Boat Cruises and Tube Rides on the Dam

About Boat Cruises and Tube Rides on the Dam

Hartbeespoort Dam is a stunning summer holiday destination in South Africa, because it promises a gorgeous setting, plenty of fun activities, and a variety of accommodation options that are right on its doorstep. Visitors that want to enjoy a lazy cruise or a more thrilling tube ride are spoilt for choice when they visit Harties, as the dam is affectionately known.

There are a number of boating, skiing and tubing adventures on offer for visitors. The more adventurous of these include:

20-minute rides: A flat tube that can accommodate two riders at a time is pulled with a 115hp or 125hp speedboat, and aided with a booster ball. The ball reduces rope drag, allowing the riders to reach incredible speeds of 60 km per hour. This is a fantastic challenge and, more often than not, the riders meet their match and end up splashing in the waters at least once. Even those that conquer the tube will have a great workout, and certainly work up an appetite for the lunch or dinner that follows.

10-minute rides: Groups of four riders are split into two shorter sessions to give everyone a chance to battle the flat tube (and to laugh at their friends doing the same). This is all about the thrill and the fun, in equal quantities.

Couch tube rides: The couch tube is very popular for the "not too wild" and with children. It can take up to four riders and is towed at a speed of about 40 km per hour, making it safe but endlessly enjoyable. Parents can join the youngsters in the tube rides, or enjoy watching their facial expressions from the boat.

Knee boarding: Learn how to ski behind the boat on your knees with the help and advice of the experts.

Skiing: This takes a bit longer to master if you are a novice, but is always a hit.