The Best Kayaking Experiences in Cape Town

Kayak Cape Town

Paddle your way to scenic adventure.

Cape Town’s magnificent coastline is feted the world over for its rich marine life and spectacular Instagram-worthy seascapes. The best way to explore it? In a kayak, of course!

The Mother City has two coastlines – the Atlantic Seaboard (around the V&A Waterfront and Sea Point) and the False Bay coast (around Simon’s Town) – each offering different aspects of the city from the sea. If you have the choice, paddle the False Bay coastline (where the sun rises) in the morning, and explore the Atlantic waters later in the day. During your paddle you might even encounter dolphins, penguins, seals and possibly even whales (between July and November).

If you’d rather glide through stiller waters, Cape Town has inland waterways to explore by kayak, where canals reveal a tapestry of Table Mountain views, wetlands, secret cityscapes and urban bird life.

Be kayak-ready

Paddlers should arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled departure time, and are asked to check if the trip is still on around an hour before departure time – or before they make their way to the rendezvous spot. Trips may be cancelled due to bad weather, in which case, you will be refunded in full.

Dress the part; getting wet is unavoidable! Wear a swimming costume, a T-shirt and a warm top (that you don’t mind getting wet) to keep you warm. And while going barefoot is fine, flip-flops are not recommended. Be sure to bring a towel and a change of clothes for after your paddle.

Kayaking trips in Cape Town

Sea Point trip
The Simon’s Town trip
The Hout Bay trip
The Table Bay trip
The Intaka Island trip
The V&A Waterfront Canals trip

The Sea Point trip

Kayak Cape Town Sea Point Trip

This two-hour guided kayaking tour departs from Three Anchor Bay beach under the Sea Point Promenade and ventures along the coast towards Granger Bay or Bantry Bay – depending on the weather. You could be lucky enough to spot a whole other universe: African penguins, Cape fur seals, sunfish (aka mola mola), whales and dolphins are all known to swim close to the coastline. Plus, you’ll get to see what Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles mountain range look like from the sea.
Duration 2 hours
Cost R500
Maximum weight 120kg (or slightly more, depending on weight distribution, height and fitness)
Rescheduling If your trip is cancelled due to weather, you’ll get notified by email or SMS and asked if you’d like to book a new date, or if you require a refund.
Book Now

The Simon’s Town trip

Kayak Cape Town Simonstown Trip

A canoe trip around Simon’s Town is a perfect way to experience the picturesque False Bay coastline – wind or shine! The guided penguin kayak tour starts at the waterfront, meanders through the yachts, around the naval base and out to Boulders Beach, where you’ll be able to penguin-spot from the comfort of your own dugout. Look out for other species of marine life too – you may spot Cape fur seals, dolphins, whales (if you’re very lucky), and coastal birds like cormorants, black oystercatcher and gulls. If the timing and tide is right, you can stop for a snack (BYO) and swim at the beach.
Duration 2 hours
Cost R400 (adult)
R350 child (8 – 17 years)
Maximum weight 120kg per paddler, or 200kg for two paddlers.
Rescheduling Trips will be cancelled if the wind is stronger than 30kph.
Book Now

The Hout Bay trip

Kayak Cape Town Hout Bay

Explore one of Cape Town’s most iconic (and bustling) shorelines during a fun-filled tour with Kayak Adventures. Eager adventurers should meet at their HQ (next to Groundup Cafe) inside the Hout Bay Harbour, where you’ll be given a short training session, lifejacket and a dry bag for small items you’d like to take with you. Once on the water, kayakers will be taken past the seal sanctuary and towards Chapman’s Peak. You might encounter seals, penguins, dolphins, whales and sunfish, so keep your eyes peeled!
Duration 2 hours
Cost R450
Maximum weight 230kg per double kayak
Age restriction Minimum age 10 years. Children under 15 should be accompanied by an adult.
Rescheduling Trips will be cancelled if the wind is stronger than 30kph.
Book Now

The Table Bay trip

Kayak Cape Town Table bay

This trip starts from the Mouille Point slipway and winds itself through to Table Bay, taking in spectacular views of Table Mountain, the Cape Town Stadium, and the V&A Waterfront along the way. If you’re lucky, you’ll encounter dolphins (and maybe even whales).
Duration 2 hours
Cost R525
Rescheduling A minimum of four people is required for the trip to go ahead. You can join a mixed group, but if there are fewer than four people, your trip will be rescheduled.
Book Now

The Intaka Island trip

Kayak Cape Town Table bay

Explore the wetland canals of Century City around the wildlife reserve of Intaka Island, where abundant birdlife (more than 120 species) is at home in the heart of the city. Table Mountain is your backdrop and quiet still waters make for relaxing and restful paddling. The meeting point for this Kayak Adventures paddle is the Bridgewater Hotel in Century City.
Duration 1.5 hours
Cost R350
Maximum weight 230kg per double kayak
Age restriction Minimum age 10 years.  Children under 15 should be accompanied by an adult.
Book Now

The V&A Waterfront Canals trip

Discover hidden corners of the V&A Waterfront from the water as you paddle the quiet canals that link the marinas and the city, all with fabulous Table Mountain views. The meeting place and start point is at Battery Park. For even more ambience take to the water on a night paddle with sunset, twinkling city lights and moonlight.
Duration 1.5 hours (day trip)
2 hours (night trip)
Cost R350 (day trip)
R450 (night trip)
Maximum weight 230kg per double kayak
Age restriction Minimum age 10 years. Children under 15 should be accompanied by an adult.
Book Day Trip
Book Sunset Trip

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Disclaimer:

The Inside Guide has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location.

Time of publication: 08 November 2023

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