If you’re a water baby, or love the ocean, read on. Cape Town is home to an array of ocean activities for beginners and pros.
Here are 10 water activities to help you beat the heat in Cape Town:
Scuba and Free Diving
Head to the Two Oceans Aquarium to experience their PADI-certified scuba and freediving courses. With beginner and speciality courses offered, this activity is perfect for all types of travellers.
Where: Two Oceans Aquarium located at Dock Road, V&A Waterfront
Price: R 3900pp
Contact: Call 021 418 3823 or visit www.aquarium.co.za/experiences/dive-school
Learn to Surf
Cape Town is a surfer’s paradise and provides favorable conditions virtually all year round. One surf school to check out is Surf Emporium in Muizenberg, one of the top 5 learn-to-surf destinations in the world.
The company offers surfing lessons designed by internationally qualified ISA surf coach and 9 x South African champion Roxy Davis. Whether it’s a beginner lesson or one used to improve your current surfing level-these structured weekly lessons equip you with all the skills needed to hit the waves.
Where: Surf Emporium located at Surfers Corner, 72 Beach Rd, Muizenberg
Price: R630 per month for a minimum of 4 lessons per month. Private lessons start from R420 per session.
Contact: Call 021 788 8687 or visit https://surfemporium.co.za/
Diving at the Kelp Forest
Cape Town’s Kelp Forest is home to thriving ecosystems. As you swim between them, soak in this underwater paradise as fish, crabs, and other marine animals glide past you. Hosted by Pisces Divers, a PADI Five Star Instructor Development dive centre and Cape Town scuba diving operator that present a range of PADI dive training and daily dive excursions.
Where: Pisces Divers located at 1 Main Rd, Simon’s Town
Price: R 2450
Contact: Call 021 786 3799 or visit https://piscesdivers.co.za/
Yacht Cruise
One of the best ways to see Cape Town is through a scenic yacht cruise along the Atlantic Seaboard. Travellers have the option of an hour-long journey or can rent it privately for a few hours. The Mirage luxury yacht offers day sails and sunset cruises that boast postcard-perfect views of the Mother City. Travellers can also hire private charters for special occasions like weddings, birthdays or corporate events.
Where: The Mirage located at Pierhead (opposite the Clock Tower), V&A Waterfront
Price: From R300 per person for an hour cruise.
Contact: Call 071 428 1126 or visit www.miragecatamaran.com/
Shark Cage Diving
If you’re looking for an activity that has the perfect balance of ocean life, beauty and adventure, look no further than a thrilling shark cage diving trip. Shark cage diving is a popular activity among visitors to Cape Town and the perfect way to experience one of the ocean’s most majestic creatures up close. Marine Dynamics hosts daily shark cage diving experiences where their marine biologists and expert crew members share insightful details of these apex predators.
Where: Marine Dynamics – 5 Geelbek Street, Kleinbaai
Price: From R1750 per adult
Contact: 079 930 9694 or visit https://sharkwatchsa.com/en/home/
Stand Up Paddling
SUP! Are you ready for an exhilarating trip with gorgeous views of the Mother City – you’re in for a treat. Standup paddleboarding, a water sport born from surfing with modern roots in Hawaii, is another activity to enjoy in the Mother City. SUP Cape Town provides introductory lessons as well as day and longer-term rentals.
Where: SUP Cape Town located at Battery Park, Alfred St, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Price: From R200
Contact: Call 071 603 8388 or visit https://supcapetown.co.za/
Snorkeling with Seals
If you still want to experience marine life up close, then try seal snorkeling. Swim alongside these playful animals as you soak in the views around you. Into the Blue Scuba Dive Centre is a one-stop scuba dive shop that boasts many first aid and speciality courses for those who want to take scuba diving further.
Where: Into the Blue Scuba Dive Centre located at 88 Main Road, Sea Point
Price: From R950
Contact: Call 064 772 2646 or visit www.diveschoolcapetown.co.za/
Water Biking
If you want a workout while still indulging in Cape Town’s coastline, give water biking a try. Hosted by Cape Town Water Bikes in Simon’s Town, this eco-friendly activity is simple to steer, does not require balancing and is ocean friendly. All you have to do is steer and soak in the gorgeous views around you.
Where: Cape Town Water Bikes located at Simon’s Town Jetty, 1 Wharf St, Simon’s Town
Price: R490
Contact: Call 083 777 1048 or visit https://capetownwaterbikes.co.za/
Kayaking
For a fun solo or friend activity, a kayak trip on the Atlantic Ocean is recommended. While kayaking requires some agility and is a workout, the blue waters and breathtaking views make it well worth the effort. Waterfront Kayak offers guided sea kayaking paddling experiences from the Waterfront. These daily trips are “suitable for all fitness levels” and require no experience.
Where: Waterfront Kayak located at Yacoob Yachts, Shop 7, Quay 5, V&A Waterfront
Price: R400 per person
Contact: Call 021 421 0909 or visit https://waterfrontkayak.co.za/
E-foiling
Feel the freedom of flying on water with E-foiling!
E-foiling is a surfboard with a hydrofoil attached to a propeller. The electric motor on the hydrofoil generates speed to lift the board out of the water, hovering over the surface, allowing for an unforgettable experience. Efoil Cape Town offers 1-hour lessons and packages to help you enjoy your adventure.
Where: Efoil Cape Town located at 11a Bosman Avenue, Llandudno
Price: From R 1500 per adult
Contact: Call 060 815 7293 or email www.efoilcapetown.co.za/
