From sunset champagne to pirate adventures, Cape Town is the place for unique maritime experiences. The City’s cruise offerings cater to diverse interests and preferences.
Here, where the iconic skyline transforms into a mesmerizing backdrop for unforgettable moments, is where you can enjoy leisurely sunset cruises along the City’s coastline. Whether you’re looking for luxurious yacht charters for a more intimate setting or something more adventurous, look no further than Cape Town’s offerings.
Also read: Cape Town Cruise Terminal records biggest cruise season yet
Cape {town} Etc discount: See the Beauty of Cape Town with a 60-Minute Cruise on a Catamaran or Schooner for just R155 (valued at R310). Get the deal here.
Here are five unique cruise experiences for you to check out:
Explore the Cape’s coastline
Cape Town’s got awesome beaches and cool waves, but sailing around the V&A Waterfront is a top-notch way to soak it all in. Hop on a boat perfect for cruising Table Bay and the nearby coast, enjoying picturesque views of the mountains from the sea.
This one-hour cruise from CapeXtreme is a fun and informative experience. Depending on the weather and wind, the vessel might head to Robben Island, Blouberg Beaches, or Clifton Beaches.
- Cost: R370 per person
- Location: Unit C4, CTX Freight Park, Freight Road, Matroosfontein, Cape Town
- Contact: 021 824 3387

Sip and sail on the sunset cruise
Guests receive a complimentary glass of local sparkling wine (two glasses per guest, or a bottle for a couple), and the bar remains open for all other drinks throughout this cruise offered by Waterfront Charters.
Children are welcome, with a special pricing option available. Due to the City’s changing weather, boat times are flexible. You can choose between a more relaxed journey, where the sailboats Esperance and Serenity follow the wind or a trip on a motor vessel on a different route with a clear destination along the Atlantic seaboard towards Clifton Beach.
- Cost: R630
- Location: Shop 5, Quay 5, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town
- Contact: 021 418 3168 | [email protected]

Embark on a coastal escape
Waterfront Boat Tours, which was voted the 2023 Travellers’ Choice for Best of the Best boat service, presents a unique experience. Choose between a 30-minute harbour cruise on a 47ft double-decker boat or a 60-minute catamaran cruise exploring the V&A Waterfront and Atlantic Shoreline, and more.
As the new sister company to Cape Town’s longest-standing helicopter tours company, Sport Helicopters, Waterfront Boat Tours is part of a legacy of over 20 years of providing clients with a five-star helicopter service.
- Cost: From R140 per person
- Location: Shop 6, Quay 5, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
- Contact: 021 419 8951 | [email protected]

Savour a scenic dining cruise
Tigger 2 offers a lunch and dinner experience catering to all tastes. For lunch, enjoy a scenic bay cruise from the V&A Waterfront, soaking in stunning views of Table Mountain, Lions Head, and Signal Hill as you cruise along the coastline.
The vessel will anchor in front of Clifton 4th Beach or Granger Bay. If the weather isn’t suitable, you’ll head back to the V&A Marina where you can relax and indulge in your chosen luncheon menu.
For dinner, you’ll depart from the V&A Waterfront and enjoy a scenic bay cruise with views of Table Mountain, Lions Head, and Signal Hill along the coastline or out into Table Bay.
After sunset, the boat will return to the mooring for dinner (note that dinner is always served at the mooring after sunset).
- Cost: From R820 per person for non-private
- Location: Portswood Square, level P3 Unit 008, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
- Contact: 021 418 0241 | 082 852 4383 | [email protected]

Embark on a pirate adventure escape
Ever partied on a pirate ship before? The Jolly Roger, South Africa’s only pirate boat, provides an authentic adventure-filled experience, especially loved as a party boat for themed year-end functions, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and families with young children. Yacoob Yachts presently operates a fleet of charter boats from Quay 5 in the V&A Waterfront, offering unique experiences catered to different tastes.
The Jolly Roger can accommodate up to 75 people and can be hired for big parties, special events and themed functions.
- Cost: From R300 per adult | from R200 per child aged 0 to 12 years
- Location: 7A, 5 W Quay Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
- Contact: 021 421 0909 | [email protected]

Take advantage of these amazing offers on cars under R100k to explore Cape Town and surrounds. Find your future car here.
Also read:
Cruise season opens with the arrival of Vasco da Gama’s maiden voyage
Picture: Ahmet Polat / Pexels