pollution, coastal conservation and the importance of healthy ocean ecosystems. The aim is to leave you with a greater connection to the ocean and a better understanding of how we can care for it.

It's part ocean safari, part adventure and part education — an active way to explore the coastline, connect with marine life and gain a new appreciation for the ocean environment right on Cape Town's doorstep.

Good to know

Kayaking is weather- and sea-condition dependent, so routes and launch times may change depending on conditions. No previous kayaking experience is required, but participants should be comfortable on the water and able to paddle independently. Suitable for ages 8 and up.

Where to meet

Three Anchor Bay, Sea Point. Meet on the beach, where your guide will provide gear and a safety briefing before heading out onto the water. Arrive 30 minutes before launch.

What to wear

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for getting wet, and bring a warm layer for after the trip. Sunscreen, a hat and water are recommended. All kayaking equipment and safety gear are provided.

What to expect

A guided coastal paddle, an introduction to the marine life and ecosystems of the Atlantic Seaboard, ocean-awareness discussions, and plenty of opportunities to stop, look around and learn about the ocean beneath you.