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The Mirage
Manley Social | The Mirage with DHL Stadium in the background
Manley Social

All aboard! See Cape Town aboard South Africa’s largest private yacht

The Mirage doesn’t shy away from delivering top-class cruising, breathtaking views, and food worth talking about.

Amy Fraser
Written by Amy Fraser
Content Coordinator, Time Out South Africa
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As a Capetonian for nearly fifteen years, I still find myself in constant awe, whether it’s the breathtaking beauty of the city or simply the privilege of being able to call this remarkable place home.

Recently, someone asked me: What’s the best way to experience the Mother City? 

The truth is, that’s part of Cape Town’s magic – there’s no single answer. You can wander the charming, eclectic streets of Kalk Bay, drive up to Signal Hill to catch a world-class sunset, soar above the city in a helicopter, or sail along the coastline with dolphins and seals making surprise appearances.

That’s where The Mirage comes in. 

The Mirage, Cape Town
Manley SocialThe Mirage set against the majestic backdrop of Table Mountain

What is The Mirage?

The Mirage is a 76-foot luxury yacht, the brainchild of Mark Werhley and Tara Sharbonda. Designed specifically to handle Cape Town’s famously unpredictable weather, it stands as South Africa’s largest and safest private yacht. Or, as Tara perfectly put it, "The boat was built for Cape Town."

With two sleek, modern levels and uninterrupted 360-degree ocean views, The Mirage blends style and serenity.
It’s the kind of place where stress seems to evaporate, and you're left with nothing but the sound of waves and the rhythm of the city’s soul.
If you’ve ever dreamed of having your "I’m flying, Jack!" moment from Titanic, the Mirage’s front netting offers the perfect spot to channel it. That said, I’ll admit, when it came time to try it myself, fear got the better of me.

Gourmet bites and expertly crafted cocktails

The feeling of luxury sets in before you’ve even stepped aboard. As you make your way to the yacht, you’re greeted by warm smiles, a chilled hand towel, and a perfectly balanced mimosa – setting the tone for what’s to come.

Once on board, guests can indulge in a range of dining options, whether it’s fresh pizza, beautifully prepared sushi, or just about any cocktail you can imagine, thanks to the onboard mixologists who take their craft seriously.

Chef Steve and his talented team at No Fixed Address Food Concept ensure an endless stream of exquisite canapés.

Just when I thought I couldn’t eat another thing and politely declined, Chef Steve would give me a look – a knowing glance that said, "you're about to miss out on greatness".

And every time, he was right.

From cauliflower poke bowls to melt-in-your-mouth beef tartare, everything was fresher than the ocean breeze swirling around us.

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Let’s talk cruises and pricing

All charters set sail from the V&A Waterfront, cruising along Cape Town’s stunning coastline toward Mouille Point before looping back. The Mirage offers two main experiences:

The day sails last an hour, while sunset sails extend to an hour and 30 minutes – perfect for soaking in golden skies and, if you’re lucky, spotting a curious whale along the way.

Tickets for daily cruises range from R400 to R600 per person, excluding food and drinks. Among the day sails, The Mirage stands out as one of the more accessible ways to experience Cape Town from a fresh, luxurious perspective – offering premium comfort without the full private charter price tag. 
If you're after a truly elevated experience, the private charters are in a league of their own.
Think full-day exclusivity, inflatable slides, private pool, onboard DJs, and a completely personalised itinerary. These bespoke experiences start from R35,000 for the day.
Regardless of which experience you choose, it’s an unforgettable opportunity to treat yourself, soak up the stunning coastline, and see the Mother City like never before.
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