Cruises & Boat Tours

SOUTH AFRICA

10 Best Cruises & Boat Tours In South Africa

South Africa's standouts.

A shortlist of the 10 cruises & boat tours most worth booking in South Africa, with what each one is like on the day, who runs it, and what it costs.

10 Best Cruises & Boat Tours In South Africa

Cape Town: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

Cape Town: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise - The Red, Blue, and Purple routes: what to expect in real time

1.Cape Town: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

Most Popular 4.8

City Sightseeing Cape Town hop-on hop-off bus with multilingual audio and Wi‑Fi, plus optional V&A Waterfront harbor cruise.

“I absolutely enjoyed it. The upstairs chairs get hot so definitely beware if you are wearing something short and the wind coming down from table mountain may just blow your hat and lashes off so hold on to everything and wear some shades 😂 10/10 experience!”

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Cape Town Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour with Optional Cruise

Cape Town Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour with Optional Cruise - Downtown Kickoff: Aquarium, V&A Waterfront, Museums, and Long Street

Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience

Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience - Out on Walker Bay: how whale watching typically unfolds

3.Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience

4.4

90 minutes in Hermanus, Western Cape: whale watching from the top deck when weather allows, plus dolphins, seals, coffee, and expert guidance.

“The guide told in the beginning that all the West whales already migrated and warn that there probably no whales at the activity. Saw a lot of dolphins. Also team was very helpful during the trip. Thank you!”

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Cape Town: Sunset Champagne Cruise

Cape Town: Sunset Champagne Cruise - From Waterfront Check-In to Getting On Board

4.Cape Town: Sunset Champagne Cruise

4.6

90-minute Cape Town sunset champagne cruise from the Waterfront with Atlantic views, Table Mountain angles, and 2 glasses of sparkling wine.

“Was a nice sunset cruise. A couple dolphins and a great time. Enjoyed the ride back even more because the music was great”

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St Lucia: Hippo and Crocodile Cruise on a 15-Seat Vessel

St Lucia: Hippo and Crocodile Cruise on a 15-Seat Vessel - Boarding at Siyabonga Jetty: How to plan your 2-hour cruise

5.St Lucia: Hippo and Crocodile Cruise on a 15-Seat Vessel

4.6

Cruise Lake St Lucia on a small 15-seat boat for close hippo viewing, possible crocodile sightings, and great birding in iSimangaliso Wetlands.

“We really enjoyed our hippo watching cruise, there are so many hippos in the lake you are guaranteed to see them. We also spotted a number of beautiful birds. We didn’t spot any crocodiles but they’re pretty elusive and hide in the grass on the banks of the lake. We self drove to the jetty…”

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Hermanus: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

Hermanus: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip - What You’re Wearing Matters More Than You Think (Boat Comfort Basics)

Cape Town: Sunset Cruise from V&A Waterfront with Bubbly

Cape Town: Sunset Cruise from V&A Waterfront with Bubbly - The route you’ll follow: Table Bay, Milnerton lighthouse, and Granger Bay

7.Cape Town: Sunset Cruise from V&A Waterfront with Bubbly

4.6

Cape Town sunset cruise from V&A Waterfront on a red-sailed schooner, 2 sparkling wine flutes included, plus Table Mountain views.

“What a magical experience, sailing in CPT was the highlight of our family vacation, we had champagne which just flowed. The crew on board were attentive and full of information, they explained everything and made sure that everyone was happy and that we got to see the most amazing sunset. This is a must when…”

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Cape Town: Scenic 1-Hour Coastal Catamaran Cruise

Cape Town: Scenic 1-Hour Coastal Catamaran Cruise - Getting Oriented at V&A Waterfront: Quay 5, Shop 5

Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise - The water hunt in Algoa Bay: whales and dolphins when timing matters

9.Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

5.0

Whale, dolphin, and penguin cruise from Port Elizabeth to Algoa Bay and St. Croix Island, with conservation-focused guides.

“All four crew on boat very helpful and knowledgeable. On time, clean boat, saw penguins on the island and dolphins and a whale close up.”

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Cape Town: 1.5-Hour Luxury Sunset Cruise with Prosecco

Cape Town: 1.5-Hour Luxury Sunset Cruise with Prosecco - Prosecco, the onboard vibe, and why the included drinks matter

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