South Africa · CANOES & KAYAKS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 kayak trips worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Paddle from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront into Table Bay for mountain views, stable kayaks, friendly guides, and possible dolphin sightings.
“This was an absolutely amazing activity. We had wonderful weather and the guides were so knowledgeable. We saw loads of dolphins. They were so close to us. We are already planning on going again.”
Kayak Hout Bay for two hours with expert guides, dramatic Cape views, seals, dolphins, and possible penguins from a small group setting.
“The best experience ever. Our guide Chad was she best”
Paddle Cape Town’s Atlantic with a guide, Table Mountain views, included gear, and chances to see dolphins, penguins, seals, and whales.
“Guys are cool. But in general it wasn’t organized well. We experienced kayak tour with other company and can compare. Price is more or less the same but more benefits with other company. I will not use Atlantic service any more.”
Paddle 3 to 4 km off Cape Town with Table Mountain views, friendly guides, safety gear, and a chance to spot dolphins, seals, or penguins.
“Seeing dolphins . The experience overall was awesome but we felt that we were excluded from the group because we were slower, so we missed the experience of being part of a “tour” . Perhaps for future just take time to figure out why people are slower as we could have done with the help from the tour guides.”
Paddle Plettenberg Bay for two hours with a guide, mountain views, and chances to see dolphins, seals, whales, and sea birds.
“We really enjoyed this activity, we got to see a little hammer head shark! Unfortunately we didn’t get to see much of anything else, but that’s the gamble you take with the ocean 😂. Our guide Giovanni was excellent!”
Paddle Cape Town’s Atlantic coast for dolphins, penguins and seals, with Table Mountain views, expert guides, showers and a garden café.
“Must do experience in Cape Town. We managed to see dolphins, seals and penguins from a very short distance, which was amazing. Guides were lovely and clearly knew what they were doing. Definitely worth it!”
Paddle the wide Storms River, walk Tsitsikamma forest, and tube through a pool and drop run on this easy three-hour adventure.
“Die Aktivität war nicht so wie ich es mir vorgestellt habe. Es war auch nicht genügend Wasser im Fluss , daher eher langweilig gewesen. Meine Zeit hätte ich gern besser genutzt , mit einer anderen Tour o.ä. - vielleicht kann man dafür ja eine Alternative finden wenn das Wetter nicht passt oder zu wenig Wasser da ist. Guides und orga- natürlich super :)”
Paddle Knysna Lagoon for one hour in a stable kayak, with flexible routes, beach stops, safety gear, and a low $15 price.
Paddle Clifton’s clear waters past kelp forests, rock pools, seals, and Cape Town’s great mountain views on a guided 90-minute kayak tour.
“Activity was really nice and the guide had really great fun facts & taught us as beginners really well. Although we did not see dolphins/seals, we got a tour on the ocean itself, Clifton and some startish! Highly recommended”
Paddle Hout Bay with a guide, taking in Chapman's Peak, harbor views, and possible seals, penguins, whales, or dolphins for $25.97.
“Activity was canceled due to strong winds. The manager contacted me to explain the bad weather condition which let to the activity being cancelled.”
Kayak from Simon’s Town with African penguins, a guide, and all safety gear included. A lively two-hour Cape Town outing for beginners.
“Never got the service and havent refunded us, drove an hour for nothing. What a waste of time and energy.”
Paddle from Clifton 4th Beach through rock pools and kelp forests with Lions Head views, beginner-friendly kayaks, masks, and flexible weather plans.
“To be honest I was quite petrified 🤣 but the guides really calmed me down saying all will be good. It was a beautiful day with stunning weather conditions and it ended up being such a treat and amazing experience with my kids. I highly recommend Kayak Adventure at Clifton Beach.”
Paddle from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront with Table Mountain views, beginner-friendly guides, stable kayaks, and chances to spot seals or dolphins.
“It was a great way to spend a drizzly afternoon in Cape Town. The water was beautiful & the weather changed every 5 minutes.”
Paddle from Simon’s Town to Boulders Beach for penguins, seals, dolphins, and coastal views with gear and a guide included.
“Great short tour of the harbour, with a great alternative view of the penguins from the kayak. Our tour guide was very good and very knowledgable!”
Kayak Kosi Bay, snorkel the Kosi aquarium, learn Thonga fish traps, and enjoy a fresh fish braai on this six-hour guided outing.
“Our family of 5 had lots of fun during the guided kayak tour and received interesting info on the river, lakes and the traditional fish traps. We enjoyed a wonderful fish braai at noon and afterwards we went for snorkling. Rick and Simon are Read more”
Pick a park, a coastline or a valley.
