Cape Town was voted the second best city in the world in 2024. It’s easy to see why. Cape Town has the mountains, the sea, an incredible foodie scene and award-winning wines. There are plenty of bucket list experiences most people come to Cape Town to tick off: Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope, seeing the penguins at Boulders and visiting the many blue-flag beaches. However, there are plenty of other incredible experiences on offer in Cape Town. Check out my top unique experiences in Cape Town for Adventure Seekers. Sea kayak with views of Table Mountain, cook with seaweed or snorkel with seals. Read on for 11 unique experiences in Cape Town.
Seal Snorkeling
Seal Snorkeling is the ultimate bucket list experience for adventure seekers in Cape Town. Seal Snorkeling gives you the unique opportunity to snorkel with Cape Fur Seals off the coast of Hout Bay. The boat ride will take you out to Duiker Island where there is a large colony of seals. Hopping into the water you’ll get to swim with the playful and friendly seals: Book Seal Snorkeling:
Sea Kayak with Atlantic Outlook
Atlantic Outlook Sea Kayaking is a personal favourite for me. I always recommend going bright and early as you’ll experience the beautiful calm of the morning out on the water. The sea kayaking tours are often treated to dolphin sightings and other unique sea creatures like the sunfish. The veiws of Table Mountain from the kayak are out of this world and it’s the perfect way to start the day in Cape Town before heading to the Oranjezicht Market for a coffee and brekkie: Sea Kayaking in Cape Town.
Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo Kaap
The Bo Kaap is a colourful neighbourhood in Cape Town steeped in culture and history. Home to the Cape Malay people, the Bo Kaap is the perfect spot to learn how to cook traditional Cape Malay food. With this experience you are invited into the home of a Bo Kaap local and spend the morning cooking up a delish meal from scratch. You’ll learn the perfect combination of spices for your curry, how to make the most buttery and flakey rotis and end off with a sweet koesister. Join this fun Cape Malay cooking class.
Champagne Cruise with Table Mountain Views
Table Mountain is on every traveller’s bucket list for their trip to Cape Town. Many opt to take the cable car up and down which provides incredible aeriel views of the city. Others hike up and down the mountain, check out these hiking guides if you are going to hike Table Mountain: Kasteelspoort Table Mountain Hike, Skeleton Gorge & Nursery Ravine Table Mountain Hike, or Constantia Nek Table Mountain Hike.
But if you are after the best views of Table Mountain then you HAVE to do a Catamaran Cruise in Table Bay. Not only will you have the BEST views in town of Table Mountain, but you’re very likely to see some dolphins while out on the ocean.
Tandem Paragliding in Cape Town
Paragliding in Cape Town is one of the best ways to see the city from above. It’s a great way to spend a day in Cape Town if you’re an adventure-seeker looking for a unique experience. Book this tandem paragliding experience.
Explore the Great African Sea Forest
The Cape Kelp Forests of Cape Town have been named as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. They offer an incredible unique experience. If you have your own gear then check out my blog on the all top freediving sites in Cape Town. If not, join this tour and be guided by a marine biologist.
Veld & Sea Foraging Workshops
Veld & Sea offer the most delightful foraging workshops. You can learn all about the Cape Intertidal zone and how to cook with seaweed at their Coastal Foraging Workshops, or eat the rainbow and make delicious floral infused dishes at the Spring Flower Workshops. All workshops are educational and interactive as you learn about nutritional and medicinal properties before cooking and eating the most delicious and flavourful dishes. Browse their upcoming seasonal events here.
Join a Cooking Experience at the Chef’s Studio
The Chef’s Studio in Bree Street offers interactive cooking classes. These classes are a great way to learn how to cook a new cuisine from the masterchefs themselves. We did the Greece cooking class and absolutely loved it!
Go on a Street Art Walking Tour
If you’re keen to check out the local street art scene in Cape Town then sign up for this incredible street art walking tour. It will take you through the neighbourhoods of Salt River and Woodstock. Grab a coffee from one of the local artisanal coffee roasters or stop by the Neighbourgood’s Old Biscuit Mill market afterwards.
Go Quad Biking at the Atlantis Dunes
If it’s adrenalin you’re okay why not check out this Quad Biking experience at the Atlantis Sand Dunes
Take a Helicopter Flight over Cape Town
Take your Cape Town sightseeing to new heights with a helicopter ride over the Mother City.
Planning a trip to Cape Town and need a place to stay?
For budget travellers check out Never at Home, Kloof Street. Book a stay at Gorgeous George for beautiful interiors and a funky rooftop bar. Or stay at or Kloof Street Hotel to be in the heart of the city.
Browse Booking.com for countless accommodation options:
