Hout Bay Harbour Cape Town
A bustling harbour offering boat excursions to Seal Island, a vibrant weekend market with crafts and food, and scenic waterfront views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Market buzz and fresh sea air
Hout Bay Harbour Cape Town
Best Time
Market buzz and fresh sea air

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling harbour offering boat excursions to Seal Island, a vibrant weekend market with crafts and food, and scenic waterfront views.
"The Hout Bay Market is a must-visit for crafts and food, especially on weekends."
🚢 Boat Trip to Seal Island
Don't miss the boat cruise to Duiker Island to see thousands of seals! Book tickets at the harbour.
🛍️ Explore Hout Bay Market
The market is a must-visit for crafts and food, especially on weekends.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Seal Island Boat Cruise
Hout Bay Harbour
Witness thousands of Cape fur seals on Duiker Island. A thrilling boat trip with stunning coastal views.

Hout Bay Market
Hout Bay Harbour
A vibrant weekend market with local crafts, delicious food, and live music. Perfect for souvenirs and a taste of local life.

Mariner's Wharf
Hout Bay Harbour
Explore this waterfront emporium for unique gifts, souvenirs, and fresh seafood with harbor views.
Planning Your Visit
Harbour Vibes & Market Delights
Getting Around Hout Bay
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Boat Trip to Seal Island
Don't miss the boat cruise to Duiker Island to see thousands of seals! Book tickets at the harbour.
🛍️ Explore Hout Bay Market
The market is a must-visit for crafts and food, especially on weekends.
🚗 Car Rental Recommended
Rent a car for flexibility to explore nearby areas like Noordhoek and Constantia.
🔌 Beware of Load Shedding
Be aware of potential power outages (load shedding) when planning your day.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Boat Trip to Seal Island
Don't miss the boat cruise to Duiker Island to see thousands of seals! Book tickets at the harbour.
🛍️ Explore Hout Bay Market
The market is a must-visit for crafts and food, especially on weekends.
🚗 Car Rental Recommended
Rent a car for flexibility to explore nearby areas like Noordhoek and Constantia.
🔌 Beware of Load Shedding
Be aware of potential power outages (load shedding) when planning your day.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the harbour and market.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hout Bay Harbour is praised for its lively market, exciting Seal Island boat trips, and picturesque waterfront setting. Visitors enjoy the fresh seafood and local crafts. Some find parking challenging during peak times, and the weather can be unpredictable.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a MyCiti bus, which is a cost-effective option, especially during off-peak hours. Alternatively, renting a car provides more flexibility for exploring the scenic route and nearby attractions. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available.
Parking is generally available at the harbour, but it can get busy, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season. Arriving early is recommended.
Yes, the MyCiti bus service connects Cape Town city centre and the V&A Waterfront to Hout Bay. It's a good option for budget travelers.
For exploring the Cape Winelands or other nearby spots, renting a car is highly recommended. For closer attractions, ride-sharing services or taxis are convenient.
The harbour area is generally flat and accessible, but some market stalls or boat boarding areas might have uneven surfaces. It's advisable to check specific accessibility for boat tours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Hout Bay Harbour itself is generally free. However, specific boat excursions, like the Seal Island cruise, will require tickets.
Prices for the Seal Island boat trip can vary, but typically range from R200-R300 per person. It's best to check current prices at the harbour ticket offices.
No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Hout Bay Market. You only pay for any food, drinks, or crafts you wish to purchase.
Yes, booking boat tours in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
Mariner's Wharf typically operates during standard retail hours, but it's advisable to check their specific opening times online or by calling ahead.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can take a boat cruise to Seal Island, explore the vibrant Hout Bay Market (weekends), enjoy fresh seafood, browse Mariner's Wharf for souvenirs, and watch the fishing boats.
You'll find a variety of seafood options, from fresh catches to prepared dishes. The Hout Bay Market offers diverse street food and local delicacies.
Absolutely! The harbour offers picturesque views of the boats, the bay, and the surrounding mountains, making it a great spot for photography.
Kids often enjoy the boat trips, watching the seals, and the lively atmosphere of the market. There are also opportunities for them to see the fishing boats.
Mornings are great for the market buzz and boat trips. Afternoons offer a more relaxed atmosphere. Sunset views from the harbour can also be spectacular.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Mariner's Wharf offers seafood with harbour views. Many stalls at the Hout Bay Market also serve delicious seafood dishes.
The Hout Bay Market usually has a variety of food stalls, so you're likely to find vegetarian and vegan options among the diverse offerings.
Yes, there are several cafes and eateries around the harbour and in the town of Hout Bay that serve good coffee.
Besides the harbour eateries, consider restaurants in Hout Bay town like those mentioned in local guides for diverse culinary experiences.
Dining prices can vary. Market stalls often offer more affordable options, while sit-down restaurants might be pricier.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the colorful fishing boats, the bustling market scenes, the dramatic coastline, and the seals on Duiker Island. Sunset shots are also stunning.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the area.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light. Midday can be good for capturing the vibrant market activity.
The harbour itself offers many vantage points. For wider bay views, consider slightly elevated spots or the drive along Chapman's Peak.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide harbour scenes and details. A telephoto lens can be good for wildlife like seals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for opportunities to see the fishing boats coming and going, which can be fascinating for younger visitors. While there aren't dedicated playgrounds, the open space of the harbour and the general buzz of activity keep children entertained. Consider packing snacks and drinks, especially if visiting during warmer months.
💰 Budget Travelers
For affordable eats, the Hout Bay Market offers a wide range of street food options. While the Seal Island boat trip has a cost, it's often considered a worthwhile experience for the price. Look for deals or consider group bookings if available.
couples
The scenic drive to Hout Bay, particularly via Chapman's Peak, adds to the romantic journey. Consider visiting during the week for a more tranquil experience, allowing for quiet strolls along the harbour.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Seal Island Cruise
Travelers often rave about the sheer number of seals and the lively atmosphere of the boat trip. It's a relatively short excursion, usually lasting around an hour, making it perfect for fitting into a busy itinerary. Remember to bring a jacket as it can get breezy on the water, and keep your camera ready for those unforgettable moments.
Hout Bay Market: A Weekend Wonderland
The food offerings at the market are incredibly diverse, catering to all tastes. From gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizzas to fresh seafood and decadent desserts, there's something to satisfy every craving. It's a great place to sample local flavors and enjoy a casual meal with stunning harbour views. Many visitors highlight the market as a highlight of their Cape Town trip, praising its authenticity and lively energy.
Exploring Mariner's Wharf and Harbour Front
Beyond the shopping, Mariner's Wharf also houses restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood with picturesque views of the harbour and the ocean. It's a convenient spot to grab a bite to eat while soaking in the maritime atmosphere. While the market might be more dynamic on weekends, Mariner's Wharf provides a consistent experience throughout the week for those looking for a taste of the sea and local crafts.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit