South Africa
Boat tours in Cape Town
See the city or the coast from the water, from short cruises to full-day sailing. Cape Town sits between Table Mountain and the Atlantic, with the Cape Peninsula, its penguin colony and Cape Point to the south and the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek winelands under an hour inland.
Best boat tours in Cape Town
Free cancellation on most experiences. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What to expect
City cruises take about an hour; coastal trips run half or full day with swim stops. Rough sea can cancel departures, and good operators refund or reschedule.
How to choose
- Small boat vs large ferry-style cruise
- Swim stops and snorkel gear included
- Drinks or lunch on board
- Weather cancellation policy
Local tips
- Sunset departures sell out first. Pick free cancellation in case of bad weather.
- The Table Mountain cableway closes in strong wind or cloud, so check its status on the morning and go up on the first clear day rather than waiting.
- Robben Island tours often sell out days ahead in summer and are cancelled in rough seas, so book early in your stay.
Combine it with: Table Mountain cableway, Robben Island tour from the V&A Waterfront and Cape Point and Boulders Beach penguins.
Frequently asked questions
How long do boat tours in Cape Town last?
City cruises take about an hour; coastal trips run half or full day with swim stops. Rough sea can cancel departures, and good operators refund or reschedule.
What is the best way to book boat tours in Cape Town?
Sunset departures sell out first. Pick free cancellation in case of bad weather. The Table Mountain cableway closes in strong wind or cloud, so check its status on the morning and go up on the first clear day rather than waiting.
Can I cancel boat tours in Cape Town?
Most experiences listed here offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. Check the conditions on the booking page before paying.
When is the best time to visit Cape Town?
November to March is warm and dry, but often windy; February and March tend to be calmer and less busy than December and January. June to August is the wet winter, while whales gather off Hermanus from about June to November.