Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour

A Secret Cape Town Guide

When visiting Cape Town spending a full day exploring the Cape Peninsula should definitely be on your must do list of Cape Town activities. The two main highlights of a Cape Peninsula tour are definitely Cape Point Nature Reserve and the penguins at Boulders Beach, but there are so many amazing views, experiences and hidden gems to experience along the way.

Some of the potential stops include world famous wine farms, Muizenberg corner, St James, Simonstown , delicious food at an assortment of restaurants and bakeries, local gems like the potato samoosas at a spaza shop, paddling with Penguins, freediving along the False Bay coast, home made scones, amazing white beaches, hot pizzas, beer brewing companies and the world famous Chapman’s Peak drive.

Transport is essential when it comes to spending the day exploring the peninsula as the round trip from the V&A Waterfront will add up to around 146 Km. The options range from renting your own car to drive yourself, hiring a driver to transport you around the Peninsula or taking a guide with you who can make sure you see all the best places and learn the amazing historical, natural and cultural facts along the route.

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Let us help you book your Cape Peninsula Tour whether it be renting a luxury convertable to enjoy your self drive around the Cape or finding the ideal transfer or guided trip.

Planning Your Tour

Planning a Cape Peninsula tour requires some thoughtful preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your day tour:

Decide on the Duration: While a half-day tour can give you a taste of the Cape Peninsula, a full day is ideal for truly experiencing the highlights, including Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. This allows you to take your time at each stop and soak in the stunning scenery.
Choose Your Mode of Transportation: Depending on your preference, you can rent a car for flexibility, book a guided tour for a hassle-free experience, or use the Hop On, Hop Off bus for a convenient and informative journey.
Plan Your Itinerary: Start your tour at Muizenberg and drive clockwise around the peninsula. This route lets you enjoy the calm waters of False Bay in the morning and the breathtaking Atlantic Seaboard in the afternoon. Key stops include Boulders Beach, Cape Point, and the Cape of Good Hope.
Check the Weather: The Cape Peninsula has a temperate climate, but it can be windy and chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings. Checking the weather forecast will help you dress appropriately and plan your activities.
Pack Accordingly: Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring, sunscreen to protect against the sun, a hat for shade, and light, breathable clothing. A jacket or sweater is also a good idea for cooler moments.

By planning ahead, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable Cape Peninsula adventure.

Peninsula Highlights

Depending on the expected weather on the day of your Cape Peninsula tour, we suggest traveling clockwise ( South and then North ) around Cape Town. This means heading to False Bay, Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Simon’s Town and Boulders Beach in the morning, then exploring The Cape Point Nature Reserve before returning along the Atlantic seaboard to Scarborough, Noordehoek, Hout Bay and Camps Bay.

This lets you enjoy False Bay earlier in the day before the common summer South Easter has started to blow, and gives you a better chance of enjoying a calmer Boulders Beach, Simons Town.

It also lets you travel along the west facing Atlantic Seaboard in the afternoon allowing you to enjoy a beautiful sunset as the sun dips into the ocean.

We also suggest skipping the Constantia wine farms in morning and rather popping over Constantia Nek to visit them in the afternoon, before returning back to Hout Bay to complete your trip.

Cape Point Nature Reserve

We are going to first chat about Cape Point Nature Reserve as it is the pinnacle of your Peninsula Tour and along with Boulders Beach the two must see spots along the route.

Cape Point Nature Reserve is found at the southwestern most tip of Africa. Some people believe it is where the Indian and Atlantic Ocean meet, however that is at the Southern most tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas. The Reserve is known for its rugged beauty, and as part of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, it is home to diverse wildlife including the cape mountain zebra, incredible white sand beaches and dramatic history. Another common misconception about Cape Point, is that in fact The Cape of Good Hope is more South and West than Cape Point.

Regardless of this fact, the steep cliffs of Cape Point and its lighthouse rising out of the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean create a dramatic and awe inspiring effect, making the point the star of the show.

*One of our favourite things is to watch the silhouettes of sharks far below the cliff top pathways.

