V&A Waterfront

Tours

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.

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 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.

Join a sunset cruise from Cape Town and watch the Atlantic Ocean stretching away from the Table Mountain range as the sun goes down. Get a unique view of the coast from the sea while relaxing and sipping on local sparkling wine. After the cruise, enjoy a 3-course meal at a seafacing 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 the Granger Bay in the lee of Table Mountain to watch the sunset, and then motor back to the waterfront. This package is a combo offering the sunset champagne cruise and a meal ashore after the 90-minute cruise. This allows you the freedom to choose from 3 restaurants: the Meloncino Restaurant for Italian, the City Grill for local flavor, and the Greek Fisherman. The cruise departure time changes with the seasons and can vary from 5:00 PM in winter to 7:00 PM in the summer. After the cruise, you then have a short stroll through the waterfront to the restaurant where you can enjoy your meal. The meal is a 3-course meal and each restaurant has a different menu. Possible Weather Variations:  During inclement weather, when the seas are running to high, or the wind is too strong, the tour destination will be Cape Town Harbour instead of Table Bay. Guests will be able to enjoy a Harbour Lights Cruise; 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.

Take off from the iconic V&A Waterfront for a scenic helicopter flight along the Atlantic Coast. Fly over Cape Town Stadium and Lion’s Head, a mountain forming part of the dramatic backdrop to the city. Fly over the neighborhoods of Clifton and Camps Bay and admire their beautiful dwellings, cliffs, and beaches. Finish your flight with a panoramic view of Table Mountain, South Africa’s most iconic mountain landmark.   Your pilot is also a trained guide, who’ll communicate with you through high-quality Bose headphones, making your flight informative and fun. Fly in an R44, Airbus H120 or Airbus H130, all eco-friendly helicopters built for the best views.

Departing from the jetty outside the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront, the Waterfront Harbour Cruise puts Cape Town’s bustling harbour in the spotlight. Expect to see key attractions including icons of maritime history as well as epic views of the city’s natural landscape. Highlights include the SAS Somerset, the only remaining boom defence vessel in the world, and the southern hemisphere’s largest synchro-lift and only drawbridge, the Bascule Bridge. The cruise also includes views of Table Mountain, the Nelson Mandela Gateway, Chavonnes Battery Museum and the well-known Clock Tower. Of course, experiencing the bustling waterways of Cape Town from a boat is a highlight itself, and this cruise offers a perspective of the city that no other tour can offer.

Depending on the wind, the trip is either a sail across Table Bay towards Milnerton Lighthouse and back to the Waterfront in a southeast wind (summer wind) or heading North East towards to Robben Island in a northwestern wind (winter wind). The skippers pick the most comfortable course, normally a beam reach. And if you don’t know what a beam reach is, the cheerful crew members are happy to help you learn about sailing. When it is not possible to sail comfortably and safely in the direction we need to proceed then we will use the Engine. Variation to cruise (due to weather) 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 for a harbor day cruise or a harbor lights cruise. This safety feature is a perfect alternative, offering magical views of the harbor, Cape Town and Table Mountain and in the evening the lights of Cape Town and the harbor. In extreme conditions the skipper will take every aspect into account, and even stay dockside to ensure the safety of the passengers.

Enjoy a helicopter flight from Cape Town's V&A Waterfront with informative commentary. Fly around Table Mountain to see the Atlantic Ocean on one side of the Cape Peninsula and continue till you get to the Indian Ocean on the other side. Get a Table Bay Boat Safari ticket with this tour. Make your way to the V&A Waterfront Helipad to check in about 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled shared helicopter flight over the city and coast. Get a safety briefing on arrival, and then proceed to the beautiful flight deck to see the operation up close and personal while you wait to board your flight. Climb aboard a helicopter and start your adventure with a complete circle around Table Mountain. Continue over the city to see Cape Town Stadium, one of the venues of the 2010 World Cup. Then, travel down the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, passing Signal Hill, Camps Bay, and Clifton Beach along the way. Get bird's eye views of the luxury homes, and marvel at the mountains of the Twelve Apostles as you head for Karbonkelberg Mountain. Soar over historic Hout Bay, and then cross the Cape Peninsula to move from one ocean to the other. See if you can tell where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean near False Bay. Watch as the terrain changes from sandy beaches to rolling hills to rugged cliffs. Then fly over Muizenberg Beach and keep your eye out for shadows in the water – they might be great white sharks. Head back towards Cape Town on the other side of Table Mountain, and get a different view of Cape Town's most famous landmark and its surrounding landscape. Pass over the pretty vineyards of the Constantia Valley before landing back at the V&A Waterfront Helipad.

Climb aboard and look for marine life in the ecosystem of Table Bay on a 1.5-hour eco-cruise from Cape Town. See species in their natural surroundings, such as humpback and southern right whales, depending on the season. Get the chance to watch pods of dolphins breaching close to the boat and marvel at their acrobatic displays. Be enchanted by Cape fur seals lounging on the jetties and get close to unusual species, such as sunfish. Watch African penguins diving for fish to take back to their breeding colony on Robben Island.  Encounter birdlife, such as terns, gannets, cormorants and mighty black-browed albatross.

Cape Town's natural beauty is world-renowned, however, few have experienced its sights and sounds from the fresh blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is unmatched with its combination of scenery and wildlife, it's just magic. Leaving the venue at the calm waters of the V&A Waterfront, you will paddle into the fresh movement of the ocean where you will encounter the active local marine life and possibly catch a glimpse of some local dolphins, whales, seals, penguins, and sunfish. You will also witness unique views of Lion's Head, Signal Hill, the Twelve Apostles mountain range, and a local shipwreck. The tour will then finish with a breathtakingly photogenic view of Cape Town's treasure, Table Mountain. This location is one of the most photogenic places on earth. No previous experience is needed. The boats are extremely stable and the guides monitor the ocean conditions carefully so you will be perfectly safe. The venue is located in the V&A Waterfront parking garage, next to the Oranjezicht Farm Market & the Lookout Function Venue. The shop is situated at the main pay station, under the ramp from the ground to first floor. Set your senses free on a 2 hour Sea Kayak Tour - your outlook of Cape Town will be positively changed forever.

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.