Cape Town is a stunning city at the bottom of the African continent, that is frequently ranked amongst the most beautiful cities in the world!
The city is set between striking, bio-diverse mountains and sparkling ocean. In fact, both the Indian and Atlantic oceans lap at the city’s shores. It’s a city with a vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and a vast variety of animals in its oceans and surroundings.
Cape Town offers visitors plenty of things to see and do, and there is a wide range of tours on offer that can help you make the most out of your visit!
• The 21 Best Tours in Cape Town •
#1 – Robben Island Ferry Ticket and Tour
- $$
- 5 hours
- Learn about South Africa’s dramatic and convoluted history through the voice of an ex Robben Island prisoner
- See the cell where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison
Robben Island is an island a few miles off the coast of Cape Town. It’s where Nelson Mandela spent a large portion of his time in prison and has been a site for political prisoners for over 300 years.
After a pickup from central Cape Town, you’ll be transferred to the V&A Waterfront where you’ll hop on a ferry to Robben Island. The ferry ride boasts scenic views of the city and Table Mountain.
Upon arrival, enjoy a bus tour of the island as you learn about the country’s convoluted history.
#2 – From Cape Town: Franschhoek Wine Tram Hop-on Hop-off
- $$
- 8 hours
- One of the world’s most unique wine experiences
- Get to see several of the region’s best wine estates in a short amount of time
Situated about 50 miles from Cape Town, Franschhoek is one of the oldest towns in the country. The valley in which it sits is also home to many of the country’s best wine estates.
A pair of trams operate in the Franschhoek valley, running in a loop and stopping at several notable wine estates. This tour allows you to hop-on and hop-off either one of the trams at your convenience, as you make stops at each of the wine estates to taste, buy, and explore!
A bus transfer from Cape Town is also included in the price.
#3 – Cape Town Sunset Champagne Cruise
- $$
- 1 ½ hours
- See the sun setting over the Atlantic ocean
- See the city from a unique water-borne perspective
The sparkling Atlantic ocean lies at the base of Table Mountain, just off the coast of the city, and extends out into infinity. This tour offers the opportunity to glide out into the vast ocean on a sailboat and enjoy some of the world’s most spectacular sunset views!
The views back towards the city and the mountain are just as magnificent. Enjoy two complimentary glasses of local sparkling wine as you marvel at the stunning scenery.
#4 – Cape Town City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Tour
- $
- Valid for 1 – 2 days
- One of the best ways to see Cape Town and its famous sights
- 1-day and 2-day passes are available
Seeing as Cape Town is vast and the public transport system is poor, a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour is undoubtedly one of the best ways to see the sights. The tour ticket includes four routes around the city and its surroundings, each allowing you to see a different set of sights.
Absorb the wonder of sights such as Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the exquisite Atlantic coastline, and the Constantia Valley, amongst many others! You’ll be able to hop-off and explore a number of popular destination, and the views along the way are amazing, too!
#5 – Boulders Beach: Penguin Colony Kayak Trip
- $
- 2 hours
- A unique way to see a rare phenomenon and explore a beautiful landscape
- The kayaks are stable, and no prior kayaking experience is needed
This tour offers you the opportunity to see one of the world’s most bizarre phenomena: a penguin colony living on a beautiful beach in Cape Town. The Boulders Beach penguins have become iconic in Cape Town!
This tour takes you out into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean on a kayak. You’ll get to paddle around Boulders Beach, admiring the striking landscape and the penguins who have made it their home!
#6 – Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour
- $$$
- 9 hours
- Along the way, your friendly guides will keep you entertained with a range of stories
- Enjoy wine tastings and pairings with cheese, chocolate, and olives
This comprehensive tour of the Cape Winelands takes you on a journey of tastings, history, and exploration. The Cape Winelands is home to a plethora of farms and wineries that produce some of the finest wines in the world!
This tour starts with an exploration of Paarl’s wineries before heading to the iconic Franschhoek region for some more tastings and discovery. Lastly, you’ll head to the student town of Stellenbosch to visit some more wineries and enjoy a delicious lunch.
#7 – Cape Town Tandem Paragliding
- $$$
- 1 hour
- Experience one of the most exhilarating and freeing feelings as you take flight
- See one of the world’s most beautiful cities from a truly unique perspective
Have you ever wanted to fly? Well, now you can! This tandem paragliding tour allows you to take flight over one of the most beautiful cities in the world!
You’ll start on a gentle mountain slope under what looks like a large parachute. After a few quick steps down the hill, you’ll be airborne. Your experienced pilot will guide you through the air above the city, offering some of the most amazing views you’ll ever see.
The flight lasts around 20 minutes and offers a mix of exhilaration and awe. Don’t worry, safety is a top priority!
#8 – African Dinner and Drumming Experience
- $$
- 3 hours
- Taste a broad selection of African food in a 14-course meal
- Try your hand at playing a traditional African djembe drum
Get a real taste of Africa during this dinner and drumming experience! Set in a restaurant in the heart of Cape Town, this experience starts by participating in an interactive drumming session. You’ll learn all about the rhythms of the traditional djembe drum during this hypnotic experience.
The drumming is followed by a traditional African performance and a 14-course set menu of African cuisine. The meal will take you on a diverse culinary journey, featuring dishes from around the continent.
#9 – Half-Day Cape Point Tour
- $$
- 4 ½ hours
- See the iconic southern tip of the Cape Peninsula
- Drive along one of the world’s most gorgeous coastlines
Cape Point is one of Cape Town’s most popular tourist destinations. It’s an expansive nature reserve at the tip of the Cape Peninsula with a vast array of indigenous fauna and flora. You’ll make your way from Cape Town city to Cape Point via stunning coastal roads on the Atlantic seaboard.
Once you arrive you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, including several animal species such as baboons and Cape Mountain Zebra. You’ll also get to stand at the confluence of the mighty Atlantic and Indian oceans. The route back takes you through several Indian Ocean coastal towns.
#10 – Half-Day Township Tour Cape Town
- $$
- 4 hours
- Experience Cape Town’s vibrant township communities
- Learn about the oppression the country faced and how it still affects residents today
South Africa’s townships are underdeveloped communities that are an unfortunate hangover of the oppressive apartheid regime.
Experiencing a township during your visit is the best way to connect with the country’s dark history while experiencing an entirely different and unique way of life.
On this tour, you’ll be led through the vibrant townships by a personal guide. You’ll explore the local streets, homes, gardens, and schools as you pass through, and you’ll have the opportunity to chat with the locals.
#11 – Marine Life Kayak Tour
- $
- 2 hours
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant marine world of Cape Town’s oceans
- Experience amazing views of one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines
Cape Town’s coastline is world renowned for both its exquisite natural beauty, and it’s magnificent marine life. This kayak tour offers you the opportunity to experience both of these things in a cool and fun way!
You’ll set off from the calm waters of the V&A Waterfront, and paddle out into the vast Atlantic ocean. Float above the city’s marine world, and potentially catch a glimpse of local whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, and sunfish. The views back toward the mountain are also exceptional! No prior kayaking experience is needed.
#12 – Seal Snorkeling Experience
- $$
- 2 ½ hours
- Interact with friendly Cape fur seals on their own terms
- Experience life beneath the ocean surface
Seals are like the dogs of the ocean. They’re cute, playful, and friendly! Cape Town is home to a vast community of Cape fur seals, and this tour allows you to experience them in the most immersive way possible.
Hop on a boat and travel out to Duiker Island, a breeding colony for the seals. When you arrive, you’ll descend below the waves with snorkeling equipment to interact with the seals in their natural environment!
Before your trip, find out about Cape Town’s best hostels!
#13 – Two Oceans Scenic Helicopter Flight
- $$$$
- 25 minutes
- Experience the beauty of Cape Town from above
- A great way to learn the layout of the city and its surroundings
Soar above one of the most beautiful cities on Earth on this 25-minute scenic helicopter flight. A helicopter flight is the best way to get a full aerial perspective of the whole city and experience the beauty of its various terrains from above.
You’ll circle table mountain and explore the Atlantic coastal beaches and 12 Apostles from above before heading down the Cape Peninsula towards Cape Point. You’ll even fly above the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian oceans!
#14 – Lion’s Head Sunset Hike
- $$$
- 3 hours
- Experience magnificent 360-degree views as the sun sets over the ocean
- Choose between the easy hiking route and the more challenging one
Lion’s head is the rounded peak that stands solitary beside Table Mountain, and hiking it is one of the city’s favorite pastimes. The top of Lion’s Head offers some of the most spectacular 360 degree views in city, with Table Mountain, the City Bowl, and Devil’s Peak on one side, and the vast Atlantic on the other.
You can choose to hike up the easy route or the more challenging route, and decide whether you want to go at sunrise, sunset, or during the day!
#15 – Half-Day: Cape Town by Electric Bike
- $$$
- 5 hours
- Soak up Cape Town’s atmosphere and get some great vantage points of the city!
- Travel further and with less strain than a regular bike tour
Cape Town is a city set around mountains, so naturally, there are many hills. That’s why this electric bike tour is one of the best ways to see the city! It allows you the freedom and fun of a regular bike tour while the electric pedal assist helps you ride further and climb hills with ease.
This tour takes patrons through Cape Town’s streets and past some major attractions, including Bo-Kaap, Long Street, and the Company Gardens.
#16 – Eco-Friendly Shark Cage Diving
- $$$$
- 10 hours
- Dive with magnificent apex predators in their natural habitat
- Visit a bird rehabilitation center and learn about marine conservation efforts
The waters around Cape Town are famous for their sharks, and the most immersive way to experience these incredible creatures is with a shark cage dive. This tour starts with a scenic drive to Great White House, a couple of hours outside of Cape Town.
