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