Nothing says 'I'm a fun and exciting guy' quite like a teddy bear… except, of course, flannel pyjamas and an extensive stamp collection. That's right boys, if you hope to impress that spunky, fun-loving gal this year, teddy bears and heart-shaped chocolates just aren't going to cut it…

So, what do you get a girl (or guy) who loves adventure, adrenalin-rushes and the great outdoors for Valentine's Day? No… not the latest Tomb Raider video game. Get out there and do it yourself! We've put together a city-by-city guide of adrenalin-packed Valentine's activities.

Cape Town

High-speed powerboat
Get your pulses racing with a high-speed powerboat trip around Cape Town — check out the harbour, Table Mountain, Clifton, Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles mountain range at super-speeds. Cost: R699 per couple.
Contact: www.aaax.co.za or +27 83 953 6144.

Catamaran sunset cruise
If a high-speed boat trip doesn't quite fit your notions of romance, take a one-and-a-half hour sunset cruise on a catamaran. Sip sparkling wine and share some snacks as you watch the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean. Cost: R540 per couple.
Contact: www.aaax.co.za or +27 83 953 6144.

Tandem skydive
Unfortunately, a tandem skydive is not quite as romantic as it sounds — you'll be strapped to a qualified instructor, not your Valentine. But, at 9000 feet and falling at a speed of 200kph for 30 seconds, this is not something you're likely to complain about… Cost: R2880 per couple.
Contact: www.aaax.co.za or +27 83 953 6144.

Shark cage diving
Stuff teddy bears; give your Lara Croft a Great White Shark for Valentine's and she will love you forever. Check out these magnificent creatures from the confines of a steel cage or… if you're chicken… from the comfort of the boat. Cost: R2199 per couple.
Contact: www.aaax.co.za or +27 83 953 6144.

Joburg… well, sort of

Quad biking
Trade in that romantic stroll through the forest for a high-octane, hour-long ride near the Hartebeespoort Dam. Don't worry, it's eco-friendly and you'll have a guide to make sure that you don't get too lost. Cost: R540 per couple.
Contact: www.adventureprojects.co.za or +27 861 455 545.

River rafting
Take a two-hour river rafting trip down the Crocodile River near Hartebeespoort Dam — work up a sweat while taking in the stunning scenery. Cost: R595 per couple.
Contact: www.adventureprojects.co.za or +27 861 455 545.

Abseiling
Declare your love whilst stepping off the edge of a cliff — admittedly, this is usually a pathetic attention-grapping stunt, but when attached to abseiling equipment…super cool! Cost: R415 per couple.
Contact: www.adventureprojects.co.za or +27 861 455 545.

Helicopter flight
If you're willing to dish out a couple of grand for 10 minutes of awesome views of the Hartebeespoort Dam and the Magaliesburg mountain range, then a romantic helicopter trip is the thing for you. Cost: R2425 per couple.
Contact: www.adventureprojects.co.za or +27 861 455 545.

Durban

Kiteboarding
Prove, once and for all, just how unbelievably cool you are by taking your fellow adrenalin-junkie kiteboarding. If co-ordination isn't really your thing, you might want to invest in a few lessons before showing off your wave-taming prowess… Cost: R350 per person for a two-hour session.
Contact: Cyclone Extreme Products on +27 31 368 6864.

Tandem skydive
Yip, they have sky in Durban too. Pretty much the same story — tandem jump; 9500 feet; 30 second freefall. Cost: R1350 per person.
Contact: Skydivekzn on +27 83 793 7055.

Tandem paragliding
Looking for something a little more leisurely than a 200kph plummet? A tandem paraglide offers the perfect opportunity to check out the scenery, whilst getting that adrenalin fix. Cost: R450 per person.
Contact: Skyguide paragliding on +27 31 266 5774.

So, there you have it. If that doesn't get your girl hook, line and sinker… well… then it might be time to start looking for a new girl!