South Africa · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

The 15 Best Boat Trips in South Africa

112 tours  ·  from $6 a head

Two oceans and a lot of coastline, most of it only readable from the water. The 15 below range from a thirty-minute harbour run to a full day offshore, each priced and clear about how much time is spent under way.

Cape Town: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise - Start with the red city route
Cruises & Boat Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in Cape Town, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cape Town

Cape Town: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

1.Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,929 reviews · 1 - 2 days · from $23Our pick

Use a one or two-day City Sightseeing ticket to reach Cape Town’s main sights by open-top bus. Ride the red, blue, and purple routes, stop at Table Mountain, Camps Bay, Kirstenbosch, Hout Bay, and Groot Constantia, and add a harbour, canal, or sunset cruise when available. Audio commentary comes in 15 languages, with a kids channel.

“Making sure all the buses have WiFi. It was quite an inconvenience to hear there wasn’t some on a bus.”

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Cape Town Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour with Optional Cruise - The blue peninsula route: Kirstenbosch, Hout Bay, and the coast
City Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in Cape Town, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cape Town

Cape Town Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour with Optional Cruise

2.Cape Town Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour with Optional Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,793 reviews · from $20

Explore Cape Town on a flexible 1 or 2-day hop-on hop-off pass covering the city, Atlantic coast, Kirstenbosch, Hout Bay, and Constantia wineries. Use the audio guide in 15 languages, join free downtown and Bo-Kaap walks, and add a harbor cruise. Plan around traffic, Table Mountain weather, and early final departures.

“I just wish we had a tour guide in person on the bus. The ride was absolutely good, we saw many good places.”

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Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience - From Hermanus New Harbour to open water
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Hermanus, Whale Watching

Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience

3.Boat Based Whale Watching Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,180 reviews · 1h 30m · from $93

Join Hermanus Whale Watchers at New Harbour for a 90-minute English-language cruise into Walker Bay. Expect a safety briefing, crew commentary, and time to watch whales from the boat or upper deck when conditions allow. Guides such as Philip and Peter are praised for spotting animals and explaining their behavior. Warm clothing and flat shoes are essential.

“It was focussed on the whales, nothing else. Guide and team were great! I will keep this moments forever.”

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Cape Town: Sunset Champagne Cruise - The route changes with Cape Town’s wind
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cape Town

Cape Town: Sunset Champagne Cruise

4.Sunset Champagne Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,083 reviews · 1h 30m · from $46

Sail from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront for 90 minutes aboard Esperance, Serenity One, or another available vessel. Expect two glasses of local sparkling wine, Atlantic views, music, and a sunset stop near Granger Bay. The crew may take photos, provide blankets, and adjust the route for wind and sea conditions.

“Was a nice sunset cruise. A couple dolphins and a great time. Enjoyed the ride back even more because the music was great”

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Hermanus: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip - The safety talk and whale briefing
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours in Hermanus, Whale Watching

Hermanus: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

5.Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 807 reviews · 2 hours · from $98

Join Southern Right Charters in Hermanus for a two-hour catamaran cruise with a whale specialist. Look for seasonal southern right and humpback whales, year-round Bryde’s whales, dolphins, and seals. Guides such as Ken and Jacques explain what you see, while the crew serves light refreshments and helps with photos.

“We saw hundreds of dolphins who kept and swam towards a Right Whale and her calf. The whales came to the boat and swam alongside providing a very memorable experience.”

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St Lucia: Hippo and Crocodile Cruise on a 15-Seat Vessel - The first stretch: water, reeds, and birdlife
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in St Lucia

St Lucia: Hippo and Crocodile Cruise on a 15-Seat Vessel

6.Hippo and Crocodile Cruise on a 15-Seat Vessel

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 807 reviews · 2 hours · from $23

Cruise Lake St Lucia for two hours on a low, comfortable 15-seat boat with an English-speaking skipper and guide. Expect close views of hippo groups, possible Nile crocodiles, and plenty of birdlife. Guides such as Thobile explain the estuary and animal behavior while leaving time for photos. Bring a jacket, binoculars, and your own snacks.

“We had a lovely experience and can only recommend it to everyone visiting Saint Lucia! We had a two hour cruise and time flew by. Our guide was very knowledgeable and spotted camouflaged animals from a hundred meters distance. We were lucky and saw two hippo families, a crocodile and a few bird species.”

