Top 14 Sailing Trips in South Africa

1.Scenic 1-Hour Coastal Catamaran Cruise

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

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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2.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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3.1 Hour Coastal Catamaran Cruise from Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 258 reviews · from $21

Set out from the V&A Waterfront on a one-hour catamaran cruise toward Green Point Lighthouse and back. You’ll get clear views of Table Mountain, Cape Town, the stadium, and the Atlantic from the water. Morning and afternoon departures make this an easy add-on, though sea conditions, boat assignment, and wildlife sightings can vary.

“Enjoyed the cruise ride and the music 🎵🎶 that was played .will definitely come back for this .it was a enjoyeble experience we had with my family 💕🎉”

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4.Cape Town Waterfront and Bay: Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 190 reviews · 1 hour · from $25

Spend one hour sailing from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront across Table Bay. Depending on the wind, you may head toward Milnerton Lighthouse or Robben Island. The crew explains sailing terms, looks for sea life, and may use Serenity One or another suitable vessel.

“The cruise staff is super friendly. The music on the boat is relaxing and very hip. The ride is an experience on it's own. Its very very nice.”

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5.1- Hour Catamaran Cruise Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 144 reviews · from $18Best value

From the V&A Waterfront, you’ll spend about an hour aboard the 53-foot catamaran *A Beautiful Life*, cruising toward Clifton Beach and Table Bay. Expect fresh Atlantic air, views of Table Mountain, Robben Island, Cape Town Harbour, and the Atlantic Seaboard, plus a cash bar and a maximum group of 60 people.

“Cruise was fun. Kids enjoyed. Would definitely book again. The views were awesome. And overall the cruise was just wow.”

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6.Knysna Sunset Sailing Cruise with Light Dinner and Wine

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 96 reviews · 2h 30m · from $124

Sail from Knysna Waterfront aboard the 50-foot mono hull yacht Outeniqua, limited to 12 passengers. Your English or Afrikaans-speaking crew guides you across the lagoon and, sea conditions permitting, through the Knysna Heads into the Indian Ocean. Enjoy cheeses, fruit, savory snacks, and two glasses of Cap Classique as the sun sets.

“Steve is a cracking skipper, supported by Eric & Mark, from leaving the dock the sails went up almost immediately and away we went, through the heads out into the ocean. All actions on deck done professionally and quietly, we even caught a nice big fish just as we came back in through the heads. All finished off with an evening meal and a glass of bubbles. Thanks for a great evening on the water.”

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7.Sailing in The Bay by Catamaran (One Hour)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 87 reviews · from $21

Set sail from Quay 5 at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront aboard the 16-meter Esperance or 12-meter Serenity One. Your captain chooses the route based on wind, often toward Milnerton, Clifton, or Robben Island. Expect Table Mountain views, crew commentary, music, chilled refreshments, and a relaxed one-hour outing.

“Perfect day & wonderful day with friend at V&A Waterfront. Catamaran trip to Sea Point and late lunch at Qua-4.”

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8.Catamaran Sunset Champagne Cruise Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 85 reviews · from $37

Sail from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront aboard the catamaran A Beautiful Life for a 90-minute sunset cruise. You’ll receive sparkling wine or a soft drink, watch Table Mountain and Robben Island from the Atlantic, and keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and penguins. Bring a warm layer and arrive early to find the boat.

“Seeing a part of Cape Town from the sea on the boat on a sunset is such an amazing experience to have ether you’re with your partner or with family”

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9.Catamaran Champagne Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 42 reviews · from $37

Meet at Waterfront Boat Tours for a 90-minute evening sail aboard A Beautiful Life, Cape Town’s newest catamaran. Cruise toward Clifton Beach, watch the sun drop over the Atlantic, and return to the V&A Waterfront with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. Bring a warm layer, as the sea breeze can turn chilly after sunset.

“Perfekte 90 Minuten. Leute waren cool. Crew war super aufmerksam. Locker und lustig.”

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10.Table Bay Cruise by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 32 reviews · 1 hour · from $19

Spend one hour aboard the 39-foot Escape Cat, sailing from the V&A Waterfront along Cape Town’s Atlantic seaboard. Sit on the forward trampolines or under cover near the captain, watch for dolphins, seals, penguins, jellyfish, and sea otters, and buy cold drinks from the onboard bar.

“A great way to spend an hour in CT. The crew were all great - so welcoming and friendly - it was obvious they wanted us all to have a great experience. The cruise was lovely with the crew taking the time to point out features of interest - sea otters, seals, penguins, dolphins and jellyfish ( sand fish) . The crew changed direction to follow the dolphins so we had great views of them jumping and swimming around the boat. Would highly recommend.”

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11.1 Hour Table Bay Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 21 reviews · 1 hour · from $21

Join Wild Horizons Waterfront Adventures aboard Spirit of Victoria for a one-hour sail from Quay 5 at the V&A Waterfront. You’ll cross Table Bay toward Milnerton lighthouse, then return via Granger Bay, with Table Mountain and Cape Town in view. An English-speaking crew, onboard cash bar, and flexible cancellation make this an easy short outing.

“Even though it was my friend and I they still took us on a tour. It was amazing”

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12.Luxury Catamaran Marine Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 16 reviews · 2 hours · from $84

Set out from Thesen Island on a two-hour luxury catamaran cruise through Knysna Lagoon and, weather permitting, the Knysna Heads. You will enjoy a glass of bubbly, light snacks, coastal views, and the chance to spot seals, dolphins, and other marine life. English and Afrikaans are spoken on board.

“Excellent cruise and fabulous crew which made for an exceptional and memorable experience.”

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13.Catamaran Cruise and Sushi Experience in Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 6 reviews · from $38

Set out from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront for a relaxed one-hour catamaran cruise toward Table Bay or Green Point lighthouse. Afterward, sit down at a waterfront restaurant for a 14-piece sushi meal. You’ll have views of Table Mountain, harbor yachts, and perhaps dolphins, seals, penguins, or whales.

“Weather plays a big role. We had a lovely calm sea, sunny day. Not enough bookings for our yacht so we transferred to another one. Bigger than our first one but unfortunately no sushi. You can buy drinks on the yacht. R50 corkage fee if you bring your own drinks. Saw whales and dolfins.”

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14.1.5-Hour Sailing Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 5 reviews · 1h 30m · from $95

Board the 50-foot mono hull yacht Outeniqua at Knysna Waterfront for a 90-minute sail with an experienced skipper and deck crew. You’ll pass forested hills and the Knysna Heads, with an ocean outing possible when conditions allow. The boat carries no more than 12 people and has a cash bar, toilet, and life jackets.

“Mooie zeiltocht waar we volop van genoten hebben ; vriendelijk personeel en goede service ! Wij komen terug.”

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