Africa · BOAT TRIPS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Boat Trips in South Africa: 15 That Justify the Spend

51 tours  ·  from $5

Every trip has a free day it has not decided about yet. These 15 boat trips in South Africa are laid out with price and duration so the decision takes two minutes.

Cape Town: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise - Follow the blue route around the coast and mountain
Boat Trips & Cruises, Boat Trips in Cape Town, Boat Trips in South Africa, Cape Town Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Tours, South Africa Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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 pass to explore Cape Town by open-top double-decker bus. Ride the red, blue, and purple routes, stop at Table Mountain, Camps Bay, Kirstenbosch, and Groot Constantia, then add a harbor cruise or sunset ride if available. Multilingual audio, Wi-Fi, and frequent buses keep the day simple.

“Hop on Hop off tours anywhere in the world are a great way to be introduced to a new city. The timing was just right - red line at 1 1/2 hours. In fact, i enjoyed the tour so much I went again in the afternoon with my wife. Just a tip though, if you are sitting in the open area, do bring an extra layer and possibly a hat. the temperature may be 16C but there is a wind chill that makes it feel like 10C!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cape Town Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour with Optional Cruise - The blue peninsula route: Kirstenbosch, Hout Bay, and local context
Boat Trips & Cruises, Boat Trips in Cape Town, Boat Trips in South Africa, Cape Town Tours, City Tours, City Tours in South Africa, Hop-On Hop-Off Tours, South Africa Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

Use a 1- or 2-day pass to explore Cape Town on three routes, with stops at Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch, Hout Bay, Camps Bay, and Constantia wineries. Audio commentary comes in 15 languages, with a kids’ option, free Wi-Fi, downtown and Bo-Kaap walking tours, and an optional harbor cruise.

“Plan adequate time for all Activities. Traffic in CT can be a nightmare and the buses are no exception!! Staff are very knowledgeable on waiting times for table top. Mountain Also the weather. Could not go first day too windy. Plan this and traffic into your stay. Wait at tabletop was 90 mins which in the heat is not pleasant. Fast pass was a blessing!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cape Town: Sunset Champagne Cruise - Two glasses of sparkling wine and a view that does the work
Boat Trips & Cruises, Boat Trips in Cape Town, Boat Trips in South Africa, Cape Town Tours, South Africa Tours, Sunset Tours, Sunset Tours in Cape Town, Sunset Tours in South Africa, Tour Reviews

Cape Town: Sunset Champagne Cruise

3.Sunset Champagne Cruise

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

Sail for 90 minutes from the V&A Waterfront aboard Esperance, Serenity One, or another available vessel. Sip two glasses of local sparkling wine while the crew finds the best weather-dependent route toward Table Bay, Clifton, or Robben Island. Expect sea views, music, a chilly return, and a sunset over the Atlantic when conditions cooperate.

“It was amazing out of this world experience the skipper was professional and staff was friendly the DJ/skipper played all the best music.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hermanus: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip - Arriving at the Whale Shack in New Harbour
Boat Trips & Cruises, Boat Trips in South Africa, Dolphin & Whale Watching, Dolphin & Whale Watching in Hermanus & Gansbaai, Dolphin & Whale Watching in South Africa, Hermanus & Gansbaai Tours, South Africa Tours, Tour Reviews

Hermanus: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

4.Hermanus: 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 whale specialists such as Ken, Jacques, or David. Look for southern right, humpback, and Bryde’s whales, plus dolphins and seals. Tea, coffee, light snacks, and onboard commentary are included, while drone footage costs extra.

“Our guide David was amazing, very experienced and He spottet every movement around us. We where able to see female southern right whales with their calfes, seals and dolphins. Some of the whales even breached out of the water. Overall an amazing experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

St Lucia: Hippo and Crocodile Cruise on a 15-Seat Vessel - Boarding the 15-seat vessel at Siyabonga Jetty
Boat Trips & Cruises, Boat Trips in Durban & KwaZulu-Natal, Boat Trips in South Africa, Durban & KwaZulu-Natal Tours, South Africa Tours, Tour Reviews

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

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

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

Spend two hours on Lake St Lucia aboard a low, roofed 15-seat vessel. Your English-speaking skipper and guide will take you near hippo groups, search the reeds for Nile crocodiles, and point out birds and plants across the estuary. Guides including Thobile have impressed with their patient explanations. Bring a jacket, binoculars, and snacks.

