V&A Waterfront and Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town, South Africa
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Visiting the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa should be part of any Cape Town Itinerary. It’s an excellent place for shopping, entertainment, food, and taking in views of the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain. It’s also one of the top things to do in Cape Town.
There are multiple hotels for those wishing to stay by the water. For me, it was a quick, free shuttle ride from the Taj Hotel to explore the waterfront with its massive market, aquarium, and museum.
V&A Waterfront Accessibility
The help desk, located next to the Nespresso store, can assist with wheelchair rental and temporarily disabled parking discs (if you choose to travel there by car.) The area is accessible and easy to navigate. There are a great many tours departing from the waterfront, so expect it to be rather tourist-heavy. While some of you may be turned off by overly touristy destinations, the waterfront area has enough shopping and attractions to make it well worth the trip.
Robben Island Tours
V & A Waterfront Cape Town is also the departure point for ferries to Robben Island, the place where Nelson Mandela was jailed. Unfortunately, the waters were too rough during my week and a half stay, all boats were canceled, and I was stuck on land But visiting Robben Island is a must for any Cape Town visit, so long as the sea is calm. There’s also a small museum on the V&A Waterfront at the departure location, but it's nothing compared to making the actual trip to the Island. I highly recommend buying ferry tickets in advance. These can be purchased online or at the dock. Tickets sell out quickly. Fortunately, they are fully refundable should the weather ruin your plans.
You can purchase Wheelchair-Accessible Robben Island Tours with Hotel Pick-Up here.
Music at V&A Waterfront
When I arrived at the waterfront I was hit with absolute giddiness from the plethora of live musical groups. I came home with several CDs. If you head out to the waterfront, make sure to show your support. I mean, how fantastic is this music?
More musicians at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa.
Shopping at V&A Waterfront
After you enjoy the music, take some time to visit the many specialty shops and large waterfront mall. It's a great place to buy souvenirs. I picked up a handmade purse, a couple of wood carvings, some anti-inflammatory rooibos tea, and a jar of crocodile pate for my fiancé. You can also grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants.
Mediterranean Salad at the Table Bay Hotel.
2 Oceans Aquarium, Reptiles, and More V and A Waterfront Activities
There are a host of other attractions in the area, including a mobile reptile exhibit featuring several venomous snakes. Don't worry, they're all safely locked behind glass. As an animal lover and the owner of a rescued ball python, I appreciate anyone trying to educate the public about reptiles. Snakes are fascinating little creatures. For one, did you know male snakes have two penises? What god doesn't give in limbs, he makes up for below the waist.
Reptile World Snake Park, V&A Waterfront.
I realize maybe snakes aren't everyone's cup of tea... especially in a cramped trailer. But if you're an animal lover, you MUST check out Two Oceans Aquarium, also located on the waterfront. Personally, I'm a huge aquarium lover and I've visited so many around the world, I've lost count. But Two Oceans is a real stand-out. First off, every bit of the aquarium is accessible. They also provide wheelchair rentals. Secondly, the range of animals is spectacular and they're very well cared for.
You can purchase Skip-The-Line Tickets to Two Oceans Aquarium here.
There are many people who dislike zoos and aquariums, but I think if done correctly, they play a vital role in saving sick/ injured animals and helping to breed endangered species. I do not endorse aquariums or zoos where animals have barely enough room or are otherwise kept in poor conditions. Unlike many aquariums, the exhibits at Two Oceans are massive, giving the large aquatic life ample room to swim around. The predator tank (home to three sharks) measures 2 million liters! It's a breathtaking sight to behold and ranks as one of the best aquariums in the world.
Penguins at Two Oceans Aquarium.
Along with the rescue and rehabilitation of animals, 2 Oceans hosts beach clean-ups and educational programs for children. They also have penguins! If you can't make the trip to Betty's Bay or Simon's Town, the penguin exhibit at Two Oceans offers you that up-close experience with penguins while indoors and right in the city!
The Cape Wheel
The Cape Wheel Ferris Wheel is wheelchair accessible and provides amazing views of Table Mountain, Robben Island, The Cape Ton Skyline, Hottentots Range, and the waterfront. You can purchase Advance Tickets to the Cape Wheel here.
V&A Waterfront and Two Oceans Aquarium Cape Town South Africa Fun
I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the V and A Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa. Been here before? Drop me a message in the comments below and let me know what you thought. Happy travels!
