AFRICA · CATAMARAN & BOAT CRUISES

Top 15 Catamaran & Boat Cruises in Africa

33 tours  ·  from $7 a head

Good catamaran & boat cruises fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Trip w/ Lunch & Transfer - A spacious 42-foot catamaran
Boat Cruises in Mauritius, Catamaran & Boat Cruises, Cruises & Boat Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Mauritius, Tours in Trou dEau Douce

Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Trip w/ Lunch & Transfer

1.Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Trip w/ Lunch & Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,922 reviews · 7 hours · from $110Our pick

You’ll sail from Trou d’Eau Douce aboard a spacious 42-foot catamaran, with a speedboat visit to Grand River South East waterfall, a snorkeling stop, and time on Ile aux Cerfs. Expect a 3-course barbecue lunch, drinks, music, and hotel pickup. Crews may include Captain Billy, Chris, or other Freshverde Holidays guides.

“Collected by taxi from hotel at the agreed time then transferred to catamaran via motorboat. Once all passengers (27) boarded we set off. Fantastic views of Mauritius eastern coast and clear blue waters. Drinks (water, soft and alcoholic) and snacks were offered throughout the 6 hour trip with a fantastic BBQ lunch. It’ was fair to say lunch was the best I have ever had on this type of trip. We transferred to view the waterfalls in a smaller boat with views of monkeys thrilling my wife. We then sailed out to sea to snorkel, swim and relax. There were some fish but not many compared to other places we…”

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Mauritius: Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to the Northern Isles - The outward crossing can be wet and bumpy
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Mauritius: Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to the Northern Isles

2.Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to the Northern Isles

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,798 reviews · 8 hours · from $82

Join the Wind Dancer at Grand Baie Public Beach for an eight-hour cruise to Mauritius’ Northern Isles. After coffee and cake, you’ll visit Flat Island and Gabriel Island, enjoy a BBQ lunch with drinks, and snorkel near Coin de Mire. The English and French-speaking crew supplies equipment, but bring a towel, sunscreen, and motion-sickness tablets if needed.

“What an amazing day! First off I would like to say a massive thank you to the captain and crew you made the day really special. The catamaran was great not too overcrowded but a good sized group. The stops at the snorkelling spot and island were both amazing and the food the crew cooked was great. Crew also managed to catch a massive yellow fin tuna on the way back to port which was awesome. Me and my partner loved this trip and would definitely go again. However I would definitely bring a light waterproof coat for next time as a couple waves did create quite the splash.”

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Walvis Bay: Marine Big 5 Luxury Catamaran Tour - Crossing the Bay Toward Pelican Point
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Walvis Bay: Marine Big 5 Luxury Catamaran Tour

3.Marine Big 5 Luxury Catamaran Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,012 reviews · 3h 30m · from $76Top rated

Join guides such as Bertie, Steven, or Raymond for a 210-minute catamaran cruise from Walvis Bay Waterfront. Watch for dolphins, whales, sunfish, turtles, seals, and pelicans, then enjoy oysters, sparkling wine, snacks, beer, and soft drinks aboard. The tour runs in English, Afrikaans, or German and is wheelchair accessible.

“Great staff, great sightings, great variety of food & drink offered. Was way beyond my expectations. Every piece of communication we received said to arrive at 8:10 for a 8:30 departure, however when we arrived at 8:10, we were told it was a 8:45 arrival for a 9:00 departure.”

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Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch - Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce
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Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

4.Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 925 reviews · 6 hours · from $64

Set out from Trou d’Eau Douce on a six-hour catamaran cruise with English or French crew. Visit Grand River South East Waterfall, swim and snorkel, eat a halal BBQ lunch with local drinks, then relax on Ile aux Cerfs. Hotel pickup is optional, and crew members such as Yona and Cedric are known for warm, attentive service.

“Really loved this boat trip! Our taxi Pickup was early and really lovely, the boat crew were really nice and very funny - always looking to be helpful and provide drinks and food. The food itself was really good, really tasty bbq food. Think the trip was good value for money, lots of time on the catamaran, lots of time snorkelling with the fish, really happy!”

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Grand Baie: Catamaran 3 Islands Cruise & Lunch on the Island - Sailing through changing shades of blue
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Grand Baie: Catamaran 3 Islands Cruise & Lunch on the Island

5.Grand Baie: Catamaran 3 Islands Cruise & Lunch on the Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 918 reviews · 7 hours · from $70

Spend seven hours sailing from Grand Baie to three northern islands. Visit Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate by dinghy, eat a BBQ lunch on the beach, snorkel in shallow water, and cruise past Coin de Mire. The English and French crew provide drinks, transfers, music, and help throughout the day.

