Marine Wildlife Boat Trip in Table Bay, Cape Town

Overview

Table Bay, the stretch of Atlantic between Cape Town's harbour and Robben Island, is a surprisingly rich piece of sea, and this ninety-minute eco-cruise is the easiest way to see it. The boat leaves the V&A Waterfront past the breakwater, where Cape fur seals lounge on the jetties, into open water where dolphins often ride the bow wave, African penguins fish and gannets and albatrosses work the water; in season whales pass through the bay. A marine guide explains what you see, with Table Mountain as the backdrop. The default option includes transfers from central Cape Town. Sightings are never guaranteed. It suits families, photographers and sea lovers.

Highlights

• Ninety-minute eco-cruise in Table Bay from the V&A Waterfront
• Cape fur seals on the harbour jetties and breakwater
• Dolphins often seen riding alongside the boat
• African penguins fishing from the Robben Island colony
• Sunfish, gannets, cormorants, terns and albatrosses
• Humpback and southern right whales in season
• Table Mountain and Robben Island views from the water
• Return transfers from central Cape Town on the default option

Itinerary

1. Pickup from your accommodation (default option)Our driver collects you at the reception or main entrance of your accommodation in central Cape Town about thirty minutes before the 11:00 or 13:00 departure.
2. Boarding at the V&A WaterfrontCheck in at the quay shown on your voucher, receive the safety briefing and a life jacket, and board the boat.
3. Harbour and breakwaterCape fur seals on the jetties and the view back at Table Mountain as you leave the harbour.
4. Open water in Table BayAbout an hour searching for dolphins, penguins, sunfish, seabirds and seasonal whales with the marine guide's commentary.
5. Robben Island and returnApproach the island for views and penguins, then return to the Waterfront; the cruise lasts about ninety minutes.
6. Drop-off at your accommodationOn the default option our driver takes you back to central Cape Town after the cruise.

What's included

• 1.5-hour marine wildlife eco-cruise in Table Bay
• English-speaking marine guide on board
• Views of Table Mountain and Robben Island from the water
• Life jackets and safety briefing

Not suitable for

• People with mobility impairments
• People with heart problems
• Wheelchair users
• Children under 2 years

Meeting point

On the default option with transfers, our driver collects you at the reception area or main entrance of your accommodation in central Cape Town about thirty minutes before the 11:00 or 13:00 departure and brings you back afterwards. On the meeting-point option, come to the departure quay at the V&A Waterfront shown on your voucher fifteen minutes before departure. Please confirm your accommodation address when booking.

Important information

• Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed; the animals are wild and every trip is different.
• The trip is weather-dependent; in rough seas it may be moved to another time or cancelled, and we will inform you in advance.
• Bring a windproof jacket, sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen; the breeze on the water is cool even in summer.
• Life jackets and a safety briefing are provided; follow the crew's instructions and hold on when the boat is moving fast.
• The boat moves quickly and can bounce in swell; it is not suitable for people with back or heart conditions, mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
• Suitable for children aged two and over with an adult; if you are prone to seasickness, take medication beforehand.
• Bring a camera with a strap and keep phones secured; spray is possible on the open deck.
• Meals and drinks are not included; the Waterfront has plenty of options before and after the cruise.