Cape Town: Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Table Mountain Views

Summary

Watch the sun dip behind Table Mountain on a lively Cape Town boat trip

You’ll board at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront for a relaxed sunset cruise with local music and sparkling wine (or soft drinks for kids). Watch Table Mountain glow gold as you sail past city lights and feel the ocean breeze on your face. There’s time for laughter, photos, maybe even a quiet moment as the sun dips away — it sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the smell — that salty, sharp ocean air hits you as soon as you step onto Une Belle Vie at the V&A Waterfront. There’s this low hum of chatter, people finding their spots, and someone’s already laughing about the wind messing up their hair. Our captain (I think his name was Sipho?) grinned and handed out glasses of sparkling wine. The bubbles tickled my nose — honestly, I’m not usually a fan of sweet drinks but it just felt right in that moment.

We drifted slowly past the city, and Table Mountain looked almost unreal in the gold light. Lion’s Head too — I kept trying to get a photo but my phone camera never does it justice. There was music playing, something local but mellow enough that you could still hear the gulls overhead. A little girl next to us got her soft drink and immediately spilled half of it on her dad’s shoes. He just laughed and shrugged — guess everyone’s in a good mood when there’s a view like that.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would get for a minute when the sun actually touched the water. Even with all those people around, there was this hush — just waves against the hull and some clinking glasses. Someone pointed out Robben Island way off in the distance; I’d forgotten how close history feels here. After that, things picked up again — more music, people taking selfies, someone trying to dance (not me). The cruise wasn’t fancy or anything but it felt real, like Cape Town showing off without even trying.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset cruise at V&A Waterfront

• Sail through V&A Waterfront
• Enjoy sunset views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head
• Sip sparkling wine aboard Une Belle Vie

Top questions

Is there a welcome drink included on the Cape Town sunset cruise?

Yes, adult ticket holders receive a glass of sparkling wine; children get a soft drink.

Where does the sunset boat cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Cape Town's V&A Waterfront.

Are children allowed on this sunset cruise?

Yes, children are welcome and receive a soft drink instead of alcohol.

Is there food served during the sunset boat cruise?

No meals are included; only drinks are provided onboard.

How long is the Cape Town sunset cruise?

The exact duration isn't specified but it's timed for sunset views over Table Mountain.

Are specialized infant seats available?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to the boat?

Yes, public transportation options are available near V&A Waterfront.

Is this cruise suitable for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries?

No, it's not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your evening includes boarding at V&A Waterfront with a welcoming glass of sparkling wine for adults (or soft drink for kids), access to a cash bar selling local drinks throughout the cruise, and friendly crew guiding you past Table Mountain and Lion’s Head as day turns to night over Cape Town.