On the water · SOUTH AFRICA HARBOUR CRUISES
Cape Town runs half-hour seal trips off the waterfront for the price of a coffee, and Durban sends pontoon boats out into the bay. The 11 below cover both, with prices and sailing times.
Cruise Durban Harbor from Wilson’s Wharf with an English-speaking skipper who explains ships, cargo work, and port life. You’ll see the skyline, container ships, tugboats, docks, and harbor birds from the water. The route may use Maydon Wharf Channel or the City and Container Terminal, and can extend beyond the harbor mouth in good weather.
“It was an excellent experience, quite exciting if I must say.”
Board a double-decker trawling boat at Quay 5 for a 30-minute cruise around Cape Town’s working harbor. You’ll see seals in the water, boats at the quays, and waterfront views with English commentary. It is a simple, family-friendly outing with no hotel transfer, food, or drinks included.
“I had a great experience, definitely worth the price!”
Join City Sightseeing South Africa outside the Two Oceans Aquarium for a 30-minute harbour cruise. You’ll watch Cape fur seals around the harbour, see Table Mountain and Signal Hill from the water, and hear recorded commentary in 15 languages. It is short, affordable, and easy to fit between Waterfront attractions.
“I liked the ride but the narration was lost midway through the journey.”
Spend one hour on a comfortable pontoon boat with an English-speaking guide and skipper, cruising Durban Harbor past yachts, container ships, and working port areas. Bring your own snacks and drinks, watch for birds, fish, and dolphins, and enjoy music on board. Check in at Wilson's Wharf, beside the front mooring.
“It was amazing I enjoyed every single bit of it I would do it again”
Set out from Quay 5 on Une Belle Vie for a short cruise around Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. You’ll see Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Lions Head, Devils Peak, the Clock Tower, swing bridge, fishing boats, seals, and cruise ships. It costs $9.20 and returns to the starting point.
“I went with 2 friends from the UK and whilst short, it's a nice way to get a stunning view of the mountain and Cape Town, I would recommend this tour.”
Set out from Quay 5 on the double-decker Southern Cross for a 30-minute cruise through Cape Town’s working harbor. You’ll see seals on the floats, bird life, ships, mountains, and the V&A Waterfront from the water. A guide provides commentary, music, and a few jokes. Drinks are available to buy.
“It was beautiful. We loved the guy who was talking on the microphone his funny.The cruise was great .30 minutes felt like an hour”
Join Wild Horizons Waterfront Adventures aboard Dawn, a 40-seat boat, for a 30-minute English-guided cruise around Cape Town’s Old Harbour and International Docks. You’ll see Cape fur seals, seabirds, working port scenes, and Table Mountain. Add breakfast at Quay 4 if you choose.
“The ride was amazing, just wish there was some music”
Join Wild Horizons Waterfront Adventures aboard the 39-foot Escape Cat for a one-hour English-language sail from Cape Town’s waterfront. Sit on the forward trampolines, relax under cover near the captain, watch for seals, dolphins, penguins, or jellyfish, and buy cold drinks from the onboard cash bar.
“I had a bunch of fun, there was just a issue with the times and the booking but star camera people”
You’ll spend 30 minutes aboard Une Belle Vie, a 47-foot double-decker power catamaran, cruising from the V&A Waterfront into Cape Town harbour. An English-speaking guide accompanies the trip, while the onboard bar sells local drinks, beer, and soft drinks. The boat holds up to 56 passengers, making it useful for families and large groups.
Spend 30 minutes cruising Cape Town’s Alfred and Victoria basins, watching seals and ships while an onboard guide explains the harbor’s past and present through clear headsets. Depart from the V&A Waterfront, stay close to restaurants and the aquarium, and return to the same dock. It is a compact, low-cost introduction to Cape Town.
“We rally enjoyed the harbor cruise 😀 its very informative and we especially enjoyed seeing lots of seals at the starting point.”
Cruise Durban Harbour from Wilson’s Wharf on a comfortable pontoon boat for about one hour. A certified guide and skipper show you ships, yachts, port activity, and possibly fish or dolphins. Expect open-air views, music, seating for up to 16 people, and a relaxed outing for couples, families, and friends.
“The boat tour was amazing. Very friendly guides with friendly personalities. It was great seeing the Durban harbour with my lovie dovie & my cousin with his lovie dovie. Great outing!!!”
Join Prospero Charters at Nelson Mandela Bay Yacht Club for a 30-minute harbour cruise in Gqeberha. A live guide in English, Afrikaans, or French explains ships, cargo handling, fishing vessels, berth safety, voyages, and port operations. The small group holds up to 10 people, with a minimum of four required.
“The kids enjoyed it. Though I thought it will go around the beach but it was good value for money.”
Fifty countries, one thing in common: the best view is from the deck.