Cape Point is just one of the attractions of the nature reserve which are too numerous to explain in details in this post. So learn more about Cape Point here.

Some of our favourite spots and attractions include Diaz beach, Buffelsbaai, The Cape of Good Hope, Angel’s pool and the amazing wildlife which includes Eland, Ostriches, Zebras, Antelopes, Seals and a plethora of bird life.

*If you are on one of our tours ask your driver or guide to take you to our hidden gem of Cape Town, which is one of our favourite beaches in Cape Town.

*One of our favourite things is to watch the silhouettes of sharks far below the cliff top pathways.

Cape Point is just one of the attractions of the nature reserve which are too numerous to explain in details in this post. So learn more about Cape Point here.

*If you are on one of our tours ask your driver or guide to take you to our hidden gem of Cape Town, which is one of our favourite beaches in Cape Town.

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Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach and its penguins are one of the most unique wildlife experiences of Cape Town and South Africa. If you do not know Boulders Beach is home to a charming colony of endangered African penguins, at any given time there can typically be between 2,000 and 3,000 individuals, depending on the season and conservation efforts.

There are two gates/sides of Boulders Beach connected by a wooden board walk. The Northern gate takes you past the shop to a board-walked section of the reserve, where you can walk above the sand dunes and rocks to enjoy a remarkable view of the beach and breeding grounds. It allows you to watch the penguins without disturbing them in their natural habitat.

Cape Peninsula Tour - Boulders Beach Boardwalk

The Southern gate of Boulders Beach allows you to get down to the sand and water at a beautiful beach protected by large granite boulders. Kids can play here, and you can have a swim and sunbathe while penguins dart through the water in front of you and waddle across the sand.

At the far end of the beach you can duck underneath a huge boulder and find yourself in a winding maze of rocks and sand where penguins cuddle and relax in the sun. This is where many on the influencer inspired photos have been taken with the penguins of Boulder Beach.

We highly recommend visiting this side of the beach when the tides are right.

*However please note not to get too close to the Penguins and to obey the rules of the reserve, which limits the use of selfie sticks and disturbing the penguins. Getting too close to the penguins for your photos definitely disturbs them, and make sure not to corner them between rocks or separate pairs. When in doubt, be mindful and keep your distance while admiring these beautiful creatures.

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Pick Your Favourites

Now that we have got the two biggest attractions of a Cape Peninsula Tour out of the way, let’s discuss a bunch of optional extras. There is almost too much to do in one day, so we advise choosing the ones that resonate with you, and come back for the others as their own individual activity if you have time.

We will try and go in our recommended order.

Muizenberg

Muizenberg Corner is a vibrant stop in False Bay that is known for its beach side restaurants and surf shops. It is the best place in Cape Town to learn how to surf by far.

Because of this we think that Muizenberg deserves a visit in its own right. Try your hand at surfing, and enjoy a hot coffee and some food at the restaurants afterwards. However if you are not the surfing type, then popping down to take some pictures of the famous coloured changing huts is a great option.

St James & Kalk Bay

The next stop is St James & Kalk Bay. These quaint little towns are known for their unique shops, ice cream parlours, bakeries and the Brass Bell.

A great idea is to park at one of the lots along the road and take a stroll.

Some of the highlights here are the St James Tidal Pool & The Kalk Bay Harbour.

If you are looking for some food or a hot beverage why not try one of these Kalk Bay hot spots: Olympia Cafe, Cape to Cuba, Folk Cafe St James.

Cape Peninsula Tour - St James Tidal Pool

There are a bunch of hidden gems after Kalk Bay. You can find them hiding in Fish Hoek, Glencaign and along side the road on the way to Simonstown.

Simonstown

The next big stop along the Cape Peninsula Tour is Simonstown and just after Boulders Beach.

Some of the highlights of Simonstown are long beach and the view towards the harbour, as well as a bunch of restaurants and shops around the harbour. Simon’s Town is also known for its charming coastal settlement and variety of dining options. Again there is quite a diversity of stores for such a little town. Here is also the last place to full up with petrol for a while if you are self driving or renting a convertible for your Peninsula Tour.

