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Take a rejuvenating break while you shut off from the world and cruise away from your responsibilities. Everyone deserves a break once in a while and this kind of break is the one where you completely switch off and let someone else take control of the wheels. Cruise trips are more about drifting away from the shore and taking the time out to contemplate life, introspect and distress while you get to bond with your loved ones and pamper yourself with all the facilities available onboard. Let’s take a look at some of the best cruises in Cape Town, a port city on South Africa’s southwest coast that is brimming with a stunning coastline and crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park. Enjoy the luxury of cruises in Cape Town as we give you a list of 7 best cruises to take in Cape Town for a blissful vacation. Read on to know more about Cape town sea excursions and exhilarating boat rides.

7 Cruises In Cape Town

Check out these cruises in Cape Town that will give you unobstructed views of the sparkling ocean surrounding the scenic landscape of Cape Town, the city crowned by the Table Mountain National Park. Here’s a list of best cruise trips you can take from this jewel of a city breathing in the sunshine in every corner and the glittering sea.

1. Robben Island Boat Trip

Bay Of Islands Cruise

Considered to be one of the most iconic ferries and all for the right reasons, it was historically used to transport prisoners to Robben Island for a guided tour. Hop on and learn about Nelson Mandela’s remarkable legacy on this guided tour of Robben Island and get to visit the famous historic sites such as Nelson Mandela’s prison cell and Robert Sobukwe’s house. Look out for the dolphins and seals en-route the island. They can be spotted alongside the boat, flipping and splashing in the water.

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Route: Leaves from V&A Waterfront, and heads to Robben Island


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2. V&A Waterfront Boat Trips

Geneva and Annecy Cruise

Enjoy the most quintessential sunset on this vintage-style sailboat, breathe in the cool ocean breeze of Cape Town, witness the sunset with a glass of wine or beer. The city looks amazing at sunset from afar, the Table Mountain in the background makes for a stunning Insta-worthy shot. Look for the ocean-dwelling creatures and learn more about the marine life of the Cape Town Atlantic Coastline on this boat tour that starts from the V&A Waterfront. Step aboard and enjoy the ocean tour where you get the chance to see Dolphins, Seals, Whales, Penguins and more as you make your way to Sea Point, Clifton, Camps Bay and Oudekraal.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Route: Leaves from V&A Waterfront, and head towards Table Bay 

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3. All-Day Cruise Up the West Coast

Switzerland River Cruise

Tour the stunning West Coast aboard the Princess Skye motor yacht that will take you through the day of luxury amidst the crystal clear blue waters and a stunning coastline. The 12-seater yacht can accommodate up to 12 people that will dock in a private bay for you to enjoy a dip in the water along with some drinks and snacks. Enjoy this luxurious cruise trip that will make you feel like you’re living out of a movie or the life of a movie star, every experience is customized to your preferences, making each moment spent on this yacht a glamorous, unique and memorable one. Bring a towel, sunblock, hat and sunglasses for your private bay pitstop.

Duration: Minimum of two hours, a maximum of ten hours
Route: Leaves from V&A Waterfront, and head to the West Coast

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4. Pirate-Ship Cruise

If you’re looking to have a themed party amidst the turquoise waters and a stunning coastline, then Jolly Roger Pirate Boat is your go-to place. This cruise trip is the definition of fun, a unique addition to the Waterfront docks, this popular boat party offers tours for special occasions whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the kids, or an offbeat way to celebrate your birthday or your bachelor party, Jolly Roger Pirate Boat is the answer to your fun outing. The boat comes with a private lounge, dancing pole, bar and DJ (on request) that will get your grooving to the latest tunes.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Route: Leaves from V&A Waterfront, heads to Robben Island, Granger Bay, Bantry Bay and Clinton.


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5. Chapman’s Peak Cruise

Chapman's Peak Route

If you want to witness the most breathtaking routes along the coast then you need to aboard the Chapman’s Peak Cruise. Drumbeat Charters offers a trip to spot the seals, the rocky cliffs, and the hidden caves of Chapman’s Peak. Get to enjoy the most scenic routes in Cape Town from the sea through this cruise trip and make sure you take pictures along the way since its a once in a lifetime experience. This route is usually shut for maintenance work due to rocks sliding on the road, hence, this cruise trip gives you the opportunity to enjoy the scenic route amidst the crystal clear waters.

Route: Leaves from Hout Bay Harbour, and heads to Seal Island.
Duration: 1 hour

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6. Seal Colony Cruise

Maori Rock Carving Cruise

As the name suggests, this cruise trip is all about getting up and close with the Seals. Get to witness these creatures from close as the boat enters the natural habitat of the Seal on Seal Island which is also home to different varieties of bird species. You get to witness the Cape Fur Seal in it natural element as they put on a show. Make friends with these furry creatures and pose a selfie with them as you get up and close with them.

Route: Leaves from Hout Bay Harbour and heads to Seal Island
Duration: 40 minutes

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7. Private Bay Sailing Experience

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise

Sail the high seas in the most flamboyant way onboard the Beneteau Oceanis 34 yacht, feel the luxury as you step on this yacht and enjoy a day of utter relaxation amidst the crystal clear waters with the soft ocean breeze blowing in your face. Learn how to sail or just lounge on the bow as you whiz past the waters. The yacht can accommodate a maximum of seven passengers and one skipper, it is an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city and to enjoy a leisurely day out at the sea as well as an informative introduction to sailing.

Route: Leaves from V&A Waterfront, and heads towards Robben Island, Blouberg or Clifton.
Duration: 3 hours

We hope that this list gave you enough reasons to book your trip to Cape Town right away and experience the most exhilarating cruises in Cape Town on your vacation. These cruises are all about laying off and enjoying your leisurely time amidst the crystal clear blue waters. So, what are you waiting for? Let the wind in your hair, sea spray on your face and sun hats out to enjoy your time away!

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Category: Cape Town, cruises

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