Aboard · SOUTH AFRICA BOAT TOURS
Good south africa boat tours fill up weeks ahead in season and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
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.”
From Hermanus New Harbour, you’ll take a 90-minute boat trip into Walker Bay with an English-speaking guide, looking for southern right whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Guides such as Peter and Philip explain whale behavior, while the boat stops and cuts its engines near sightings.
“The guide told in the beginning that all the West whales already migrated and warn that there probably no whales at the activity. Saw a lot of dolphins. Also team was very helpful during the trip. Thank you!”
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 :)”
Join Southern Right Charters for a two-hour cruise from Hermanus New Harbour. A whale specialist explains southern right, humpback, and Bryde’s whales as you search for dolphins and seals aboard a comfortable catamaran. Tea, coffee, light snacks, and an optional drone video add to the outing.
“These people saved my butt. I got a flat tire on the way to the meeting point, and they offered to change it out for me by the time I got back. Truly so kind, and I am very grateful. The tour itself was beautiful, with multiple whale sightings, and I thought the drone footage aspect was really cool and unique. You can take home a video of yourself on the boat, filmed from the air, and see what the whales look like from above. Amazing.”
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!!”
Join an English-speaking skipper at Wilson’s Wharf for a 30-minute cruise through Durban Harbor. Expect skyline views, tugboats, container ships, birdlife, port commentary, and music. Routes vary between Maydon Wharf and the city or container terminal, with an ocean extension possible in good weather.
“Let's get the ramping done properly safety first and get new boats”
Board Harties Boat Company at Kommando Nek Nature Reserve for a relaxed two-hour cruise with a welcome drink, hot and cold finger foods, music, and views of the Magaliesberg. Captain Rasta and photographer Rene have earned warm praise, but seating and boarding access can be basic.
“The chairs were not comfortable. They could bring sme lounging chairs. Music was good”
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.”
Spend an hour on the water from Wilson’s Wharf, watching container ships, cruise liners, and harbor work while the Durban beachfront and skyline slide past. Expect music, a safety briefing, and commentary in English, Zulu, or Afrikaans. The boat may vary, and rough seas can keep the cruise inside the harbor.
“I like the music inside when you departing from the harbour and learn how ship operating even watching the view of beach front”
Set out from Thesen Island Harbour Town on the Oyster Boat for a 75-minute guided cruise to the Knysna Heads. English-speaking skippers such as Justin, Jake, Bryan, and Kyle explain local history, wildlife, and the working lagoon while you enjoy open-water views. Bring sun protection; the boat is not wheelchair accessible.
“We've loved it. Bryan was an excellent guide. Knowledgeable. Well worth our money spend. I would definitely make use of this site again.”
Pick a river, a coast or a harbour.
