Top South Africa On the Water

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Get up close to the spectacular marine wildlife in the pristine waters of Algoa Bay with this slow-paced sustainable cruise that only runs once a day. Enjoy more time with your guide and skipper to spot humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, and endangered African penguins on St. Croix Island, learning about these animals and their conservation along the way. Smaller groups ensure plenty of time to ask questions and snap photos.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A Cape Town sunset is beautiful, but seeing the sun dip from a luxury catamaran with incredible coastal views is even better. Take photos of the city and mountain from the water, and watch out for local marine life such as dolphins or whales during your cruise. This is your time to take a break and relax.

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.

The Knysna Lagoon is one of the most stunning natural wonders along South Africa’s Garden Route—a glittering lagoon framed by the soaring cliffs of Knysna Heads. On this tour, set sail across the lagoon, explore the Knysna estuary, and head out into the ocean to Brenton-on-Sea and Buffalo Bay. Along the way, look out for wildlife, including whales, dolphins, cape fur seals, and sea birds.

Families with small children can still enjoy an evening sail on this pre-sunset cruise in Cape Town. Watch the sun sink lower in the sky and enjoy the “golden hour”, which makes for beautiful photos, on this pre-sunset cruise. You’ll get back to shore in plenty of time for dinner reservations or the kids’ bedtime. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and commentary from the crew while on board the boat.

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.

Combine wine tastings, cheese tastings, a biltong tasting, and time in the town of Stellenbosch on this action-packed half-day tour of the Cape winelands. Enjoy included hotel pickup and round-trip transport from your Cape Town hotel. You’ll visit two wine farms, one for a wine and cheese tasting, one for a wine and biltong tasting, with options for kids and vegans as well.

On this ocean safari, enjoy an eco-friendly way to explore Cape Town’s coastline on a rigid inflatable boat (RIB). Much quicker than a traditional sightseeing cruise, enjoy the thrill of a fast ride to begin with, then slow down to look for local marine life such as African penguins, dolphins, seals, sharks, and sunfish.