Water sports aren’t always given the respect they deserve but when you’re planning Cape Town holidays you may want to put some these activities on your agenda.

This world-class city offers some of the best water-related activities and events you’ll find anywhere. So, before we talk a bit about the great scuba diving opportunities or the fantastic surfing challenges, let’s discuss a somewhat newer pastime that is taking Cape Town’s water fanatics to a whole new place.

When you start to outline your daily adventures in your holidays, pencil in a day or two for kitesurfing. That’s right – kitesurfing. Hook up with one of the experienced vendors of this new craze and you might find you are hooked. Just what is different about this water sport? The name says it all – you skim along the water surface on your board but instead of riding a wave to the shore you are whisked along by the wind. The Cape Town area is known for its ocean breezes, which means there are generally 12 to 16 knot winds that make kitesurfing so much fun. There are a number of excellent kitesurfing locations in South Africa, with several locations unique to the Cape Town area. When planning your kitesurfing experience think Muizenberg, Bloubergstrand and Langebaan.

While we’re on the subject of surf excitement, why not try your hand in some traditional surfing conditions at one of the Cape Town area’s beaches. As with all locations, conditions vary so you will need to select your sites carefully. But there are experienced surf shops and instructors who can help you get started if you’re a beginner, or help you find the perfect waves if you’re more experienced. These professionals will make sure that on your Cape Town holidays you can “hang ten” safely. Equipment rental, half-day and full-day plans are offered.

Suppose that you want to experience the amazing waters around Cape Town from beneath the surface. There are numerous opportunities for scuba diving too! You may want to try the outstanding wreck-dive trips to get a look at the Antipolis wreck in about 12 metres of water. This shore dive allows you to see a 25,000-ton oil tanker up close and personal. You can also see the Clan Stuart wreck near Glencairn. This British steamer sank in 1914 and now rests in about 9 meters of water. You may even spot a seal during your Cape Town holidays!

If natural formations are more your style, try Justin’s Caves in 18 metres of water for a look at colourful barnacles, anemones, sea cucumbers and more. This is a maze of rock that is, well, amazing. For another great water adventure try Clifton Rocks, near one of the great Cape Town beach sites. This popular dive lets you get a close look at marine life such as starfish and sponges. Diving is offered from shore or from boat at this location.

Plan for a bit of underwater time as you put together your Cape Town holidays.