“Would very much recommend these guys for your trip Extremely friendly and kind fantastic beaches swimming with turtles etc Oh and the food they serve on the beach was amazing A must do while on holiday in Mauritius Mel & Trish”

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Sharm El-Sheikh: Seascope Submarine boat cruise with pickup - Waiting at the Marina Before Boarding
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Sharm El-Sheikh: Seascope Submarine boat cruise with pickup

6.Seascope Submarine boat cruise with pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 813 reviews · 1h 30m · from $36

Ride from your Sharm El-Sheikh hotel to the marina, then cruise to a Red Sea reef aboard the Seascope semi-submarine. Sit behind wide glass windows roughly 3 to 4 meters below the surface for about 45 minutes of fish and coral viewing. English-speaking guides such as Karim, Ali, Hossam, and Mahmoud help make the outing easy, especially for families and non-swimmers.

“got picked up in a lovely air conditioned van from a guide that spoke very good English. once you arrive at the marina you have ~10 mins to get food, drink and look around the stalls at your leisure. in the boat is Greta and it doesn't matter which side you sit on as the boat turns about. the view is spectacular and is a must for all travellers!”

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Cape Town: Sunset Cruise from V&A Waterfront with Bubbly - Table Bay and the first Cape Town views
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Cape Town: Sunset Cruise from V&A Waterfront with Bubbly

7.Sunset Cruise from V&A Waterfront with Bubbly

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 777 reviews · 1h 30m · from $38

Set out from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront aboard a 58-foot gaff-rigged schooner with red-brown sails. During this 90-minute evening cruise, you’ll pass Table Bay, Milnerton lighthouse, and Granger Bay beneath Table Mountain. Two glasses of sparkling wine are included, with blankets available when the wind turns cool.

“Fun trip around the bay as the sun set. Spotted seals too. Great group of people, not crowded and the bubbles were flowing. Great team”

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Cape Town: Scenic 1-Hour Coastal Catamaran Cruise - Weather, spray, and the question of comfort
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Cape Town: Scenic 1-Hour Coastal Catamaran Cruise

8.Scenic 1-Hour Coastal Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 777 reviews · 1 hour · from $25

Join Waterfront Charters at Quay 5 for a one-hour power-catamaran ride along Cape Town’s Atlantic coast. You’ll pass the V&A Waterfront, head toward Green Point Lighthouse, and return with Table Mountain views, a cash bar, music, and possible sightings of seals, dolphins, penguins, whales, or sunfish. Some guides, including Charlie and Rock, are praised for their warm, lively service.

“The best activity I’ve done for the entire year, it was breathtaking, the crew was super friendly, I highly recommend. The views were amazing 10/10”

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Cape Town: 1.5-Hour Luxury Sunset Cruise with Prosecco - Sailing toward Table Bay and Table Mountain
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Cape Town: 1.5-Hour Luxury Sunset Cruise with Prosecco

9.1.5-Hour Luxury Sunset Cruise with Prosecco

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 668 reviews · 1h 30m · from $57

Sail from the V&A Waterfront toward Table Bay on a 90-minute catamaran cruise timed for sunset. You’ll see Table Mountain from the water, enjoy two glasses of local sparkling wine, and may spot dolphins, whales, penguins, seals, or sunfish. The mood can range from relaxed to lively, with music and a friendly English-speaking crew.

“Be aware that the bay can be quite choppy and the swell makes the boat rock a lot. If you are not a good sailor this needs to be considered before booking this very enjoyable trip.”

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Durban: 30-Minute Harbor Boat Cruise - What you see during the 30-minute route
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Durban: 30-Minute Harbor Boat Cruise

10.30-Minute Harbor Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 665 reviews · 30 min · from $7

Cruise Durban Harbor for 30 minutes with an English-speaking skipper who explains the port, ships, cargo, and tugboats. You may pass Maydon Wharf or the container terminal, with coastal views possible in good weather. Bring sunscreen, binoculars, and your own drinks. Children under 12 receive life jackets.

“Awesome experience couldn't ask for more. customer service exceeded my expectations”

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Cape Town: Sunset Catamaran Cruise on Table Bay with Bubbles - Leaving from Quay 5 at the V&A Waterfront
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Cape Town: Sunset Catamaran Cruise on Table Bay with Bubbles

11.Sunset Catamaran Cruise on Table Bay with Bubbles

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 591 reviews · 1h 30m · from $40

Sail from the V&A Waterfront aboard a 39-foot catamaran, passing Milnerton Lighthouse and Granger Bay before settling into Table Bay for sunset. You get two glasses of sparkling wine, music, city views, and a chance to spot dolphins, seals, penguins, or whales. Captain Fanie and crew members such as Dylan and Steven have been praised for keeping the mood lively.

