8 cheap activities to do in Cape Town

Cape Town is easily the most expensive city in South Africa, but that is still no excuse for you not to visit and have a blast there. We understand what it’s like to travel on a shoestring budget. It can often mean sacrificing some of the fun stuff that you wish you could do. That’s exactly why we have curated this list of cheap activities to do in Cape Town.

From snorkelling with seals to water biking – this list has activities ranging from 13 EUR to 50 EUR. Keep in mind that the activities below are presented in order of the cheapest to the most expensive of the lot. But also remember that you cannot put a price tag on amazing experiences!

And if you’re looking to continue your South African adventure, consider the Garden Route, a scenic stretch of coastline and countryside known for its beaches, forests, wildlife, and charming towns. Discover the highlights in our blog article to 10 things to do on the Garden Route road trip.

1- Surfing in the Big Bay Area - From 13 EUR

Surf Life Surf School

How often have you held yourself back from surfing because you didn’t have the necessary equipment? The wetsuit, fins, leashes, and of course the surfboard! Well surfing in the Big Bay Area, which is a 30-minute drive from the city centre, you could rent it all for 13 EUR! When it comes to cheap things to do in Cape Town, it doesn’t get better than this. That sum of money could buy you 2 hours of non-stop joyous surfing in one of the best surf spots in the world! Big Bay is famous for its friendly locals, cosy coffee shops, and beautiful parks. All you have to bring is your sunscreen, water, snacks, and 13 EUR!

2- Stand up Paddle on the Cape Town canals - From 15 EUR

SUP Cape Town

A traditionally Hawaiian sport that promotes strength, balance, and fitness in general, stand up paddle strolls into our list of cheap activities to do in Cape Town. Costing merely 15 EUR per person, the activity lasts for about one hour and can be done by anyone above the age of 9. The best part about this sport is that you’re in total control of the surfboard. You could ride waves, cruise at a leisurely pace, race your friends, or even cover long distances! All necessary SUP gear is included in the 15 EUR – all you have to bring is your sunscreen and swimming shorts. So go on and see the sunrise in the early morning, have a great breakfast, do a sunset session, jump in the waves. You’ll be high fiving in no time!

3- Kayaking Tour along the Atlantic Seaboard Coastline - From 30 EUR

Atlantic Outlook

The second activity on our list of cheap activities to do in Cape Town is one of the most relaxing ones on the list: a kayaking tour along the Atlantic seaboard coastline. The sparkling blue waters stretching between the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront to the North shore of Table Mountain all the way down the west to Hout Bay is your kayaking playground. For a surprisingly cheap price of 30 EUR, this kayaking tour takes you across iconic views of Table Mountain and Lions Head! This rejuvenating activity is done in the presence of a guide who will also introduce you to penguins, dolphins, and occasionally – whales! The activity lasts around 2 hours and participants must know how to swim, even though they’re provided with life jackets.

4- Hiking to the top of Table Mountain - From 30 EUR

Daytrippers

An incredibly rewarding activity, hiking to the top of Table Mountain is a must, for those who can do this outdoor activity in Cape Town. So what makes it rewarding? Well, after completing a half-day hike reaching an altitude of over 1,000 m and overcoming steep inclines as you scramble, climb, jump and walk through an untamed mountain terrain – a spectacular view awaits. Coastal views along the Cape of Good Hope will mesmerize you, giving you an immense sense of achievement. You will be accompanied by a guide on this hike, who will not only inform you about your path but also motivate you along the way. We haven’t even told you the best bit yet: the hike, including the cable car descent that follows, costs only 30 EUR!

5- Sandboarding near Cape Town - From 30 EUR

SA Forest Adventure

Probably the biggest drawback of snowboarding, the ice-cold weather, is rectified in the sport of sandboarding. Using the same principle, sandboarding can be practiced all year long, making it immune to weather conditions. Hout Bay and Betty’s Bay are two of the best commercial centres for sandboarding in Cape Town and not expensive at all. The extremely exciting outdoor activity which can be enjoyed by the whole family, for only 30 EUR, lasts for about 2 hours. The activity includes a safety briefing and is followed by fun and competitive games. Our advice: don’t forget to close your mouths during the activity.

6- Scooter tour in Stellenbosch - From 32 EUR

Cape Town Scootours

Discover the charming town of Stellenbosch in a completely unique way – on a guided scooter tour! Perfect for those who want to explore beyond Cape Town without breaking the bank, this tour costs just 32 EUR per person and lets you zip through scenic streets, historic vineyards, and picturesque squares. The scooter tour near Cape Town lasts around 2 hours and is suitable for beginners, with all safety gear included. Your guide will point out local highlights, hidden gems, and the best spots for photos, giving you a fun, fast-paced, and unforgettable experience. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure and a smile – the scooters, helmets, and guidance are all taken care of.

7- Ziplining near Table Mountain - From 43 EUR

SA Forest Adventure

An exhilarating activity awaits you and your 43 EUR in Constantia Nek on the Silvermist Estate in Cape Town, 20 minutes from the city centre. Ziplining in Cape Town is for thrill-seekers of every age group. Getting to the take-off spot of the activity is a journey in itself. A 4X4 vehicle will take you to the top of Constantia. You will have a spectacular and unique view of Cape Town and the Table Mountain National Park Reserve! You will be surrounded by gorgeous nature and scenery as you walk or zip line between the 12 available platforms. The highest platform is at 155 meters above the tree canopy, and the longest measures half a kilometre!

8- Snorkelling in the Great African Kelp Forest - From 48 EUR

Cape Research and Diver Development

Dive into one of Cape Town’s most magical underwater worlds with a guided snorkel tour of False Bay, led by experienced marine biologists. Explore the vibrant Great African Kelp Forest, home to an incredible array of fish, invertebrates, and other fascinating marine life. This unforgettable experience lasts around 2 hours and is suitable for beginners, with all necessary gear provided. For just 48 EUR, you can glide through the kelp, learn about the local ecosystem from your guide, and witness the wonders of South Africa’s underwater environment up close – a truly enriching adventure that’s both fun and educational!

If you still feel like splurging that hard-earned paycheque of yours on other exciting activities, check out our list of Top 10 Outdoor activities to do in Cape Town.