Just after Simonstown is the turn off for Boulders Beach, so make sure to drive slowly so you do not miss it. Simons Town is a picturesque stop that enhances the overall experience of visiting Cape Point and its surrounding attractions.

*If you are on one of the Secret Cape Town tours ask if you can pop into the local store for a delicious home made savoury treat.

We have already covered Boulders Beach, so we are going to keep moving up the coast.

Windmill Beach & Free Diving Spots

Most people won’t have time to stop at Windmill Beach, and it’s their loss. It is definitely worth a visit whether on a Peninsula Tour or even better if you have a whole afternoon. Windmill Beach is part of a spectacular nature reserve that offers stunning scenery and opportunities for exploration.

Tucked in between Boulders and the Simonstown golf course is Windmill beach. It is an incredible spot to go snorkelling or free diving in the Kelp Forest and between the huge boulders just offshore.

Between Windmill Beach and Cape Point there are a number of fantastic free diving spots. This stretch of coast line is where the famous My Octopus Teacher was filmed for Netflix.

The drive along the False Bay cost greats very scenic after Simonstown as the road winds along the coast towards Cape Point.

You might spot some Baboons as you drive through past Miller’s Point and Castle Rock. Please avoid them as they can sometimes intimidate visitors and steal food.

Just before Cape Point you will notice a bunch of houses down by the ocean as the road climbs up towards the Cape Point gate on Smitswinkel pass. This is the called Smitswinkel Bay and it is incredibly beautiful. There are no roads down to Smitswinkel Bay. So you will need to park your car alongside the road and walk down.

If time is tight, rather skip this and keep on going to the Cape Point Nature Reserve gate. Perhaps just stop in the gravel parking lot alongside the road and have a look down onto the white beach and turquoise water.

Wildlife Encounters

The Cape Peninsula is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering encounters with a diverse range of animals, from baboons and ostriches to whales and dolphins. Here are some tips to enhance your wildlife experiences:

Keep a Safe Distance: When encountering wildlife, it’s crucial to keep a safe distance to avoid disturbing them. This is especially important for larger animals like baboons and ostriches.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Whether you’re walking or driving, always be mindful of your surroundings. Wildlife can appear unexpectedly, so stay alert and drive cautiously.
Respect Their Habitat: The Cape Peninsula is a protected area, and it’s important to respect the wildlife and their natural habitat. Avoid feeding animals and follow all park regulations.
Bring Binoculars: To get a closer look at wildlife without disturbing them, bring a pair of binoculars. This allows you to observe animals in their natural behavior from a safe distance.
Visit the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony: A must-visit for any wildlife enthusiast is the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony. Here, you can see the charming African penguins up close while respecting their space and habitat.

By following these tips, you can enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters while ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals.

Eat and Relax

After a morning of exploring the first section of the Cape Peninsula, it’s time to refuel and relax. Here are some tips for making the most of your lunch break and downtime:

Try Some Local Cuisine: The Cape Peninsula is renowned for its delicious seafood. Stop by one of the many local restaurants to savor fresh fish, calamari, or prawns. The coastal towns along your route offer a variety of dining options to suit all tastes.
Visit a Surf Shop: The Cape Peninsula is a surfer’s paradise. If you’re feeling adventurous, visit a surf shop to rent a board or take a lesson. Muizenberg, in particular, is a great spot for beginners.
Relax on the Beach: With some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the Cape Peninsula is perfect for a relaxing break. Whether you choose the sandy shores of Camps Bay or the secluded coves of Oudekraal, take some time to soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean views.
Take a Scenic Drive: The coastal roads of the Cape Peninsula offer stunning views at every turn. Take a leisurely drive along the coast, stopping at scenic viewpoints to capture the breathtaking landscapes.
Visit Camps Bay: Camps Bay is a popular spot for lunch and relaxation. With its palm-lined beach, vibrant restaurants, and lively bars, it’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a meal with a view.

By incorporating these activities into your day, you can enjoy a well-rounded and relaxing Cape Peninsula tour.