“We absolutely loved it!!! Ended up adding 2 more family to join us & they were equally impressed. Thank you. Our guide was very knowledgeable in all things hippo & the surrounding fauna & flora. A++”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cape Town: Sunset Cruise from V&A Waterfront with Bubbly - Boarding at the V&A Waterfront
Boat Trips & Cruises, Boat Trips in Cape Town, Boat Trips in South Africa, Cape Town Tours, South Africa Tours, Sunset Tours, Sunset Tours in Cape Town, Sunset Tours in South Africa, Tour Reviews

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

6.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 distinctive red-brown sails. Over 90 minutes, you’ll pass Table Bay, Milnerton Lighthouse, Granger Bay, and views of Table Mountain and the stadium. Two glasses of sparkling wine are included, and the crew may point out dolphins, seals, and other Atlantic wildlife.

“The crew made effort with each passanger and made sure that everyone was happy and comfortable. A lifetime unforgettable experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cape Town: Scenic 1-Hour Coastal Catamaran Cruise - Following the coast toward Green Point Lighthouse
1-Hour Experiences, Boat Trips & Cruises, Boat Trips in Cape Town, Boat Trips in South Africa, Cape Town Tours, South Africa Tours, Tour Reviews

Cape Town: Scenic 1-Hour Coastal Catamaran Cruise

7.Scenic 1-Hour Coastal Catamaran Cruise

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

Cruise from Quay 5 at the V&A Waterfront to Green Point Lighthouse and back aboard a power catamaran. You get open views of Table Mountain, Cape Town, and the Atlantic, plus a chance to spot seals, dolphins, penguins, whales, or sunfish. English-speaking crew, a cash bar, music, and photo help are part of the experience.

“I enjoyed the experience. The guides were amazing to”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise - What Algoa Bay can show you
Boat Trips & Cruises, Boat Trips in Garden Route, Boat Trips in South Africa, Dolphin & Whale Watching, Dolphin & Whale Watching in South Africa, Garden Route Tours, Island Trips, Marine Life Trips in South Africa, South Africa Tours, Tour Reviews, Turtle & Marine Life

Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

8.Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

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

Meet at 8am at Nelson Mandela Bay Yacht Club for a four-hour cruise with Raggy Charters. A small group of up to 20 boards a twin-engine catamaran to look for humpback and southern right whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds, and African penguins at St. Croix Island. Crew members, including Jake, explain local wildlife and conservation.

“We were in a small group on the boat and were lucky enough to see a pod of 200 dolphins, penguins hunting for fish and some seals sunbathing. The team really care about the wildlife and spent time explaining to us the different animal behaviRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cape Town: 1.5-Hour Luxury Sunset Cruise with Prosecco - Table Mountain looks different from the water
Boat Trips & Cruises, Boat Trips in Cape Town, Boat Trips in South Africa, Cape Town Tours, Luxury Tours, South Africa Tours, Sunset Tours, Sunset Tours in Cape Town, Sunset Tours in South Africa, Tour Reviews

Cape Town: 1.5-Hour Luxury Sunset Cruise with Prosecco

9.1.5-Hour Luxury Sunset Cruise with Prosecco

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

Join an English-speaking crew for a 90-minute luxury catamaran cruise from the V&A Waterfront toward Table Bay. You’ll see Table Mountain from the water, enjoy two glasses of local Prosecco, and watch for dolphins, whales, penguins, and sunfish. The mood can shift from relaxed sightseeing to lively music on the return.

“Truly amazing time. The crew was fun, funny, experienced, & accommodating. Absolutely do it again!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻”

Check availability →Read our full review

Durban: 30-Minute Harbor Boat Cruise - Starting at Wilson’s Wharf
Boat Trips & Cruises, Boat Trips in Durban & KwaZulu-Natal, Boat Trips in South Africa, Durban & KwaZulu-Natal Tours, South Africa Tours, Tour Reviews

Durban: 30-Minute Harbor Boat Cruise

10.30-Minute Harbor Boat Cruise

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

Cruise from Wilson’s Wharf through Durban Harbor, with an English-speaking skipper explaining ships, cargo, docks, and port life. You may see container vessels, tugboats, yachts, birds, and the skyline from the water. The route can include Maydon Wharf Channel or the City and Container Terminal, depending on conditions.

