Hout Bay Harbour, Cape Town - boats at Hout Bay harbour
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Hout Bay Harbour Cape Town

4.6
·491k reviews·Cape Town, South Africa

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Market buzz and fresh sea air

CrowdMedium
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Hout Bay Harbour, Cape Town - boats at Hout Bay harbour

Hout Bay Harbour Cape Town

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Market buzz and fresh sea air

CrowdMedium
Highlights

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.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The Hout Bay Market is a must-visit for crafts and food, especially on weekends."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚢 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Seal Island Boat Cruise

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 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

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

Hout Bay Harbour offers boat trips, fishing charters, and a lively market. Arrive early to beat crowds, especially on weekends. Consider booking boat tours in advance during peak season.

Getting Around Hout Bay

While MyCiti buses serve Hout Bay, renting a car offers more flexibility for exploring nearby attractions like Noordhoek and Constantia. Be mindful of 'load shedding' (power outages) when planning.

Best Times

When
Weekend mornings
Why
Market buzz and fresh sea air
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A luxury dining experience like no other! 🚢✨ Indulge in a 5-course meal while cruising from the V&A Waterfront to Hout Bay, with breathtaking sunset views of Cape Town’s coastline. #capetown #finedining @Travel Vlogger Diary
@capetowngetaway
74.5K likes • 1.2M views

🚢 Boat Trip to Seal Island

Don't miss the boat cruise to Duiker Island to see thousands of seals! Book tickets at the harbour. Reddit

🛍️ Explore Hout Bay Market

The market is a must-visit for crafts and food, especially on weekends. Reddit+1

Things to in Cape Town | Remember to book with your student card and check @varsityvibesa student Kirstenbosch Bo-Kaap Boulders beach Cape Wheel 📍V&A Everard Circa Art Gallery 📍Portswood #fyp #foryoupage #capetown #thingstodoincapetown #capetowntravel #capetownactivities
@chanteatli
73.8K likes • 1.3M views
My sister and I finally checked out @veldt.dbe in Hout Bay last night and it was absolutely amazing! The non alcoholic margarita was a real treat as it tasted so good and it is not always easy to find really good non alcoholic cocktails as a non drinker so A+ for that! The food was absolutely delicious! The prawns were done in the most amazing sauce, I honestly wanted to drink it 😂 The meat platt...
fitmomcapetown
127 likes • 0 views

🚗 Car Rental Recommended

Rent a car for flexibility to explore nearby areas like Noordhoek and Constantia. Reddit

🔌 Beware of Load Shedding

Be aware of potential power outages (load shedding) when planning your day. TikTok

5 day itinerary for Cape Town 🇿🇦📍 #travel #itinerary #capetowntiktok #capetownitinerary #blackgirlstravel
@s0lidaddy
66.4K likes • 1.2M views

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. Reddit

🛍️ Explore Hout Bay Market

The market is a must-visit for crafts and food, especially on weekends. Reddit+1

🚗 Car Rental Recommended

Rent a car for flexibility to explore nearby areas like Noordhoek and Constantia. Reddit

🔌 Beware of Load Shedding

Be aware of potential power outages (load shedding) when planning your day. TikTok

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the harbour and market. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Vibrant weekend market
Seal Island boat trips
Fresh seafood options

What People Dislike

Parking can be difficult
Unpredictable weather

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. Reddit

Parking is generally available at the harbour, but it can get busy, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season. Arriving early is recommended. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Hout Bay Harbour itself is generally free. However, specific boat excursions, like the Seal Island cruise, will require tickets. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

Yes, booking boat tours in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. TikTok

Mariner's Wharf typically operates during standard retail hours, but it's advisable to check their specific opening times online or by calling ahead. TikTok

🎫 🧭 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. TikTokReddit

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. Instagram

Absolutely! The harbour offers picturesque views of the boats, the bay, and the surrounding mountains, making it a great spot for photography. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Mariner's Wharf offers seafood with harbour views. Many stalls at the Hout Bay Market also serve delicious seafood dishes. Instagram

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. TikTok

Yes, there are several cafes and eateries around the harbour and in the town of Hout Bay that serve good coffee. TikTok

Besides the harbour eateries, consider restaurants in Hout Bay town like those mentioned in local guides for diverse culinary experiences. Instagram

Dining prices can vary. Market stalls often offer more affordable options, while sit-down restaurants might be pricier. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the colorful fishing boats, the bustling market scenes, the dramatic coastline, and the seals on Duiker Island. Sunset shots are also stunning. TikTok

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the area. TikTok

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light. Midday can be good for capturing the vibrant market activity. TikTok

The harbour itself offers many vantage points. For wider bay views, consider slightly elevated spots or the drive along Chapman's Peak. TikTok

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hout Bay Harbour offers a fun-filled experience for families. The Seal Island boat cruise is a major hit with children, providing an exciting wildlife encounter. The Hout Bay Market on weekends is also a great spot, with plenty of food options and a lively atmosphere that kids will enjoy. TikTok

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

Hout Bay Harbour can be explored on a budget. Taking a MyCiti bus from Cape Town is a very affordable way to get there. Reddit Entry to the harbour and the market is free, so you can enjoy the atmosphere without spending money. Reddit

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. TikTok

couples

Hout Bay Harbour offers a romantic setting, especially during sunset. Enjoy a boat cruise with stunning coastal views, or explore the Hout Bay Market hand-in-hand, sampling local delicacies. TikTok For a more intimate dining experience, consider one of the restaurants overlooking the harbour. Instagram

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

A trip to Hout Bay Harbour isn't complete without embarking on a boat cruise to Duiker Island, affectionately known as Seal Island. These excursions offer a thrilling ride across the bay, providing breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the iconic Sentinel mountain. Upon arrival at Duiker Island, visitors are greeted by a cacophony of barks and the sight of thousands of Cape fur seals basking on the rocks. It's a truly immersive wildlife experience, offering incredible photo opportunities and a chance to witness these marine mammals in their natural habitat. Many boat operators depart regularly from the harbour, making it an easily accessible adventure. Reddit

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. TikTok

Hout Bay Market: A Weekend Wonderland

If you're visiting Hout Bay on a weekend, the Hout Bay Market is an absolute must-see. This vibrant hub transforms the harbour area into a bustling marketplace filled with local artisans, craft vendors, and an array of delicious food stalls. You can find everything from handmade jewelry and clothing to unique art pieces and home decor, making it a fantastic spot for souvenir shopping. The atmosphere is electric, often accompanied by live music, creating a festive and welcoming environment for all visitors. Reddit+1

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. TikTokInstagram

Exploring Mariner's Wharf and Harbour Front

Mariner's Wharf is a prominent feature of Hout Bay Harbour, offering a unique shopping and dining experience right on the waterfront. This 'harbour front emporium' is home to a variety of shops selling gifts, clothing, and maritime-themed souvenirs. It's a great place to pick up mementos of your trip to Cape Town. The architecture itself adds to the charm, evoking a classic seaside market feel. TikTok

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. TikTok

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