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V&A Waterfront

V&A Waterfront: Our most recommended tours and activities

Cape Town: Robben Island Ferry Tour with 1-Way Hotel Pickup

1. Cape Town: Robben Island Ferry Tour with 1-Way Hotel Pickup

Take the ferry to Robben Island and tour the prison where Nelson Mandela was confined. Learn about South Africa's history of Apartheid and life in the prison from a former prisoner. Depart from Cape Town on a shared bus to the V&A Waterfront. Collect your ticket and make your way to the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island. Sail out to the island on a 45-minute journey. On arrival, embark on a bus tour of the island before visiting the prison and the cell where Nelson Mandela was kept for 18 of his 27 prison years. Gain an insight into the history and conditions of the prison from a former prisoner. After the tour, return to Cape Town and be dropped off at the V&A Waterfront. Here you will be free to return to your accommodation independently or continue touring the beautiful city.

Cape Town: Robben Island Ferry Ticket and Townships Tour

2. Cape Town: Robben Island Ferry Ticket and Townships Tour

Discover some of Cape Town's most famous townships on a guided tour in an air-conditioned minivan. Visit District Six, take a walking tour in Langa, and learn about Bonteheuwel as you drive through it. After, explore Robben Island on your own with an included ferry ticket. Explore District Six, where 60,000 inhabitants were forcibly removed during the 1970s by the apartheid regime. Drive to Langa and learn the history of the oldest township at sites like the Old Pass Office and the monument to Robert Sobukwe. Learn about life during apartheid on a walking tour of the hostels and shacks. Visit a shebeen (pub), try some homemade beer, and see a traditional healer in action Then, drive through the Bonteheuwel township, reserved for the "colored" community during the days of apartheid. Hear about the division of people and its impact on the communities today. See the Gugulethu 7 Memorial to the members of an anti-apartheid group killed by the South African Police in 1986, and the memorial to the American student Amy Biehl, murdered by PAC supporters in 1993. Afterward, get dropped off at the V&A Waterfront to take your ferry to Robben Island.

Cape Town: Coastal Catamaran Cruise

3. Cape Town: Coastal Catamaran Cruise

Enjoy a one-hour scenic coastal cruise aboard a luxury power catamaran. The vessel will take you from the historic V&A Waterfront area on an adventure out to sea. Throughout the cruise, you'll travel along the Atlantic coastline to the Green Point Lighthouse before then traveling back to the harbor. With spectacular mountain and city views, the cruise provides perfect ocean views over many of Cape Town’s splendors. Your one-hour cruise operates daily, with regular departures from Quay 5. With a cash bar on board for refreshments as well as great service, this is a trip not to be missed.

Cape Town: Coastal Cruise & 2-Course Lunch Combo

4. Cape Town: Coastal Cruise & 2-Course Lunch Combo

Embark on a relaxed scenic 1-hour coastal cruise or a Bay sail followed by a delicious 2-course meal ashore - the ideal way to spend your lunchtime in Cape Town. Board a sturdy but luxurious twin-decked trawler-based vessel or an iconic sailing-vessel, taking you from the historic V &A Waterfront area out to sea. Cruise along the Atlantic coastline or depending on wind direction into Table Bay for spectacular views of Table Mountain from a Mariners perspective. For all the vessels, when the seas are running too high or the wind is unpleasantly strong, the destination is Cape Town Harbour for a Harbour Day Cruise instead of heading into Table Bay. After the cruise, enjoy a 2-course meal at a waterfront restaurant.

Cape Town: 1.5-Hour Luxury Sunset Cruise with Prosecco

5. Cape Town: 1.5-Hour Luxury Sunset Cruise with Prosecco

Experience the South African sunset on board a luxury catamaran cruise and admire coastal views of the Cape as you sail for the horizon. Depart from the vibrant V&A Waterfront and sail towards Table Bay. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Table Mountain range overlooking the vast Atlantic and make your way to the horizon. As you sail, enjoy 2 complimentary glasses of sparkling wine and soak in the stunning views of the sun melting over the horizon. Keep an eye out for marine life, with dolphins, whales and penguins sighted regularly. Once the sun slips behind the horizon, enjoy a smooth cruise back to the V&A Waterfront with its lively bars and restaurants.

Cape Town: Waterfront and Sunset Champagne Cruise

6. Cape Town: Waterfront and Sunset Champagne Cruise

Enjoy a unique view of the coast of Cape Town from the sea while relaxing and sipping on local sparkling wine on this sunset cruise. Admire the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean that stretches away from the majestic Table Mountain range. The sailboats Esperance and Serenity One follow the wind for this cruise, and therefore the destination is dependent on the weather at the time of the cruise. Your captain will let you know before departure your expected direction, but a typical Cape Town summer wind blows from the southeast. First, you'll leave the harbor and sail across Table Bay towards Milnerton Lighthouse, returning to the protection of the Granger Bay in the lee of Table Mountain to watch the sun set, and then motor back to the waterfront. In the winter months, with the Northwester prevalent, the direction will likely be towards the Clifton coastline or the Robben Island Coastline. This cruise will also return to Granger Bay and the Waterfront. On some occasions the weather may require the use of a motorboat, in which case the boat will cruise slowly along the Atlantic seaboard towards Clifton beach and then return. On all trips your skipper and crew will do their best, weather dependent, to give you the best view of the spectacular sunset over the sea - you won't believe the beauty of this sight until you experience it yourself! For all the vessels, when the seas are running too high or the wind is unpleasantly strong, instead of heading into Table Bay the destination is the Cape Town Harbor; a perfect alternative offering magical views of Table Mountain and the lights of Cape Town and the harbor in the evening. In extreme conditions the skipper will take every aspect into account, and even stay dockside to ensure the safety of the passengers.

Cape Town: Table Mountain, Robben Island, and Aquarium Tour

7. Cape Town: Table Mountain, Robben Island, and Aquarium Tour

Join a guided tour and visit Cape Town's top attractions, including Table Mountain, Robben Island, the V&A Waterfront, and the Two Oceans Aquarium. Enjoy the convenience of a hotel pickup and travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. Start your day of exploring Cape Town with an early pickup directly from your accommodation and set out to see the city's most iconic attraction, Table Mountain. Purchase your tickets and hop into one of the cable cars to make your way to the top of the mountain. Spend some time soaking in the breathtaking views of the City of Cape Town, Signal Hill, and Lion's Head. Then, join your guide as you walk to another lookout point and be rewarded with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, Camps Bay, and the Twelve Apostles Mountains. Ride the cable car back down the mountain and head to the V&A Waterfront where you'll board a ferry to Robben Island. Disembark at Murray's Bay Harbor on the east coast of the island and board a bus that will take you to all the historic sites. Get a guided tour of the prison while learning about South Africa's history, the struggle against oppression, and the thousands of freedom fighters who were imprisoned on Robben Island, including former president Nelson Mandela. Return by ferry to the V&A Waterfront and enjoy some free time to do some shopping or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants (cost not included). End your day with a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium. Explore the wonders of the ocean up close as you visit the penguin exhibit, shark exhibit, ocean exhibit, and much more. Finally, hop back into your air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy a comfortable ride back to your accommodation.

Cape Town: Stand-up Paddleboard Experience

8. Cape Town: Stand-up Paddleboard Experience

Learn a new skill or perfect your stand-up paddle technique by gliding across the water at the V&A Waterfront of Cape Town. Practice on the calm water of the canal with 30 or 60 minutes of board rental. Enjoy some of the finest views of beautiful Cape Town from the protected canals of the V&A Waterfront. Begin with a short lesson from a knowledgeable instructor before you hit the water.

Cape Town: Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner

9. Cape Town: Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner

Join a 90-minute sunset cruise from Cape Town and watch the Atlantic Ocean stretching away from the Table Mountain range as the sun goes down. Watch the sea while sipping on local sparkling wine. After the cruise, enjoy a 3-course meal at a sea-facing restaurant. The sailboats Esperance and Serenity One follow the wind for this cruise, and therefore the destination is dependent on the weather at the time of the cruise. Your captain will let you know before departure your expected direction, but typical Cape Town summer wind blows from the southeast. First, leave the harbor and sail across Table Bay towards Milnerton Lighthouse, returning to the protection of Granger Bay in the lee of Table Mountain to watch the sunset, and then motor back to the waterfront. After building an appetite at sea, you then have a short stroll through the waterfront to the restaurant where you can enjoy your meal. Enjoy local fare at the City Grill, featuring exquisite panoramic views of the harbor and Table Mountain. Possible Weather Variations:  During inclement weather, when the seas are running too high, or the wind is too strong, the tour destination will be Cape Town Harbour instead of Table Bay. You will be able to enjoy a Harbour Lights Cruise. This cruise offers a perfect alternative offering magical views of Table Mountain and the lights of Cape Town and the harbor in the evening. In extreme conditions, the skipper will take every aspect into account, and may cancel the tour to ensure the safety of the passengers.

Cape Town: Marine Big 5 Ocean Safari from V&A Waterfront

10. Cape Town: Marine Big 5 Ocean Safari from V&A Waterfront

Escape of the hustle and bustle of the city to smell the fresh ocean air and learn about the Atlantic coastline's unique marine ecosystem. Your skippers and guide are experienced enthusiastic and love sharing knowledge and experiences of the ocean. Gaze at the beauty of the ocean as well as at the beauty of the Cape Town Atlantic Coastline. Cruise along and see the city from a different perspective. During the tour, you have the chance to see dolphins, cape fur seals, whales, penguins, sunfish, and more depending on the season. Get views of the 12 Apostle Mountain Range, Signal Hill, Lions Head, and Table Mountain as you make your past Sea Point, Clifton, Camps Bay, and Oudekraal. 

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What people are saying about V&A Waterfront

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 5,908 reviews

The crew on the boat were so helpful and friendly. They took a picture of our group before we got on which is wonderful. The lunch was Heavenly. Had not eaten such a delicious steak ever. Thank you for having us.

We had a wonderful tour of the township and Robbens Island. Our guides were very professional, personable with a wealth of knowledge. This tour was our best in Capetown.

Loved everything about the cruise, from music, drinks, the sunset and the crew… amazing

Nothing short of Exceptional, my daughter enjoyed it, highly recommended!

Had an amazing time, staff was so friendly it was an experience