15 September 2017
Summer is on the way and what better way to enjoy the beautiful weather than by hopping on a boat. Ditch the traffic to the V&A Waterfront by taking advantage of a full-day pass with City Sightseeing’s Canal Cruise.
The area around the V&A Waterfront is a hub of activity and development. Whether you’re visiting the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) or looking to enjoy a spa day at the One&Only Cape Town, there’s so much to see and do.
City Sightseeing launched the Canal Cruise this year as an easy way to see the sights and travel between some of the Foreshore’s top attractions. There are four stops along the way and the cruise runs every 40 minutes, starting at 9am.
Let the cruise begin! (Image: City Sightseeing)
Visitors or locals working in the area can use the cruise as a convenient water taxi and skip the traffic to the V&A Waterfront while enjoying the views. Here’s what you need to know:
The cruise begins at the CTICC. This landmark venue is home to the Cape Town International Jazz Festival and other annual events such as the popular Good Food & Wine Show. The centre is often buzzing, especially on event days, so be prepared for crowds.
To get on your cruise, simply head to the canal and wait at the allocated point of embarkation. Remember, you can purchase your ticket on the boat and it entitles you to a full-day pass.
Views from the cruise (Image: City Sightseeing)
The second stop on the canal cruise is the Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites, with a restaurant offering great views over the water.
The next attraction is the City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Guests can hop off here, but people working near this stop can also use the cruise as an easy mode of transport to and from the V&A Waterfront.
The last stop on the journey is the luxurious One&Only, an upmarket resort with incredible views, a lush spa offering exclusive treatments and Reuben’s, an acclaimed restaurant that pairs local flavours for a truly South African gastronomic experience.
The final stop of the cruise (Image: City Sightseeing)
The best part? Once you get off at the final stop, the bustling V&A Waterfront is a quick walk away. Enjoy a full day out exploring this tourist hotspot, from rides on the Cape Wheel to enjoying delicious treats at the V&A Food Market. Once you’ve had your fun, skip the traffic and head home via the Canal Cruise.
Buy your ticket online, from stop 1 or stop 5, or from your driver when boarding the cruise. Note that the day pass entitles you to hopping on and hopping off the Canal Cruise for the whole day.
The Canal Cruise is a scenic boat experience that links key spots around the V&A Waterfront. It runs every 40 minutes with four designated stops. Guests can buy a full-day pass on board and hop on or off as they choose. It offers a fresh view of the area and works as a convenient water taxi.
The cruise begins at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. This venue often gets busy during events, so expect more foot traffic. You can also board at the One&Only Cape Town Hotel.
The route includes stops at Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites, City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and the One&Only resort. Each stop offers dining, views, and leisure experiences, making it easy to explore without navigating busy roads.
You can buy tickets online, at the first or last stop, or directly from the driver. A day pass lets you hop on and off throughout the day at your own pace.
The V&A Waterfront is packed with things to do. Enjoy the Cape Wheel, grab a bite at Time Out Market, and browse shops and attractions. It's a lively place to spend the day after your canal trip.