Pocket friendly Cape Town and views with a difference.

The distinctively cheerful, bright red busses are a common sight in Cape Town, taking tourists and locals to all the best places in the city. You name it, City Sightseeing have a hop on hop off bus going that way.

Not content with showing you the city, the Peninsula, the Winelands and the townships, they now have a way to show you a very different view of Cape Town, one from the water.

It could be said that the V & A Waterfront is the heart of tourism in the city, and what better way to get orientated than seeing it from the waterways of a working harbour..

I hopped onto one of these water busses on Sunday  and was totally captivated by the sights of the city seen from a different perspective.

The 30 minute tour starts just behind the Two Oceans Aquarium  on the V & A Marina, continues under the Bascule bridge and into the Victoria Basin, then under the swing bridge to the Victoria basin, before returning to the starting point.

I am not a big fan of plugging in ear phones to hear a scripted commentary. This is mainly because I prefer to move around to get photos and have to keep unplugging the darn things, but also because I personally prefer a more interactive approach.

That said, the commentary did provide many unusual and interesting facts like the name of the huge band who had their yacht built in one of the shipyards, what was once the tallest silo in South Africa, and what a “Synchrolift” is.

I will not spoil you with the answers, do the tour, it is only ZAR40.

The commentary also provides information on activities and attractions at the Waterfront. I would highly recommend it for orientation before exploring the area on foot.

The return trip provides fantastic views of Table Mountain as the early explorers must have seen it, it really is impressive  from this angle. Lion’s Head and Signal Hill look over the bay and call you to drive up for the opposing views.

TIPS.

• If you want to get great photographs do not do as I did and cruise at midday. Rather take the first trip at 9am or the last trip at 5pm when the light is better and the glare off the water is greatly reduced.
• If you are a first time visitor to Cape Town, do this trip first as not only is it good for orientation, it also provides a lot of information that will assist you in making the most of your time at the V & A Waterfront.
• If you are on a budget this tour is very affordable and allows plenty of time to enjoy the FREE walking tour of the city offered by City Sightseeing at 11am or 3 pm every day.

For more information on the variety of tours offered by City Sightseeing,or to book online,  visit the website . Discounts are offered for online bookings and there are great combo packages on offer.

Enjoy Cape Town.