What is the Cape Town crew experience?
Yacht owners and guests often capture the spotlight, but the crew is the lifeblood of any yacht. Their satisfaction is a harbinger of the guests’ happiness. In Cape Town, superyacht crew can seamlessly blend urban living with the great outdoors.
Best place to stay:
The superyacht marina is in the city’s heart, at the V & A Waterfront. Many reasonable apartment options are available for crew members needing a break from their cabin mates. Some might choose to stay outside of the Waterfront and great neighbourhoods close by, including trendy De Waterkant, quiet neighbouring Mouille Point, or vibey Sea Point. Accommodation can be arranged through an agent or by hopping on AirBnB for a wide selection of options.
Keeping active:
Cape Town is an outdoor exercise mecca with something for everyone. The V & A Waterfront is at the beginning of a long coastal promenade that hugs the coastline. It is the ideal boardwalk for a jog, cycling, or casual after-work meander. Perfect for a long electric scooter ride, it offers many opportunities for people-watching and meeting furry friends.
Mountain biking in Cape Town is hugely popular, and local guides can arrange bike rentals and show you the best tracks to suit your ability. After work and weekend hikes on the peaks towering over the city range from a strenuous walk and climb up Table Mountain to a quick one-hour hike up Lions’s Head to enjoy the beautiful sunsets. Padel arrived in SA with a bang, and courts are in the Waterfront precinct, within walking distance from your yacht berth.
Cape Town is a coastal city, and there is always something to do in and on the water. A busy surf ski community is active around the Waterfront where you can slot in for a quick after-work paddle along the coast. Slightly outside the main city centre is Blouberg, a kite-surfing mecca. Clifton and Camps Bay beaches, a short drive from the Waterfront, are always buzzing with swimming, paddling and beach volleyball.
There is a world-class Virgin Active gym in the Silo area of the V & A Waterfront. The gym has the general weight and fitness machines you have come to expect, a suspension yoga studio, a 24-meter heated lap pool, a reformer Pilates studio, and spinning classes.
Getting around:
All the major car rental companies have branches in SA, and people drive on the left-hand side of the road. The traffic from outlying suburbs into town can be tedious at rush hour, but it is unlikely to affect you as you will be based in and around the V & A Waterfront. Finding on-street parking in the city centre can be time-consuming, but if you are willing to walk a block or two, you will always find a spot. There is also an abundance of Uber drivers. Consider hiring a minibus with a driver for group convenience and local insights.
Best bites for crew:
The Waterfront is a mixed-use precinct, with food options ranging from takeaway to affordable family restaurants to new trendy spots and fine dining. There is something for everyone.
There are also two supermarket chains. PicknPay is a general supermarket ideal for purchasing basic groceries, including pantry staples, towels, and cleaning products. Woolworths is the premier grocery store with a good selection of fresh produce, exciting pantry options, and high-quality prepared meals. Each supermarket has its strengths, and like in many parts of the world, you might need to visit both to find what you are looking for.
It is important to remember the local farmers market, Oranjezicht Farmers Market, which is open on Saturdays and Sundays. It is a treasure trove of delicious fresh produce, all from sustainable producers with sustainability credentials. Tasty, fresh, and responsible.
For more extensive provisioning needs, I recommend contacting a professional provisioning company. You can order online, and they will deliver to the yacht.
Nights out:
Cape Town has a thrilling nightlife scene. The V & A Waterfront is always busy and great for a meal. First Thursday is a local institution where local art galleries, restaurants, and bars open doors to welcome patrons. There is a palpable vibe as the central hub of Bree Street becomes a hive of activity. Bree Street was recently named one of the 30 Coolest Streets in the World.
Younger crew members might want to sample the local nightclubs. Camps Bay and the city centre are the local nightlife hubs. It is essential to ask for local advice when planning your nights out. As with most major cities worldwide, there are areas best avoided in the early morning hours.
Best resources about what is on in Cape Town:
Keeping up with the latest restaurant openings or nightclubs can be tricky. Here are a few nifty resources for what’s on and cool around Cape Town.
Email us at Superyacht Cape Town for the FREE Crew Guide to Cape Town.
Cape Town is a cosmopolitan city with a warm heart. There is so much to do not only in town but also in the region. One visit will never be enough!
