Sailing in South Africa

With thousands of kilometres of coastline, South Africa’s sailing locations are countless and each one more incredible than the next.

Out on the open ocean, marvelling at the silence and soaking in the warm sun on your face - sailing in South Africa provides incredible sights and experiences that cannot be missed. Whether it’s the colder waters of the Western Cape, or the warmer oceans of KwaZulu Natal, sailing in South Africa is sure to give you an experience of a lifetime.

Did you know? All of South Africa’s coastal cities have yacht clubs and always welcome new faces. These yacht clubs host sailing competitions, lessons as well as fantastic sailing trips.

Most South African commercial sailing establishments won’t require any input from you on the yacht and thus you’re able to sit back and relax and enjoy the ride. Moving quickly over large ocean swells, rising and falling over each wave, is a wonderful feeling - providing you don’t get sea sick. Manned by trained professionals, you will be taken on a memorable ride along the beautiful South African coastline.

South African sailing hot spots include Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay, Plettenberg Bay and Knysna. All of South Africa’s coastal cities have yacht clubs and always welcome new faces. These yacht clubs host sailing competitions, lessons as well as fantastic sailing trips. The False Bay yacht club hosts the biggest and most enthusiastically supported event namely the annual Spring Regatta. This event takes place around the end of September each year and is supported by all the local yacht clubs. It has become very popular over the past 5 years.

With the wide variety of marine life off the shores of South Africa, your sailing experience is sure to include sightings of dolphins, schools of fish, seals, penguins and perhaps even some whales in season. Why not contact your local travel office and arrange to enjoy one of the many awesome South African sailing experiences available to the public.

Knysna is home to magical lagoons and estuaries that await your exploration. Go sailing for the day in a yacht discovering the wild, but phenomenally beautiful, "Knysna Heads". Admire the fantastic view and sunset whilst sipping on crisp chilled champagne and snacking on oysters. The friendly city of Port Elizabeth offers yacht day trips out of the harbour and along the magical coast line. After admiring the fantastic view, they will stop in a secluded bay and prepare dinner for you. Enjoy a memorable day with friends and family eating great food and admiring the glorious sunset.

South African sailing allows awesome opportunities to snorkel and scuba dive. Getting to unique locations on a yacht means you can discover the mystical kelp forests and wrecks and swim with gorgeous tropical fish and corals. Invite your friends and family and spend your holiday sailing around the picturesque South African coast.

South Africa promises an unforgettable time with fantastic seas, awesome marine life and exquisite views.

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Additional Reading

You might also be interested in Want to go Sailing in South Africa?
  • Search for Sailing Destinations (and service providers) or check out other things to do in South Africa for other sporting activities, extreme adventures, cruises, sight seeing and cultural experiences.

Where to enjoy Sailing (Yachting)

South Africa. Explore. Experience. Stay

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