Cape Town sits at the southern tip of Africa, famous for its mountains, its culture and its love of the outdoors. One of the best ways to see it is from the water, and for years the Mirage Catamaran has been one of the city's best-known party and event boats.
A quick update before you read on: Mirage isn't taking charters at the moment. If you're planning a big party or a company event, Tigger 2 Royale takes up to 65 guests from R21,600 an hour, and Skyfall takes up to 120 guests at R32,000 an hour with a 2-hour minimum. Our Cape Town yacht hire prices guide has the rest of the fleet.
Mirage is a fine example of modern boat building. Her long lines and big open deck look good and work hard, with lots of room to relax or party. The catamaran is designed for stability, so she handles most sea conditions comfortably. On a flat summer day or with a bit of swell running, the ride stays smooth.
The twin-hull design also feels very different from a traditional single-hull yacht. There's far less of the rocking that people associate with sailing, which anyone prone to seasickness will appreciate.
Step aboard and you'll see why people liked her for celebrations. There's plenty of comfortable seating, some spread out for socialising and some tucked away for quieter moments. The sound system handles anything from easy background music to a full party playlist.
Inside, the finishes are smart and well made. The cabins are cosy, with comfortable bedding and soft lighting, so the boat works for a day trip or a longer stay on board.
One of the best things about a cruise on a big catamaran like Mirage is the view of the Atlantic Seaboard. The deck is laid out so nothing blocks your line of sight, and as you cruise past Table Mountain you see it the way few people do, far from the traffic and noise of the city.
The route usually runs along the rugged Atlantic Seaboard, past Lion's Head, Signal Hill and the Twelve Apostles. Each has its own character, from the sheer cliffs of the Twelve Apostles to the gentle slopes of Lion's Head, and the big windows and open decks mean you won't miss any of it.
Mirage was built to handle all kinds of events. The layout is flexible and easy to set up for whatever you have planned, from a romantic sunset cruise to a big party or a company event.
Romantic Sunset Cruises: Few things beat watching the sun go down over the ocean from the deck of a catamaran, with champagne and snacks on hand. It's a lovely way to mark an anniversary or simply enjoy an evening together.
Lively Parties: Big catamarans make brilliant party venues, with room to dance, mingle and eat. Birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties or a day out with friends all work well. See our birthday party yacht prices for current options.
Corporate Events: For a company event with a difference, a catamaran is an impressive, relaxed venue. A team-building outing or a client day both work, with catering, audiovisual equipment for presentations and comfortable seating on board. Our guide to corporate yacht charters in Cape Town walks you through the planning.
A big part of any good charter is the crew. On Mirage that meant experienced sailors and hospitality staff who kept the day running smoothly. They handled the navigation safely and made sure every guest was looked after.
A good crew also knows the coast. Ask them about the landmarks, the history or where the dolphins like to hang out, and you'll get great stories. Their friendly service makes you feel right at home on the water.
Looking after the ocean matters to everyone who works on it, and Mirage was run with that in mind. She follows strict environmental standards, so you can enjoy Cape Town's waters with a clear conscience.
That includes energy-efficient systems and greener habits on board, such as proper waste management and biodegradable products.
Love the idea of Mirage but need a boat for this season? These are the catamarans we suggest most for larger groups:
All four are based in Cape Town, and we can arrange catering, a DJ and drinks on board.
Mirage has a well-earned reputation in Cape Town for her design, comfort and green approach. Experienced sailor or first time on a boat, a day on a big catamaran like her stays with you long after you're back on land.
While she's off the charter list, we'll happily suggest a boat with the same space and party feel for your date. Get in touch with our team and tell us your group size. There's plenty of Cape Town coastline waiting to be explored.
Relaxing on board Mirage Catamaran in Cape Town
Her size and stability. Mirage is a big twin-hull catamaran with lots of deck space, a strong sound system and comfortable seating, which made her a favourite for parties and events.
Like every commercial charter boat in South Africa, she carries certified safety equipment and an experienced, trained crew.
Mirage is run to strict environmental standards, with energy-efficient systems, proper waste management and biodegradable products on board.
Mirage isn't available for charter at the moment. Contact our team with your date and group size, and we'll suggest a similar boat that is.
