The Mother City is surrounded by two oceans – the Atlantic and the Indian – so you can bet we have plenty of adventurous activities to offer on the open water! Everybody knows Cape Town has some of the best beaches in the world. Here’s what else our oceans offer.
SHARK CAGE DIVING
Great White sharks are among the most feared predators on the planet, so of course we want to get into a cage in shark-infested waters! Shark cage diving is one of the most popular activities for tourists and with good reason. There is no better way to observe this awesome animal in its natural habitat. Stare into those cold, black eyes and try not to scream as it shows you why it is the world’s best cage fighter.
SURFING
Cape Town has some of the most spectacular beaches in the world for surfing. From Dungeons to Big Bay, you will find a break suited to your taste… and skills. There are also a number of surfing schools that can help you dip your toes into the water for the first time. Now all that’s left is to suit up and hit the waves.
SEAL SNORKELLING
If you’re not down with shark cage diving, we highly-recommend giving seal snorkelling a go! The experience is for everyone with no diving experience necessary. All equipment is provided and this is your opportunity to swim, and play, alongside the silky smooth animals. Sharks? Never fear, the cold water of the Atlantic is a tad too nippy for the finned predators, meaning it’s just you and the seals!
KITEBOARDING
With over 30 beaches to choose from variety is truly the spice of life when kiteboarding in the Mother City. The stretch of coastline offers perfect conditions for the sport with the wind and weather just right AND flat waters and waves! The city is a popular one for professionals and amateurs with a number of beaches considered global hot spots. There are also a number of schools to teach you the sport and guarantee to have you in the water in no time!
SNOEK FISHING
Get Hooked on Africa when you fish for South Africa’s beloved Snoek (just try one on a braai and you’ll know why!) 50km out in the beautiful Atlantic Ocean.
WHALE WATCHING
South Africa may be known for its Big Five, but the marine wildlife is just as impressive! Every year, southern right whales take a vacation in Cape waters, treating Cape Town locals to a display of breaching, fluking, spouting and spyhopping. Of the whale species seen in the waters around the Cape, southern right whales are the most common. However, you might also get a chance to see humpback whales and Bryde’s whales. The peak season for whale watching is from July to December, and southern right whales are pretty much guaranteed between August and November.
KAYAKING
A popular sport among the locals, who you can often see paddling up and down the coast in the late afternoon, kayaking offers a great way to experience the ocean and its inhabitants up close while enjoying some spectacular views of the city. Thankfully you don’t have to have arms of steel or the lungs of a seal to enjoy this unique interaction with nature, as there are numerous guided kayaking tours all around the city offering everything from a sunset cruise around the Atlantic Seaboard along Mouille Point, Sea Point and Clifton, to paddles out to Boulders Beach to see the penguins. For the more fit and adventurous types, there are also full-moon experiences and even tours out to the infamous Cape Point.
SCUBA DIVING
The meeting place of two great oceans also provides an astonishingly diverse underwater spectacle for scuba divers. With everything from shallow shore to reef dives and even wreck dives, the cold waters around Cape Town have something for divers of every experience level. Even if you’ve never even put a snorkel in your mouth, there are many certified diving schools in and around the city that offer courses, equipment and diving tours that will ensure you experience the underwater wonderland around the Cape Town coastline.
JOLLY ROGER
What kid (and plenty of adults) doesn’t want to be a pirate? The Jolly Roger pirate boat at the V&A Waterfront is the perfect port of call for the youngsters to play out the ultimate adventure on the high seas. Operating seven days a week, the Jolly Roger offers morning, afternoon and sunset cruises. Private charters are also available.
SUP ADVENTURE
Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is one of the fastest growing water sports in the world and it is quickly taking hold in South Africa, not only as a sport, but as a fitness-orientated pastime as well. Like surfing, part of the draw is the physical element, without it ever feeling like a workout. But unlike surfing, it doesn’t take very long to get to grips with the basics. There are a number of schools to teach you the basics and will have you on the water in no time!