“We loved this sunset cruise! We had fun, didn’t mind the music (it wasn’t too loud), and enjoyed the bubbles. We did have a lovely sunset and were rewarded by a whale that joined us for the cruise! Amazing to see. Thanks to the team for being great hosts.”

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Durban: 1-Hour Boat Cruise from Wilson's Wharf - Starting at Wilson’s Wharf
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Durban: 1-Hour Boat Cruise from Wilson’s Wharf

12.1-Hour Boat Cruise from Wilson’s Wharf

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 496 reviews · 1 hour · from $11

From Wilson’s Wharf, you’ll cruise Durban’s working harbor and shoreline for one hour with an experienced crew, music, and live commentary in English, Afrikaans, or Zulu. Expect ship traffic, beachfront views, skyline photos, and possible ocean spray. Boats vary, and rough seas may keep the trip inside the harbor.

“it was very good, it was the first time for my wife riding on a boat, and she enjoyed it. also the guide is so much well informed and clued up about the harbor.”

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Sal: All-Inclusive Half-Day Lounge Catamaran Cruise - The Sodade catamaran and the crew
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Sal: All-Inclusive Half-Day Lounge Catamaran Cruise

13.All-Inclusive Half-Day Lounge Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 486 reviews · 4 hours · from $81

Spend four hours aboard the Lounge Catamaran Sodade, cruising Sal’s west coast with a multilingual guide and lively crew. Swim near Lion Mountain, snorkel, try fishing, relax on lounge beds, and enjoy snacks, unlimited beer and soft drinks, and African music. Choose a family sailing or adults-only departure.

“Really enjoyed the swim and also the entertainment on the way back.”

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Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to Île aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch - Snorkeling before Île aux Cerfs
Boat Cruises in Mauritius, Catamaran & Boat Cruises, Cruises & Boat Tours, Full-Day, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Chamarel, Tours in Mauritius

Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to Île aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

14.Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to Île aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 455 reviews · from $81

Sail from Pointe Jerome to Île aux Cerfs on a catamaran limited to 31 people. You’ll stop to snorkel, look for dolphins, eat a BBQ lunch with unlimited drinks, and spend about two hours on the island. Crew members including Rudi, Rowan, Scott, and Miguel have been praised for friendly service and practical help.

“Rudi and his team were fantastic! A great boat trip. Ile aux cerfs was a bit ‘basic’ but thoroughly enjoyed the day overall”

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Knysna: 75-Minute Lagoon Boat Cruise - Crossing the Knysna Estuary on the Oyster Boat
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Knysna: 75-Minute Lagoon Boat Cruise

15.75-Minute Lagoon Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 445 reviews · 1h 15m · from $31

Meet your English-speaking guide at Heads Up Coffee & Co on Thesen Island for a 75-minute cruise aboard the Oyster Boat. You’ll glide across Knysna’s estuary toward the Heads, hear local stories about the town and lagoon, and spot birds and marine life. Guides such as Justin, Bryan, Jake, and Kyle are known for making the trip friendly and informative.

“Our guide was so knowledgeable, very patient and kind, since we had a senior person with us. The scenery was amazingas it was quite a beautiful sunny day, even had the pleaser of seeing a sealion. Thanks again to our guide!”

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New in Catamaran & Boat Cruises

★ 4.6Sister, Coco, and Felicite Island: Seychelles Catamaran TourFrom $166121 reviews
★ 4.3Sal Island All-inclusive Adults-only CatamaranFrom $81163 reviews
★ 4.6Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs with BBQ LunchFrom $111106 reviews
★ 4.7Wine & Oyster Luxury Lounger Sunset CruiseFrom $46133 reviews
★ 4.8Knysna Lagoon: Boat Cruise with Oyster & White Wine TastingFrom $4693 reviews
★ 4.8Luxury Sunset Cruise with Captain’s BarbequeFrom $111114 reviews
★ 4.5Ilot Gabriel: Catamaran Cruise & BBQ LunchFrom $69139 reviews
★ 4.7Hoedspruit: Blyde River Canyon Dam Boat CruiseFrom $26196 reviews
★ 3.9Hartbeespoort Dam: The Luxury Alba Boat Cruise with FoodFrom $5281 reviews
★ 4.0Hartbeespoort Dam: 1 Hour Standard Scenic Boat CruiseFrom $21147 reviews
★ 4.8Catamaran Mauritius: South East 5 Islands Catamaran CruisesFrom $8290 reviews
★ 5.0Knysna Boat Cruise aboard CoquetteFrom $28152 reviews

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