Table Bay, Cape Town

Boats & yachts

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.

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.

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.

Experience at true art of sailing on this iconic 58 foot Gaff Rigged Schooner, easily identified in the bay by her red brick brown sails. Sit back and relax as out team treat you to incredible views, indulge as you enjoy your glass of "bubbles" and keep an eye on the horizons for dolphins, seals and other inhabitants of the Atlantic coastline. The beauty of the bay and the romance of the ocean set the tone for a beautiful pre-dinner adventure for families and couples. The cruise explores Table Bay, the sails towards Milnerton lighthouse, before gliding across Granger Bay through the shadow of Table Mountain. The journey loops back to the Waterfront, where passengers can admire in the spectacular mountain and stadium views.

Before the sun has begun its descent, the cruise sets off for Table Bay, then the sails towards Milnerton lighthouse, before gliding across Granger Bay through the shadow of Table Mountain. Toast the end of a beautiful day with a glass of bubbles and watch the sun slip below the waves, before the moon takes its place in the navy blue sky. This 39ft sailing Catamaran offers a comfortable sailing experience along the Atlantic seaboard showcasing the iconic views of Table Mountain and the Mother City Cape Town. You have the choice of sitting on the foredeck and trampolines which is ideal for those summer days or alternatively, chat with the Captain in the aft undercover and still enjoy the fantastic views of the city. Escape Cat can accommodate 36 passengers and is perfect for special events or functions.

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, or dine on a 3-course set menu of traditional North Indian cuisine at the Raj. 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.

Embark on a relaxed scenic 1-hour coastal cruise followed by a 2-course meal ashore the ideal way to spend your lunchtime in Cape Town. Choose between a waterfront meal at City Grill or traditional North Indian cuisine at the Raj. Board a sturdy but luxurious twin-decked trawler-based vessel or an iconic sailing vessel, taking you from the historic Victoria & Alfred 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 your chosen restaurant.

Our trips departing from Quay 5 in the Waterfront. With a bit of luck you will have a chance to see Cape Fur Seals, Dolphins, Whales, Penguins and Sun Fish and potentially much more as we search the bay for sea life. The destination of the tour is not always the same as this trip is really about spending time on the water and looking for the rich sea life that can be found in the proximity of Cape Town. However you can be assured that you will have amazing views of the Table Bay and will be able to see some of Cape Town most amazing landmarks from the water: Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Lion's Head, Camps Bay and Clifton Beaches, Robben Island. You will of course be able to take pictures when the speedboat occasionally stops to make sure you have memory of such incredible experience. The trip starts with a safety briefing by the skipper, the fitting of life jackets and the signing of the indemnity in our offices on Quay 5. Children are welcome as long as they are under the supervision of adults. Our expeditions are weather-dependent and routing will depend on the expected weather conditions for the day.

Set sail from Cape Town and take a 60-minute cruise along the coast. Enjoy views of Table Mountain and the city from the Atlantic.   Depart from the V&A Waterfront and head off along one of two weather-dependent routes. Either sail to Milnerton and back if the wind is blowing in a south-easterly direction, or cruise towards Robben Island if the wind is north-westerly. With either option, you will experience the thrill of sailing in Table Bay aboard the iconic schooner, Esperance. Treat yourself and indulge in chilled refreshments onboard. *In the unlikely event that the primary boat for this cruise is unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to utilize an alternative vessel for this experience. Be assured that we will always make every possible effort to ensure that the advertised vessel is available. Some Cruises do not have a dedicated boat for the cruise and rely on a pool of available vessels to cover fluctuations in weather, seasonal passenger numbers and planned maintenance.

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. *In the unlikely event that the primary boat for this cruise is unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to utilize an alternative vessel for this experience. Be assured that we will always make every possible effort to ensure that the advertised vessel is available. Some Cruises do not have a dedicated boat for the cruise and rely on a pool of available vessels to cover fluctuations in weather, seasonal passenger numbers and planned maintenance.