Top South Africa On the Water

Come face to face with a great white shark in Gaansbaai and Shark Alley. After pickup from central Cape Town, travel to Gaansbaai for breakfast and a safety briefing. Onboard the boat, you can slip into the cage in the water to get a close-up look at the sharks or enjoy the view from the boat. Afterwards, head back to the harbor for a light lunch and to watch a DVD of the boat trip.

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.

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.

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.

If you’re a shark enthusiast eager to see them up close, this tour is perfect for you. With all diving gear provided, you can travel light, and a guide will be with you every step of the way. After visiting a dive center, embark on a boat and enjoy an unforgettable cage diving experience, with the chance to spot Great White sharks, Bronze Whaler sharks, and Sevengill sharks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Durban Point Waterfront is known for its canals—which are protected as they are home to over 30 different species of fish. With this pedal boat adventure, get out on the water, exercise, and most importantly—have fun. You can go at your own pace and enjoy an activity that’s great for couples and families alike, as each boat can accommodate two adults and two children.

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.

Rent a kayak and embark on an adventure through the scenic Knysna lagoon. This self-guided excursion lets you avoid the crowds and confines of a guided trip. Instead, you can go at your own pace and take the opportunity to stop at beaches and enjoy the sunshine along the way. Plus, stable kayaks and pre-trip instructions make the outing accessible to first-time paddlers and experts alike.

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.

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.

Beginning at the V&A Waterfront, this sea kayaking adventure is a beginner-friendly way of seeing Cape Town’s beautiful scenery, without being stuck in traffic. Led by a guide, you can peacefully paddle through the sea on a route that showcases views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and Signal Hill—and if you’re lucky, you might spot local wildlife too, such as dolphins and seals.

Spend time watching one of the world’s most feared fish on this thrilling diving experience. Learn about various shark species from your marine biologist guide, and then dive into the water in a cage to observe sharks in their natural habitat. It's an ideal choice for aquatic animal lovers. Breakfast, snacks, and hotel pick-up and drop-off are included for a truly seamless experience.

Unlike larger dive operators, we keep our Discover Scuba Diving experiences small and personal, giving every guest plenty of individual attention from a professional instructor. We take the time to ensure you feel comfortable and confident before entering the water, making this the perfect experience for first-time divers. Located in the spectacular waters of Simon's Town, you'll discover the unique marine life and beautiful reefs of False Bay in a safe, relaxed environment. With high-quality equipment, expert local knowledge, and a passion for creating unforgettable memories, our goal isn't just to introduce you to scuba diving—it's to give you an experience you'll remember long after your visit to Cape Town.

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.

Spend time outdoors, exercise, and see endangered African penguins with this sea kayaking adventure in the Simon's Town area of Cape Town. To save you time organizing equipment rental—a sea kayak, double paddle, and personal floatation device are provided. Best of all, a guide leads the tour and teaches you about local marine life along the way.

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.

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.