With its stunning beaches, breathtaking viewpoints, rich maritime history, and unique flora and fauna, Cape Point offers an abundance of experiences that are impossible to fit into just one visit. I have been to Cape Point several times and I still have not done everything there is to do there. It is well worth visiting andI have created a list of the most popular things to see and do when you explore this incredible destination.

Breathtaking Scenery

Take in some of the most stunning ocean and mountain vistas in the world. The dramatic cliffs and sweeping views create a picturesque backdrop that’s perfect for photography. My photos do not do Cape Point justice and the best part is that there are so many different places in the park where you can take photos. If you are not keen on hiking you can drive to some of the viewpoints and the beaches are easy to walk to.

Ride the Flying Dutchman Funicular

Experience a thrilling ride on the Flying Dutchman Funicular, which takes you up to the viewing point near the historic lighthouse. The ride offers spectacular views and a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape. The funicular takes you up to the lighthouse and whilst I have hiked to the lighthouse I have not taken the funicular yet. A return ticket costs R105 and a one way ticket costs R90.

To book a ticket for the funicular visit the website here: Cape Point Funicular

Dine at the Two Oceans Restaurant

Indulge in world-class cuisine at the Two Oceans Restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious meals while overlooking the breathtaking vistas of False Bay. It’s an ideal spot to relax and savour the scenery. The resturant serves seafood and various other delicious options. However, as a local the prices are expensive. I have not eaten there yet but it is high on my bucket list. Check out the menu here: Two Oceans Resturant Menu

You can also make a booking by scrolling down the facilities page online find it here.

Shop for Souvenirs

I’ve visited the Cape Point Logo Shop, Cape Point Parks Shop, and LH5 during my trips to Cape Point, but as a local, I don’t usually buy anything since I am a local not a tourist. Ihave bought bookmarkers for friends though. The Cape Point Logo Shop offers a variety of souvenirs branded with the Cape Point logo, including T-shirts, mugs, key rings, and the official Cape Point Certificate – a great memento for visitors. The Cape Point Parks Shop celebrates the region’s natural beauty, with products inspired by local flora, like rooibos and aloe bath items, protea seeds, and books on the area’s plants and wildlife. It also features locally made ceramics and fabrics. LH5, with its nautical theme, showcases maritime-inspired items like ship wheels, brass bells, sailing ship replicas, shark jewellery, and Ngwenya glass figurines. There’s also a fun selection of marine toys and accessories for kids. The souveniers are not cheap but there are so many things in the shops so you will be able to find budget friendly and very expensive items.

Explore Cultural and Historical Sites

Explore the the historical sites around Cape Point to uncover the area’s rich history, including monuments dedicated to famous explorers like Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias. One such historical marker is the padrao, a stone monument used by Portuguese explorers to mark their landing points. Dias erected a padrao at Cape Point in 1487, though its exact location remains unknown. Fragments of another padrao were later found at Bushman’s River Mouth. The padraos at Cape Point today, including the Dias Beacon and a memorial to Vasco da Gama, were erected in the 1960s to help guide passing vessels and commemorate the Portuguese explorers’ historic voyages. These markers stand as reminders of the area’s significance in global navigation, with Cape Point once serving as a crucial landmark for sailors heading to Europe and India.

Enjoy Swimming and Picnicking

Head to Bordjiesrif and Buffels Bay, where you’ll find safe tidal pools, great swimming spots, and lovely picnic areas—ideal for a relaxing day by the water. However, please note that Cape Point’s beaches do not have lifeguards on duty, and swimming is not recommended due to strong currents.The tidal pools are safe but the beaches are best to walk on and just dip your feet into. Be sure to bring your camera, as these beaches are not only beautiful but also home to lots of wildlife, making for some fantastic photos.

Kayaking Adventures

Cape Point is absolutely stunning, and kayaking offers a fantastic way to explore the coastline from the water. Guided tours are available, taking you along the shoreline where you can enjoy breathtaking views and, with a bit of luck, spot some marine life. While I’d love to give kayaking a go one day, I’m not quite ready yet—my arms are like noodles, so paddling might be a bit much for me at the moment! Even though the tours are guided, I’m still a bit nervous about it. If you’re keen to try, just be aware that access to Table Mountain National Park requires a permit or visitor fee.

For more information, check out these links:

Newmark Hotels Sea Kayaking Cape Point
Paddle Experience Adventure Tours

Braaing with a View

You can also enjoy a braai at designated areas like Buffels Bay and Bordjiesdrif. Just remember to bring your own braai grid and wood, as these items are not available for purchase inside the reserve. Cape Point is quite far from shops, so it’s important to pack everything you need for your outdoor meal. There are taps near the braai areas for your convenience, but be sure to dispose of your trash properly in the bins provided. These bins are baboon-proof, as baboons are common in the area. If a baboon takes your food, it’s best to let them have it—stand still and back away slowly if you see one approaching. Enjoy your meal while respecting the wildlife around you!

