The best water-based activities in South Africa

Sailing Cruise Knysna

If you love being on the water as much as I do, then this is an absolute must. Enjoy the beauty of the Knysna lagoon and sail through the Knysna Heads into the Indian Ocean (weather allowing). This exhilarating adventure can be done as a sunset adventure, during lunch, or for a longer period. You will see various sea mammals and you will have the opportunity to see the beauty of Knysna from the ‘other’ side!

Whale watching Hermanus

Hermanus us arguably the best land-based whale watching place in the world. Between July and November each year, the Southern Right whales come into the bay here to give birth to their calves. They can be seen from land, but also by boat. They take you out onto the ocean so you can see these gentle giants up close and personal. An amazing experience that one will remember forever!

Hippo & Croc Cruise St. Lucia

St. Lucia is the biggest inland estuary in South Africa. It is full of crocodiles and hippos and there are many bird species to be found as well. A 2-hour cruise on the lake, which is a UNESCO-registered landmark is a great way to relax and enjoy your stunning surroundings!

Surf lesson in J Bay

Jeffreys Bay has some of the world’s most renowned waves and is the perfect spot to learn how to surf. There are lessons available for different levels and wetsuits are provided. Enjoy this viby coastal town and catch some waves!

Jeffreys Bay heeft enkele van ‘s werelds beste golven en is de perfecte plek om te leren surfen. Er zijn lessen beschikbaar voor verschillende niveaus en wetsuits worden verstrekt. Geniet van deze viby kustplaats en surf op dezelfde golven als ’s-werelds beste surfers!

Kayak & Lilo Experience

Storms River Mouth is arguably one of the most beautiful highlights along the Garden Route. This fun-filled adventure activity allows you to kayak into the Storms River Gorge, and then float onto lilo’s, while you enjoy the long, quiet pools and amazing nature around you. This activity is suitable for young and old and it can be enjoyed all year round.

Sea Kayaking Walker Bay

Explore the magic of the unique coastline of Walker Bay/Hermanus with its abundant marine life up close and personal in a stable kayak in the company of an experienced guide. Glide across sparkling water while enjoying a view of the majestic mountain, sea cliffs and marine life.

Shark Cage Diving False Bay

Shark cage diving is one of the best ways to experience one of the ocean’s most majestic, and feared, predators up close. It is one of the most popular activities among visitors to Cape Town and surrounds. There are few things more exhilarating than looking a great white shark in the eye, while appreciating the sheer beauty of these magnificent creatures.

Seal snorkeling in Cape Town

Take the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the friendliest sea-creatures; the Cape fur seal. Go snorkeling around their natural habitat and watch them interact and play. This is a real fun and unique activity!

Scuba Diving

If you are a scuba diver, South Africa is a perfect place to go to! There are many places where you can dive, from the fresh waters in the Cape, to the pleasant warm-ish waters of the Indian Ocean. There is something for all kinds of divers, there are many sites places with colourful tropical reefs and for the more adventurous there are shark dives or more technical dives such as wreck dives.

SUP Adventures

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has become increasingly popular in South Africa in the last couple of years and there are multiple places where you can do this. In Cape Town, you can rent a SUP for a few hours and explore the canals around the V&A waterfront. Along the Garden Route there are also multiple places where you can rent a SUP. It’s a great activity to do with friends or family for a few hours!