Ocean Safari: Speed Boat Adventure in Table Bay

Highlights

• Experience the thrill of high-speed boat travel across Table Bay with an adrenaline-filled ocean safari.
• Spot marine wildlife including Cape fur seals, dolphins, whales, penguins and sunfish in their natural habitat.
• Enjoy spectacular views of Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Lion's Head, Camps Bay and Clifton Beaches from the water.
• See Robben Island and other Cape Town landmarks from a unique ocean perspective.
• Fast ride out of the harbor followed by slower searching for marine life and photo opportunities.
• Small group experience limited to 8 participants for a personalized and intimate adventure.

Tour Overview

This one hour speed boat ocean safari offers an exciting way to explore Table Bay and search for marine wildlife, making it ideal if you want an adrenaline-filled adventure combined with wildlife viewing. The tour departs from Quay 5 at the V&A Waterfront, one of Cape Town's most accessible departure points, and operates with small groups of up to 8 participants for a personalized experience.

You begin with a safety briefing at the booking office on Quay 5, where you sign an indemnity form and are fitted with life jackets and lightweight rain jackets. The skipper provides information about what to expect during the tour and safety procedures. Once aboard the speed boat, you experience a fast ride out of the harbor, feeling the rush of speed as the boat accelerates across the water.

The tour route varies depending on where marine life is spotted, as the trip focuses on searching for the rich sea life found in Table Bay. You may see Cape fur seals, dolphins, whales, penguins, sunfish and other marine animals. The boat slows down when wildlife is spotted, allowing you to observe and take photos. Throughout the tour, you enjoy views of Cape Town's most famous landmarks including Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Lion's Head, Camps Bay, Clifton Beaches and Robben Island from the water. The tour concludes with a return journey to the V&A Waterfront.

Typical Itinerary

1. Arrival at V&A Waterfront - Arrive at Quay 5, V&A Waterfront, 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Check in at the booking office located at Shop 5, Quay 5.
2. Safety briefing - Attend a comprehensive safety briefing conducted by the skipper. Learn about boat safety, what to expect during the tour, and how to use the provided safety equipment.
3. Fitting of safety equipment - Be fitted with a life jacket and lightweight rain jacket. Sign the indemnity form required for participation in the speed boat adventure.
4. Boarding the speed boat - Board the specialized adventure speed boat and find your seat. The boat accommodates up to 8 participants for a small group experience.
5. Fast departure from harbor - Experience the thrill of high-speed travel as the boat accelerates out of the V&A Waterfront harbor and enters Table Bay.
6. Marine wildlife search - Cruise through Table Bay at varying speeds while the skipper searches for marine wildlife. The route changes based on where animals are spotted.
7. Wildlife viewing stops - When marine life is spotted, the boat slows down or stops to allow observation and photography. You may see seals, dolphins, whales, penguins or sunfish.
8. Landmark viewing - Enjoy views of Cape Town landmarks including Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Lion's Head, Camps Bay, Clifton Beaches and Robben Island from the water.
9. Return journey - Begin the return journey to the V&A Waterfront, continuing to search for marine life along the way.
10. Arrival back at Quay 5 - Disembark at Quay 5 and return your safety equipment. You have time to explore the vibrant V&A Waterfront area after your tour.

The exact route and wildlife sightings vary depending on marine life activity, weather conditions and sea state. The tour is weather-dependent and routing will be adjusted based on expected conditions for the day. The local provider will communicate the exact starting time prior to the tour, and the tour is subject to availability. Be prepared to get wet as the speed boat creates spray, which adds to the adventure experience.

What's Included

• 1 hour speed boat ocean safari on Table Bay departing from and returning to Quay 5, V&A Waterfront.
• Safety briefing conducted by experienced skipper before departure.
• Life jacket provided and fitted for all participants.
• Lightweight rain jacket provided to help protect against water spray.
• Small group experience limited to 8 participants for personalized attention.
• English speaking skipper providing commentary about marine life and landmarks.
• Marine wildlife search with opportunities to see seals, dolphins, whales, penguins and sunfish.
• Views of Cape Town landmarks including Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Lion's Head, Camps Bay, Clifton Beaches and Robben Island.

Not Included

• Meals and drinks, which are not provided during the tour.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off service, as the tour departs directly from the V&A Waterfront.
• Personal items such as sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, warm clothing and cameras.
• Tips for the skipper, which are optional and appreciated for good service.
• Waterproof camera cases or equipment protection, though cameras are welcome on board.

Accessibility & Practical Info

• This tour is suitable for most fitness levels, but requires the ability to board and disembark from a speed boat and handle the motion and speed of the vessel.
• Children are welcome as long as they are under the supervision of an adult at all times during the tour.
• Wear warm clothing and bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat. The ocean can be cold and windy, and sun protection is important even on overcast days.
• The tour is weather-dependent and routing will depend on expected weather conditions for the day. Tours may be cancelled or routes altered if conditions are unsafe.
• Arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time to allow for check-in, safety briefing and equipment fitting at the booking office.
• The tour is subject to availability, and the local provider will communicate the exact starting time prior to the tour via phone or email.
• Be prepared to get wet as the speed boat creates water spray, especially at higher speeds. The lightweight rain jacket helps but may not prevent all water contact.
• Pets, oversize luggage and smoking are not allowed on the boat. Bring only essential items in a small bag.
• Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed as animals are in their natural habitat, but the skipper will do their best to locate marine life during the tour.
• The boat may stop or slow down for photo opportunities when wildlife or landmarks are spotted, allowing you to capture memories of the experience.