For the most romantic views of Cape Town’s rugged coastline, why not set sail on a sunset cruise?
Waterfront and Champagne Cruise (Photo: Get Your Guide)
Cape Town is no stranger to superb sunsets, but for the best views as the sun dips below the horizon, you’ll want to take to the sea. There are dozens of sunset boat cruises to choose from, ranging from hour-long trips along the harbour to longer sailing adventures to Table Mountain and beyond. Many combine sunset views with a glass of bubbles or dinner too. With so many to choose from, we’ve scoured the internet for the best of the best. Using a carefully considered criteria of customer reviews, value for money and itinerary, we’ve rounded up five of the best Cape Town sunset cruises for your next South African adventure.
Waterfront and Champagne Cruise
This cheap and cheerful 90-minute cruise offers sparkling sunset views, accompanied by two glasses of local sparkling wine. Trips depart from the V&A Waterfront and follow the wind to some of the region’s most scenic spots. During the summer months, you’ll sail across Table Bay towards Milnerton Lighthouse, while winter winds mean you’ll likely head towards the dramatic Clifton coast. Both are just as picturesque as each other. From $34.31 per person
1.5-hour Sunset Boat Tour with Gin Tasting
1.5-hour Sunset Boat Tour with Gin Tasting (Photo: Get Your Guide)
This 90-minute boat tour combines sunset views with a luxury gin tasting. Travellers get to enjoy a scenic cruise aboard a rubber duck vessel in a small group around the harbour, then anchor in Granger Bay to spot local marine life. While the region might be best known for its fine wine, Cape Town’s gin scene has steadily been growing in acclaim over the past few years. Where better to enjoy a refreshing gin and tonic sundowner than the fashionable suburb of Granger Bay, with sunset views of Table Bay and Robben Island? From $51.17 per person.
Sunset Champagne Cruise and Three-Course Dinner
For ‘food with a view’, this sunset champagne cruise is unbeatable. Boats depart from the V&A Waterfront and sail across Table Bay, towards Milnerton Lighthouse. Armed with a glass or two of local sparkling wine, you’ll get to enjoy spectacular views of the coast, harbour and Table Mountain. After building an appetite at sea, travellers can indulge in a three-course meal at the City Grill, just as the sun begins to set and the sky turns a pinkish-orange. From $56.28 per person.
Sunset and Champagne Cruise for Two
Sunset and Champagne Cruise for Two (Photo: Get Your Guide)
This exhilarating 1.5-hour sunset cruise is perfect for couples. Numbers are limited to two people per journey, so there’s no need to bump elbows with strangers to get the best views. And, even if you claim to only have eyes for each other, you’ll have a hard time trying to tear your gaze away from the dramatic outline of Table Bay and Clifton Beach. As the sun begins to set, you’ll get to enjoy a fruit and pate platter accompanied by a glass of Method Cape Classic sparkling wine. From $125.00 for two people.
2-hour Sunset Charter on a Luxury Catamaran
This two-hour luxury cruise might eye-wateringly expensive at first glance, but for those travelling in a large group, it might be the most cost-effective option on the list. If you can rally up 29 troops for the trip, you can hire this luxury private catamaran for less than $40 a pop. Guests are treated to a coastal adventure across Table Bay and Clifton Bay, with opportunities to spot dolphins, whales and penguins. There’s a cash bar on board and prices include a skipper. From $1,136.52 per group of up to 30.