The V&A Waterfront is one of the central focal points in Cape Town, and as the name suggests, located right on the water. This eclectic hub is home to interesting storefronts, making it a great shopping destination, but with stunning views of the ocean and mountain, it’s a must-visit for tourists and locals wanting to bask in the beauty of their city.
Taking to the water on a Waterfront boat ride is a wonderful experience. You can get in touch with nature and get a chance to see dolphins, sunfish, and penguins frolicking in the idyllic waters and it makes for one of the best date nights in the Mother City. Keep reading to find out more about what you can expect and Waterfront boat rides prices for 2023.
Boat Rides Waterfront – What to Expect
If you book a boat cruise in the Waterfront, try to get to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront at least 30 minutes before your departure. This is to give you the opportunity to find parking, should you be driving, but also to get a chance to explore the area and find the docks.
Once you get to the boat, you’ll hop on board, and depending on the Waterfront boat trip that you choose, you may be handed a complimentary glass of champagne. Once everybody has settled, you’ll head out on the water for 30 minutes – 2 hours enjoying the salty sea breeze and some Cape Town sun kissing your shoulders.
Before heading out on your Waterfront boat ride, ensure that you lather up with sunscreen (even on a cloudy day). And if you have a tendency to get seasick, taking motion sickness pills is advised.
Boat Cruise Waterfront Prices
You can expect to pay between R140 – R500 for a boat trip in the Waterfront. Prices vary depending on what is included in the boat ride. You may be offered complimentary champagne or a chef-made lunch aboard, so it all depends on what you are hoping to get from the experience.
Waterfront Boat Rides Options
Boat rides from the V&A Waterfront are an absolute treat, here are a couple that might tickle your fancy. Boat tours do fill up quickly over the holiday period so be sure to book in advance so that you don’t miss a chance to hop aboard a boat in the Mother City.
Cape Town: Coastal Catamaran Cruise
This one-hour cruise will see you heading out on the Atlantic Ocean to the Green Point lighthouse. This gives you a stunning perspective of the city of Cape Town, Table Mountain, and Lions Head.
After heading around the Green Point Lighthouse in the luxury catamaran, you’ll head back to the harbour. Make use of the cash bar on board to enjoy some refreshments while you’re out at sea.
This coastal catamaran cruise from the Waterfront is a wonderful experience for both tourists and locals alike. There are multiple tours you can take part in every day, but it is best to buy your ticket before the day to ensure you have a guaranteed spot.
Cape Town: Coastal Cruise & 2-Course Lunch Combo
This tour is great for those that like to enjoy a little variety. You will spend 1 hour on the water, either taking a coastal cruise while lapping up views of the Atlantic Ocean or if the water is too rough, you will enjoy a peaceful Cape Town Harbour cruise.
You can buy a drink or two from the cash bar aboard the sailing vessel to enjoy tranquil views of the surrounding area. Whether or not you get a chance to leave the harbour for an Atlantic Ocean adventure, you will still have beautiful views of the iconic Table Mountain.
After your 1 hour cruise, you will head back to the Waterfront where you can choose between 3 different restaurants to enjoy your 2-course meal. The Meloncino Restaurant for Italian, the City Grill for local flavour, and the Greek Fisherman, are all options for exquisite dining in the V&A Waterfront.
30 min Harbour Boat Cruise Cape Town
If you are short on time, or just want to make sure you are hitting up the main sites in the V&A Waterfront, then this is the way to do it. This 30-minute harbour cruise will take you to see the Swig Bridge, the clock tower, and the Table Bay Hotel.
You’ll also get to enjoy views that lie outside of the harbour, such as Table Mountain, Lion’s head, Devils Peak and the Mother City. Your guide will tell you about all the iconic sites along the way so it can be a learning experience too.
Cape Town Waterfront and Bay: Sailing Trip
This tour gives you the opportunity to experience a working sailboat with all its luxury touches. Your boat trip will leave from the Waterfront and depending on the wind, you will head toward either Milnerton Light House or Robben Island.
No matter which direction you head, you will be able to enjoy stunning views of the Mother City and Table Mountain. If the winds are not powerful enough to carry the sailboat back to the harbour, then the skipper will switch on the engines so the boat can be powered back to shore. While this doesn’t happen too often, it is a nice cruising alternative on peaceful days.
Along the way, the skipper can give you a crash course in sailing so that you are well familiar with the way the boat operates. On days that are too rough out at sea, you will get the opportunity to sail around the harbour, taking in all the sounds, smells, and views of Waterfront life.
Cape Town: V&A Waterfront Champagne Cruise
This champagne cruise departs from the Waterfront and heads along the Atlantic Ocean toward the south. This gives you the opportunity to look out over Camps Bay Beach while taking in views of the Twelve Apostles.
The cruise comes with a complimentary glass of champagne and the boat even has over-water trampolines where you can bask in the sun while gliding across the water. If you would like a moment of shade, they have covered areas where you can enjoy the same views while relaxing in the cool shade.
It’s quite common for this tour to encounter sea life in the form of seals, dolphins, penguins, and odd the lucky occasion, even whales. For this boat trip, it’s important to arrive 30 minutes before the boat is scheduled to leave as they run on a tight schedule.
Everything You Need to Know About Waterfront Boat Trips
Taking a boat ride from the Waterfront is absolutely idyllic. It gives you the opportunity to enjoy an hour or two on the water, while taking in stunning views of the Mother City. If you would like to enjoy a meal after your time on the water, visit one of the most affordable restaurants in the Waterfront.
If you’re looking for other activities to take part in and around Cape Town. spending a day on the Franschhoek Wine Tram comes highly recommended.
