Cape Town is one of the prettiest coastal cities on earth, and the best view of it is from the water. You don't need a superyacht budget to see it that way. At Luxury Yacht Charters we've put together a handful of affordable trips that get you out past the breakwater with Table Mountain behind you, starting at R720 a head.
Some people want a small private boat for a birthday or a date. Others are happy to join a shared cruise and meet a few new faces. Both work on a budget, and both leave from the V&A Waterfront.
It's a proper trip on the water without the price of a big motor yacht. With us, that usually means one of three things:
Prices run from R720 per person on a shared cruise to around R9,000 for a private two-hour sail, so individuals, couples and small groups all have options.
There's something here for romance, adventure, sightseeing or just a lazy afternoon on the water.
Great for couples, solo travellers and small groups who don't need the whole boat to themselves.
The one most people book:
Sunset Champagne Cruise – A shared catamaran cruise for up to 33 guests as the sun goes down behind the Twelve Apostles. It's R720 per adult and R360 per child aged 3 to 12.
Expect a relaxed, sociable vibe, music, a glass of bubbly and plenty of photo stops. Bring a jacket, because it cools down quickly once the sun drops.
Prefer to keep it to your own crowd? Book a boat just for your group.
Our most popular budget boats:
Le Cat Catamaran – A roomy 40-foot catamaran for up to 12 guests, good for birthdays and small work outings. R7,000 per hour, plus R1,500 for a sunset slot.
Moonshadow Sailing – A traditional sailing boat with a laid-back feel for up to 6 guests. A 2-hour Moonshadow sail is R9,000.
Isabella Sailing – A comfortable cruiser for up to 8 guests, ideal for family celebrations. Also R9,000 for 2 hours.
Every boat comes with a skipper, and you can pick your departure time, route and any extras.
Short on time? A quick spin around the harbour is a nice taster. You'll pass fishing boats, the old dry docks and the seals that lounge around the V&A, with Table Mountain in the background. Get in touch for a quote on your date.
If you're happy to do a bit of paddling, the Waterfront Kayak Adventure is R450 per person and gets you right down at water level with the seals.
Our cruises leave from the V&A Waterfront and Granger Bay, so they're easy to reach whether you live here or you're staying in town. Restaurants, shops and the city's main sights are a few minutes' walk away, which makes it simple to plan lunch or dinner around your trip.
Want to make it a bit more special? On a private boat you can add a photographer or a DJ, bring your own snacks, or plan an alcohol-free or wellness-themed cruise. Tell us what you have in mind. Planning a party? Our birthday boat hire prices guide has ideas for every group size.
Booking is quick:
You don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy Cape Town from the sea. A shared sunset cruise starts at R720 a person, and a private two-hour sail for your own group is R9,000. If you'd like to compare every boat and rate in one place, our full Cape Town yacht price list has the lot.
Our shared Sunset Champagne Cruise is R720 per adult (R360 for children aged 3 to 12) and leaves from the V&A Waterfront. For your own private boat, Le Cat starts at R7,000 an hour.
Yes. Most of our private charters let you bring your own food. Just tell us when you book, and ask about corkage if you plan to bring drinks.
Yes. Every cruise, including the shared ones, has a professional skipper and crew on board looking after your safety and making sure you have a good time.
For a small private birthday group we usually suggest Isabella Sailing (up to 8 guests, R9,000 for 2 hours) or Le Cat Catamaran (up to 12 guests, R7,000 an hour). Both are easy to dress up for a party.
Book online at www.luxuryyachtcharters.co.za, check availability through the chat on our website, or WhatsApp us and we will help you pick a boat and time.
