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Cape Point & the Cape Peninsular

  • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Last updated: 12 July, 2024

Treacherous seas, sandy coves and sheer cliffs characterise Cape Point, located at the tip of the Cape Peninsula, 60km southwest of Cape Town.

The 7,750-hectare Cape Point nature reserve, which falls within the Table Mountain National Park, makes a great day trip for nature lovers, with its fynbos (the smallest yet richest of the world’s six floral kingdoms), antelope, baboons, Cape Mountain zebras and Cape clawless otters. But note, contrary to popular belief, it’s not the place where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet – that’s Cape Agulhas, 150Km to the east.

The drive there is lovely, and the penguin colony at Boulders Beach is conveniently on the way and often included as a stop on a Cape Peninsular tour. It’s a rare spot to see wild penguins in their natural habitat.

Be sure to climb up Cape Point’s lighthouse, 286m above sea level, for spectacular ocean views. To reach the lighthouse, walk or take the ‘Flying Dutchman’ – a funicular named after a ghostly ship that is said to sail around the point.

Logistics

Price from: £16
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Hire a car and take a slow, scenic day-trip to Cape Point Nature Reserve, heading through the southern suburbs and along the False Bay coastline, perhaps stopping at one of the chic cafés in Kalk Bay or Simonstown for breakfast.

Entry to Cape Point includes a map marking walking trails, beaches and places of historical interest.

After, drive back to Cape Town via Scarborough, Noordhoek, Chapman’s Peak, Hout Bay and Camps Bay, stopping for sundowners or whale watching along the way (Southern Right whales can be seen from June to September).

When to do it

It’s open all year round, seven days a week. It’s best anytime in summer or on a clear, calm winter’s day. It’s also a popular destination for tourists in summer, while locals favour public holidays and weekends. Go early in the day to avoid the crowds.

Weather conditions can be severe, with strong winds and high temperatures. Check the daily forecast on the website before setting out.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Cape Town

Choose to pre-pay the Cape Point Entry fee now or pay on the day! (Pay on the day is suitable for South African's with photo ID to claim their discounted entry price) Enjoy a live-guided day excursion to visit the Penguins at Boulders Beach, Cape Point (the romantic meeting place of the mighty Atlantic and Indian oceans) and the Cape of Good Hope. This tour offers you over 1 hour at the penguin beach, over 2 hours at Cape Point to fully explore this gem and Unesco Heritage site and another 30 minutes at the Cape of Good Hope. Lunch can be enjoyed along the way (at your own expense). You can also choose to join the optional, guided hike from Cape Point to the Cape of Good Hope (approx 40 minutes, requires medium fitness & good walking shoes). After a day spent exploring, sit back in your seat and enjoy the coastal drive back to Cape Town via Scarborough and Kommetjie, with spectacular views from the Ou Kaapse Weg mountain pass. Free WIFI and USB charging stations at your seat. 

Price ZAR 595

Min age 2

Rating 4.86 / 5 [2996 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Cape Town

Maximise your time in Cape Town with our one-day Scheduled Tour, featuring all the must-see highlights: Table Mountain, Boulder's Penguins, and the Cape of Good Hope. A visit to Cape Town is incomplete without experiencing the iconic Cape of Good Hope—just as Paris isn't Paris without the Eiffel Tower. On this unforgettable tour, you will: - Enjoy a brief drive through the vibrant city centre - Snap a photo at the picturesque Bo-Kaap with its colourful houses - Ride the Cable Car to the stunning summit of Table Mountain - Drive along the breathtaking Chapman's Peak - Visit the adorable African penguin colony at Boulder's Beach - Capture a memorable photo at the Cape of Good Hope and explore the Cape Point lighthouse - Marvel at the charming beach huts at St. James Beach Book now for an unforgettable Cape Town adventure!

Price ZAR 1,450

Min age 2

Rating 4.73 / 5 [1739 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Cape Town

Discover the beauty of the Cape Peninsula on an exhilarating full‐day tour that blends adventure with nature. Travel along scenic coastal roads, stopping at landmarks and hidden gems that reveal the region’s charm. Begin in Hout Bay, where you can explore the vibrant harbor or take a boat trip to Seal Island to see seals at play. Then, visit Boulders Beach, famed for its charming penguin colony, offering an intimate glimpse of these delightful birds as they waddle along the shore and swim in clear waters. Continue on the dramatic Chapman’s Peak Drive, celebrated for sweeping ocean views and great photo opportunities. Next, visit the Cape of Good Hope, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Wander along rugged cliffs, breathe in crisp sea air, and finally arrive at Cape Point, where panoramic vistas await. Encounter diverse wildlife including baboons, ostriches, and seabirds along the way. Book now and join us on this unforgettable day trip to experience Cape Town’s magic!

Price $49

Min age 0

Rating 4.92 / 5 [957 ratings]

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  • Cape Town

Join us on a Full Day Cape Peninsula Private Tour to the Cape of Good Hope/Cape Point, Chapmans Peak, Seal Island and Boulder's Penguins Colony, affording you the opportunity to see all the key sightseeing attractions that Cape Town has to offer. On this tour, guests will have the option to customise the tour to suit their requirements as they will have their own personal tour guide in a private vehicle with personal guided interaction. Highlights that can be experienced on this tour include the Bo-Kaap, Atlantic Seaboard, Hout Bay (the Gateway to Seal Island), Chapman's Peak Drive, Cape Point Vineyard, Boulder's Penguins colony, Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point and Muizenberg. This is one of the best ways to see some of the major highlights Cape Town has to offer in a customisable private tour.

Price ZAR 2,080

Min age 2

Rating 4.87 / 5 [630 ratings]

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  • Cape Town

Explore the Cape Peninsula sightseeing in a full-day trip from Cape Town. Enjoy the boat trip to the seal colony. Observe a community of penguins at Boulders Beach. Visit the southwestern-most point on the African continent at the Cape of Good Hope. Witness the meeting of the two oceans current at Cape point. See the beautiful Victorian architecture buildings with lunch option at Simons Tow Harbour. Stop to see the colorful houses of Bo-kaap.

Price ZAR 750

Min age 1

Rating 4.95 / 5 [402 ratings]

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