Kayak Trips in South Africa: 15 Compared on Price and Time

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.Guided Kayaking in Hout Bay

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

Paddle along Hout Bay’s famous shoreline in a small group of up to 10, with guides such as Clarence, Clemon and Chadley pointing out marine life and explaining the area’s past. The two-hour trip suits beginners and experienced kayakers, but wind can make the Atlantic hard work. Gear, water and life jackets are provided.

“I want to say a huge thank you for organizing the tour for me when I was the only applicant for 9am. Everyone was so kind and helpful. With my guide we had a good time, saw dolphins, lot of seals and enjoyed our time together!”

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3.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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4.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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5.Guided Sea Kayak Tour

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

Set out from Central Beach with an English-speaking guide such as Tristan or Giovanni after a safety briefing and kayaking lesson. Over two hours, you may see Cape fur seals, dolphins, seabirds, sharks, or whales, depending on sea conditions and season. Expect a real ocean outing, including spray and the chance of getting wet.

“Felt safe and had a great time. No animals on water unfortunately but great getting out though.”

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6.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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7.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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8.Stormsrivier: Green Route Tubing and Paddle-Boarding Tour

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

Join Blackwater Tubing for a three-hour outing through Plaatbos Nature Reserve. You will ride by SUV to the widest part of the Storms River, then choose between tubing, flat-water SUP, and a forest walk. Guides such as Derrin and Luciene lead the activity in English, with safety gear supplied and wetsuits available to hire.

“Derrin and luciene made this activity totally worth it. It was a great experience paddling and tubing our way through the Stormsrivier.”

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9.Knysna Kayak Hire

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 30 reviews · 1 hour · from $15

Start at Heads Up Coffee and Co, opposite Milk and Honey, then paddle Knysna Lagoon at your own pace for one hour. You can choose a single or double kayak, stop at a beach, and enjoy a simple English safety briefing before setting off. No previous kayaking experience is needed, but you must be able to swim.

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10.Guided Kayak Tour of Clifton Beaches & The Coast

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

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 look for seals, explore kelp forests and rock pools near Maiden’s Cove, and use a mask to see below the surface. The 90-minute trip costs $49 and includes all kayaking gear.

“Simply fabulous! Will do it again next time we here.”

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11.Kayak Adventure at Clifton Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · from $28

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 safety briefing, stable plastic kayak, PFD, paddle, and waterproof phone case. Use a mask to look below the surface, or simply enjoy Lions Head, Table Mountain, and the 12 Apostles.

“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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12.Kayaking Jeffreys Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 7 reviews · 2 hours · from $23

Paddle a stable kayak across Kabeljouws Lagoon near Jeffreys Bay after a short English-language safety briefing. This self-guided outing lets you set your own pace while looking for flamingos, birds, and small game along the Nature Reserve. Expect to get wet, and confirm conditions before you go because windy weather cancels trips.

“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.”

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13.Addo River Safari – Guided Tour via Canoe

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 6 reviews · 2h 30m · from $49

Set out with Crisscross Adventures on the Sundays River near Addo. Your guide handles the route while you relax in a stable custom canoe, watching waterbirds, kingfishers, fish eagles, monkeys, otters, and monitor lizards. No paddling experience is needed. The 150 minute trip includes drinks, snacks, lifejackets, and waterproof buckets.

“Very professional group, and we had a great time!”

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14.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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15.CANOEING IN SEDGEFIELD AT OYSTERS EDGE, GARDEN ROUTE

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 4 reviews · 2 hours · from $31

You paddle a calm section of Sedgefield Lagoon for two hours with an English-speaking guide following nearby for safety. Watch for herons, kingfishers, and African fish eagles, then claim your included drink at Oysters Edge Restaurant. The outing suits families and private groups, with the beachward direction offering especially fine views.

“it was fun but 2 hours are enough. The staff was very helpfull and friendly.”

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