Top South Africa On the Water

Maximize your chances of seeing whales with this boat tour from Hermanus. Learn about the magnificent mammals from a whale specialist as you head out onto the water. Depending on the time of year keep an eye out for humpback, Bryde's, and southern right whales, as well as dolphins and seals.

Face great white sharks in Gansbaai and Shark Alley with this experience. Start with breakfast and a safety briefing before boarding the boat. Then, slip into the cage for a close-up shark encounter or watch from the boat. Return to the harbor for a light lunch and a DVD viewing of the trip.

Cruise the Durban Point waterfront on an African gondola. One of South Africa’s most dynamic property development and investment projects, the waterfront is home to  A-list residents, upscale shops and boutiques, and scenic views. Look for marine life in the canal and the many bridges along the route, which make for great photos.

Learn about Durban’s history and get great city views at the same time with this luxury boat trip on the Durban Point Waterfront Canals. The tour reveals views of top attractions, and interesting facts about Durban and its famous residents—yet without the hassle of being stuck in crowds. Conveniently, the trip is capped at 12 travelers—which means ample space to sit back, relax, and enjoy the views.

Enjoy an exciting whale watching excursion cruise from Gansbaai. Leave the harbor and head for the cliffs of De Keldar to look for Southern right whales, which mate and give birth in this area every year. Keep an eye out for other sea life, including dolphins, sharks, and penguins. Booking ahead guarantees your spot on the boat for the day you prefer to go.

If you’re curious about learning how to surf, but you don’t want the potential embarrassment of learning in a large group, then this private experience is the one for you. Led by a qualified surf coach, enjoy a lesson that goes at your preferred pace, with surfboard and wetsuit rental included to ensure the ultimate stress-free experience.

This cruise is a great choice for travelers who want a quick sightseeing and wildlife tour that leaves them the rest of the day for other activities. Enjoy a whistle-stop cruise that boasts wonderful views of the V&A waterfront. Not only is it a great introduction to the city, but it’s also a chance to spot seals and bird life too.

Magic Lagoon Charters offers a truly different way to experience the Knysna Lagoon — aboard beautifully restored classic wooden boats that combine timeless style with a smooth, comfortable ride. Unlike larger or ocean-based tours, our cruises take place entirely on the calm, sheltered waters of the lagoon. That means no swell, no crowds, and no rush — just a relaxed, intimate experience in one of South Africa’s most scenic settings. With small group sizes and a low-to-the-water perspective, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views and a far more personal connection to the surroundings — from the Knysna Heads to the turquoise waters of Featherbed Bay. We’re also fully licensed, allowing you to enjoy drinks, bubbly, oysters, and curated platters on board — transforming your cruise into a refined, social experience rather than just a sightseeing trip. This isn’t a standard boat tour. It’s classic lagoon cruising — private in feel, effortless, and beautifully done.

View sharks up close on this cage-diving tour from Gansbaai. Guests take turns in the 8-person cage for incredible encounters with great whites and bronze whaler sharks, as well as other marine species such as stingrays and sun fish. While not in the cage, you can enjoy on board refreshments and shark sightings from the viewing deck of the boat. Includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

Relax in style on the Durban luxury Pontoon Boat Cruise. Durban Harbour is exciting & great way to see durban. See Harbour boats and yachts. Experience something great & get great pictures. The 1 Hour Harbour Boat Cruise on Pontoon is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. The boat ride is on a luxury pontoon boat that is comfortable and spacious, with plenty of seating. Your boat cruise with take you around the harbour showing of many boats, yachts, container ships and port operations, it is part of the ocean and you may be fortunate to see some of the marine life, like fish and dolphins. The cruise is a great way to relax, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Durban and take great pictures. The cruise is a great option for families, couples, and groups of friends. It is a fun and affordable way to see one of South Africa’s most beautiful cities.

Improve your chances of seeing sharks in the wild with this group shark cage diving experience in Cape Town. With all the diving gear provided, you can travel light and avoid hauling bulky equipment. Let your guide lead the way, as they accompany you through the waters as you search for Great White sharks, Bronze Whaler sharks, and Sevengill sharks from a safe distance.

