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Visit the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront to experience the best catamaran cruises in Cape Town. The sturdy twin-hull design can either be wind or motor powered and will win you over with its calming effect while on the open sea.
Choosing the right waterfront boat cruise for your experience is important. The length of the vessel, whether it is wind or motor powered and the duration of the trip are factors you need to consider. The V&A Waterfront is the best location for yacht hire in Cape Town. The Atlantic Ocean breaks into white sand beaches with the iconic Table Mountain as a backdrop.
A sunset catamaran cruise in Cape Town is one of the best experiences. With our information below and some luck, you could be on board a catamaran while whale watching in Cape Town in no time.
Which Waterfront Boat Cruise is Right For You?
If you have never set foot on a boat before – choose a large twin-hull vessel! The length and extra hull help to create a smoother experience with less movement from side to side. If you are likely to experience motion sickness be prepared with techniques or remedies. Boat hire in Cape Town is affordable and offers a variety of vessels.
Travellers with strong sea legs will enjoy a smaller boat like the 42ft Enigma. It is a motor-powered catamaran that experiences more movement out at sea compared to larger yachts. The vessel is comfortable in most conditions and cruises will take place despite rain or wind.
Waterfront Charters
Charters come with an experienced crew under the guidance of a captain on board. Nothing beats lounging on a sailing catamaran’s trampoline while watching the crew work efficiently around you. You can relax and look out for the myriad of marine life including whales and dolphins in season on your boat rides in Cape Town.
The Southern-right, Humpback, and Bryde’s whales visit the bay from September to November. The whales are known to visit the area for breeding and raising young calves. Dolphins are present all year round with some species following a seasonal migration.
Yacht Charter Cape Town
Yacht hire in Cape Town is easy and the staff is friendly. There is no wrong choice between the Tigresse, Mirage, or Serenity for a sailing catamaran cruise in Cape Town. Each operator offers family-friendly adventures with views of Cape Town and the spectacular mountains as you cruise across Table Bay.
Serenity One is a luxury sailing catamaran that can carry up to 40 guests. She is a great vessel for private parties or functions with onboard music and a bar. Refreshments are priced similarly to restaurants in Cape Town with beer, cider, hard liquor, wine, and local sparkling wine available.
If you need more than a packet of chips to keep your hunger at bay it is best to arrange catering for your cruise. Bottles of wine brought onboard will incur R50 for corkage. Beer and hard liquor are not allowed to be brought on board.
Boat Cruises from the Waterfront
Waterfront boat rides have great rates and offer affordable cruises on the open sea. Sailing catamarans leaving the waterfront travel either to Milnerton and back if the wind is south-easterly or towards Robben Island if it is north-westerly. Motor-powered cruises travel closer to the coastline passing Sea Point on route to Clifton.
Boat trips in Cape Town are weather-dependent. If the seas are running too high or the wind is unpleasantly strong, the captain can still offer a cruise within the harbour. In extreme conditions, the skipper may decide to stay dockside.
All ages can enjoy the waterfront boat trips and catamaran cruises on the open ocean. Cruising is, however, not suitable for pregnant women and people with back problems. People with mobility impairment and wheelchair users are encouraged to contact the operator ahead of time to confirm access on board. A well thought through plan will set you on your way to a relaxed boat cruise in Cape Town.
Wear non-deck-marking shoes, sunglasses, sun lotion, and a warm jacket. Bring a bathing suit and towel if you would like to take a dip (with the captain’s permission to go overboard, of course!).
Cruise on the Mirage Catamaran, Cape Town
Enjoy a five-star sailing experience aboard the 76ft Mirage. It is the largest yacht offering cruises in the V&A Waterfront. A modern luxury catamaran offering day-sailing and private charters.
A one-hour trip leaves the harbour and travels towards Granger Bay and on to Sea Point. The departure location is at the Spearhead opposite the Clock Tower at the V&A Waterfront. Catering is not provided during day sails and can be pre-arranged for private cruises.
The Mirage operates on a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. During school holidays, cruises are also offered on Thursdays. Cruises depart at 1 pm and 3 pm. It is an affordable family activity with boat rides at the waterfront in Cape Town prices starting at R220 per person and R120 for kids aged between four and twelve years old.
Sunset Cruise in Cape Town
A sunset cruise is the best way to share the beauty of Cape Town and Table Mountain with a friend or family member. You will be in good hands with the Mirage crew who are responsive and friendly. The sunset cruise includes a glass of local sparkling wine on arrival.
Step towards the front of the vessel and enjoy watching the sun setting on the horizon. Look below and you will often find dolphins breaking the water surface only meters ahead of the catamaran. Sunset cruise tickets are R450 per person and R240 for children between four and twelve years old. Departure time is seasonal with cruises starting from 6 pm in winter and 7 pm in summer.
Alternatively, the 40ft Serenity hosts a catamaran cruise into Table Bay with the direction dependent on the wind. Experience a real sailing boat with crew on board working while you relax and soak in the sea air and sunset. The skipper will either travel towards the Milnerton lighthouse in south-easterly winds or towards Clifton and Robben Island in north-westerly winds.
Dinner Cruise in Cape Town
The 55ft Tigger 2 power catamaran offers sunset boat cruises in Cape Town with dinner served on board once safely moored back at the harbour. Choose from a variety of menus including braai, canapé’s, sushi platters, or a full four-course dinner. Midday cruises offer lunch while anchored off-shore from Clifton beach. Cape Town boat trips offer incredible views.
The vessel can comfortably seat 40 guests for plated meals. A dinner cruise starts at R660 per person for nonprivate events. Feeling romantic? Privately charter the entire vessel for an evening cruise and a meal for two.
Final Thoughts on Catamaran Cruises in Cape Town
Cape Town’s waterfront offers an incredible setting for a catamaran cruise. Choose confidently between small twin-hull boats or large sailing catamarans. All the tours operating from the waterfront are professionally run with a friendly and experienced crew on board.
The V&A Waterfront offers catamaran cruises daily with evening cruises to enjoy the sunset. Visit Quay 5 for a waterfront sunset cruise or privately charter a yacht for a romantic occasion.
Bring a towel and costume for a swim in the Atlantic Ocean. And remember to keep your eyes out for wildlife in the water!
Looking forward to your sunset Catamaran cruise in Cape Town? Read more about where to go, when to go, and what to bring for sunset cruises in Cape Town.
