Canoes & Kayaks in Cape Town: 7 Sorted by What You Get

1.Marine Life Kayak Tour From the V&A Waterfront

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 640 reviews · 2 hours · from $37Our pick

Paddle from the V&A Waterfront with an English-speaking guide in a stable sea kayak. You may see dolphins, seals, penguins, whales, or sunfish while looking back at Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, and the Twelve Apostles. Guides such as Jordan, Renier, Zach, and Ande also take photos during the two-hour tour.

“We absolutely loved our morning kayak tour. Conditions were perfect, and we were lucky enough to see dolphins and penguins. The highlight was when a couple of dolphins swam right alongside our kayak—an absolutely incredible experience. The guides were all super friendly and welcoming, creating great vibes throughout. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip.”

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2.Atlantic Outlook Kayak Tour Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 194 reviews · from $29Top rated

Paddle from the V&A Waterfront toward Sea Point with an Atlantic Outlook guide. You’ll use supplied kayaks and safety gear, see Table Mountain, Lions Head, Signal Hill, the stadium, and perhaps dolphins, penguins, seals, or whales. The 7am departure is a smart choice for calmer water, but weather can force a reschedule.

“The most friendliest staff ever! We were 10 minutes late trying to find our way in Cape Town, however was still given a quick catch up by the instructor and continuous check ins by the instructors out on the water. Very chilled vibes. You’ll find marine life out there and beautiful views of Table Mountain. Tip - the 7am slot is amazing, the water is calm and you’ll be able to spot dolphins.”

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3.Cape Town Kayak Adventure in Table Mountain Marine Reserve

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

Paddle a tandem kayak from Three Anchor Bay with guides such as Dylan, Leon, or Josh. The 2-hour trip covers 3 to 4 km toward Clifton or the V&A Waterfront, passing mountain views, the Green Point Lighthouse, shipwrecks, and possible dolphins, seals, penguins, or sunfish.

“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.”

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4.Stand-up Paddleboard Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 64 reviews · 1 hour · from $20

Learn the basics of stand-up paddleboarding with an English-speaking instructor, then paddle the calm, protected canals of Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. Your one-hour booking includes the board and equipment, with 30 or 60 minutes of water time depending on the option selected. Small groups are available, and beginners are welcome.

“My daughter enjoyed every bit of the activity and wanted to go again the next day. The guide was patient and taught her well. Now it seems like she is a pro”

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5.Dolphin & Ocean Wildlife Kayaking Adventure ⚓️

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

Meet the Truth Kayaking team at Mouille Point’s Prom Park, near the lighthouse, for a two-hour ocean paddle in stable surf skis. Guides including Vincent, Shanti, and Jordan’s team lead you past the Green Point Lighthouse, watching for dolphins, seals, penguins, whales, and sunfish. Finish with showers, music, and optional smoothies, matcha, or coffee.

“What a phenomenal experience. The guides were far more upbeat and groovy than I have ever experienced around the world! They all had boundless knowledge of the ocean that they call home and too were comprehensive in knowing the inns and outs of Cape Town. Great post tour recommendations on where to hang and lap up more experiences like theirs in different genre's. Thanks Truth Travel for the kayaking trip of a lifetime. Check you in the future!”

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6.Guided Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 2 hours · from $21

Meet Animal Ocean in Hout Bay, gear up with a guide, and walk two minutes to the beach for a two-person kayak trip. Paddle under the jetties, look for Cape Fur seals and possible dolphins, then cross toward Chapman’s Peak. Guides such as Jesse, Liv, and Dan lead the English-language tour.

“Did the kayaking tour with Jesse, very experienced and we felt super safe in his hands! It was only us who booked so ended up being a private tour. Highly recommend:) easy to book!”

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7.Stand-Up Paddle Board Rental with Basic Training

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 1 day · from $19Best value

Meet SUP Cape Town at Battery Park near the V&A Waterfront, where an English-speaking instructor gives you basic paddleboard training before you set off. You will spend one hour on the canals, combining gentle sightseeing with exercise. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, water, and a towel. You must be comfortable in water, and the activity is not suitable for non-swimmers, children under 10, or people with back problems.

“We had such a great experience at SUP. The service was excellent and really made us want to come back. The staff made us feel safe and comfortable, and they went the extra mile by taking photos for us. Highly recommend!”

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