Sailing in and near Cape Town

Drum Africa

We have some of the most exciting ocean waters to either learn how to sail in or to simply take in the pleasure that sailing has to offer.Join us for a sail on Hobie Cat in the bay of Fish Hoek. ... more

South Africa is a wonderful place to go sailing with your family. With thousands of kilometres of coastline and boat charters operating out of most of the major coastal cities, there is plenty of opportunity to take to the seas and really get away from it all.

As the Mother City is renowned for her strong winds, sailing in Cape Town provides a welcome challenge for even the most seasoned of sailors. Charter companies will gladly rent out boats, and sailing schools operate to teach you the basics or to brush up on your skills. Once you have your boat, you had better know your stuff as the south-easterly summer winds known as "The Cape Doctor" can really whip up the ocean!

Sailing in Durban, the watersports hotspot of the East African coast, visitors have access to a variety of yacht clubs that offer temporary memberships. Those looking for a more relaxing sailing trip will do well to align themselves with Ocean Spice. This sailing establishment offers everything from sunset cruises around Durban Bay, to adventure sailing trips to the tropical waters of Mozambique. Snorkeling and scuba diving excursions are also catered for.

As one of the few vessels that can sail through the treacherous Knysna Heads unharmed, sailboats are popular in the lagoon at Knysna. Situated on the Cape's much heralded Garden Route, Knysna Lagoon, aside from being a water sport haven, is also a natural estuary providing valuable nutrients to the ecology of the coastline. Nor fortunate enough to have your own vessel yet? Not to worry, join The Featherbed Company for a spot of sailing in Knysna. This establishment facilitates exclusive sailing trips around the lagoon and through the Heads into the tropical climes of the Indian Ocean. So hop aboard, and experience these fertile waters as the sailor of yesteryear did, you might even spot a dolphin or two!

Those looking to do some sailing in Langebaan will stumble upon another splendid lagoon that lies sheltered along the South African coast. Charters can be organised and the whole family will be entertained as kayaking, snorkelling and kitesurfing are all catered for. When sailing in Port Elizabeth, visitors have access to all the wonders of Algoa Bay, a location renowned in all sailing circles. Prevailing wind directions include the off-shore South Westerly that makes for calm and flat waters and the South Easterly that provides more challenging seas.