Cape Town's Most Fun Activities: A V&A Waterfront Roundup

The V&A Waterfront provides a diverse range of activities that go beyond standard tourist stops, offering everything from skate parks and escape rooms to catamaran sunset cruises Here's the roundup.

Start the day on the water with the Prosecco Morning Cruise by Waterfront Charters, a 60-minute sail departing at 9:30am from Quay 5, two complimentary glasses of Prosecco included, with a view of Table Mountain over the bay and a decent chance of spotting dolphins along the way.

A short walk away, you'll find Cave Golf, which runs an 18-hole indoor course beside Scratch Patch's gemstone floor. It’s open daily and playable in any weather.

For a unique Cape Town experience on the water, rent a stand-up paddleboard from SUP Cape Town and cruise along the canals. If dry land is more your speed, Battery Park is built to competition standards and open daily from 9am to 6pm.

HintHunt inside The Watershed runs themed escape rooms where teams have 60 to 75 minutes to solve riddles, puzzles and clues before the timer runs out. They also run Amazing Race-style outdoor challenges that send teams racing between landmarks across the precinct. Check their site for current specials and book ahead, as slots fill up fast.

A 30-minute Seal & Harbour Cruise is worth the detour to your next activity. The boat passes the SAS Somerset (the only remaining boom defence vessel of its kind left in the world) and the Bascule Bridge (the only drawbridge in the southern hemisphere). For indoor entertainment, Ster-Kinekor's IMAX with Laser, the first of its kind in South Africa, provides a premium cinematic experience on a rainy afternoon.

For something a little different from the conventional mall experience, try The Watershed (open daily 9am to 6pm), where over 150 independent makers sell artisanal design goods you won’t find anywhere else.

Refuel at Crumbs & Cream, where your ice-cream flavour gets sandwiched between two freshly baked cookies and finished with toppings from sprinkles to homemade marshmallow fluff.

Head up to the Silo Rooftop Bar for golden hour with a panoramic view of Table Mountain. If you'd rather be closer to the water, Den Anker's quayside terrace serves Belgian waffles to remember. For something fun on the water, Waterfront Charters runs a 90-minute Champagne Sunset Cruise from Quay 5, sparkling wine included.

Before the day ends, head to Time Out Market offers diverse dining options to suit any group's cravings, whether that’s ramen, pizza, burgers or tacos. Unframed Ice Cream is recognised globally for its artisanal flavours, providing an exceptional dessert experience

Saturday: Start early with a browse through the Oranjezicht City Farm Market, open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8am to 2:30pm for coffee, fresh produce and artisanal goods the stalls are selling that week. Head to the Two Oceans Aquarium next in time for the shark feeding at 12pm (Saturdays only) and the African penguins feeding daily at 11:30am. From there, visit the Battery Park skate park, or go paddleboarding after lunch if the weather holds. Browse The Watershed before taking a short stroll to Time Out Market for dinner.

Sunday: Sleep in before taking a harbour cruise late morning, followed by lunch at Quay Four. Enjoy a HintHunt escape room or IMAX if the weather's against you before rounding off the day with a stop at Crumbs & Cream.