Discover the Garden Route's best adventure with Ocean Sailing Charters. Explore and discover the magnificent natural beauty of Knysna on the most luxurious and spacious Catamaran in Knysna. Venture out for a magical sail on the Knysna Lagoon while you laze in the sun with an ice-cold beverage, navigate the famous Knysna Heads and then head out to sea to explore the spectacular marine and bird life of the Indian Ocean. Being joined by pods of dolphins, or a friendly seal, is an experience which you’ll remember long after the journey has ended. Our impressive 55ft LaraBella is equipped with a wine cooler, a coffee machine, bar, big lounge saloon area, beautiful cabins and several fridges. Our friendly crew will make you feel right at home. Our Sunset Braai cruise include a complimentary 'Braai/BBQ' with a glass of bubbly.

Embark on a close-encounter whale and dolphin watching tour with one of Knysa's only permitted close-encounter tour operators. Step aboard a boat with an experienced captain and travel to the waters just off the South African coastline. During your travels, listen to in-depth commentary about the marine animals' biology and behavior. Keep an eye out for large pods of dolphins, Brydes whales, Southern right and humpback whales.

Get up close with an apex predator on this shark diving adventure. View surface feeding sharks while riding on the specially designed catamaran. For those with Scuba diving qualifications, dive into the cage floating behind the boat. Holding up to four people, watch Great White Sharks in their natural habitat for unlimited quality time. Enjoy an educational experience that prioritizes the wellbeing of travelers and sharks alike.

Soak up the magic of Durban’s waterfront by night as you glide down the canals in a Venetian-style gondola. Let the glittering lights of Durban Point Waterfront, one of South Africa’s most celebrated new developments, slip by as you slide below bridges and down elegant waterways. Escape the bustle of the city for half an hour, with plenty to do once you return.

This sailing trip takes you from the historic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront out to sea on a short cruise across the bay and back. The cruise provides spectacular mountain and city views as well as fantastic photographic opportunities of The Mother City with Table Mountain as a backdrop. They do not offer a specific destination. Typically they motor out of the Harbour and across Table Bay towards Milnerton lighthouse, then return to the protection of Granger Bay Fabulous Table Mountain and city views must do" trip whilst visiting Cape Town.

This Atlantic Outlook kayak tour is perfect for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. Enjoy a carefree day gliding across the Atlantic Ocean with a guide to lead the way so you don’t get lost. You won’t have to worry about bringing kit with you, as kayaking equipment and safety gear hire are included. Along the way, access views of Table Mountain, Lions Head, and the Atlantic Sea Board coastline.

Get to know the marine environment of the Cape Town Atlantic Coastline on this boat tour from the V&A waterfront. Step aboard a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) with a small group of just 10 people, which gives you personalized attention from the guide and allows time to ask questions. Look out for ocean-dwelling creatures and learn about ecosystem through informed commentary.

Cruise along Cape Town's Atlantic coastline and get great views of the city and Table Mountain with this express cruise tour. You will head out from the V&A Waterfront, making your way up to the Green Point lighthouse before turning around and heading back, all in around just one hour.

Catch the sunset over Cape Town from the deck of a sailboat on this evening cruise. Sit back and relax with a provided glass of sparkling wine while watching the sun sink over the city landscape. You’ll get frame-worthy photos of the city and Table Mountain in sunset hues; captain and crew are on hand to answer any questions and provide commentary.

Tick off two Cape Town must-dos with this combo Cruise and Dine package. Watch the sunset over the port town with a glass of complimentary bubbly in hand on a sunset cruise, then transfer to a V&A Waterfront restaurant for a three-course dinner, choosing from Italian, Greek, or local cuisine to suit you.

Truly one of a kind. This experience is truly unlike any other animal encounter you’ll experience in South Africa. No cages or distance will separate you from these animals - making it a fully immersive and interactive experience that will bring you right into the Cape Fur Seal’s natural habitat. Observe, interact and engage with the seals - you’ll find them as equally interested in you as you are in them! Not only will you make memories to last a lifetime, but we’ll be there to capture them for you. Our team will take photos and videos of your trip that are FREE to download directly from our site. Cape Fur Seal sightings guaranteed!

Dive with sharks off the coast of Cape Town on this small-group excursion that is led by an expert captain and crew to ensure an experience that is educational as well as fun. Learn about the biology and behavior of sharks getting in the water to see them up close. A small group makes for lots of personalized attention and an intimate atmosphere.

Discover the best sights of Cape Town from the sky by going for a ride on the Cape Wheel. You won’t waste a moment waiting in long visitor lines as a skip-the-line admission ticket is provided. Once you get in your cabin, it’s comfortable, air-conditioned, safe, and fully enclosed, so you won’t have to worry if you’re traveling with children. Access incredible views of Table Mountain, Robben Islands, and Cape Town city highlights that you wouldn’t see otherwise.