See a different side of the city on a luxury yacht.
Nothing says you’re in Cape Town like a light sprinkle of ocean spray on your face, while soaking up the marvellous vistas of the city and its famous mountain from the front deck of a luxury catamaran. The waters surrounding the Mother City are also a playground for a variety of marine wildlife. Whatever the season, it’s a relaxed, soul-soothing way to experience the exhilaration of ocean life and the fabulous views at sea.
Two high-performance, teak-decked catamarans, Explore and IQ, set sail from the V&A Waterfront and head along the Atlantic Seaboard on a selection of regular cruises. With cushioned seating, shade covering and side screens, sunny trampolines to recline on at the foredeck, plus a sound system, wifi and an onboard cash/card bar, you can appreciate the stunning scenery in unforgettable style.
The sunset cruise
For the quintessential Cape Town sundowners, hop aboard and watch the sun go down at sea, with a complimentary G&T 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.
Cost R550 (includes a gin & tonic)
Times Daily, 5pm – 7pm departure (depending on season)
Duration 90 minutes
Book Now
The ocean safari
For ocean and nature lovers, this adventure cruise heads out to sea to seek out possible encounters with the marine “Big Five”: playful dolphins, Cape fur seals and penguins, stunning sunfish and majestic whales (the latter two are rarer sightings, depending on the season and conditions). An expert guide will share all kinds of fascinating info about Cape Town’s unique aquatic ecosystem, and of course the views back towards the city are wonderful.
Cost R900
Times Daily, 10.45am – 12.15pm
Duration 90 minutes
Book Now
The G&T cruise
The late-afternoon G&T cruise is the perfect way to salute the end of another beautiful day in Cape Town. Be sure to have your camera at the ready – the “golden hour” scenery unrolls 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 a tail, fin or flipper. (If you’d prefer bubbly, a beer or some other beverage, there is a cash/card bar on board.)
Cost R380 (includes a gin & tonic)
Time Daily, 3.15pm – 4.15pm
Duration 60 minutes
Book Now
Daytime cruises
For a classic, relaxed catamaran jaunt, scheduled hour-long cruises leave the V&A Waterfront from midday to late afternoon. Sailing out from Table Bay along the Atlantic Seaboard, the views dazzle at every turn of the coastline. Kick back on the foredeck trampolines, be soothed by the gentle rhythm of the ocean and catch some rays as you scan the waves for sightings of dolphins, seals and other ocean inhabitants.
Cost R350
Times Hourly, 11.15am – 3.15pm, 4.15pm – 5.15pm
Duration 60 minutes
Morning Cruise: Book Now
Midday/Afternoon Cruise: Book Now
Good to know Explore seats 35 guests and IQ seats 33. Both luxury catamarans are also available for private charters, with the option of add-on activities including stand-up paddle boarding, seal snorkelling and helicopter flights.
Where to find it Cape Town Cruises, Shop 8, Quay 5, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Discover all of the Cape’s hidden gems – subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
