The Best Attractions at the V&A Waterfront this Summer

The V&A Waterfront is one of the most iconic precincts in Cape Town, and this summer, it offers a variety of attractions for individuals, couples and families alike. From museums and water sports to various group activities, check out our guide for the best attractions at the V&A Waterfront.

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art (MOCAA)

The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art (MOCAA) is one of Cape Town’s leading art galleries dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Housed in the now-iconic Silo Building at the V&A Waterfront, the gallery boasts both a permanent exhibition and temporary, rotating exhibitions, all contributing to the preservation and promotion of African artists.

First opened in 2017, the Grain Silo building at the V&A Waterfront was transformed into a functional silo space for the museum. Due to this, the museum space has a industrial feel, and is a truly unique gallery space in the context of Cape Town.

Tickets and memberships for the Zeitz MOCAA can be purchased on Webtickets or at the door of the museum.

African nationals can enjoy free entry on Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm, with the presentation of a valid ID or passport.

When: Daily | 10am – 6pm
Where: Zeitz MOCAA, S Arm Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

All Current Exhibitions at the Zeitz MOCAA

Two Oceans Aquarium

The Two Oceans Aquarium is the heart and soul of Cape Town’s recreational relationship with the ocean. Since it opened in 1995, this unique and fascinating world of water creatures has offered an insight into the ‘other home’ on our doorstep.

The Two Oceans Aquarium lets you come eye to eye with turtles, sharks and rays, brightly coloured marine life in weird and wonderful forms, hilarious penguins, and any number of wondrous and mesmerising animals, plants and environments.

Cost: General entry allows you to see the animals. R265 (adults), R195 (pensioners, students, and children age 14-18), R120 (children 4 – 13 years). FREE for children aged 3 and under. Book general entry here.

When: Daily, 9.30am to 6pm
Where: Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

Everything About the Two Oceans Aquarium

Waterfront Duck Co.

The Waterfront Duck Co promises an experience like no other, seamlessly blending bus and boat exploration in the country’s first all-in-one land-and-water amphibious trip. Discover Cape Town from a unique perspective, delving into the rich history and bustling streets, before seamlessly transitioning into the serene waters of the V&A Waterfront marina and harbour, gaining insights into the marine life, ecology, history and modern operations of the area.

Cost: R395pp (adults) | R295pp (children 12 and under) | R95pp (kids u/3). Bookings can be made on Quicket.

When: Daily | 7am – 8pm
Where: The Duck Co Duck Stop, 3CRC+GV De Waterkant, Cape Town

Pedal Boat Exploration

Enjoy a fun and relaxing 30-minute pedal boat experience as you glide through the scenic canals of the V&A Waterfront. Surrounded by calm waters and iconic views, it’s an easy, enjoyable way to take in the area from a different perspective. The boats are stable and simple to use, making the experience suitable for all ages, shapes and sizes, whether you’re pedalling solo, with friends, or as a family.

Cost: R100 (adults) | R50 (children u4). Bookings can be made on the website.

When: Daily | 11am – 5pm
Where: V&A Waterfront

Jolly Roger Pirate Boat

The Jolly Roger Pirate Boat is a unique attraction, designed to provide a full-blown pirate experience to its visitors.

The Jolly Roger is equipped to handle various events, including daily scheduled cruises and sunset trips. It has a capacity of 75 passengers when sailing and can accommodate up to 100 when moored at the quayside.The boat is well-equipped, with facilities like a bar area, sound system, lighting, and even a dance pole, making it an ideal venue for various events and parties.

While the Jolly Roger is popular for hosting children’s birthday parties with a pirate theme, it’s not limited to just that. The boat offers experiences that adults can enjoy, too, such as the 90-minute Sunset Party Cruise. These cruises feature live entertainment, providing a unique and enjoyable experience for all ages.

Cost: Various

When: Daily | 9am – 7pm
Where: Shop 7, Quay 5, Ground Floor, V&A Waterfront (Booking Office)

HintHunt Africa

As Africa’s largest and most popular escape-room company, HintHunt Africa has expanded to locally develop a variety of unique live experiences. ‍From escape rooms and amazing races to online and mobile experiences, there’s something for everyone. Dive into problem-solving and puzzles designed to challenge your logic and dexterity as the clock ticks down and the pressure mounts.

‍Choose from experiences lasting 45 to 120 minutes, during which you’ll uncover clues, solve mysteries, strategise or race against time to emerge victorious. Whether you’re with friends, family or colleagues, teamwork is the ultimate key to success.

Cost: R315 – R395 per person. Bookings can be made on the website.

When: Mon to Wed: 10am to 7pm | Thu to Sat: 10am to 8.30pm | Sun: 10am to 5.30pm
Where: Watershed, 17 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

AWOL Cycling Tours

AWOL Tours is a leading outdoor travel specialist for hiking and bicycle tours in Cape Town. The experienced team balances expert trip planning with eco-friendly activities, creating thrilling, memorable travel experiences.

