30 Minute Harbour Boat Cruise with Seal Watching

Highlights

• Explore the wonders and history of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront harbor on a relaxing boat cruise.
• Watch seals playing and frolicking in the harbor waters, basking on rocks and swimming alongside the boat.
• Enjoy a short but memorable boat ride around the waterfront with close-up views of marine life.
• Admire the variety of ships and boats docked along the shore at the V&A Waterfront.
• Learn about the importance of this harbor to the community and its historical significance.
• Relax as you sail around the sheltered waters and familiarize yourself with the charms of this historical venue.

Tour Overview

This 30 minute harbor boat cruise offers a quick and affordable way to experience Cape Town's iconic Victoria and Alfred Waterfront from the water, making it ideal if you want a short but memorable boat ride without committing to a longer tour. The cruise departs from Quay 5 at the V&A Waterfront, one of Cape Town's most accessible departure points, and includes hotel pickup and drop-off service for your convenience.

You board a double-decker trawling boat and set sail around the harbor, enjoying close-up views of seals frolicking in the waters and admiring the array of ships and boats docked in the harbor. The boat travels around the sheltered waters of the V&A Waterfront, providing a comfortable and stable platform for viewing marine life and landmarks. Your host provides commentary about the harbor's history and importance to the community.

As you cruise around the harbor, you watch for seals playing in the water, basking on rocks and swimming alongside the boat. You see various vessels moored at the different quays and learn about the working harbor's role in Cape Town. The tour concludes with a return to Quay 5, where you disembark and are transferred back to your hotel or accommodation. This short cruise is perfect for families, those with limited time, or anyone wanting an affordable introduction to Cape Town's waterfront.

Typical Itinerary

1. Hotel pickup - Meet your driver at your hotel or accommodation in Cape Town. Pickup is included from hotels within the eligible area, and you will be notified of pickup times when you book.
2. Arrival at V&A Waterfront - Arrive at the Waterfront Charters booking office located at Shop 5, Quay 5, V&A Waterfront, next door to Sevruga Restaurant.
3. Check-in and boarding - Check in at the booking office and board the double-decker trawling boat. Find a comfortable spot on deck for viewing.
4. Departure from Quay 5 - The boat departs from Quay 5 and begins cruising around the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront harbor.
5. Harbor commentary begins - Your host provides commentary about the harbor's history, importance to the community, and what you're seeing as you cruise.
6. Seal watching - Watch for seals playing in the harbor waters, basking on rocks and swimming alongside the boat in the sheltered waters.
7. Vessel viewing - Admire the variety of ships and boats docked along the shore at the V&A Waterfront, learning about different types of vessels.
8. Harbor exploration - Cruise around the various quays and areas of the harbor, seeing the working waterfront from the water.
9. Return journey - Begin the return journey to Quay 5, continuing to watch for seals and enjoy the harbor views.
10. Arrival back at Quay 5 - Disembark at Quay 5 and meet your driver for the return transfer to your hotel or accommodation.

The exact route and seal sightings vary depending on marine life activity and harbor conditions. Seal sightings are common but cannot be guaranteed as animals are in their natural habitat. The tour operates in most weather conditions, but may be cancelled if harbor conditions are unsafe. In the unlikely event that the primary boat is unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, an alternative vessel may be used to ensure the cruise proceeds. The double-decker boat provides excellent viewing from both decks, and the sheltered harbor waters ensure a comfortable and stable ride.

What's Included

• 30 minute harbor boat cruise around the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront with commentary about Cape Town's working harbor.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off service from accommodations within the eligible area in Cape Town.
• Live commentary provided by your host about the harbor's history, importance and what you're seeing.
• Double-decker trawling boat providing comfortable viewing from both decks.
• Opportunity to see seals playing in the harbor waters, basking on rocks and swimming alongside the boat.
• Views of various ships and boats docked at the V&A Waterfront quays.

Not Included

• Food and drinks, which are not provided during the cruise.
• Personal items such as comfortable shoes, sun hat and cameras.
• Tips for the host and crew, which are optional and appreciated for good service.
• Extended pickup service for accommodations outside of the eligible area, which may require an additional fee.
• Additional time beyond the 30 minute cruise duration, which cannot be extended.

Accessibility & Practical Info

• This cruise is not wheelchair accessible due to boat design and boarding requirements. Participants must be able to board and disembark from the boat using steps.
• Bring comfortable shoes and a sun hat for your comfort during the cruise. The double-decker boat has both covered and open deck areas.
• Pets, smoking and luggage or large bags are not allowed on the boat. Bring only essential items in a small bag.
• The cruise operates in most weather conditions, but may be cancelled if harbor conditions are unsafe. You will be notified of any cancellations in advance.
• Seal sightings are common but cannot be guaranteed as animals are in their natural habitat. The sheltered harbor waters provide good opportunities for viewing marine life.
• The meeting point is located at the Waterfront Charters booking office, Shop 5, Quay 5, V&A Waterfront, next door to Sevruga Restaurant, making it easy to find.
• This is a short 30 minute cruise, making it ideal for those with limited time or wanting an affordable introduction to Cape Town's waterfront.
• The double-decker boat provides excellent viewing opportunities from both decks, and the sheltered harbor waters ensure a comfortable and stable ride suitable for all ages.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making this cruise convenient for visitors staying in Cape Town hotels.
• This tour is likely to sell out, especially during peak season, so advance booking is recommended to secure your preferred date and time.