LEAVING CAPE POINT – TRAVELING NORTH ALONG THE ATLANTIC

The idea idea of a Cape Peninsula Tour is to circumnavigate the Peninsula. So if you have been following along so far, turn left when you leave Cape Point and drive North along the m65.

This will take you towards Scarborough which is one of the most isolated little villages around Cape Town.

*If you are on one of the Secret Cape Town organised tours ask your driver or guide to stop for some incredible home made treats and tea at a hidden gem along this road.

Scarborough

Scarborough is a tranquil seaside village just outside of the boundary of the Cape Point Nature Reserve. It has sweeping views of the wild Atlantic ocean and is framed by rugged koppies behind the town. People who live in Scarborough are looking to escape the modern hustle and bustle of the city for a more relaxed and slow life, while still not being too far from their friends, offices and amenities.

A lot of the sights along the next section of the route can be enjoyed from your car as you cruise along the coast. We do encourage you to stop and take pictures of the incredible views.

From Scarborough you will travel towards Noordehoek. You can choose to keep driving along the coast and visit the small town of Kommetjie, known for its surfing, or take a short cut and head straight to Noorderhoek.

Noordehoek

Noordehoek beach is a 7 km long beach that runs between Kommetjie and Noorderhoek. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town, so it is definitely worth a visit. Here you can take a stroll along the white sand beaches as people go for horse rides from one of the local stables, or you can watch the surfers and bodyboarders at The Hoek or Dunes.

Note: Please be aware when walking along the full stretch of the beach that there has been some incidents of crime , where walkers have be accosted and their belongings stolen. So please be aware and be careful.

It is definiltey a good idea to grab some food in Noorderoek, as it has some fantastic restaurants, a brewery and a wine farm to enjoy. You can choose between Cape Point Vineyards ( actually in Noordehoek ), The Noordehoek Farm Village & The Aegir Project Brewery which has fantastic beer tastings and Pizzas.

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Chapman’s Peak Drive

After Noordehoek is another must see along the Cape Peninsula, the world famous Chapmans Peak drive. This must be one of the most scenic and impressive roads along a coast in the world.

Words do not do Chapman’s Peak Drive justice, so we will let pictures do it for us. Make sure to stop at the designated pull over spots to take lots of pictures.

As you near the end of Chapman’s Peak drive you will find yourself in entering Hout Bay.

Hout Bay

There is a joke in Cape Town that people who live in Hout Bay have their own passport, because they consider it quite separate to Cape Town and far away from the hustle of the city centre.

Hout Bay has a few wonderful sites to see and experience, including the Hout Bay harbour. The first potential stops come right at the bottom of Chapman’s Peak drive at two restaurants, namely the Chapmans Peak Hotel and Dunes Beach Restaurant & Bar. These are the perfect places to stop off if you are craving some food and want to enjoy a view of the beach and sea.

If you are looking for more casual dining you can keep going to the Hout Bay Harbour and see what takes your fancy at the Mariner’s Wharf Harbour Front Emporium especially if you desire some fish & chips. Keep going to the Harbour Market if you want some tasty market food and some curios.

A central site in Hout Bay is large location known as Imizamo Yethu. The best way to experience Imizamo Yethu is on an official tour. We strongly advise not trying to explore the township on your own.

Imizamo Yethu

Visitors can get a unique look into South Africa’s vibrant township culture and strong community spirit at Imizamo Yethu, which is in the beautiful Hout Bay area of Cape Town. A lot of different kinds of people live in this informal settlement, which has turned it into a busy place with lots of local markets, arts, and cultural sites. Guided tours of Imizamo Yethu give tourists who want to see more of real South African life than just the usual tourist spots a chance to meet locals, learn about the township’s history, and see how creativity and innovation thrive here even though the economy is tough. When people leave the country, they often have a better understanding of its social and economic situation and the people’s unwavering hope.

Even though Imizamo Yethu is a great place to visit, safety should be a top priority. Tourists should only visit the township with trustworthy guides who know the area well and can make sure they have a safe and interesting time. As in many cities, crimes can happen, so it’s important to keep your belongings safe and be aware of your surroundings. tourists can have a rewarding and educational experience while also helping the local economy through ethical tourism programs that take care of tourists and treat the community with respect.

