Explore Cape Town
In the Water
Two oceans, a kelp coast and a sheltered bay, from a first surf lesson at Muizenberg to open ocean beyond Cape Point. Compare each way in before you book.
11 water experiences · 4 areas · Sheltered to open ocean
Cape Town sits between two very different bodies of water. False Bay runs roughly 13 to 22 degrees and is the warmer, gentler side; the Atlantic coast is around six degrees colder again, and clears at the opposite time of year. Which coast you go into usually depends on the month and the wind that morning.
These are categories rather than single operators: each one sets out what the experience involves, how long it takes, what qualification or age limits apply, and what actually cancels a day. A wetsuit is standard here in every month, and operators supply one.
Adventure Diving, Two Oceans Aquarium
Dive the kelp forest, the ocean exhibit or the shark tank, with an Open Water card.
Explore activityCable Waterski at Blue Rock
A five-tower cable pulls you round a private lake below Sir Lowry Pass, with no boat involved.
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Cape Point & Seal Island Eco-Cruises
Two eco cruises out of a private Simon’s Town marina, north to the seal colony or south around Cape Point.
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Coasteering, Gravity Adventures
Swim the gaps, snorkel the clear bits and jump the drops, on a sheltered stretch of coast near Simon’s Town.
Explore activityDaily Boat Trips, Waterfront Charters
Scheduled sailings out of the Waterfront on a mixed fleet, plus private charters.
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Freediving
One breath, a wetsuit and a line into the kelp. The course is two days and most of it is slowing down.
Explore activityGuided Jet Ski Tour, Jet Ski Cape Town
Half an hour or an hour along the Atlantic coast from Hout Bay, with a skipper alongside.
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Kitesurfing
The Cape Doctor turns Blouberg and the Langebaan lagoon into one of the world’s kitesurfing capitals.
Explore activityPelagic Seabird Trip, Cape Town Pelagics
Twenty five to forty nautical miles offshore from Simon's Town, looking for albatross and petrels.
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Pelagic Shark Diving
Out past Cape Point into blue water, and into it with blue sharks and makos. No cage.
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Scuba Diving
A pool, a tank and an afternoon, and then kelp forest or a wreck if you want it.
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Sea Kayaking
Two hours on the water from Simon’s Town or Hout Bay, often with penguins or seals alongside.
Explore activitySea Kayaking in Walker Bay, Walker Bay Adventures
Two hours out of the Hermanus Old Harbour, about ninety minutes of it on the water.
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Shark Cage Diving
A cage off the side of a boat at Kleinbaai, and sharks that are no longer reliably white.
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Snorkelling
Kelp forest, cold water and a thick wetsuit, with the small life doing the work.
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Stand-Up Paddle to the Penguins
Guided paddleboarding from the Simon’s Town waterfront, out towards the penguin beaches.
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Stand-Up Paddleboarding
An hour on flat water inside the Waterfront canals, or a guided paddle along the coast.
Explore activitySurf Lessons and Surf Camps, African Soul Surfer
Ninety minute lessons at Surfer's Corner, or a two to seven day camp with a yoga studio above it.
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Surfing
A long, forgiving beach break at Muizenberg, and a wetsuit you will be glad of.
Explore activityTuna Fishing Charter, Hooked on Africa
A full day offshore out of Hout Bay, chasing yellowfin, with tackle and food aboard.
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Wing Foiling
A hand-held wing, a foil under the board, and the moment the hull lifts clear of the water.
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