Cape Town, South Africa
AdultR475
ChildR325
The iconic red sightseeing bus in Cape Town offers one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore the city, and pairing it with a boat cruise from the V&A Waterfront or along the canals gives you a full land-and-sea experience in a single outing. It’s a relaxed, hop-on hop-off style adventure that combines Cape Town’s urban energy, coastal scenery, and working harbour atmosphere with a unique perspective from the water.
The experience usually begins at the V&A Waterfront, where the bright red double‑decker buses line up against a backdrop of Table Mountain and the busy harbour. As you board, you’re handed a set of earphones and offered a multi‑language audio guide. The commentary is clear and engaging, telling the story of Cape Town as you drive: from its early days as a refreshment station to the modern mix of cultures, cuisines, and neighbourhoods you see from your seat on the open‑top deck.
After exploring by road, the water leg of the journey changes the mood entirely. You can choose between a cruise from the V&A Waterfront out into the harbour and bay, or a calmer, more sheltered canal cruise that glides along the modern waterways linking the Waterfront with the Foreshore area.
A V&A Waterfront harbour or bay cruise emphasizes Cape Town as a working port and maritime city. You board a comfortable boat at one of the jetties, with fishing vessels, tugboats, and luxury yachts bobbing nearby. As the boat pulls out, the perspective shifts; the same red buses you were riding a short time ago now appear as small streaks of colour against the city, and the skyline rearranges itself into a compact frame backed by the bulk of Table Mountain and Signal Hill.
The harbour is alive with movement: cranes loading and unloading cargo, container stacks standing like giant building blocks, and smaller boats weaving between larger ships. On many cruises, a guide or recorded commentary points out landmarks like the Clock Tower, the old breakwater, and the entrance to the Royal Cape Yacht Club, as well as explaining how the harbour grew and how it supports the region’s economy. Depending on the route and sea conditions, the boat may venture beyond the inner harbour into Table Bay, where the views open dramatically. You might see Robben Island in the distance, seabirds circling, and—if you’re lucky—seals lounging on buoys or even dolphins cutting across the bow wave.
The bus tour can be joined at any of the 30 designated Hop On - Hop Off stops throughout Cape Town. The boat tours, whether harbour or canal, begin at Stop 1 at the V&A Waterfront, conveniently located outside the Two Oceans Aquarium.
The ticket is valid for the entire day on which it is first presented, allowing you to explore at your leisure from morning to evening. This flexibility ensures you can enjoy the full experience without rushing, making it ideal for families with children.
Yes, the boat trips are subject to weather conditions to ensure passenger safety. It's recommended to call ahead on the day of your tour to confirm if the boats are operational, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Classic Ticket boat combo provides access to three distinct bus routes, a choice of either a harbour or canal cruise, and a City/Bo-Kaap Walking Tour. This comprehensive package offers a well-rounded sightseeing experience.
Absolutely! The open-top buses are a hit with kids, and there is a special kids commentary channel in English designed specifically for younger audiences, making the tour both educational and entertaining.
Tickets are fully refundable if not used, ensuring peace of mind. However, a small cancellation fee of R20 per ticket applies if you decide to cancel, which covers administrative costs.
Listen to a commentary in 15 languages aboard the bus to learn more about the must-see attractions and decide where to jump off. The ticket is valid for 14 days from the first use so that you don't have to ride the bus and cableway on the same day.
Hop off in Hout Bay and take a short walk to Mariner's Wharf. Enjoy a freshly prepared portion of hake and chips at Wharfette Bistro while you soak in the sights and sounds of the Hout Bay Harbour. Get closer to iconic monuments and famous landmarks on our Cape Town sightseeing bus tours. With over 30 stops across 3 different routes, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the Cape Town. Our hop-on, hop-off Cape Town tours allow you to discover the best of this city, at your own pace.
Enjoy two Cape Town boat experiences with one City Sightseeing combo. Explore the V&A Waterfront harbour on a 30-minute cruise, looking out for seals and Table Mountain views, then discover the canals with one-day hop-on hop-off access between the Waterfront and Foreshore. Both cruises are included, with audio commentary in 15 languages.
Bus & Helicopter Combo offers a day on the hop-on hop-off bus then take to the skies for a birds eye view of Cape Town. Exquisite sights of the Atlantic coast from the air and commentary from the friendly and knowledgeable pilot. Our hop-on, hop-off tours allow you to explore the best of the city, at your own pace. With over 30 stops across 3 different routes, you'll have plenty of opportunities to hop off the bus and explore the Cape Town landmarks and attractions that appeal to you most.
