The 15 Sailing Trips in South Africa That Earn Their Price

1.Scenic 1-Hour Coastal Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 777 reviews · 1 hour · from $25Our pick

One-hour catamaran cruise from V&A Waterfront to Green Point Lighthouse, with Table Mountain views and a chance to spot dolphins, seals, and penguins.

“Lovely little trip out, we went during the quieter month of August, and happened to be the only two on board. The staff still made such a fantastic effort to make sure we enjoyed it, sharing information along the way, taking pictures for us and serving us drinks. All of them made it such a lovely experience I would thoroughly recommend no matter what the time of year.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Sunset Catamaran Cruise on Table Bay with Bubbles

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 591 reviews · 1h 30m · from $40

90-minute Table Bay sunset catamaran with Table Mountain views, two bubbly glasses, and a chance at dolphins and seals.

“The Catamaran sunset tour was memorable. Music was not too loud today. And everyone got 2 glass of champagne as expected. I was surprised they provided blankets for journey back as after sunset it became a bit cold. Make sure you as well take sweater or jacket, it is sea activity after all.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.1 Hour Coastal Catamaran Cruise from Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 258 reviews · from $21

One-hour catamaran cruise from the V&A Waterfront to Green Point lighthouse, with Table Mountain views and possible dolphins.

“I really had so much fun . We ordered drinks on the boat .and The host was kind . We felt safe ❤️highly recommend. We were cruising nicely 👌🏼”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Cape Town Waterfront and Bay: Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 190 reviews · 1 hour · from $25

A 1-hour sailing or motor cruise from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, with Table Bay views, sea life, and hands-on sailing help.

“The cruise staff is super friendly. The music on the boat is relaxing and very hip. The ride is an experience on it's own. Its very very nice.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.1- Hour Catamaran Cruise Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 144 reviews · from $18Best value

A relaxed 1-hour catamaran cruise from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront toward Clifton Beach, with big Table Mountain, Robben Island, and harbor views.

“The closeness of the sea was an experience! The weather was perfect 🥳 I will recommend this cruise , suitable for any family and pricing reasonable 🤩”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Knysna Sunset Sailing Cruise with Light Dinner and Wine

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 96 reviews · 2h 30m · from $124

2.5-hour Knysna sunset sailing cruise for up to 12 people with a light dinner spread, wine, and possible ocean views through the Heads.

“Such a great experience. Great crew onboard who were most friendly and hospitable. We sailed wind powered through the heads and were even lucky enough to see some humpback dolphins. the platter snacks and drinks were also top notch. would highly reccomend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Sailing in The Bay by Catamaran (One Hour)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 87 reviews · from $21

A 1-hour catamaran sail from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, with captain commentary, Table Mountain views, and seasonal routes.

“The crew were very nice and helpful. We enjoyed the views and relaxing ride. We had some nice bubbly with the ride.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Catamaran Sunset Champagne Cruise Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 85 reviews · from $37

A 90-minute catamaran sunset cruise from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront with a sparkling-wine toast, Atlantic views, and chances to spot wildlife.

“No catamaran available so a replacement was offered. It was ok but not quite the same experience.. no safety talk, no greeting, not champagne but ok fizz! However, the sunset was spectacular and everything aside I would absolutely recommend you see it. Tip: take a blanket or layer up.. it can get chilly…”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Catamaran Champagne Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 42 reviews · from $37

A sunset catamaran cruise from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront with Table Mountain views and complimentary champagne. Bring a warm layer for wind.

“This was such a fun way to see Cape Town! The staff was super friendly and helpful, offering to take pictures, passing out more champagne, and stopping to point out whales!”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Knysna Sunset Sailing Cruise, Light Dinner & Bubbly

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · from $104

Sail the Knysna waterfront at golden hour with bubbly, a light Mediterranean dinner, and a chance to spot wildlife from deck.

“This cruise was wonderful and the team on board were amazing. The food served was the best I’ve ever had on a boat. However, I was a bit disappointed that we didn’t get to actually experience the crux of the sunset on the boat which was the main point of this cruise. We docked at the best part of the sunset and so, we watched it coming off the boat instead.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Table Bay Cruise by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 32 reviews · 1 hour · from $19

Cape Town Table Bay catamaran cruise, 1 hour of Atlantic views, Table Mountain and city scenes, possible dolphins and seals. Cash bar onboard.

“I had a bunch of fun, there was just a issue with the times and the booking but star camera people”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Knysna Sunset Sailing Cruise with captain’s steak Braai & Bubbly

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 27 reviews · from $97

Sail Knysna Lagoon at sunset on a spacious 55ft catamaran, with bubbly, included braai, and a chance at dolphins near the Heads.

“Awesome sunset trip around the lagoon and out the Knysna heads. Staff were super friendly and attentive.”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.1 Hour Table Bay Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 21 reviews · 1 hour · from $21

One-hour Table Bay sail from V&A Waterfront on Spirit of Victoria, with Table Mountain views and a cash bar.

“Even though it was my friend and I they still took us on a tour. It was amazing”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Luxury Catamaran Marine Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 16 reviews · 2 hours · from $84

2-hour luxury catamaran from Thesen Island through Knysna Heads with bubbly, light snacks, and chances to spot seals and dolphins.

“Excellent cruise and fabulous crew which made for an exceptional and memorable experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.Catamaran Cruise and Sushi Experience in Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 6 reviews · from $38

1-hour Cape Town catamaran cruise from the V&A Waterfront with Table Mountain views, then a 14-piece sushi meal at the harbor.

“Weather plays a big role. We had a lovely calm sea, sunny day. Not enough bookings for our yacht so we transferred to another one. Bigger than our first one but unfortunately no sushi. You can buy drinks on the yacht. R50 corkage fee if you bring your own drinks. Saw whales and dolfins.”

Check availability →Read our full review