Adrenaline-pumping things to do these holidays!

Water-biking in the sea

These state-of-the-art water bikes make "walking on water" as easy as pie. All you need to do is take a seat and pedal away, exactly like you would on a normal bicycle. It's the best way to view marine life, including Cape fur seals, penguins (and even whales in season), as well as the picturesque scenery of False Bay. Water bikes are super-stable and don't require fuel making them an eco-friendly and quiet way to cruise the ocean. The crew are close by, on a nearby guide boat, to guide you from Simon's Town pier, past the naval base and towards Boulders Beach, or down the coastline towards Glencairn. The standard tour is one hour, but 30-minute and two-hour tours can be arranged.

Good to know: Minimum age is 13 years, and teens must be accompanied by an adult. 

The minimum height (to reach the pedals) is 1.5 metres tall, and the maximum weight is 110kg.

Times Daily, 7.30am - 1.30pm (one-hour tours)

Cost R490 (1 hour)

Where to find it: Jetty at 1 Wharf Street, Simon's Town, Cape Town

 

Kayak along the Atlantic Seaboard

Paddling on the open ocean evokes a sense of freedom and adventure. This two-hour guided kayaking trip departs from Three Anchor Bay beach below the Sea Point Promenade and ventures along the Sea Point coastline to Bantry Bay or, in the other direction, into Table Bay and towards the V&A Waterfront - depending on the weather and your preference. You'll cruise past shipwrecks and dolphins, perhaps encountering penguins, seals and sunfish. Plus, you'll get to see what the city and its glorious mountains look like from the sea. The Sunset Adventure adds the magnificent skyscapes of sundowner time.

Good to know: Minimum age is 6 years old

Maximum weight is 120kg, and "average" fitness levels are required (no previous paddling experience needed).

Times Daily, 7am; 9.30am; 5.30pm

Cost R500 (2 hours)

Where to find it: 179 Beach Road, Three Anchor Bay, Cape Town 

 

Cruise the coast on a Fliteboard

It's a little like surfing, but more hi-tech... and might we add less strenuous. Electric hydrofoils are basically surfboards with an electric propeller attached to a large fin underneath, that allows a foiler to ride above the water - or "fly" (to use the lingo). It takes about an hour-and-a-half to learn the ropes - you'll be supplied with a wetsuit, helmet and life vest, and after a short intro and safety briefing, head into the water for your lesson with the pro. Before you know it, you'll be standing up, cruising and carving above the ocean on your emission-free Fliteboard. Once you know what you're doing, you can take two-hour guided tours of the coastline.

Good to know: The minimum age is 12

Maximum weight: 100kg, and you don't need to be especially fit or athletic.

Times Daily, 8am - 4.45pm

Cost R500 (30 minutes); R1 000 (1 hour); R1 500 (1.5 hours)

Where to find it: Hout Bay, Simon's Town or V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Coasteering in False Bay

If sunning yourself on the beach or wading on the shore is a little tame for your tastes, how about a pirate-style seaside adventure? You'll make your way along a section of the False Bay coastline, swimming, snorkelling, rock-scrambling and jumping off boulders into the water - all while getting up close to the marine life (and a few penguins) in the wilder sections of the bay. Think kloofing or canyoning, but in an ocean environment. All fitness and skill levels are welcome, as you're accompanied by a guide and equipped with a PFD (personal flotation device) and helmet. A wetsuit and booties can be rented.

Good to know: Minimum age is 8 years, and there is a 10% discount for under-18s. 

Times: Daily, 9am - 11am (2-hour trip)

Cost: R550 per person (8 - 16 people); R650 per person (2 - 7 people)

R100 (optional wetsuit hire)

Where to find it: Windmill Beach, Simon's Town 

 

Abseil down Table Mountain

The views from the summit of Cape Town's iconic landmark are spectacular enough; just imagine what you'll see as you rope your way down the side of Table Mountain. At 1 067 metres above sea level, this is the world's highest commercial abseil, and it makes for an exhilarating experience as you are lowered into the vortex, the vast blue ocean stretching out before you, and Camps Bay, Lion's Head and the Twelve Apostles forming a panorama of splendour. The adrenaline-pumping outing includes a safety demo, harnessing up, your 112-metre abseil down the side of a sheer cliff and a pleasant hike afterwards to get back to the top of the mountain.

Good to know: The cable car cost is not included in the price. 

Minimum age: 10 years and maximum weight is 120kg.

Times Daily, 9am and 2pm

Contact 021 065 0301 or 082 745 0791, res@waterfrontadventures.co.za

Where to find it: Meet on top of Table Mountain, next to the big wheel with cables.

Source: https://insideguide.co.za/cape-town/to-do/

Photo by Ralph (Ravi) Kayden on Unsplash