Enjoy breakfast or lunch before hopping on a boat and descending into shark-infested waters. You’ll be completely safe in the cage, but the experience is incredibly thrilling.
#17 – Aquila Private Game Reserve: Sunset Safari
Romantic Tour for Animal Lovers
- $$$
- 3 hours
- See the big 5 up close, along with many other animals
- Enjoy fascinating commentary from your guide
Aquilla, a couple of hours drive from Cape Town, is one of the few places on Earth where you’re pretty much guaranteed to see every member of the big 5. It’s home to Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, and Lion, along with a plethora of other animals.
On this 2 – 3 hour game drive you’ll be plunged into the world of African wildlife as the animals flock to waterholes in the cool of the evening. Your experienced guide will provide a fascinating and informative commentary, peppered with fun stories as you drive.
#18 – Marine Big 5 Trip to Gaansbaai
- $$$$
- 8 hours
- See incredible sea creatures from the comfort of a whale watching boat
- Transport to and from Cape Town, snacks, and a light lunch are provided
South Africa is one of the few locations in the world where you can spot whales, sharks, dolphins, seals, and penguins all in one day!
On this tour you’ll have the chance to see all of these creatures in their natural habitat from the comfort of a whale watching boat with an observation deck. An onboard marine biologist will provide commentary on the ocean and its inhabitants as you explore.
#19 – Hike up Skeleton Gorge to Table Mountain Cable Car
- $$$
- 6 hours
- A scenic hike up table mountain with unparalleled views
- The option to come down in the cable car or return down Nursery Ravine to Kirstenbosch
Skeleton Gorge is one of the most popular hiking routes for getting to the top of Table Mountain. It’s an incredibly scenic hike through Table Mountain National Park, which is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.
Experience indigenous fauna and flora on the way up before topping out on top of table mountain and enjoying spectacular 360-degree views of the city. You’ll also get to experience Kirstenbosch botanical gardens, one of the most stunning of their kind on Earth!
#20 – Cape Town Bicycle Tour
- $$
- 3 hours
- See the best of Cape Town, get a good bit of exercise, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the city
- Interesting commentary and stories will be provided by your friendly guide
Cycle through the streets of Cape Town with the wind in your hair on this 3-hour city cycling tour.
Experience local Capetonian life and see some of the city’s finest sights, from the historic Castle of Good Hope and Bo-Kaap to the new Greenpoint eco-garden and the Greenpoint stadium in which the 2010 FIFA world cup was held.
#21 – Half-Day Table Mountain and Cape Town City Tour
An Iconic Cape Town Tour
- $$
- 4 ½ hours
- A great way to experience the city and Table Mountain in one tour
- Exceptional views and plenty of interesting sights
This tour takes you past some of the main Cape Town attractions and through some it’s most vibrant neighborhoods before ascending Table Mountain. You’ll pass the Castle of Good Hope and the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap amongst others.
Hop in the famous cable car and embark on a scenic ride up Table Mountain. Once on the top, you’ll have time to explore the mountain top and enjoy the spectacular 360-degree views before descending back to the city.
FAQs about Cape Town Tours
We’re sure you’ve got some questions, so we’ve done our best to answer those that are most common!
How do I book a Cape Town tour?
Cape Town is an extremely popular tourist destination, and it’s overflowing with awesome tour options.
The easiest way to find and book your perfect tour in Cape Town is with GetYourGuide. It’s an online tour provider that has a vast array of tours in Cape Town and the surrounding areas!
What should I pack for a tour in Cape Town?
Cape Town sees a lot of sun, so it’s important that you bring sunscreen along for any outdoor tour. You’ll also want to bring a camera to capture some of the beauty, sunglasses to protect your eyes, and a sweater in case you get chilly!
How much do tours in Cape Town typically cost?
The cost of Cape Town tours can vary greatly depending on the length and the type of experience. The average cost of our recommended tours is around USD $75, with the most expensive costing USD $205 and the cheapest setting you back just USD $15.
How much time do tours in Cape Town last?
The length of tours in Cape Town can also vary, with the shortest of our recommended tours lasting 25 minutes and the longest lasting 10 hours. There are plenty of excursion day trips from Cape Town, while most city tours are no longer than half a day.
Closing Thoughts on Cape Town Tourism
Tours are an awesome way to experience any new city, and Cape Town offers them in abundance. We’ve put together this list of tours to help you get the most out of your time in the Mother City!
The range of experiences on offer is vast: you can soar above the city in peace and tranquility, come face to face with some of the world’s most incredible animals, hike to the top of a truly iconic mountain, and immerse yourself in the city’s diverse and culture.
We hope this Cape Town tour guide helps you find your perfect tour!
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