South Africa's coastline stretches for nearly 3,000km, from the cold Atlantic on the west to the warm Indian Ocean on the east, with mountains, lagoons, busy harbours and empty beaches in between. Calm lagoon or lively harbour, there's a stretch of coast for you. Here are ten of the best private yachting spots in the country, from the places we sail every day to a few further afield.
Cape Town, with Table Mountain as its backdrop, mixes natural beauty with big-city buzz. Cruise down the Atlantic Seaboard past Clifton and Camps Bay, then head back for dinner at the V&A Waterfront. Sailing around Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a powerful reminder of the country's history. It's where our fleet is based, from Le Cat Catamaran at R7,000 an hour to luxury motor yachts.
Knysna sits on the Garden Route and is famous for its calm lagoon and green, forested hills. Sailing out through the Knysna Heads, two dramatic sandstone cliffs, is a thrill. Visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve, try the famous local oysters and soak up the laid-back small-town feel. Our Knysna boat charters include the Outeniqua Sloop Sailing Yacht at R10,120 an hour.
Durban has a warm climate and a lively culture. The Golden Mile has long sandy beaches and a busy promenade, and Umhlanga Rocks up the coast is known for its resorts and restaurants. The warm Indian Ocean is perfect for swimming, surfing and diving. We don't run charters in Durban ourselves, but it's well worth a visit. Our guide to hiring a yacht in South Africa has tips for planning a trip there.
Plettenberg Bay, or "Plett", is known for its long beaches and rich sea life. The Robberg Peninsula has great hiking and a big seal colony, and dolphins are common in the bay. The sheltered water is ideal for water sports and easy cruising, which makes Plett a favourite on the Garden Route. For something different, the Seal Snorkelling Adventure takes you by boat to Robberg to swim with the seals, from R995 per person.
Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth and long known as the "Friendly City", has a beautiful coastline and plenty of history. Algoa Bay is full of marine life and has excellent fishing. Visit Addo Elephant National Park, or relax on the city's beaches. The warm welcome and the mix of things to do make it well worth the trip.
Simon's Town, a historic naval town on the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula, mixes history with beautiful scenery. It's home to the South African Navy and the famous Boulders Beach penguin colony, and sailing in False Bay is a different experience from the Atlantic side. Whale watching is excellent between June and November.
St Francis Bay, with its network of canals lined with thatched homes, is a favourite with boating families. The calm canals are perfect for gentle cruises and water sports. Visit the historic lighthouse at Cape St Francis, catch a wave at one of the famous surf spots and enjoy the relaxed holiday feel.
Hout Bay, just over the mountain from Cape Town, has a beautiful setting and a busy harbour. Cruise around the bay to see the cliffs of Chapman's Peak and Duiker Island, often called Seal Island, home to thousands of Cape fur seals. Then try the seafood restaurants and local markets. Our Hout Bay boat charters include Maximillien Sailing Yacht at R16,850 for 3 hours.
Mossel Bay on the Garden Route is full of history and natural beauty. It has a mild climate and lovely beaches. Visit the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex and the Pinnacle Point caves. The clear water is good for snorkelling and diving, which makes it popular with water lovers.
Langebaan Lagoon on the West Coast is a calm haven for water sports. Its flat, turquoise water is perfect for sailing, kayaking and kitesurfing. It's surrounded by the West Coast National Park, which has spectacular wildflowers in spring and great birdwatching all year. See our Langebaan boat charters for a houseboat stay on the lagoon.
South Africa's coastline has an amazing range of places to explore by yacht. From big-city Cape Town to the quiet of Langebaan Lagoon, every destination has its own character. Start with a day on the water in Cape Town, where our Cape Town yacht hire prices list every boat, then explore more of these top 10 luxury yacht destinations in South Africa with luxury yacht charters.
1. What is the best time of year to charter a yacht in South Africa? Summer, from November to March, is the most popular time, with warm weather and long days. In the Western Cape, the wind tends to pick up in the afternoons, so mornings and early evenings are often calmest. The Indian Ocean coast is warm all year.
2. What should I pack for a luxury yacht charter in South Africa? Light, breathable clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a warm layer for later. Add something smart for dinner and comfortable shoes for exploring on land.
3. Are there any restrictions for sailing in South Africa? Yes. All commercial charters must be run by licensed skippers under SAMSA rules, bareboat charters aren't allowed, and there are protected marine areas where boats must follow special rules.
4. Can I customise my yacht charter itinerary? Yes. Most charters can be tailored to you. Chat to Luxury Yacht Charters about what you'd like to do and we'll plan the route around it.
5. What types of yachts are available for charter in South Africa? Motor yachts, sailing yachts and catamarans, from small boats for couples to big catamarans for 140 guests. The right one depends on your group and the kind of day you want.
