The Best Cape Town Adventures!
Awards and accolades just keep rolling in for Cape Town! From best coffee city to best city in the world, but we believe it should get the award as the best city on the planet for lovers of adventure. Just beyond the city streets, nature takes over, offering activities for every energy level between soaring mountains and the great Atlantic Ocean..
Whether you’re a nature lover, hooked on adrenaline, or just looking for a unique way to explore the Mother City, our handpicked list of the best Cape Town adventures has something for you.
From guided hikes up Table Mountain and coasteering along rugged shorelines to the ultimate rush of tandem skydiving, these activities showcase Cape Town’s wild beauty without falling into the trap of mass tourism. Explore the Atlantis Dunes on a sandboard, paraglide over Lion’s Head, or dive into the vibrant underwater world—the options are endless.
This list covers a range of mild to extreme adventures, ensuring there’s something for every budget and thrill level. If time is limited, these are the experiences you can’t miss!
1. Guided Walk up Table Mountain
A guided walk up Table Mountain is the best way to experience this iconic landmark. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, the mountain will come alive. You’ll spot unique flora and fauna, understand how this mighty chunk of rock was created and take in some stories of Cape Town’s unique history. Unless you’re a speedster wanting to get the record for ascent, you’ll have time to enjoy the incredible views of Cape Town and the surrounding ocean. Whether you choose historic Platteklip Gorge, Insta-famous Skeleton Gorge, or one of the lesser-known routes, there’s the perfect trail waiting for you.
Take in the views of Table Mountain in a whole new way—with an off-road scooter ride down its slopes. These sturdy, eco-friendly scooters are a fun and effortless way to explore the mountain, suitable for all ages and skill levels. You’ll cruise down winding paths, soak in panoramic views, and feel the fresh mountain air as you glide through nature. It’s a great mix of adventure and sightseeing, perfect for families or groups looking for something different.
Abseiling off Table Mountain is an experience that will be etched in your memory bank for ever. Standing at the edge of the world’s highest commercial abseil, you’ll take in breathtaking views of the city and ocean before leaning back into the open air with a dizzying drop below you. It’s a controlled descent with expert guides ensuring your safety. Once you’ve touched down-on a wide sandstone ledge-you’ll have a short, fun hike back to the top, giving you plenty of time to take in what you’ve just done and get your breath back!
4. Diving in the Two Oceans Aquarium
Get up close with some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures by diving in the Two Oceans Aquarium. This experience allows certified divers to swim among sharks, rays, turtles, and a variety of fish in a safe, controlled environment. Even if you’re not a diver, there’s an option to snorkel in the kelp forest exhibit. It’s a fantastic way to see marine life without having to venture into the open ocean, and a must-do for anyone passionate about the underwater world.
Coasteering is an exciting mix of swimming, scrambling, and cliff jumping along the rugged Cape coastline. It’s a hands-on way to explore the ocean and rocky shore, with guides leading you through hidden inlets, tidal pools and over enormous granite boulders with opportunities to leap off into the inviting sea. No special skills are required—just a love for adventure and getting wet. Coasteering offers a fresh perspective on the Cape’s stunning coastal environment.
6. Freediving
Free diving is all about exploring the ocean on a single breath, like ancient cultures who used this technique to harvest food. In Cape Town, you can learn to move effortlessly through kelp forests, alongside seals, and among diverse marine life. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, free diving offers a peaceful and immersive way to connect with the ocean. With expert instructors guiding you, you’ll develop breath-holding techniques and gain confidence in the water. This can be a life changing experience and the beginning of a very special relationship with the ocean.
7. Tandem Paragliding Lion’s Head
Take to the skies of Cape Town with a tandem paragliding flight from Lion’s Head. This gentle yet exhilarating experience offers a bird’s-eye view of the city, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean. No experience is needed—your pilot takes care of everything while you sit back and enjoy the ride. Whether you’re gliding over Signal Hill or heading toward the beach for landing, it’s an unforgettable way to take in Cape Town’s scenery from the sky.
Paddle your way along the coastline of Simon’s Town and see the peninsula from a whole new perspective. A guided sea kayaking trip takes you past the beauty of granite boulders, strewn in the sea like some giant game of boules, quiet coves, and—if you’re lucky and they haven’t gone out fishing—a colony of African penguins at Boulders Beach. The waters are usually calm, making this a great activity for beginners. It’s a relaxing yet adventurous way to explore Cape Town’s stunning marine environment.
9. Sandboarding Atlantis Dunes
From the top of Table Mountain you will see the white tops of the Atlantis Dune field on the other side of Table Bay. These dunes offer a playground of soft, rolling sand perfect for sandboarding. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, carving down these dunes is as fun as it is different. Boards and basic instruction are provided, so you’ll get the hang of it in no time. Pretty much the only activity that Cape Town doesn’t offer is snowboarding, but with the bonus of warm sunshine and ocean views, this is as good as it gets.
Explore Cape Town’s scenic coastal routes in style with a sidecar tour. These vintage motorcycles take you on a laid-back ride along Chapman’s Peak, through the Cape Point Nature Reserve, and past charming seaside villages. With a knowledgeable guide at the helm, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights without the hassle of driving. It’s a nostalgic and unique way to see the Cape Peninsula at a leisurely pace.
11. Tandem Skydive
If you’re really up for a serious adrenaline rush, a tandem skydive over Cape Town is the way to go. Strapped to a professional instructor, you’ll experience the terror and joy of freefall before floating gently back to earth with a parachute. You won’t get better views of Cape Town and it’s beautiful ocean and mountains. No prior experience is needed—just a bit of courage and a sense of adventure!
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