Any tourist who has done their homework knows that the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a sought after destination, offering exquisite views of the Atlantic Ocean and the overshadowing mountain ranges. And with its central location, numerous shops, outdoor entertainment, abundance of restaurants, and animated harbour atmosphere, it’s definitely worth a visit. Set in the Cape Town city bowl, it offers a rewarding nirvana, offsetting the stark skyscrapers and fast-forward drive of the city centre. The Waterfront features idyllic waterways with boats snaking their way leisurely along the canals, past exclusive architecture, and legendary people sunning themselves on their balconies.

CitySightseeing canal cruises now offer a chance to experience the Waterfront like never before, where you can drift through the canals of the rich and famous! The cruise stops at The One & Only, City Lodge, and the Harbour Bridge, before arriving at The Westin and the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The cruises can be enjoyed as a stand-alone trip, leaving every 20 minutes from one of the 4 well-signposted stops. Alternatively, you can incorporate it into your sightseeing route and get off at the CTICC to continue your explorations of the city centre.

As you cruise along the canals, you will admire the iconic views of Cape Town and learn about the luminaries who live in the expensive waterside apartments. Keep an eye out for well-known celebrities as the likes of Madonna, Ronaldo, Elton John, Tom Jones, David Beckham, Rihanna, Oprah, Lance Armstrong, and many other high rollers all own property here. Due to its high profile residents, the apartments can be sold for anywhere between R7 million and R75 million! Most of the inhabitants only stay here once or twice a year. In the meantime, the apartments are rented out on a hotel basis.

Underground tunnels lead from one side of the canal to the other, allowing hotel staff members to pass dirty dishes and laundry out of sight. Previously, the crossing was done by a small canal ferry – a replica of which is beached on shore. The water level of the canal is controlled using a lever that opens a lock gate every few days, allowing all sorts of marine animals to swim in and out. The canal can reach up to 3m deep in some places, allowing sea life like pyjama sharks and octopus to thrive. Water constantly trickles in through what looks like a mini waterfall, ensuring the water is always fresh and clean. As the new water seeps in, water runs back into the sea through the overflow system ensuring the water is kept at a regulated level.

More info:

• Average time spent: 34 minutes
• Address: City Sightseeing Kiosk, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
• Contact: +27 (0)21 511 6000, [email protected]
• Hours: 09h00 – 17h00 . Now available every 20 minutes!
• Cost: R30 for adults, R10 for children, and free for under 5 years
• Tickets are available online, on the boat, or at the ticket kiosk at the Two Oceans Aquarium.
• Commentary is available in 16 languages (English, Afrikaans, Arabic, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Zulu, and Kids Channel!)

Click here for more tours offered by CitySightseeing.

Have you done a canal cruise? If so, let us know how it was!