Cape Town is home to several harbours that are ideal for filming. From a large commercial port to quaint fishing harbours, the city has it all.
The Port of Cape Town in Table Bay is one of the biggest commercial harbours in South Africa. It has several components including a container terminal, dry docks with repair areas, a marina for yachts, and even a drawbridge. Expect to see all kinds of marine vessels in the harbour from tankers and container ships to cruise ships, fishing fleets and smaller commercial boats.
A section of the harbour runs along the famous V&A Waterfront with its restaurants and shops, and the magnificent Table Mountain as a backdrop. Many sightseeing and other pleasure boats can be seen coming and going from the V&A.
One needs permission to access and film at the harbour. It’s a good idea to use a local service provider to help with these arrangements and to secure the necessary film permits.
The quaint, picturesque Hout Bay Harbour is on the Atlantic Seaboard side of Cape Town alongside a beach and near the start of the scenic Chapman’s Peak route. Here, fishermen can be seen bringing in fresh catches of fish and rock lobster, while seals sun themselves on the pier.
More excellent Cape Town film shoot locations can be found on the False Bay side of the city. At Kalk Bay Harbour, colourful fishing boats float side by side, while fishermen offload and clean fish on the pier. The red and white lighthouse at the end of the pier gets battered by large waves that crash against the harbour wall during winter storms. Tourists and locals alike enjoy fresh fish and chips (fries) at the popular Kalkies – a small, casual restaurant – while curious seals look on and cheeky seagulls circle.