‍All ages and fitness levels are welcome, and individuals, families and small groups are catered for. Private tours are available for families travelling with children, and personalised tour itineraries can be designed to fit your travel plans and budget, matching your preferences with your areas of interest.

‍The flagship Cape Town City Cycle Tour leaves daily from Battery Park and is a great introduction to Cape Town, its history and its people. Qualified and skilled cycling guides share their favourite trails and views on bespoke mountain-biking or early-morning road rides.

Cost: From R1250. Bookings can be made on the website.

When: Daily | 9am – 6pm
Where: Unit 5, Battery Park, V&A Waterfront

SUP Cape Town

SUP Cape Town provides introductory lessons in Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), as well as board rentals and long-term rentals for holiday trips.

Lessons are an hour long and include water safety, stability, balancing, and paddling strokes. Rentals vary in duration and include all the necessary equipment as well as a short lesson. Along with individual lessons and rentals, there are also party packages available for groups up to 25.

For those who want to take the experience an extra mile, there are also Open Water Paddle Boarding options where paddlers get to explore the vast and mesmerizing open ocean.

Cost: From R280 – R700pp | R4 850 – R7 150 (group packages). Bookings can be made on the website.

When: Winter months: 9am to 5pm | Summer months: 9am to 6pm
Where: Battery Park, Alfred Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

The Cape Wheel

Now located on the V&A’s Breakwater Boulevard overlooking the waters of Granger Bay, The Wheel offers elevated views across Granger Bay on one side, with Robben Island in the distance, and views of Table Mountain on the other side, as well as sights of Signal Hill and the Cape Town stadium. Get a bird’s-eye view of giant container ships coming and going, large cruise and charter boats heading in and out of the harbour, kayakers accompanied by schools of dolphins and occasional whale sightings in the bay.

The Cape Wheel offers 30 fully enclosed air-conditioned cabins that rise 40 metres above the ground in safety and comfort on the 12-15-minute four-revolution ride.

With its prime location, exceptional views, and diverse offerings, The Cape Wheel stands as a must-visit attraction for those seeking a memorable and elevated perspective on the beauty of Cape Town and its surroundings.

Cost: R175pp for SA Adults | R250pp for Non-SA citizens | R95pp for Children aged 4-17 & pensioners | Free for children under 4 years of age) | R2 500 VIP Gondola for 4.

When: Daily | 10am – 10pm
Where: Breakwater Boulevard, Granger Bay, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

City Sightseeing Bus Tour

The Open Top Red Tour Bus (or the ‘Hop On and Hop Off’, as it is often referred to) is by far the easiest and most convenient way to discover the thriving metropolis of Cape Town. Hop on or hop off wherever the mood takes you, then take the next bus to continue your trip.

‍The company has an upgraded fleet of new buses that operate seven days a week, 365 days of the year, regardless of the weather. There are over 30 stops at regular intervals, making it possible for you to explore any of the over 50 different attractions that make this city so exceptional. Choose whether you want to do a tour of the historic city centre, a Sunset Tour or a visit to the Constantia Winelands, pop in at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens or explore Hout Bay – or do it all!

Cost: From R345 per adult | R195 per junior. Tickets can be purchased on the website.

When: Daily | 9am – 6pm
Where: Just outside the Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront

NAC Helicopters Cape Town

Based in the V&A Waterfront, NAC Helicopters is perfectly located to showcase the Mother City’s breathtaking beauty. NAC offers professional and first class service, ensuring that every client feels like a VIP. Make your dreams come true as you are flown in one of the luxury helicopters, following the dramatic coastline of the Cape Peninsula.

NAC offers set scenic flights for you to choose from, each of which will reveal magical and hidden vistas only visible from a helicopter.

Cost: Route-dependent. Bookings can be made on the website.

When: Daily | 8am – 6pm
Where: Ground Floor, Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, V&A Waterfront

The Mirage

Enjoy a five-star sailing experience aboard South Africa’s newest, largest and safest private yacht. Indulge mind, body and soul in an exhilarating sailing experience on The Mirage, a spectacular craft that offers five-star service and gourmet dining as you sail across the ocean around the Cape.

‍No matter what your event – birthday, anniversary, engagement, bachelorette and more – the Mirage team will help make it a magnificent one, with a private sailing experience on board South Africa’s newest, largest and safest catamaran, with the majestic Cape Town skyline as your backdrop.

Cost: Various.

When: Various times.
Where: Pierhead (in front of the Life Grand Restaurant), V&A Waterfront

Yacht Experiences

The V&A Waterfront is host to a variety of yacht experiences, whether you want to explore the peninsula or take to the ocean to watch the sunset. Choose from the variety of providers stationed at the V&A Waterfront docks, which are available for view on the website.