“What an enjoyable experience! The music was a bit loud, but the skipper was funny, taught us so much and made the 30 minutes fantastic. I definitely recommend this ride if you want a quick adventure with the fam ❤️”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hartbeespoort: 2-Hour Dam Cruise with South African Food - The first hour: calm water and mountain views
2-Hour Experiences, Boat Trips & Cruises, Boat Trips in South Africa, Johannesburg & Pretoria Tours, South Africa Tours, Tour Reviews

Hartbeespoort: 2-Hour Dam Cruise with South African Food

11.Hartbeespoort: 2-Hour Dam Cruise with South African Food

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

Spend two hours on Hartbeespoort Dam aboard a spacious Harties Boat Company vessel. You’ll receive a welcome drink, hot and cold South African finger foods, music, and views of the Magaliesberg Range and waterfront homes. Cruises leave at 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. Captain Rasta and photographer Rene have earned special praise on some sailings.

“I enjoyed the boat everything was was nice... The food... Music..n the people who were serving us.... I'm definitely coming back again”

Check availability →Read our full review

Gansbaai: Marine Big 5 Boat tour - The boat ride to Dyer Island
Boat Trips & Cruises, Boat Trips in South Africa, Hermanus & Gansbaai Tours, South Africa Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife Safaris, Wildlife Safaris in South Africa

Gansbaai: Marine Big 5 Boat tour

12.Gansbaai: Marine Big 5 Boat tour

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

Head to Gansbaai’s Great White House for coffee, safety gear and a marine briefing before a two-hour boat trip around Dyer Island and Shark Alley. A marine biologist explains the wildlife, while the crew searches for whales, sharks, seals, dolphins and penguins. Cape Town transfers and a penguin sanctuary visit are optional.

“Highly recommend and encourage you to book this tour - it was done with a focus on preserving nature and encourages support for the declining African penguin colony via a NGO. This was well done and the onboard marine biologist made this even more special with in depth knowledge during each sighting! We also stopped by a penguin rehab facility which added a lot of knowledge and background on the support efforts to save the species! Would do this again!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cape Town: Sunset Catamaran Cruise on Table Bay with Bubbles - Boarding at the V&A Waterfront
Boat Trips & Cruises, Boat Trips in Cape Town, Boat Trips in South Africa, Cape Town Tours, South Africa Tours, Sunset Tours, Sunset Tours in Cape Town, Sunset Tours in South Africa, Tour Reviews

Cape Town: Sunset Catamaran Cruise on Table Bay with Bubbles

13.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 turn dark as Cape Town lights up. Two glasses of sparkling wine are included, with music, blankets when needed, and a friendly crew led on some trips by Captain Fanie, Dylan, or Steven.

“This was a super great experience- for me it was a 10/10”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cape Town: Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner - Sailing across Table Bay at sunset
Boat Trips & Cruises, Boat Trips in Cape Town, Boat Trips in South Africa, Cape Town Tours, South Africa Tours, Sunset Tours, Sunset Tours in Cape Town, Sunset Tours in South Africa, Tour Reviews

Cape Town: Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner

14.Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner

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

Spend 90 minutes sailing from the V&A Waterfront with two glasses of local sparkling wine, then walk to City Grill or Raj for a 3-course dinner. Expect changing routes, strong wind, live music, and a warm jacket. The boat may be Esperance, Serenity One, or another available vessel.

“A great team who were helpful, attentive and very funny. This was an amazing experience”

Check availability →Read our full review

Durban: 1-Hour Boat Cruise from Wilson's Wharf - Watching Durban’s harbor at work
1-Hour Experiences, Boat Trips & Cruises, Boat Trips in Durban & KwaZulu-Natal, Boat Trips in South Africa, Durban & KwaZulu-Natal Tours, South Africa Tours, Tour Reviews

Durban: 1-Hour Boat Cruise from Wilson’s Wharf

15.1-Hour Boat Cruise from Wilson’s Wharf

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 496 reviews · 1 hour · from $11

Depart Wilson’s Wharf for a one-hour public cruise past Durban’s working harbor and golden beachfront. Expect music, a safety briefing, skyline views, and useful harbor commentary in English, Zulu, or Afrikaans. The boat may be a catamaran or another certified vessel, and the skipper may head into the ocean or remain inside the harbor when conditions turn rough.

“I really had fun. I will definitely come again and recommend you as well”

Check availability →Read our full review

Scroll to Top

Where the days out are

Pick a desert, a park, a reef or a medina.