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Cape Town: Sunset Cruise from V&A Waterfront with Bubbly - Turning through Granger Bay beneath Table Mountain
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cape Town

Cape Town: Sunset Cruise from V&A Waterfront with Bubbly

7.Sunset Cruise from V&A Waterfront with Bubbly

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 777 reviews · 1h 30m · from $38

Set out from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront aboard a 58-foot gaff-rigged schooner with red-brown sails. This 90-minute English-language cruise passes Table Bay, Milnerton lighthouse, Granger Bay, and Table Mountain. Two glasses of sparkling wine are included, and the crew, including hosts such as Tyson and Captain Lucky, creates a relaxed, music-filled evening.

“What a magical experience, sailing in CPT was the highlight of our family vacation, we had champagne which just flowed. The crew on board were attentive and full of information, they explained everything and made sure that everyone was happy and that we got to see the most amazing sunset. This is a must when in Cape Town.”

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Cape Town: Scenic 1-Hour Coastal Catamaran Cruise - The first views from the harbor
1-Hour Experiences, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cape Town

Cape Town: Scenic 1-Hour Coastal Catamaran Cruise

8.Scenic 1-Hour Coastal Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 777 reviews · 1 hour · from $25

Join Waterfront Charters at Quay 5 for a one-hour power catamaran ride along Cape Town’s Atlantic coast. You’ll pass the V&A Waterfront, head toward Green Point Lighthouse, and return with open views of Table Mountain and the city. English-speaking crew, a cash bar, music, and possible sightings of seals, dolphins, penguins, whales, or sunfish are part of the experience.

“really nice boat, the staffs were really amazing and extremely attentive. I will definitely do it again”

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Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise - St. Croix Island and its endangered penguins
Boulders Beach Penguin Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours in Port Elizabeth, Whale Watching

Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

9.Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 687 reviews · from $185Top rated

Set out at 8am from Nelson Mandela Bay Yacht Club on a twin-engine catamaran limited to 20 people. Raggy Charters guides, including Jake and an experienced crew, search Algoa Bay for humpback whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds, and African penguins at St. Croix Island. The four-hour cruise runs once daily and supports tree planting to offset its carbon footprint.

“Every part of this trip was excellent. Staff friendly, real attention to safety, communication from booking and of course the wildlife The crew ensured we were all looked after and expertly navigated to ensure we could all see the wonderful nature Read more”

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Cape Town: 1.5-Hour Luxury Sunset Cruise with Prosecco - Two glasses of sparkling wine, not a full meal
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cape Town, VIP

Cape Town: 1.5-Hour Luxury Sunset Cruise with Prosecco

10.1.5-Hour Luxury Sunset Cruise with Prosecco

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 668 reviews · 1h 30m · from $57

Set sail from the V&A Waterfront toward Table Bay on a luxury catamaran. You’ll see Table Mountain from the water, enjoy two glasses of local sparkling wine, and may spot dolphins, whales, sunfish, seals, or penguins. The atmosphere can shift from relaxed to musical and lively on the return trip. English-speaking crew host the cruise.

“It was a fantastic experience. The staff was friendly and the view was all the hype. If in Cape Town one should surely do the sunset cruise. The champagne added to the fun”

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Durban: 30-Minute Harbor Boat Cruise - The 30-Minute Route Through the Port
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Durban

Durban: 30-Minute Harbor Boat Cruise

11.30-Minute Harbor Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 665 reviews · 30 min · from $7

From Wilson’s Wharf, your English-speaking skipper guides you through Durban Harbor, one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest ports. Expect skyline views, cargo ships, tugboats, docks, birds, and clear explanations of port life. Bring sunscreen, a hat, binoculars, and your own cooler box. The route may reach the harbor mouth when conditions allow.

“It was nice. comfy, learnt so much and worth while. The tour guide was very friendly and accommodating.”

