water activities in cape town
Blog

10 Exciting Water Activities in Cape Town

We see you, an eager beaver – getting ready to dive head-first into the Cape Waters. But is there anything else you can do besides swimming? Of course! Here’s a catalogue of 10 exciting water activities to get up to in Cape Town. You can thank us later.

Are you planning a trip to Cape Town soon? Check out these pages below:

1. A scuba experience with Two Brothers Diving

3 hour diving experience with two brothers diving

First on our list of water activities in Cape Town is an absolute must-do! You can’t be near the Atlantic Ocean and pass up on the chance to go scuba diving with Two Brothers Diving! Being skillfully guided every step of the way, you can explore the enchanted kelp forests, also referred to as African sea forests. Boasting 30 meters in length, these forests are home to thousands of marine creatures!

Check out our discounted scuba diving package.

Address: Main Road, Simon’s Town

2. Unique paddling with Surfski School

You’ve heard of surfing, skiing and paddling. But have you ever heard of surf ski paddling? This activity involves steering a paddling craft known as the longest of all existing kayaks. Fitted with foot-controlled pedals and a sit-on-top cockpit, this kind of kayak ensures better control in open waters like the sea. Surfski School is a coaching centre that can teach you all there is to know about surf ski paddling – whether you are experienced or not!

Address: Beach, Fish Hoek

3. A session with Cape Town Water Bike

Photo courtesy of Dirty Boots

Another water activity that can be enjoyed among the waves in Cape Town is water biking. Using a self-propelled bike equipped to ride on water, you only have to use your legs to do most of the work! Book a session with Cape Town Water Bike Ocean Adventures to test this impressive invention and take in the sights of marine wildlife along the coast. This quiet bike is eco-friendly, too!

Address: 1 Wharf Street, Simon’s Town

4. Learn more with High Five Kitesurf School

This must be one of the most popular water activities in Cape Town to participate in, as it holds world-renowned status. High Five Kitesurf School Cape Town can give you the best kitesurfing experience of a lifetime! The setting offers the best weather conditions with dependable winds and waves against the backdrop of magnificent Table Mountain – can it get better than this? On top of this, the school will make sure that you’re well-prepped for the excursion!

Address: 68 Beach Boulevard, Table View

5. Get in a cage with Shark Explorers

Photo courtesy of Shark Explorers

At this point, you should book accommodation in Simon’s Town to tick off your bucket list of water activities! First, get up close, but not too personal, with sharks through cage diving. Shark Explorers offers quite a few diving options, but cage diving would be your best option if you don’t have experience with diving. They operate in one of the shark hotspots of Cape Town, so you’re guaranteed to see the ocean’s top predator!

Address: 62 St George’s Street, Simon’s Town

6. A paddleboat ride with Adventure Works

In the Mother City, you can row your boat ashore… or into a canal. With Adventure Works, you can do this at V & A Waterfront or Century City – two of the most famous shopping hubs in the country! Hop in a paddleboat and experience the best of both worlds; the view of modern urban development and the feel of abundant nature. You will get to see diverse birdlife in their prime, too! This activity is perfect for a group, so grab your friends and choose which canal to explore.

Address: 130 Victoria Avenue, Hout Bay

7. Kloofing with Abseil Africa

Photo courtesy of Dirty Boots

This one is definitely for the adrenaline junkies – say hello to Kamikaze Kanyon courtesy of Abseil Africa. Though located at Steenbrass River Gorge – just over 30 minutes from Cape Town – all participants will meet in the Cape’s Long Street. Kloofing (or canyoning) includes venturing into hidden kloofs with waterfalls and jumping from 3 – 24 m high cliffs into mountain pools! This is an activity that guarantees fun from start to finish. Abseil Africa’s team will ensure that you’re well-fed throughout the journey, as it is a day-long experience.

Address: 297 Long Street

8. Seal snorkelling with Pisces Divers

So, you happen to be a thalassophile with a deep love for animals. Why not combine the things you adore by snorkelling with an abundance of seals? Thanks to Pisces Divers, this is possible! You will be stoked to know that these Cape fur seals are pretty familiar with divers and snorkelers, so you will easily make new furry friends. This is a year-round activity – be ready to face the cold waters!

Address: 1 Main Road, Simon’s Town

9. A pelagic boat trip with Apex Shark Expeditions

Photo courtesy of Dirty Boots

If you prefer to stay above water and would instead want to be swept away by sightings of the diverse Cape marine wildlife, this boat ride has a spot open just for you. Hosted by Apex Shark Expeditions, this tour departs from Cape Point and sets off into the whimsical waters, home to whales, penguins, dolphins and more. The ocean also draws close prions, albatross, petrels, and other birds.

Address: Corner of Wharf and St George’s Street, Simon’s Town

10. Diving with Two Oceans Aquarium

If the idea of diving into the open ocean is a bit intimidating, how about doing so in a more controlled environment – like an aquarium? Two Oceans Aquarium is offering you this opportunity on a silver platter, as you will be led by a dive master and provided with the necessary equipment. The Kelp Forest exhibit represents the underwater ecosystems found in South Africa – the best part is that you can experience this despite unfavourable weather. Of course, you can snap photos during the journey, too!

Address: Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

Related Posts:

Be sure to check out Cape Town’s exclusive offers by Daddy Deals.

Zariah Beukes

Get access to even MORE savings on already discounted deals, along with cool competitions, exclusive offers and loads more.


It’s never too late to join the club – *R99 gets you in!