South Africa · CANOES & KAYAKS

The 15 Best Kayak Trips in South Africa

20 tours  ·  from $15 a head

The 15 kayak trips below are the ones worth your money, each with its price, its duration and the thing to know before you commit. Start at the top.

Cape Town: Marine Life Kayak Tour From the V&A Waterfront - Finding the office beneath the parking ramp
Canoes & Kayaks, Cape Town Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Cape Town: Marine Life Kayak Tour From the V&A Waterfront

Cape Town: Guided Kayaking in Hout Bay - Meeting at Hout Bay Harbour
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Cape Town: Guided Kayaking in Hout Bay

2.Guided Kayaking in Hout Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 228 reviews · 2 hours · from $37

Kayak Hout Bay for two hours with a small group, Cape fur seals, coastal views, local history, and helpful guides from $37.

“We have spend at least 40 minutes kayaking around with dolphins 🐬 which was life-changing. Guides were super nice and helpful, we felt safe and entertained and we'll informed the whole time. Location is also great with huge parking, facilities, cafe and a cool market where you can buy souvenirs afterwards. I would recommend it to anyone!”

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Cape Town Kayak Adventure in Table Mountain Marine Reserve - The briefing and first strokes
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Cape Town Kayak Adventure in Table Mountain Marine Reserve

4.Cape Town Kayak Adventure in Table Mountain Marine Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 151 reviews · from $28

Kayak Cape Town’s coast beneath Table Mountain, with expert guides, sea life, and practical tips for this two-hour adventure.

“I was there for Christmas, and I had a great time and a lot of fun. It was a perfect morning and a great way to start the day. The view is breathtaking, showing a different view of the city and mountains. The water was clear and blue, though it looked deep, it looked and felt inviting. I highly recommend you do it.”

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Plettenberg Bay: Guided Sea Kayak Tour - Paddling along a route shaped by the sea
Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Plettenberg Bay: Guided Sea Kayak Tour

5.Guided Sea Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 121 reviews · 2 hours · from $24

Paddle Plettenberg Bay for two hours with a guide, mountain views, and chances to spot dolphins, seals, whales, and seabirds.

“Enjoyed every minute of it. friendly guide, blessed to have witnessed 2 whales a few metres away from us and a herd of seal entertaining us. Will definitely do it again”

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Cape Town: Dolphin & Ocean Wildlife Kayaking Adventure ⚓️ - The safety briefing and the first paddle
Canoes & Kayaks, Cape Town Tours, Dolphin Watching, Seal and Dolphin Trips, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

Cape Town: Dolphin & Ocean Wildlife Kayaking Adventure ⚓️

6.Dolphin & Ocean Wildlife Kayaking Adventure ⚓️

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · 2 hours · from $37

Paddle Cape Town’s Atlantic coast for dolphins, penguins, seals, and grand Table Mountain views on this friendly two-hour kayak trip.

“I arrived at Truth Kayaking and the guide welcomed me in and was so bubbly and high energy. Such a fun vibe! They even had a smoothie bar with protein smoothies. We launched from the beach next door and as we left the beach we saw so many dolphins! We saw this really funny looking fish, a sunfish? Was so amazing! The guides were so knowledgeable and so funny. Such vibes. When we got back to the truth kayaking space, I actually decided to spend the afternoon remote working from their beautiful garden, it’s giving Bali jungle energy, so cute, such a chilled space. Highly recommend their tours and just…”

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Stormsrivier: Green Route Tubing and Paddle-Boarding Tour - Entering Plaatbos Nature Reserve
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Stormsrivier: Green Route Tubing and Paddle-Boarding Tour

7.Stormsrivier: Green Route Tubing and Paddle-Boarding Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 40 reviews · 3 hours · from $62

Review of Stormsrivier’s 3-hour tubing and SUP adventure, with forest scenery, practical tips, pricing, river conditions, and who should book.

“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 :)”

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Cape Town: Guided Kayak Tour of Clifton Beaches & The Coast - Starting at Clifton 4th Beach
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Cape Town: Guided Kayak Tour of Clifton Beaches & The Coast

9.Guided Kayak Tour of Clifton Beaches & The Coast

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 28 reviews · 1h 30m · from $49

Paddle Clifton’s clear waters past seals, kelp forests, and rock pools while enjoying superb views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head.

“We absolutely loved it! It was wonderful and exciting with spectacular views. The guides were well equipped, knowledgeable, very friendly and helpful. We loved every minute of it. Will definitely recommend”

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Guided Kayaking in Hout Bay - Getting set up with included equipment
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Guided Kayaking in Hout Bay

10.Guided Kayaking in Hout Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 19 reviews · from $25

Paddle Hout Bay with a guide, gear included, and views of Chapman's Peak, seals, dolphins, whales, and harbor life.

“We had an amazing time! Chadley was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the area, wildlife and history. Useful tip is that free lockers are available at the reception and waterproof phone covers can be purchased for R100 at time of writing.”

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Paddle with the Penguins - The safety briefing sets the tone
Canoes & Kayaks, Cape Town Tours, Penguin Tours, Tour Reviews

Paddle with the Penguins

11.Paddle with the Penguins

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 19 reviews · from $34

Kayak from Simon’s Town to see African penguins, with gear, instruction, marine-life guidance, and free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.

“Great guide learned a lot about the ocean and the pinquins. Best way to observe them. Also nice sporty event and best way to experience the Beaty of the coastline. !”

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Kayak Adventure at Clifton Beach - Paddling from Clifton 4th to Clifton 1st
Canoes & Kayaks, Cape Town Tours, Tour Reviews

Kayak Adventure at Clifton Beach

12.Kayak Adventure at Clifton Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · from $28

Kayak Clifton Beach for 90 minutes among kelp forests, rock pools, and Cape Town views, with beginner-friendly kayaks and free cancellation.

“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.”

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Cape Town Sea Kayaking Adventure launching from V&A Waterfront - Paddling beneath Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and Signal Hill
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Cape Town Sea Kayaking Adventure launching from V&A Waterfront

Kayak to the penguins in Simons Town - Simon’s Town Harbour from water level
Canoes & Kayaks, Cape Town Tours, Penguin Tours, Tour Reviews

Kayak to the penguins in Simons Town

14.Kayak to the penguins in Simons Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 11 reviews · from $54

Paddle from Simon’s Town to Boulders Beach for penguin views, seals, dolphins, and Cape Town scenery on a guided kayak tour.

“Some of us struggled keeping direction (-:. It made for lots of laughter. Jennifer and Jason were super! Great to get close to nature and seeing the wonderful creation of God.”

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Kosi Bay Mouth Experience - Kayaking, Snorkeling, Fish Trap Tour and Fish braai - Arriving at the Kosi Bay Mouth entrance
Canoes & Kayaks, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours

Kosi Bay Mouth Experience – Kayaking, Snorkeling, Fish Trap Tour and Fish braai

15.Kosi Bay Mouth Experience – Kayaking, Snorkeling, Fish Trap Tour and Fish braai

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8 reviews · from $71

Review of Kosi Bay’s six-hour kayak, snorkel, Thonga fish trap, and fish braai tour, with practical advice on price, guides, tides, and permits.

“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”

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