Cape Town: Activities

• skydiving

  On a clear, windless day, look up when you're lounging around the beaches or scoffing a lunchtime beer downtown, and you might see a paraglider heading towards you. Launch sites on Table Mountain, Lion's Head and Signal Hill are popular and it's possible for the total novice to arrange a tandem flight.

• scuba diving

  Cape Town offers a number of excellent shore and boat dives. Corals, kelp beds, wrecks, caves and drop-offs, seals and a wide variety of fish are just some of the attractions. The best time is from June to November as the water on the False Bay side is warmer then and the visibility is greater. Thrill seekers can dive with great white sharks at the Two Oceans Aquarium on the Waterfront.

• surfing

  The Cape Peninsula has fantastic surfing - from gentle shore breaks that are ideal for beginners to cliffs of water that only experts should tackle. The best surf is along the Atlantic side, and there is a string of breaks from Bloubergstrand through to the Cape of Good Hope.

• rock climbing (outdoor)

  Table Mountain boasts the world's highest abseil - an 112m (370ft) shimmy down a rope that will give you a huge adrenaline rush. Take your time because the views are breathtaking.

• mountain biking

  Try a thrilling mountain-bike ride down from the lower cable car station on Table Mountain or ride through the Winelands and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. You can hire a bike and head out on your own, or hook up with one of the companies that arrange more adventurous cycling trips.

• boating

  A trip out to Table Bay on a harbour cruise could be one of the highlights of your Cape Town stay. The view of Table Mountain from the bay at sunset is awe inspiring. You can also take cruises out to the World Heritage-listed Robben Island.

• walking

  There are fantastic walks on Table Mountain and around the peninsula, including one to the peak of Lion's Head. There are also good walks in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.

• hiking

  The local hike that tempts everyone is the climb up Table Mountain. Although it looks deceptively easy, bear in mind that the mountain is 1073m (3520ft) tall and riddled with over 300 confusing trails - check with Cape Town Tourism if you want a guide. Unless you're very fit, try walking down before you attempt the walk up!

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