Weather Dependency
Please note that our Harbour and Canal Boat tours only operate if weather conditions allow. Please call 021 511 6000 on the day to get more information on operational status.
SEAL VIEWING LIKELY
Spot seals, learn about the Waterfront harbour and see Cape Town from a fresh angle.
TOUR DESCRIPTION

Life in and around the Victoria and Alfred basins is busy. On this trip you'll come across resident seals to international ships visiting our shores. Hop on our Waterfront Harbour Cruise to see the city in a new light and learn more about Cape Town's proud nautical history.

Come and see the Cape Fur seals
Hear about Cape Town's nautical history
Listen to the legends and stories of the V&A
Close up views of seals and ships
Regular Departures
Comfort and safety in the open-air
Important Information
Starts

V&A Waterfront, just below the Two Oceans Aquarium, at Bus Stop 1

Operates

10h00 - 17h00 (Later in summer)
This cruise is weather dependent

Duration

Cruise lasts about 25 minutes

Frequency

Every 30 minutes

Know before you go

Have your camera ready for the Cape Fur seal
Best way to explore the V&A Waterfront harbour, the oldest working harbour in South Africa!
View the SAS Somerset boom defence vessel, the Bascule Bridge and other intriguing attractions of the harbour
Fun and family-friendly cruise

Special Price

Please consider the family ticket (2 Adults + 2 Children aged 4-17) for only R200

HIGHLIGHTS
MORE INFORMATION

Departing from the jetty outside the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront, the Waterfront Harbour Cruise puts Cape Town’s bustling harbour in the spotlight. Expect to see key attractions including icons of maritime history as well as epic views of the city’s natural landscape. Highlights include the SAS Somerset, the only remaining boom defence vessel in the world, and the southern hemisphere’s largest synchro-lift and only drawbridge, the Bascule Bridge. The cruise also includes views of Table Mountain, the Nelson Mandela Gateway, Chavonnes Battery Museum and the well-known Clock Tower. Of course, experiencing the bustling waterways of Cape Town from a boat is a highlight itself, and this cruise offers a perspective of the city that no other tour can offer.

History

Built in 1941, the SAS Somerset was previously known as Ship No 280. It originally sailed to South Africa to provide services at the vibrant fishing area of Saldanha Bay. Today, the SAS Somerset remains harboured at the V&A Waterfront as a museum ship for public viewing. Also at the V&A is the Bascule Bridge, a pedestrian swing bridge that crosses the water to the Clock Tower. Before it was built, dockworkers and sailors used the Penny Ferry – a small rowing boat that crossed this section of water. The historic Clock Tower, built in 1882, was the original Port Captain’s Office and has been maintained to resemble its original design.

RELATED PRODUCTS
Massively Discounted
60 minutes
Enjoy BOTH the Harbour AND Canal cruises!
Canal Cruise ticket (valid for 1 day hop on hop off)
V&A harbour cruise (30min)
Best value!
Worthwhile
Adult
R150 R139
Child
R80 R70
At this price - don't hesitate!
includes your Classic bus ticket
PLUS your choice of boat cruise:
- V&A Seal & harbour cruise
or
- The calm water of the Canal cruise
Adult
R370 R319
Child
R195 R185
SEAL VIEWING LIKELY
Spot seals, learn about the Waterfront harbour and see Cape Town from a fresh angle.
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