While visiting his dad in Wellington, New Zealand, 12-year-old Jake obtains the skin of a selkie, a mythical sea creature who transforms from a seal to a woman when on land.
Jake follows in his dad's footsteps by gathering clues to support his hypothesis; Jessie teaches Jake a valuable lesson when he gets in trouble with some of the local kids.
Jake's friend Jessie reveals that Cara cannot return to the sea without her seal skin; Jake agrees to return the skin to where he found it but fears the magic pelt has too great a hold on him.
When Ted goes missing, Jake and Jessie must use their smarts to get him back to safety. Robert falls under Cara's allure as she confronts Jake regarding the whereabouts of her seal skin.
Ted desperately searches for Cara to stop her dangerous plan. Jake finally locates Cara's skin but must outrun the local kids in order to keep it. An unlikely ally saves the day.
Jake embarks on a daring mission to find a special kelp that can heal Jessie's injuries. Ted reveals the truth to Robert about Cara by telling the story of his own Selkie experience. But the danger has already set in.
Jake enlists the help of Ted and Jessie when Robert refuses to give Cara's skin back. Ted reveals to Robert more of his tragic story but not before Robert's betrayal turns Cara into a different creature.
