Cape Town is full of wonderful experiences, culture and history to enjoy. And true to Cape Town’s characteristics, there are tours that showcase just how creative and innovative Capetonians can be. Experience the Mother City’s landscapes and heritage with these interesting tours with a twist:
Cape Town Water Bikes
Why not try the exciting and unique way to experience the ocean on a water bike? Glide across the waters on non-motorized water bikes that are eco-friendly and designed to be used on the ocean. Thanks to the elevated sitting position, you do not get wet, making this an ideal winter activity on the water. Water bikes are easy to operate, very stable, simple to steer and require no balancing. They are silent, so no worries about disturbing the wildlife underneath the watery surface. Water biking requires no previous experience or skills and it’s a truly sustainable eco-adventure.
Cape Town Water Bikes depart from a private launching facility on the Simon’s Town pier, where you can choose between a 30-minute guided tour, a one-hour guided ocean adventure tour, or a two-hour guided ocean adventure tour. The one-hour guided tour is perfect for those who want to experience the water biking adventure at a relaxed pace, whereas the two-hour tour is an early-morning tour designed for the more active customers. Depending on the weather conditions, the tour will either head up towards the seals and African penguin colony at Boulders Beach, or travel along the coast line past Long beach to the Clan Stuart Shipwreck and continue up the picturesque coast line, before turning back towards the historical naval base.
Trips by Cape Town Water Bikes have an age minimum of 13 years old and children must be accompanied by an adult. Riders must have a minimum height of approximately 1.5 m in order to reach the pedals.
Details:
- Location: Simon’s Town Jetty, 1 Wharf St, Simon’s Town, Cape Town, 7975
- Website: capetownwaterbikes.co.za
- Cost: From R350 per person, 30-minute session
ScootIn Cape Town tours
ScootIn’s Jacques Shaban has been on a mission to make moving around Cape Town as accessible and fun as possible. Recently, he launched his grand plan to carve out a whole new niche in South Africa’s urban tourism market: on wheels. To make it happen, ScootIn partnered with local history genius Cameron Peters. They now offer the first daily guided e-scooter tour experience in the city.
Sticking almost entirely to pedestrianised paths through the CBD (with routes in the Waterfront and Sea Point still forthcoming), the tours set out from the shop at the top of Long every morning at 10am. En route, explorers can make pitstops for pictures and get some insight into cultural gems dotted around the city.
From Cameron’s side, this is the glide-through version of his popular Sunday Walking Tours; a perfect way for locals and tourists to get a taste of the Mother City’s colourful past. The highlights of the route cover three centuries of the city’s history in sequence, while four of his regular tours criss-cross the new path – giving you the chance to choose which era and district of the city to delve into deeper.
Details:
- Cost: R180 to R350, depending on the tour
- Location: 233 Long St, CBD, Cape Town, 8001
- Website: scootin.co.za
Segway tours at Spier Wine Farm
If you’re looking for something different to do, why not whizz around the vineyards of Spier Wine Farm on a Segway? The tours are guided, informative and give guests the chance to explore the farm on these fun, motorised two-wheelers.
Guests can choose between two tour options. The one-hour excursion covers the heart of the estate, or you can opt for the two-hour trip, which extends further out into wine country.
There will also be an orientation before the tours, so you can learn how to start, balance and brake.
Afterwards, take part in a complimentary wine sampling at the tasting venue.
Details:
- Cost:
- R375 per person for Spier Segway Tour
- R575 per person for Spier Wine Farm & Vineyards Glide,
- R475 per person for one-hour Spier Sunset Tour
- R700 per person for two-hour Spier Sunset Tour
- Location: Spier Wine Farm R310, Baden Powell Dr, Lynedoch, Stellenbosch, 7603
- Website: spier.co.za
Tractor rides at Polkadraai Farm
The Polkadraai Express is a fun and informative tractor ride that takes riders on an educational tour through the strawberry fields around the Polkadraai Farm. The ride, narrated by Jenna Zetler (13) has become one of the most popular activities at Polkadraai Farm and will be enjoyed by the whole family!
For safety reasons, the Polkadraai Express does not stop in the fields but rather does a loop around the farm.
So if you would like to learn more about the history of Polkadraai Farm and how strawberries are grown then this ride is just for you!
Details:
- Cost: R25 per person
- Location: 7603 Stellenbosch Arterial Rd, Kuils River, 7603
- Website: polkadraaifarm.co.za
Tunnel Tours under Cape Town
Discover the secret tunnels below the City of Cape Town with this thrilling experience and adventure. Parts of the underground canals and rivers date back to 1652. They used to supply the Company Gardens and the passing ships with fresh water. Later these rivers flowing through the city became pleasant walk ways shaded by oaks with bridges going over them. Cape Town had its own Gentleman’s Walk and was known as little Amsterdam. As the years passed and the City expanded, the canals were used to transport sewerage until 1895 by when they were all arched over and forgotten. Today these historic canals with their impressive architecture convey the sweet waters of Table Mountain and some spring water into the ocean. Follow the river of our culture and heritage that runs off Table Mountain to the Castle of Good Hope. This educational and historic tour will inspire your imagination.
Details:
- Location: Castle of Good Hope, Darling St & Buitenkant St, Cape Town, 8001
- Contact: Email [email protected]
- Website: goodhopeadventures.com
Also read:
Explore the Mother City with the youngsters with this 3-for-1 Kids’ Special
Picture: Spier Wine Farm / Facebook
