The 10 Best Boat Trips in Cape Town

There’s something wonderfully immersive and exhilarating about ocean travel – whether a spacious luxury liner, a tugboat for two, or a bustling public ferry. The unobstructed scenery, the wind in your hair and sea spray on your face, the time away from real life, and the repetitive rocking – all of which make sea rides decidedly appealing.

Living in Cape Town, and being surrounded by the sparkling ocean, means there are boat rides aplenty right on our doorstep. They vary widely – in terms of vessel type, duration of trip and price tag – but here’s our selection of favourites.

Have you done a boat trip lately? Which is your favourite? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Sunset catamaran cruises around Cape Town

For quintessential Cape Town sundowners, the best views are from the water. Hop aboard Explore or IQ and watch the sun go down at sea, the glow reflecting on Table Mountain behind you, with a complimentary glass of bubbly in your hand. The yacht leaves from the Waterfront before sunset and heads out into Table Bay and along the Atlantic Seaboard, returning 90 minutes later… in time to see the first stars appear – and perhaps a full moon rising – in the velvety blue sky above the mountains.
Route Sail along the Atlantic seaboard with exceptional views of the Mother City and Table Mountain.
Departure time 7pm (depending on season)
Duration 90 minutes
Cost R450 (includes two glasses of bubbly)
Where to find it V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Robben Island boat trip

Hop on one of the iconic ferries (historically used to transport prisoners) to Robben Island for a guided tour. Once there, you’ll be able to visit famous historical sites (such as Nelson Mandela’s prison cell and Robert Sobukwe’s house), and learn all there is to know about the island’s 500-year-old history. Keep an eye out for dolphins and seals along the way, as they often play in the water alongside the boat.
Route Leaves from the V&A Waterfront and heads to Robben Island.
Departure times Monday – Sunday, from 9am
Duration Between 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours (whole tour)
Cost R400 (South African adults)
R210 (South African children 2 – 17 years)
R600 (non-South African adults)
R310 (non-South African children 2 – 17 years)
Where to find it Robben Island Ferry Jetty, Quay 4, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Sail and Swim off Clifton

For the ultimate slice of a jet-setting lifestyle, sail to Clifton, anchor in the sheltered waters just off-shore and swim, soak up the sun, dive and stand-up paddle from your own private deck. The catamaran is yours for a morning or afternoon, so once you’ve cruised along the coastline from the V&A Waterfront and anchored, it’s up to you and your guests how you play. Get drinks from the cash bar and even arrange an on-board braai, sushi or oysters (on booking at additional cost), with a beautiful backdrop of Signal Hill, Lions Head and the Twelve Apostles mountain range.
Route Sail along the Atlantic Seaboard with exceptional views of the Mother City and Table Mountain.
Good to know 72 hours notice required (weather dependent). Maximum number of guests is 24
Duration 3 hours (including 40-minute cruise each way)
Cost R36 000
Where to find it V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Hout Bay seals and shipwreck cruise

Sail past the seals at Duiker Island (affectionately known as Seal Island) to spooky Maori Bay, famous for its shipwrecks. This trip focuses on the Bos 400, an old crane barge that ran aground during the Cape storm of 1994. You’ll probably recognise it from diving-junkie videos or panoramic YouTube shots, but this tour from Drumbeat Charters will get you up close and personal for a real-life look at the sunken star.
Route Leaves from Hout Bay Harbour and heads to see the Cape fur seals at Duiker island, then continues along the Karbonkelberg mountain range to Maori Bay where the shipwreck is located.
Good to know If the sea and wind conditions aren’t right for the shipwreck route, the trip takes you to Duiker Island and then heads across the bay to return along the more sheltered Chapman’s Peak route.
The 21m vessel carries up to 118 passengers, has a cash bar and toilets, and is wheelchair friendly.
Departure times Weekends and public holidays: 12pm; 2pm; 3.15pm.
Duration Around 1 hour
Cost R130 (adults)
R70 (children)
Free (children under two years)
Where to find it Hout Bay Harbour, Hout Bay, Cape Town
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Pirate-ship cruise