Marvel at Indigenous Flora

Cape Point is a paradise for nature lovers, offering the chance to photograph over 1,100 indigenous plant species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. The region is particularly famous for its unique fynbos vegetation, a type of shrubland found only in the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the world’s six floral kingdoms. The fynbos is incredibly diverse, with plants such as proteas, restios, and ericas creating a stunning tapestry of colours and textures across the landscape. Whether you’re an avid photographer or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, the flora at Cape Point provides endless opportunities to capture the richness and uniqueness of this biodiversity hotspot. With its varied plant life and dramatic surroundings, Cape Point is truly a photographer’s dream.

Whale Watching

From June to October, keep your eyes peeled for massive whales migrating past Cape Point. This is a spectacular opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. I have not been lucky to spot a whale in the wild yet. Hopefully I will see a whale at Cape Point one day.

Birdwatching

Cape Point is home to approximately 250 bird species, including some that are endemic to the area. Bring your binoculars to catch a glimpse of these feathered residents.

Spot Wildlife

Keep an eye out for the Cape mountain zebra, the world’s largest antelope—the eland—ostriches, baboons, and other fascinating wildlife that call the region home. I’ve spotted plenty of animals at Cape Point myself, though I usually only have my phone camera on hand, so my photos aren’t the best. If you’re serious about capturing these incredible sightings, be sure to bring a good DSLR. The animals often hide or position themselves atop hills, so having a great camera will help you get a clearer shot of them from a distance.

Walk the Shipwreck Trail

Cape Point’s shipwreck trails offer a fascinating glimpse into the area’s maritime history. With two main trails starting from the Olifantsbos parking area, visitors can explore the remains of wrecks like the SS Thomas T. Tucker, a WWII liberty ship, and the Nolloth, which went down in 1965. The shorter Thomas T. Tucker Trail is an easy 3km walk, while the Sirkelsvlei Trail, at 7.5km, takes you through scenic fynbos and reed flats, offering views of the wrecks and wildlife like red hartebeest and bontebok. These trails not only reveal the tragic history of sailors but also offer stunning views.

Read more: Cape Poin’ts shipwreck trails

Scenic Hiking Trails

I’ve hiked up to the lighthouse a few times, though I’ve mostly stuck to the shorter hikes around Cape Point. The area offers a range of scenic hiking trails, each offering its own unique way to experience the natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re walking through the diverse fynbos or along the pristine sandy beaches, there’s something special about every trail. For those looking for a longer adventure, there are also overnight trails that let you fully immerse yourself in Cape Point’s rugged, unspoiled landscape. No matter which trail you choose, you’re guaranteed spectacular views and the chance to connect with the wild beauty of the Cape.

Dive Sites

For those interested in diving, Cape Point offers some of the most spectacular dive sites in South Africa, with crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life waiting to be explored on both sides of the Point. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner, the waters around Cape Point provide a unique opportunity to explore underwater ecosystems rich in biodiversity. On the Atlantic side, you’ll find dramatic kelp forests, deep reefs, and the chance to spot marine species like ragged-tooth sharks, stingrays, and schools of colourful fish. The False Bay side is equally impressive, with more sheltered dive spots offering incredible visibility and opportunities to encounter seals, octopuses, and even the occasional whale. With its unique location where two oceans meet, Cape Point’s dive sites are a paradise for underwater adventurers, promising unforgettable experiences for those who take the plunge. Whether you’re diving along steep drop-offs or exploring vibrant reefs, the waters around Cape Point offer an extraordinary adventure beneath the waves.

While I am not listing a specific dive operator here, as I do not have direct diving experience, I do want to raise some ethical considerations. Some operators encourage shark cage diving, where sharks may be fed to attract them. This practice is not environmentally friendly and raises concerns about animal welfare. If you are looking for a responsible dive operator, here are a few questions to ask:

• Do you have any educational components as part of your diving experiences?
• Are your dives focused on marine conservation?
• Do you promote sustainable tourism and ethical interactions with marine life?
• What are your environmental policies, and how do you contribute to conservation efforts?
• Can I expect to see a variety of marine life besides sharks (e.g., rays, fish, kelp forests)?

Choosing an operator that aligns with your values ensures a more responsible and rewarding dive experience, while also supporting the conservation of this beautiful marine environment.

With so much to see and do, Cape Point truly offers a little something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or historical information a visit to Cape Point is a must. For a detailed guide on Cape Point check out my prvious post here: Cape Point Guide

Thank you for reading and please feel free to comment. I love hearing from my readers.