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At this point in your Peninsula Tour you have a choice to make, you can either continue with your South to North route or you can hop over Constantia Nek and explore the Constantia wine farms. We suggest rather coming back another day to enjoy the Constantia Winelands or take one of our Franschoek Wine Tours.

To read more about the Constantia Vineland’s read our posts here.

If you continue heading back to your starting point you will head over Suikerbossie towards Llandudno.

Llandudno

Llandudno is a charming spot that offers a peaceful and lovely getaway for anyone looking to take a short break during their travels. This charming, exclusive coastal suburb is famous for its beautiful beach, bordered by stunning granite boulders and nestled among rugged mountains. Llandudno Beach, with its soft white sand and turquoise waters, is the perfect spot for a quick dip, a leisurely stroll, or just enjoying the stunning views.Just note that the water here is freezing, due to the common offshore winds it is one of the coldest swims in Cape Town. Even though the Atlantic waters might be a bit cool, they’re so clear and just right for a refreshing dip on a sunny day. The beach is a favourite spot for surfers and bodyboarders, and even if you don’t feel like joining in, it’s delightful to watch them glide gracefully on the waves, which adds to the charm of your visit. Just a little heads up that parking can be a bit tricky and there aren’t any shops or restaurants in Llandudno, so bringing along some light snacks and water is a smart move! Even though the area is mostly safe, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your belongings and stay aware of your surroundings. If you’re in search of a tranquil escape or a beautiful place to relax, Llandudno Beach is a wonderful choice for your Cape Peninsula adventure.

Once you have enjoyed your time at Llandudno you will wind your way down towards Camps Bay. This is another beautiful section of the drive. The amazing Atlantic Ocean stretch out to the horizon framed by giant granite boulders. Before you get to Camps Bay there are a few wonderful little stops along the way.

One of them is Oudekraal Beach/Nature Reserve.

Oudekraal Nature Reserve

Oudekraal, a delightful gem along the Atlantic Seaboard near Camps Bay, is a tranquil spot ideal for anyone looking to unwind along the Cape Peninsula. Located in the beautiful Table Mountain National Park, this coastal treasure is famous for its cosy coves, golden sands, and distinctive granite boulders that form a natural amphitheatre with the stunning Twelve Apostles in the background. The serene waters are perfect for snorkelling and swimming, and the inviting picnic areas encourage visitors to relax and enjoy the beautiful ocean views. Oudekraal has become a freediving hotspot as well. Oudekraal’s hidden beauty is perfect for couples, families, or anyone wanting to enjoy nature in a peaceful atmosphere.

Oudekraal is such a lovely place to visit, but it’s a good idea to be ready for your adventure! The area is part of the national park, so there’s an entry fee, and the facilities are pretty basic—it’s a great idea to pack your own braai meat, snacks and essentials! If you’re exploring the Cape Peninsula, Oudekraal is a wonderful spot to relax and take in the stunning beauty of the coastline. It’s important for visitors to keep an eye on the ocean’s conditions, as strong currents can sometimes be found just outside the bay’s peaceful waters. Oudekraal, with its beautiful natural charm, is a delightful addition to any Cape Town itinerary. For more information on Oudekraal and other attractions, check out our South Africa posts covering various travel topics.

After Oudekraal you will pass through Bakoven and then Camps Bay & Clifton before driving through Sea Point and ending your Peninsula Tour back at the V&A Waterfront.

All three of these locations are wonderful places to stop but actually all deserve separate visits with more time. Hopefully you have got your timing right and you will be driving along this section of the tour around sunset as it is one of the most beautiful places in the world to enjoy it as the sun dips below the ocean.

Pick a scenic spot to enjoy the sunset, either at one of the beaches, rocky peninsulas or a restaurant in Camps Bay.

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Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour

A Secret Cape Town Guide

Need Help Planning Your Cape Peninsula Tour?

Planning Your Tour