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.
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!”
Hop-on hop-off buses in Cape Town for 1–2 days, with Table Mountain access, wine/ gardens options, free walks, and an optional harbor cruise.
“Experience was the best to see most of Mother Nature.We will be doing it again towards end of the year”
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!”
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”
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…”
Hermanus whale and dolphin cruise from the Whale Shack catamaran. Specialist guide, light refreshments, and up-close sightings near Walker Bay.
“We saw many wales and very close. Everything was great.”
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…”
A 1-hour Cape Town catamaran cruise from V&A Waterfront to Green Point Lighthouse with Table Mountain views and chances to spot marine life.
“We had an amazing time. The staff was welcoming and took us pictures. We even stopped to take pictures of the Dolphins. We are definitely coming back.”
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.”
90-minute luxury catamaran sunset cruise from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront with 2 Prosecco glasses, wildlife spotting, and Table Mountain views.
“Great Tour with a great team. Watching seals, whales and the sunset while having a good time has been extraordinary (especially while listening to AC/DC)😉”
