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Cape Town: See the wonder of Table Mountain from out in Table Bay

Spirit of Victoria in Table Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is justifiably world-famous for its iconic Table Mountain, a beautiful backdrop to the city, which hugs Table Bay. The mountain is an important landmark, often used by visitors to the city to find their way around town and is a picture postcard experience when visiting the Bloubergstrand or Milnerton seaside resorts.

While there are incredible views from many points around the city, one of the best ways to view this famous flat-topped mountain is from out on the water, while enjoying a cruise on one of the many sailing boats and catamarans that head out into Table Bay from the V&A Waterfront. While enjoying a holiday in Cape Town offers a wonderful shopping and beach experience, it is highly recommended take some time out to experience a brief life on the ocean waves.

Several companies have an office in the V&A Waterfront, offering a range of different options, including champagne cruises and sailing in the bay on a catamaran or sailing yacht, as well as options for sailing down the coast or a high speed jet boat ride in the bay. One particularly lovely yacht, however, is the "Spirit of Victoria," a 58 foot, brown-sailed, Gaff Rigged schooner operated by Waterfront Adventures and a personal favourite of the writer. The boat offers a bar, serving sparkling wine, beer and cold drinks and can handle up to 45 passengers at a time. The various sunset and champagne cruises on offer average around 90 minutes per trip.

Spirit of Victoria in Table Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

Some of the best views in the world in Cape Town

The views from out in Table Bay are simply amazing, as you get a clear view of Table Mountain itself, as well as its bracketing neighbours, Lions Head, Devil’s Peak and Signal Hill. Occasionally the famous “Table Cloth” of cloud descends over the mountain top, making for an ideal “Kodak” moment, a little different from the usual postcard view. Looking the other way, views of Robben Island can be seen – that notorious island prison where former South African president, Nelson Mandela, spent so many years of his life.

Speaking of Robben Island, it is also possible to enjoy a whale watching/eco cruise out that way, with qualified guides giving in-depth knowledge of the surrounding environment and the marine life. Besides whales, the 180-minute cruise usually includes sightings of dolphins, sharks, African penguins and Cape fur seals.

Jet Boat in Table Bay, Cape town, South Africa

Waterfront Adventures also have a jet boat for a high-speed experience and for a shorter, quieter trip, their harbour cruise boat is ideal, taking visitors around the international docks and the old harbour for a one hour experience.
Dawn - harbour cruise boat in Cape Town, South Africa

The experience of heading out into Table Bay is wonderfully relaxing and something a visitor will never forget. While in Cape Town, visit the V&A Waterfront and enjoy the experience of a lifetime.

A video is included below, showing "Spirit of Victoria" out in Table Bay on a windy day, with cloud covering Table Mountain:

Photos courtesy Waterfront Adventures

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