Framed by the flat-topped silhouette of Table Mountain and fronted by one of the world's most beautiful natural harbours, Cape Town delivers bucket-list scenery the moment your ship ties up at the V&A Waterfront.
Cape Town ships dock at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal (E-Berth, Duncan Dock), right next to the V&A Waterfront — one of Africa's best harbour precincts with shops, restaurants, and tour desks within a short walk.
💡 Pro move: Cape Town is a large, spread-out city. Allow 20-30 minutes Uber time to reach outlying areas like Hout Bay or Boulders Beach.
All cruise ships dock at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal (E-Berth, Duncan Dock) in the Port of Cape Town, directly adjacent to the V&A Waterfront — no tender required.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| All cruise lines | Cape Town Cruise Terminal — E-Berth, Duncan Dock (adjacent to the V&A Waterfront)📍 | Docked |
Cape Town packs world-class nature, history, and food into one port call — the challenge is choosing between Table Mountain, penguins, wine, and a sobering trip to Robben Island.
Ride the revolving cable car to the 1,086 m summit for sweeping views over the Cape Peninsula, harbour, and Robben Island. Allow 2-3 hours including queuing.
Find Table Mountain tours →Board the ferry from the V&A Waterfront for a guided tour of the island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Tours are led by former political prisoners.
Book Robben Island tickets →Drive 45 minutes to Simon's Town to walk among a colony of African penguins on a sheltered beach. One of the most accessible penguin encounters in the world.
Find Cape Peninsula tours →Journey to the dramatic tip of the Cape Peninsula — sheer cliffs, wild ocean, and the famous Cape Point lighthouse. Often combined with Boulders Beach and Chapman's Peak.
Find Cape Point tours →Head 40 minutes inland to the Cape Winelands for estate tastings, award-winning restaurants, and mountain scenery. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are the main hubs.
Find Winelands tours →Hike the well-marked Platteklip Gorge trail to the summit (2-2.5 hrs up), then cable car down. A classic Cape Town bucket-list experience for fit walkers.
Find hiking tours →The V&A Waterfront and Green Point areas are safe, walkable, and packed with things to see — a great way to enjoy Cape Town close to the ship.
Explore the working harbour directly from the terminal. Walk past the Clock Tower precinct, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Nobel Square (statues of South Africa's Nobel Peace Prize winners), and the vibrant food market halls.
Uber or walk to Green Point and follow the paved Sea Point Promenade along the Atlantic Ocean. Pass Green Point Park, public tidal pools, and busy beach cafes. Return by Uber.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 78°F / 26°C | 64°F / 18°C | 4 | 5:51 AM | 7:59 PM |
| Feb | 78°F / 26°C | 64°F / 18°C | 2 | 6:21 AM | 7:38 PM |
| Mar | 75°F / 24°C | 61°F / 16°C | 4 | 6:45 AM | 7:03 PM |
| Apr | 72°F / 22°C | 58°F / 14°C | 5 | 7:09 AM | 6:22 PM |
| May | 67°F / 19°C | 54°F / 12°C | 8 | 7:31 AM | 5:53 PM |
| Jun | 63°F / 17°C | 51°F / 11°C | 12 | 7:49 AM | 5:43 PM |
| Jul | 62°F / 17°C | 49°F / 9°C | 9 | 7:49 AM | 5:55 PM |
| Aug | 62°F / 17°C | 50°F / 10°C | 10 | 7:25 AM | 6:16 PM |
| Sep | 64°F / 18°C | 52°F / 11°C | 8 | 6:45 AM | 6:37 PM |
| Oct | 70°F / 21°C | 56°F / 13°C | 6 | 6:04 AM | 6:59 PM |
| Nov | 72°F / 22°C | 58°F / 14°C | 5 | 5:34 AM | 7:27 PM |
| Dec | 75°F / 24°C | 61°F / 16°C | 4 | 5:29 AM | 7:53 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
1-day classic pass ~$21; 2-day premium ~$31 (includes harbour/canal cruise). Red bus stop at V&A Waterfront, a short walk from terminal.
Metered taxis available at the cruise terminal. Short 15-minute ride to the city center or V&A Waterfront. Agree on fare or insist on the meter before departing.
Both Uber and Bolt are active in Cape Town and typically cheaper than street taxis. Good app coverage near the terminal.
The V&A Waterfront — with shops, restaurants, and harbour cruises — is a 10–15 minute walk from the cruise terminal. City Bowl is slightly farther.
Cape Town's BRT bus network covers key routes including the Waterfront and city center. Requires a myconnect card; tourist day passes available at kiosks.
Upcoming cruises that call at Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.