Cape Town Cruise Port
Cape Town, South Africa · Africa
Cruise ships dock at E Berth — Cape Town Cruise Terminal, Cape Town.
Plan my port daysScenic, well-organised cruise port beside the V&A Waterfront with excellent independent options.
At a glance
Port summary
Cape Town rewards independent travellers, but the sights are spread out and traffic is real. Decide between the city and waterfront or a longer trip to Cape Point, and leave a generous return buffer.
Cruise dock
🚢 E Berth — Cape Town Cruise Terminal
The dedicated cruise berth at E Berth in Duncan Dock, served by the Cape Town Cruise Terminal building. About 2 km from the city centre and a short walk from the V&A Waterfront.
📍 Latitude: -33.910497, Longitude: 18.425979
See dock on port map →Getting to Cape Town
From the cruise terminal to the city centre
Uber and Bolt are the easiest, cheapest way around Cape Town and bill by card in-app.
📍 Order in the app; pickup zone outside the terminal or V&A Waterfront.
Metered taxis are available but pricier than Uber/Bolt; agree the fare or insist on the meter.
📍 Taxi rank at the terminal and V&A Waterfront.
The V&A Waterfront is a 10-15 minute walk; the city centre is about 30 minutes.
📍 Follow the signed pedestrian route from the terminal.
MyCiTi buses need a rechargeable myconnect card sold at stations; handy for the city and Table Mountain area.
📍 MyCiTi stop near the V&A Waterfront.
A shuttle to the V&A Waterfront entrance is sometimes laid on when ships are in.
📍 Outside the terminal when offered.
Map & things to do
Money & payments
Use Uber/Bolt and cards for almost everything; keep small rand for tips and markets.
Things to do
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
⭐ Highlight
Ride the rotating cableway to Cape Town's most famous summit for panoramic views.
🕐 Early morning on a clear, wind-free day
Castle of Good Hope
Short stop⭐ Highlight
Tour the star-shaped 17th-century fort, South Africa's oldest surviving colonial building.
🕐 Morning; catch the key ceremony
Bo-Kaap
Short stop🚶 Walk
Wander the brightly painted streets and Cape Malay heritage of this photogenic hillside quarter.
🕐 Morning light for photos
Boulders Beach Penguins
🏖️ Beach
Watch wild African penguins from boardwalks at this sheltered cove near Simon's Town.
🕐 Morning before tour buses arrive
Greenmarket Square
Short stop🛒 Market
Browse African crafts, art and curios at this historic cobbled square in the city centre.
🕐 Late morning; closed Sundays
Two Oceans Aquarium
Short stop🎯 Activity
Meet sharks, rays, penguins and a kelp forest at this well-loved waterfront aquarium.
🕐 Anytime; great rainy-day option
Robben Island Museum
🏛️ Museum
Ferry to the UNESCO island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, with ex-prisoner guides.
🕐 Morning sailing; book ahead as it sells out and weather can cancel
Signal Hill
Short stop📸 Viewpoint
Drive up for easy panoramic views over the city, Table Bay and Lion's Head.
🕐 Late afternoon for sunset and the Noon Gun
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
🌿 Nature
Discover fynbos, the Boomslang canopy walkway and mountain views at this famous garden.
🕐 Morning; great on warm clear days
Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point
🌿 Nature
Stand at the rugged southwestern tip of Africa amid cliffs, fynbos and the old lighthouse.
🕐 Mid-morning; allow a big return buffer
Company's Garden
Short stop🌿 Nature
Stroll the leafy 17th-century gardens lined with museums in the heart of the City Bowl.
🕐 Morning or late afternoon
V&A Waterfront
Short stop🛍️ Shopping
Cape Town's lively harbour district of shops, food, markets and views, right by the port.
🕐 Anytime; lunch and sunset are liveliest
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Plan my port days →Frequently asked questions
- Where does my cruise ship dock in Cape Town?
- Your ship docks directly at the Cape Town cruise terminal in South Africa.
- Can I walk from the cruise port into Cape Town?
- Yes. Cape Town is walkable from the cruise port — many cruisers reach the city centre on foot.
- How do I get from the cruise port to Cape Town centre?
- Typical options include Ride-hail (Uber/Bolt), Taxi, On foot, Local bus, Shuttle bus. Durations and costs are listed in the transport section above.
- How much time do I need in Cape Town?
- Plan for at least 4 hours ashore to see Cape Town independently and return to the ship with a safe buffer.
- What currency is used in Cape Town and are cards accepted?
- Cape Town uses the South African Rand. Carry some cash for markets, taxis, and smaller vendors — cards aren't accepted everywhere.
- Is there Wi-Fi at the cruise port?
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the Cape Town cruise terminal.
- When should I be back at the ship?
- Cruise lines usually require all passengers on board about 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Confirm the exact all-aboard time on your daily programme.
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