Outdoor activities

Cape Town is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you want to see the city from above on a helicopter flight, feel the adrenaline with paragliding or quad biking in the dunes, or prefer to relax with an outdoor cinema: it's all possible here. In Cape Town, there is something special to experience for everyone.

Tip: The weather can change quickly in Cape Town and many activities are weather dependent, so be prepared if you're planning an outdoor activity here. Check out Get Your Guide for many more activities available around Cape Town!

Helicopter-
flight

This was by far the literal highlight of our stay in Cape Town! It felt almost surreal to see Cape Town from this perspective. If you can afford it, this is an experience you should definitely add to your bucket list.

Perfect for: Adventurous travellers, special occasions

Where to book:
There are several companies that offer helicopter flights, all departing from the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Some popular companies include:

Cape Town Helicopters: This is one of the best-known companies in Cape Town.
NAC Helicopters: Another reliable company that offers a range of flights, from short flights to extended tours.

Cost:
Yes, it’s a bit of an investment, but in my opinion it’s worth it. Prices for a helicopter flight vary depending on the duration of the flight and the type of tour you choose:

Short flight (approximately 12 minutes): Between R1,500 and R2,000 per person.
Long flight (approximately 30-45 minutes): Between R3,000 and R4,500 per person. This gives you the chance to see the Cape Peninsula, Cape Point, and Robben Island from above.

We had the shorter flight, and it was more than fine for us.

What to expect:

Views: The views are incredible! From above you can see Table Mountain as a giant table, the blue of the ocean stretching out to the horizon, and the famous beaches of Cape Town. Robben Island, which is a bit further from the coast, is also clearly visible.
Comfort: The helicopters are very comfortable, and you get a headset so you can talk to the pilot so you don’t miss any of the explanations.
Safety: Safety is of course a top priority and before you leave you will receive a short briefing on safety in the helicopter.

Paragliding from Lion's Head

Want to see the city from the air? Then paragliding from Lion's Head is an absolute must! The experience of floating above Cape Town, with views of Table Mountain and the ocean, is truly breathtaking. The flight is peaceful and you have spectacular views of the city and coastline. You can book a tandem flight with an experienced instructor. It is definitely one of the most popular outdoor activities in Cape Town!

Perfect for: Adrenaline, views, adventure.

Where to book:

Skywings Paragliding Cape Town: one of the top rated providers.
The Tandem Flight Co: This is another reliable provider of paragliding in Cape Town.

Cost:
The cost of a tandem flight varies, but you can expect to pay around R1,500 - R1,800 per person. Prices depend on the provider and the duration of the flight, but most flights last between 15 and 30 minutes. Some providers also offer a GoPro video of your flight, which you can add for an additional fee.

Tips:
It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season, as flights can fill up quickly. Flights are weather dependent, so they may be cancelled in bad weather. Make sure you are flexible with your planning.

Kayaking with marine wildlife

Kayaking with marine wildlife (dolphins, seals, whales) is a unique experience during your visit to Cape Town! V&A Waterfront is the place to experience this fantastic activity. As you paddle gently across the water, you will come close to a seal colony that nestles on the rocks. It is a great way to experience Cape Town’s nature up close, while observing animals in their natural habitat.

Perfect for: Animal lovers, adventurers, water.

Where to book:

There are several companies that offer this experience, but we chose Atlantic Outlook.

Cost:

Price: The cost of a kayak tour varies, but you can expect to pay between R600 and R800 per person, depending on the provider and the length of the tour. The price often includes equipment such as a kayak, paddles and a life jacket.
Children: Minimum age is 7 years.

Tour Duration:

Kayaking tours usually last about 1.5 to 2 hours. The guides will provide you with information about the area and the animals, making it an educational experience.

Tips:

Weather: Kayaking is best enjoyed in calm weather, so it’s a good idea to check the weather conditions in advance. Tours are often cancelled in strong winds or stormy weather.
Clothing: Wear comfortable, waterproof clothing and shoes that can get wet. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat, as you’ll be out in the sun for a while.
Seasickness: You wouldn’t expect it in a kayak, but the waves on the sea can still make you very seasick (I’m speaking from experience, unfortunately). Take a motion sickness pill just to be safe.

Outdoor cinema

Looking for a fun date night or a cozy evening with the family? Then go to an outdoor cinema! You can watch movies in the open air with Table Mountain in the background. We have only been to The Galileo Open Air Cinema in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, but they have multiple locations. Keep in mind that they often show classics or family movies, so it's all about the romantic experience and the nice setting.

Cost: An entrance ticket costs R145 per person, but you can upgrade this to include a back support and a blanket.

Quad biking in the dunes

One for our personal bucket list that we haven’t done yet: quad biking in the sand dunes. In the dunes of Atlantis, just outside Cape Town, you can! Hop in a quad bike or jump on the back of a sandboard and let yourself be carried away by the rugged terrain of this breathtaking nature reserve. As you tear over the dunes, enjoy the unique views of the ocean and Table Mountain in the distance.

Where to book:

WildX Adventures or Breathless Nomad are popular providers.
Cost: R500 – R1,200, depending on the activity and duration.

Tip:
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and comfortable clothing – you’ll find sand in places you don’t expect!