Major Destinations for Kayaking in South Africa
When kayaking in South Africa, you will find a variety of unique kayaking opportunities for kayakers of all levels. From the rushing rivers of KwaZulu-Natal to the serene waters of the Western Cape, there’s a kayaking adventure waiting for every paddler.
One of the most popular kayaking destinations is the picturesque Cape Peninsula, where paddlers can embark on many different adventures within the iconic Table Mountain National Park. At Hout Bay, 20 kilometres from downtown Cape Town, kayakers can enjoy the stunning views of the mountains while navigating the waters on a calm day and perhaps even paddle amongst dolphins and Cape fur seals.
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Popular Guided Kayaking Tours in the Cape Peninsula:
Guided Sea Kayaking Tour in Hout Bay, Cape Town
In this guided sea kayaking tour in picturesque Hout Bay, you can experience dramatic mountain views and diverse marine life. Hout Bay is famous for its fish dishes which you can enjoy after your tour.
Learn more about the Guided Sea Kayaking Tour in Hout Bay.
Sea Kayaking Tour Along Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard
The Atlantic Seaboard is sometimes referred to as Cape Town’s Riviera and it’s where you’ll find some of the city’s most beautiful suburbs. With unbeatable views and 5-star ratings, this tour is highly recommended.
Learn more about the Guided Sea Kayaking Tour Along Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard.
Sea Kayaking Excursion in Table Bay
In this 2-hour-long guided tour you will explore the area in and around Table Bay harbour. With dramatic views of the city and mountains, this tour is sure to please.
Learn more about the Guided Sea Kayaking Excursion in Table Bay.
Sunset Sea Kayaking Tour in Table Bay
This guided tour will give you the opportunity to explore the Table Bay coastline from the sea with the sun low in the West. The amazing views from Table Mountain to the Twelve Apostles range are just a sample of what the City has to offer.
Learn more about the Sunset Sea Kayaking Tour in Table Bay.
Kayak to the Penquins in Simonstown
A major highlight of this 2-hour-long guided kayaking tour is a visit to the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. You’ll also visit Windmill Beach and Long Beach. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen!
Learn more about “Kayak to the Penguins in Simonstown”.
Kayak Adventure at Clifton Beach, Cape Town
With its snow-white sand and huge granite boulders, Clifton beach is said to be one of the ten best beaches in the world. This guided tour will take you through kelp forests and shallow rock pools so you can experience some of the local aquatic life. Book at the beginning of your stay for this tour so you can re-schedule if the weather changes.
Learn more about the Kayak Adventure at Clifton Beach guided tour.
Sea Kayaking in West Coast National Park
If you’re seeking a more tranquil experience, the Langebaan Lagoon in the West Coast National Park provides a perfect setting. Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the lagoon is a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers. Its calm water is ideal for beginner kayakers and you’ll enjoy a peaceful day out surrounded by beautiful scenery, especially in the flower season (August-September).
Learn more about the Sea Kayaking Excursion in West Coast National Park.
Moving eastward from Cape Town, the Garden Route is another must-visit destination for kayaking in South Africa. The route stretches along the south-eastern coast of the country and is dotted with rivers and estuaries that are perfect for paddling.
Sea Kayaking and Dolphin Discovery in Plettenberg Bay
Still within the Garden Route of South Africa, Plettenberg Bay is part of the Robberg Nature Reserve World Heritage Site. Sea kayaking here gives you a wonderful opportunity to paddle among the local dolphins or even spot a whale or two.
Learn more about the Sea Kayaking and Dolphin Discovery in Plettenberg Bay Excursion.
While you’re in the area, why not take a plunge via the world’s highest bridge bungy jump?
Kayaking in Wilderness, South Africa (still part of the Garden Route), you can paddle through indigenous forest and enjoy a variety of colourful bird life. The towns of Knysna and Sedgefield, in particular, are renowned as lagoon kayaking venues, where you can glide through the water with a backdrop of lush forests and dramatic cliffs.
Learn more about canoe tours in Wilderness.
For the more adventurous paddler, the Eastern Cape’s untamed rivers present a challenge. The Umzimvubu and Tsitsa rivers provide exciting opportunities for white-water kayaking, with their rapids and fast-flowing currents bringing an adrenalin rush.
Lagoon Kayaking in Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape
Suitable for all ages, this 2-hour guided kayaking tour takes you through a scenic nature reserve. It has a strong focus on wildlife watching, including around 100 different bird species.
Learn more about kayaking on the Kabeljous Lagoon in Jeffreys Bay.
In KwaZulu-Natal Province, the Mkomazi, Umzimkulu and Umgeni rivers are hotspots for both canoeing and kayaking. Catering to all skill levels, these rivers are surrounded by the province’s stunning natural beauty, providing more unforgettable kayaking opportunities.
Kayaking in South Africa isn’t just about the thrill; it also provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature. The country’s diverse waterways offer a special way to explore its wildlife and other natural wonders.
The Rich Wildlife of South Africa’s Kayaking Destinations
South Africa’s kayaking venues are not only known for their scenic beauty but also for the diverse wildlife that inhabits these areas. The country’s rivers, lagoons and coastal waters support a variety of bird and animal species. This is a unique opportunity for nature enthusiasts to observe these creatures in their natural habitat while enjoying the sport of kayaking.
One of the most enchanting places to experience wildlife while kayaking is the Wilderness National Park, located in the heart of the Garden Route. This park is a complex network of rivers, lakes, estuaries and beaches set against the backdrop of lush forests and imposing mountains. The park is home to a wide array of bird species, including five types of kingfisher, the grey heron, little egret and the vibrant Knysna loerie. The park’s aquatic life is also well known, such as the Knysna sea horse and the pansy shell.
In KwaZulu-Natal, the lakes of Maputaland, Lake St Lucia, Lake Sibaya and the Kosi system you will be able to share the water with wildlife such as hippo and crocodile. Encounters such as these remind visitors of the wildness and diversity of South Africa’s natural landscapes.
For those who venture to Cape Town, the opportunity to kayak alongside Cape fur seals, Cape cormorants and Bank cormorants is a thrilling experience. The waters around Cape Town are rich with ocean life. On a good day, you might even spot Heaviside’s dolphins, dusky dolphins or southern right whales frolicking in the water.
Kayaking in South Africa can be more than just a physical adventure. The wildlife you meet along the waterways can add an extra layer of excitement to your kayaking experience.
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