Aboard · CAPE TOWN BOAT TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 cape town boat tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you step aboard.
Use a one or two-day City Sightseeing pass to explore Cape Town by red, blue, and purple routes. Expect open-top views, audio in 15 languages, free Wi-Fi, stops at Table Mountain, Camps Bay, Kirstenbosch, and Constantia, plus an optional harbour or canal cruise.
“I have enjoyed both rides, the hop hop sight seeing bus a cruise harbour”
See Cape Town at your own pace on a 1 or 2-day bus pass covering the city, Atlantic coast, Kirstenbosch, Hout Bay, and Constantia wineries. Expect frequent buses, 15-language audio commentary, free Wi-Fi, walking tours, and an optional harbor cruise. Wine guide Rico is praised for his informative tastings.
“Bus was frequent and comfortable. The commentary was very good. I always use City Sightseeing as an excellent way to see foreign destinations.”
Join Waterfront Charters for a 90-minute sunset sail from the V&A Waterfront. Expect two glasses of local sparkling wine, Atlantic views, music, and an easygoing crew. The route changes with the wind, with possible views toward Milnerton, Clifton, Robben Island, or Granger Bay.
“I had a blast! It's not too long (Which is good cause when the sun sets it gets cold), but we had so much fun! They take tons of photos for you, serve you drinks, and the extra drinks are very reasonable! I had a blast :)”
Spend 90 minutes aboard a 58-foot gaff-rigged schooner from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. With two glasses of sparkling wine included, you’ll sail past Table Bay, Milnerton Lighthouse, and Granger Bay beneath Table Mountain. The crew, including names such as Tyson and Captain Lucky, keeps the mood lively.
“The sunset cruise was super fun and the views of Cape Town were stunning, we even saw dolphins and seals as we left The Waterfront which was an amazing surprise. Great crew too, thank you!”
Join Waterfront Charters at Quay 5 for a one-hour power-catamaran ride from the V&A Waterfront to Green Point Lighthouse and back. You’ll see Cape Town from the sea, watch for seals, dolphins, penguins, and whales, and enjoy an onboard cash bar. Crew members such as Charles and Rock may add local knowledge and a friendly touch.
“The boat cruise was amazing, the staff are just as amazing . Total worth for money experience. I’m fully impressed!!!”
Sail from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront toward Table Bay on a 90-minute catamaran cruise. You’ll get two glasses of local sparkling wine, sweeping Table Mountain views, music, and possible sightings of dolphins, whales, penguins, or sunfish. Expect wind, cool air, and some rolling waves.
“What a lovely treat! Fantastic vibes. Drinks available at the Bar. Wouldn’t change a single detail. Staff was incredibly attentive and hands on. We had a blast!!”
Set out from Kleinbaai with Marine Dynamics Whale Tours to search for whales, sharks, seals, dolphins and penguins around Dyer Island. A marine biologist explains each sighting, while The Great White House provides coffee, safety gear, soup and a penguin sanctuary visit on selected Cape Town transfers.
“It was good. Saw Southern right whales, sharks that were being baited by shark cage boat company. Seals were great, went to island with penguins. Couldn’t really see them because boat could not get close enough. That was disappointing.”
Join Wild Horizons at the V&A Waterfront for a 90-minute sunset sail on a 39-foot catamaran. You will pass Milnerton Lighthouse, cross Granger Bay, and watch Table Mountain fade into evening light with two glasses of sparkling wine. The English-speaking crew keeps the mood friendly, musical, and relaxed.
“The best experience i have have had, the views were just wooow, excellent”
Join Waterfront Charters for a 90-minute sunset sail aboard Esperance, Serenity One, or another available vessel. Sip two glasses of local sparkling wine, then walk to City Grill or Raj for a 3-course dinner. Expect music, friendly crew, changing routes, and a jacket-worthy breeze.
“was fantastic. highly recommend it. great crew on cruise too. and dinner was absolutely amazing.”
Meet at the V&A Waterfront 20 minutes early, board a luxury vessel, and cruise the Atlantic for one hour before dinner. You’ll receive South African sparkling wine, hear English commentary, and watch for dolphins, seals, whales, and sharks while Table Mountain fills the view.
“We absolutely loved this cruise in Cape Town. The guides were exceptionally friendly and helpful and the experience was so fun and unique!”
Take a 25-minute shared helicopter flight from the V&A Waterfront around Table Mountain, Camps Bay, Hout Bay, Muizenberg, and Constantia. Your English-speaking pilot provides commentary, and your ticket includes a catamaran harbour cruise valid for seven days. Pickup is available within 3 km.
“Weather was not perfect but our trip took place. It was surprise for my daughter on her birthday. She was happy. Plus company did small gift for her.”
Travel from Cape Town to Gansbaai, then ride a speedboat toward Hermanus waters to look for Southern Right Whales, humpbacks, dolphins, seals, penguins, and more. Ivanhoe Sea Safaris limits a 40-seat boat to 25 people, with hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, drinks, and snacks included.
“the office contacted me to move our tour to 1 day earlier due to weather forecast not looking good for the day we booked. end up the day we move, weather is perfectly great to go out to the sea. 3 skippers on the boat to guide us of around 20 tourist. skippers are well prepared and knowledgable with the whales. we saw total of 4 whales and 2 mating right next to our boat. all are southern right whales. the return ride from cape town hotel to the port was smooth and scenery was excellent. driver Mr Cyril is also very friendly. highly recommended to tick off this bucket…”
Spend 30 minutes cruising Cape Town’s working harbour aboard a double-decker trawling boat. You’ll pass moored vessels, look for seals, hear English commentary, and get fresh views of Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront. Meet at Waterfront Charters, Shop 5, Quay 5.
“FUN! Well organised, more value for money than we expected. Will do this again! Recommended!”
Travel from Cape Town to Gansbaai for a guided shark cage encounter with Marine Dynamics. Expect a marine biologist briefing, bronze whaler sharks, possible seals, stingrays, whales, dolphins, and seabirds, plus meals and a visit to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary.
“This trip was very well organized- they’ve really thought of everything and strived to make the participants as prepared and comfortable as possible. I had a GREAT time and very adventurous yet comfortable experience. The boat was very well stocked, the shark cage was very safe and well designed, and the guides and crew were knowledgeable, informative, and helpful. Highly recommend.”
Join City Sightseeing Cape Town outside the Two Oceans Aquarium for a 30-minute harbour cruise. You’ll see Cape fur seals on the harbour tyres, international ships, historic docks, Table Mountain, and Signal Hill, with clear audio commentary in 15 languages and free Wi-Fi.
“Got the full history of the V&A Harbour with clear voice sound helpful staff and peaceful passengers. Very nice experience for beginners”
Pick a river, a coast or a harbour.
