Cape Town Adventure Activities

Cape Town Outdoor Adventure Activities

Dirty Boots is extremely lucky to call Cape Town home—without a doubt the adventure capital of South Africa. Nowhere else in the country will you find such an incredible concentration of commercially available outdoor adventure activities, all within easy reach of a world-class city. We currently list over 70 Cape Town adventure activities, giving visitors an unmatched selection of experiences ranging from relaxed to extreme.

Cape Town’s unique geography is what makes this possible. Within minutes of the CBD, you can access Table Mountain, Cape Point, the wide-open waters of False Bay, and the rugged Atlantic Seaboard. These iconic destinations form the backdrop to an endless menu of adventure options that can be enjoyed in a single day—no long drives, no complicated logistics.

One of Cape Town’s greatest strengths is that adventure here is accessible for every type of traveller and every budget. If you prefer to keep things simple, hiking up Table Mountain or exploring the network of city trails costs nothing but time and enthusiasm. At the other end of the spectrum, you can take to the skies on a scenic helicopter flight to Cape Point—an unforgettable experience for visitors wanting something extra special.

For those who like their adventures motorised, Cape Town has you covered. Choose from classic sidecar tours, AC Cobra drives, Jeep safaris, and other unique on-road experiences where the thrill comes without even breaking a sweat. And if relaxation is more your style, unwind on a sunset cruise, take a leisurely boat trip through the V&A Waterfront canals, or join one of the many calm-water excursions around the city.

Taking to the air opens a whole new dimension of Cape Town adventure. Paragliding from Lion’s Head is a favourite for locals and visitors alike, offering unbeatable views of the city and ocean. A short drive from town brings you to several tandem skydiving operators—perfect for adrenaline seekers wanting to tick off a bucket-list experience.

Cycling enthusiasts are equally spoiled for choice. From guided rides through Cape Point Nature Reserve to leisurely tours of the Cape’s famous wine estates, there’s a route for every fitness level. Mountain bikers can take on hundreds of marked trails—including fast, technical downhill sections—spread across forest, fynbos, and mountain terrain surrounding the city.

And then there is the ocean—two oceans, in fact. While the official meeting point is at Cape Agulhas, the Atlantic and Indian Ocean influences create two very different marine environments on either side of the Cape Peninsula. This contrast means endless options for surfing, SUPing, snorkelling, scuba diving, and kelp-forest adventures, each offering a completely unique experience depending on whether you choose the warm, gentle waters of False Bay or the wilder Atlantic side.

As you can see, Cape Town offers limitless outdoor adventure possibilities for anyone visiting our shores. Whether you're an adrenaline addict, a nature lover, or simply someone who wants to try something new, the Mother City delivers adventure on every level.