Kayak & canoe · SOUTH AFRICA KAYAKING TOURS
The 14 best south africa kayaking tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long you are on the water and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Join Atlantic Outlook for a two-hour sea-kayak trip from the V&A Waterfront. Guides such as Ande, Zak, Jordan, and Renier help beginners handle stable kayaks while you look for dolphins, seals, penguins, whales, and sunfish. The small group reaches open water, passes Table Bay sights, and includes an experience photo.
“Great guides maybe slightly pricy as it’s more like 1 hour.”
Paddle from Hout Bay Harbour with a guide such as Clarence, Clemon, or Chadley, watching for Cape fur seals, dolphins, penguins, and sunfish. You will hear stories about Hout Bay and Chapmans Peak while using supplied kayaks and safety gear. Tours suit beginners and experienced kayakers, but wind can make the two-hour outing strenuous.
“We had so much fun. Seeing dolphins, seals and jumping in the sea. Big thanks so our great tour guides”
Join Atlantic Outlook at the V&A Waterfront for a guided ocean kayak trip toward Sea Point. You’ll paddle with a professional guide, use provided kayaks and safety gear, and look for dolphins, penguins, seals, whales, and sunfish while viewing Table Mountain, Lions Head, Signal Hill, and Cape Town Stadium. Minimum age is 8.
“Wonderful time kayaking with the dolphins. Great bunch of guys leading the business. Thanks for a fun time.”
Set out from Three Anchor Bay with Cape Kayak Adventures for a guided two-hour tandem-kayak trip along Cape Town’s coast. You’ll paddle 3 to 4 km toward Clifton or the V&A Waterfront, with views of Lion’s Head, Table Mountain, Signal Hill, and the Twelve Apostles. Guides such as Dylan, Leon, and Josh provide safety instruction, while dolphins, seals, penguins, and sunfish may appear offshore.
“The whole experience was amazing. Being out on the water and the scenery from a different viewpoint was exceptional. We felt safe and in good hands. Thank you for a wonderful experience.”
Paddle from Central Beach with an English-speaking guide from Dolphin Adventures Sea Kayaking. After a safety briefing, you spend two hours on the sea, with the route shaped by wind, swell, and ability. Guides such as Tristan and Giovanni help beginners, while calm conditions can bring seals, dolphins, whales, seabirds, or even sharks close to your kayak.
“Felt safe and had a great time. No animals on water unfortunately but great getting out though.”
Spend an hour learning stand-up paddleboarding on the calm, protected canals of Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. You’ll receive a short English lesson, equipment, and time to practice with staff nearby. The setting suits first-timers, families, and couples, though bad weather can force a postponement or cancellation.
“A relaxing hour spent on the water. How to "row" was explained to us beforehand and some of the staff were always out on the water should you need any help.”
Join Truth Kayaking at Mouille Point for a two-hour Atlantic paddle in stable surfski kayaks. Guides such as Vincent and Shanti lead you past Green Point Lighthouse, with chances to see dolphins, seals, penguins, whales and sunfish. Afterward, use the showers and settle in the tropical garden with a smoothie, matcha or coffee.
“Such a peacfull activity to do, expecting to only see dolfins and seals, we also saw penguins and other birds. I was not expecting the views of the incredible mother city.”
Join Blackwater Tubing for a three-hour outing from near Tube n' Axe Lodge. With guides such as Derrin and Luciene, you will ride by Jeep to the Storms River, then walk, tube, and paddle a SUP across calm water in Plaatbos Nature Reserve. Wet suits are optional, and the route includes rocks and a walk to the riverbed.
“Derrin and luciene made this activity totally worth it. It was a great experience paddling and tubing our way through the Stormsrivier.”
You’ll collect a single or double kayak at Heads Up Coffee and Co, opposite Milk and Honey, then paddle Knysna Lagoon for one self-guided hour. English-speaking staff provide your equipment and safety briefing. The kayaks are stable and easy to handle, but you must swim and stay inside the marked kayaking areas.
Meet your English-speaking guide at Clifton 4th Beach, choose a single or double kayak, and paddle across Clifton Bay toward Clifton 1st Beach. You’ll see Lion’s Head, Table Mountain, and the Twelve Apostles, then explore kelp forests and rock pools near Maiden’s Cove. A mask, phone case, safety gear, and beginner instruction are included.
“Simply fabulous! Will do it again next time we here.”
Start at Clifton 4th Beach for a 90-minute guided kayak trip across the bay to Clifton 1st and Maiden’s Cove. You’ll get a stable plastic kayak, paddle, PFD, and waterproof phone case, then explore rock pools and kelp forests with views of Lion’s Head, Table Mountain, and the Twelve Apostles. Swimming masks are available.
“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.”
At Kabeljouws Lagoon in Jeffreys Bay, you receive a stable kayak and life jacket, learn the basic strokes, then paddle on your own for two hours. The route offers views of the nature reserve and chances to spot flamingos, birds, and small game. This private outing needs at least two people and may be canceled in windy weather.
“Dies ist keine geführte Tour! Es werden Kajaks ausgehändigt und man kann 2 h paddeln. Der Guide erklärt wo man paddeln und ist zum Ende wieder am Ausgangspunkt. Es gibt kein Büro oder Ähnliches am Treffpunkt. Der Guide kommt aber zur vereinbarten Uhrzeit.”
Spend 150 minutes canoeing the Sundays River with an English-speaking guide from Crisscross Adventures. No paddling experience is needed. Stable custom canoes, snacks, drinks, lifejackets, and waterproof buckets are included. Watch for seven kingfisher species, waterbirds, fish eagles, monitor lizards, monkeys, and otters.
“Very professional group, and we had a great time!”
Paddle a two-person kayak from Hout Bay beach beneath the harbor jetties, where the Green Room and Cape Fur seals are the main attractions. English-speaking guides such as Jesse, Liv, and Dan lead the two-hour outing. You may also see dolphins, and warm showers, changing rooms, and Wi-Fi are available afterward.
“We had a great time kayaking - we saw some dolphins and seals also the instructur was so lovely! Would recommend anybody to try it!”
Pick a coast, a cave or a river.