The Jolly Roger Pirate Boat is hard to miss, and its fun tours are hard to beat. A unique addition to the Waterfront dock, this popular party boat offers both impromptu rides and private charters for special occasions. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the kids, or a unique way to celebrate your birthday or bachelorette, The Jolly Roger Pirate Boat will have you hooked. There’s even a private lounge, dancing pole, bar area and DJ (on request).
Route Leaves from the V&A Waterfront and heads along the surrounding coastline, offering views of Robben Island, Granger Bay, Bantry Bay and Clifton.
Good to know Private charters accommodate up to 75 people.
Cost R240 (45 minutes daytime trip, adults)
R160 (45 minutes daytime trip, children 0 – 12 years)
R400 (1.5 hour sunset cruise, includes sparkling wine)
Contact 021 421 0909, info@yacoobyachts.co.za
Where to find it Shop 7A, Quay 5, V&A Waterfront
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Daytime catamaran cruises around Cape Town

Boarding Explore or IQ at the V&A Waterfront for a morning or early-afternoon catamaran cruise be sure to have your camera at the ready. The insta-worthy views unroll thick and fast as you sail out from Table Bay along the Atlantic Seaboard coastline. Keep an eye on the waves for the flick of tail, fin or flipper, as the ocean Big Five are frequently encountered among the waves around the Mother City. With the cool of the ocean, gentle lapping of waves and a chilled glass from the bar, it’s a fabulous way to relax during the hottest part of the day in summer. Or make the most of a sunny winter’s day in Cape Town – the best season for spotting whales.
Route Sail along the Atlantic Seaboard with exceptional views of the Mother City and Table Mountain.
Departure times 11am; 12pm; 1pm; 2pm
Duration 60 minutes
Cost R300
Where to find it V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Private Robben Island yacht tour

Effortless luxury and elevated sight-seeing collide, as you drift off Cape Town’s coast and out into the Atlantic Ocean on a private yacht. Included in the experience are beer, wine, bubbly, soft drinks, snacks and canapés – a perfect excuse for a special occasion, lunch or sunset cruise. The three-hour Robben Island Charter takes you around this infamous former prison island, with landmarks pointed out from the comfort of the 65-foot luxury yacht.
Route From the V&A and around the coast of Robben Island.
Good to know The yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests. Overnight charters can also be arranged, with the yacht sleeping up to six guests in luxury cabins.
Departure times Depends on client request and yacht’s availability.
Duration 3 hours
Cost R46 200 (includes three-hour tour, drinks and canapés)
Where to find it (Parked behind the Cape Grace Hotel), Ground floor, Marina Centre, West Quay Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Catamaran cruises (with bubbly) around Cape Town

Who says you need to wait for sunset to break out the bubbles? If the champagne lifestyle on the ocean appeals, head out on a daytime catamaran cruise, glass of complimentary bubbly in hand as you scan the waves for sightings of dolphins, seals, penguins and sunfish. Or just kick back on the foredeck trampolines, be soothed by the gentle rhythm of the ocean, catch some rays, and soak up those Table Mountain views.
Route Sail along the Atlantic Seaboard with exceptional views of Cape Town and Table Mountain.
Departure times 3pm; 4pm
Duration 60 minutes
Cost R350 (includes a glass of bubbly)
Where to find it V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Harbour Cruise Around the V&A Waterfront

Enjoy a quick harbour cruise as you watch the Waterfront’s residents go about their business: seals soaking up the sun; seagulls swooping overhead; cruise ships and fishing boats docking; and tourists and locals shopping and eating up a storm. The well-informed guides will share their knowledge of the Cape as you bob around the old harbour and international docks (and get stunning views of Table Mountain).
Good to know Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure, so be there early. The boat accommodates up to 40 passengers.
Departure times 11.30am; 12.30pm; 1.30pm; 2.30pm; 3.30pm; 4.30pm; 5.30pm
Duration Around 30 minutes
Cost R115 (adults)
R57.50 (children 3 – 12 years)
Free (children 0 – 2 years)
Where to find it Shop 7, Quay 5, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Ocean Safari

Focus on spotting the marine big five as you cruise along the Atlantic coastline from the V&A Waterfront on a luxury catamaran. Your trained guide and experienced crew will take you to the best places for spotting playful dolphins, Cape fur seals, whales (in season), penguins and ocean sunfish and will share all you want to know about Cape Town’s exquisite marine ecosystem as you sail. Not to mention the stunning city, mountain and ocean views all the way.
Route Sail along the Atlantic Seaboard with exceptional views of Cape Town and Table Mountain.
Departure time 10.30am
Duration 90 minutes
Cost R900
Where to find it V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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