The Cape Wheel

Ascend to new heights! The Cape Wheel offers breathtaking views of Cape Town’s iconic landmarks, truly unforgettable!

Description

The Cape Wheel is a giant observation wheel at the V&A Waterfront, offering a safe, air‑conditioned, fully enclosed ride 40 metres above ground.

The wheel has 30 cabins — including two wheelchair‑accessible ones — providing a comfortable, four‑revolution ride that reveals panoramic views of Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Robben Island, Granger Bay, the harbour, and the city skyline. The ride typically lasts 12–15 minutes and is suitable for families, couples, and solo visitors.

Guests can choose from standard rides, a luxury VIP gondola with leather seats, tinted windows and complimentary drinks, or a “Sky Dining” experience where you enjoy a picnic while floating above the harbour. Both daytime and nighttime rides provide unique perspectives: clear daylight views or glittering city lights and harbour reflections.

Company Group

The Cape Wheel

Activity Type

Urban parks & outdoor spaces

Additional Links

Happy Snappy | Prices | Specials

Email Address

Enquiries: info@capewheel.co.za

Phone Number

Social Media

Activities List

Sightseeing | Sky Dining | Wheel ride

Experiences

Views: Scenic 360° views of Table Mountain, Robben Island, harbour and city skyline from 40 metres high.

Cabins: Enclosed, air‑conditioned cabins offering a comfortable ride, suitable for all ages.

Rides: Sunset and nighttime rides showcasing city lights and harbour reflections — magical for photos.

Experiences: VIP gondola or Sky Dining for a more relaxed, romantic or celebratory outing in elevated comfort.

Estimate Duration

12 – 15 minutes

What to Bring

Camera | Comfortable shoes | Jacket or sweater | Sunglasses | Sunscreen | Water bottle

Additional Information

  • Two cabins are wheelchair‑accessible.

  • The wheel’s “Sky Dining” picnic ride doubles the usual ride time, offering time to enjoy snacks while rotating.

  • The ride operates even during loadshedding thanks to independent power / onboard systems.

Inside Guides

  • Ride at sunset for amazing lighting and city‑to‑sea views.

  • Try nighttime rides to enjoy city lights and waterfront ambiance.

  • For quieter cabins, visit early on weekdays.

  • Book VIP or Sky Dining in advance for special occasions instead of walk‑in.

Weather Conditions

Ideal Weather: Clear skies | Calm sea breeze

Rain Alert: Light rain — rides may be delayed or cancelled

Weather Experience: On clear evenings, the skyline, ocean and Table Mountain create dramatic, photogenic views; in windy or rainy conditions ride may be suspended for safety.

Restrictions

  • No standing or moving around inside the cabin.
  • No smoking or eating (except during Sky Dining) while cabin is moving.
  • Children must be supervised.
  • Cabin doors must stay closed.
  • Keep hands and arms inside the cabin.

Rules & Safety

  • Follow staff instructions at all times.
  • No leaning out of the cabin.
  • Report any safety concerns immediately.
  • Wheel may stop or close early due to weather.

Reservation Policies

  • No bookings required for standard rides.
  • VIP Gondola rides require booking in advance which can be purchase on webtickets.
  • Direct bookings can be emailed to manager2@capewheel.co.za

Estimate Price Range

R200 – R300+

Entry Fees & Pricing

R180 | Adult (South African)
R275 | Adult general admission
R95 | Child (4–17 years)
Free | Child under 4
R95 | Pensioner (South African)

Sky Dining (Own food, basket provided):
R350 | Sky Dining adult
R160 | Sky Dining child

R2,995 | VIP gondola (up to 4 adults)

Booking Methods

Email | Walkins | Website

Air-conditioned cabins

Child friendly

Fully enclosed cabins

Happy Snappy photography

Nearby restaurants

Panoramic views

Parking - Waterfront

Photo opportunities

Restrooms

Scenic views

Sightseeing

Sky Dining

Ticket booth

VIP cabin

Walk-ins welcome

Wheelchair access

Must Tries

Sky Dining picnic: Enjoy a relaxed picnic in a private cabin while floating high above the harbour.

Sunset ride: For breathtaking views of Table Mountain and the ocean at golden hour.

Highlights

Glide 40 metres high in a climate‑controlled cabin with panoramic views over Cape Town’s city, harbour and mountains.

Night ride: See the city skyline and waterfront lights shimmering from above — perfect for photos or a romantic evening.

Features
  • Air-conditioned cabins
  • Child friendly
  • Fully enclosed cabins
  • Happy Snappy photography
  • Nearby restaurants
  • Panoramic views
  • Parking – Waterfront
  • Photo opportunities
  • Restrooms
  • Scenic views
  • Sightseeing
  • Sky Dining
  • Ticket booth
  • VIP cabin
  • Walk-ins welcome
  • Wheelchair access

Must Tries

Sky Dining picnic: Enjoy a relaxed picnic in a private cabin while floating high above the harbour.

Sunset ride: For breathtaking views of Table Mountain and the ocean at golden hour.

Highlights

Glide 40 metres high in a climate‑controlled cabin with panoramic views over Cape Town’s city, harbour and mountains.

Night ride: See the city skyline and waterfront lights shimmering from above — perfect for photos or a romantic evening.

Address

The Lawns, Breakwater Boulevard, V&A Waterfront

Parking: 

Parking at Breakwater parking garage (near Wheel).

Opening Hours

Summer Times (Sep to Apr)
Monday – Sunday 10h00 – 22h00
Winter Times (May to Aug)
Monday – Thursday 11h00 – 21h00
Friday – Saturday 10h00 – 22h00
Sunday 10h00 – 21h00

What To Expect

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Review