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Hartbeespoort: 2-Hour Dam Cruise with South African Food - Arriving through Kommando Nek Nature Reserve
2-Hour Experiences, Cruises & Boat Tours, Food, Food & Drink, Tour Reviews, Tours in Hartbeespoort

Hartbeespoort: 2-Hour Dam Cruise with South African Food

12.2-Hour Dam Cruise with South African Food

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 621 reviews · 2 hours · from $40

Spend two hours on Hartbeespoort Dam with views of the Magaliesberg Range, a welcome drink, South African finger foods, music, and a cash bar. Cruises leave at 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:00 PM from Kommando Nek Nature Reserve. Captain Rasta is a favorite on board, and photographer Rene can help capture the day.

“The boatride was really good, with friendly Captain & staff. The food was more than enough for everyone in the boat.”

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Gansbaai: Marine Big 5 Boat tour - Why the Marine Big 5 idea works
Cruises & Boat Tours, Safari & Game Drives, Safaris and Game Drives in Cape Town, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cape Town

Gansbaai: Marine Big 5 Boat tour

13.Marine Big 5 Boat tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 593 reviews · 2.5 - 10 hours · from $155

From Gansbaai, cruise the Dyer Island ecosystem with an English-speaking marine biologist and look for whales, seals, sharks, dolphins, and penguins. Expect a safety briefing, warm gear, muffins and coffee before boarding, soup afterward, and optional Cape Town or Hermanus transport. The sea is rough at times, and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“Great tour - highly Recommend. We were lucky enough to see penguins, sharks, whales & seals.”

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Cape Town: Sunset Catamaran Cruise on Table Bay with Bubbles - Meeting the boat at the V&A Waterfront
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cape Town

Cape Town: Sunset Catamaran Cruise on Table Bay with Bubbles

14.Sunset Catamaran Cruise on Table Bay with Bubbles

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 591 reviews · 1h 30m · from $40

Join Wild Horizons at the V&A Waterfront for a 90-minute sunset sail on a 39-foot catamaran. You’ll pass Milnerton Lighthouse, cross Granger Bay, and watch Table Mountain and Cape Town light up from the water. Two glasses of sparkling wine are included, with music, an English-speaking crew, and possible sightings of dolphins, seals, penguins, or whales.

“We loved this sunset cruise! We had fun, didn’t mind the music (it wasn’t too loud), and enjoyed the bubbles. We did have a lovely sunset and were rewarded by a whale that joined us for the cruise! Amazing to see. Thanks to the team for being great hosts.”

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Cape Town: Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner - Boarding at the V&A Waterfront
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Evening Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cape Town

Cape Town: Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner

15.Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 528 reviews · 4 hours · from $78

Spend 90 minutes sailing from the V&A Waterfront across Table Bay, with two glasses of local sparkling wine and views of Table Mountain, Signal Hill, and the Cape Town skyline. Afterward, stroll ashore for a three-course meal at City Grill or Raj. The route depends on wind and weather, so bring a warm jacket.

“Wonderful atmosphere on top deck of boat, great scenery and lovely pink champagne”

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New in Cruises & Boat Tours

★ 4.5Half Hour Seal and Harbour Cruise from Cape TownFrom $442 reviews
★ 4.0Catamaran Cruise and Sushi Experience in Cape TownFrom $386 reviews
★ 4.0Cruise & Dine Breakfast– Prosecco Morning Cruise and BreakfastFrom $475 reviews
★ 4.5Sunset & Champagne Cruise for 2 pax on TIGGER 2 ( Guaranteed departure )From $936 reviews
★ 4.0Cape Town Boat TripFrom $315 reviews
★ 4.0Boulders Beach Penguins and Seal Island Boat Trip Half Day TourFrom $759 reviews
★ 5.0Boat Based Whale Watching from HermanusFrom $28719 reviews
★ 5.0Booze Cruise Trike Tour Cape Town5 reviews
★ 5.0Full Day Tour for Cape of Good Hope & Boat to Seals IslandFrom $1973 reviews
★ 4.6Sunset Cruise with Cape Town CruisesFrom $4029 reviews
★ 5.0Richards Bay: Isimangaliso Boat Cruise St Lucia Estuary TourFrom $1963 reviews
★ 3.9Robben Island Boat Trip & Museum Tour TicketFrom $8428 reviews
★ 4.8Sundays River Cruise and Kragga KammaFrom $1617 reviews
★ 4.8Seal Viewing Boat TripFrom $3216 reviews
★ 4.5Dolphin and Marine Boat TourFrom $4645 reviews

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