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Cape Town Canoe & kayak tours

Our most recommended Cape Town Canoe & kayak tours

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

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

Cape Town's natural beauty is world-renowned, however, few have experienced its sights and sounds from the fresh blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is unmatched with its combination of scenery and wildlife, it's just magic. Leaving the venue at the calm waters of the V&A Waterfront, you will paddle into the fresh movement of the ocean where you will encounter the active local marine life and possibly catch a glimpse of some local dolphins, whales, seals, penguins, and sunfish. You will also witness unique views of Lion's Head, Signal Hill, the Twelve Apostles mountain range, and a local shipwreck. The tour will then finish with a breathtakingly photogenic view of Cape Town's treasure, Table Mountain. This location is one of the most photogenic places on earth. No previous experience is needed. The boats are extremely stable and the guides monitor the ocean conditions carefully so you will be perfectly safe. The venue is located in the V&A Waterfront parking garage, next to the Oranjezicht Farm Market & the Lookout Function Venue. The shop is situated at the main pay station, under the ramp from the ground to first floor. Set your senses free on a 2 hour Sea Kayak Tour - your outlook of Cape Town will be positively changed forever.

From Cape Town: Garden Route Highlights 3-Day Safari Tour

2. From Cape Town: Garden Route Highlights 3-Day Safari Tour

Day 1: Oudtshoorn (Travel about 400 km) Start with morning pickup from your accommodation in Cape Town or Stellenbosch. Set off along the famous Route 62, where you'll capture the beauty of high mountains, twisting passes, vast Karoo plains, vineyards and orchards. Pop in at one of the many farm stalls along the way, stocked with locally crafted delights before arriving in Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. Delve deep underground to the magical Cango Caves’ limestone chambers, alive with drip formation stalactites and stalagmites and remnants of Khoikhoi paintings. Opt for the easy-going guided Heritage Tour or by contrast, the Adventure Tour allows you to wiggle your way through limestone on a daring underground route. You’ll spend the evening in Oudtshoorn at leisure. Join locals for an optional outdoor braai (similar to bbq) including South African favourites, such as ostrich kebabs and pot brood. Overnight at (Saver) Uthando Backpackers or someplace similar. Day 2: Wilderness(Travel about 450 km) As the dawn breaks in the dusty Klein Karoo, opt for a close encounter with Mother Nature and join elephant guides on an optional Elephant Observation Nature Walk. Gentle giants (Jabari, Malaika and Bulelo) made Buffelsdrift their home after their parents were poached. Follow 3 rescued elephants as they roam freely in a natural habitat. You can take photos and ask questions to learn about them. Then, take to the water for a leisurely afternoon paddle along the reed-lined banks in Wilderness National Park region. It’s not until you stop paddling and let the gentle current guide you, that the abundance of birdlife becomes apparent.  The adventure continues as you reach Bloukrans Bridge, the world’s highest commercial bridge bungy jump. Opt in to hurtle face-first down the 134 (216 m) drop or those who'd prefer to keep their feet on solid ground will visit the nearby forest area near Tsitsikamma. Spend the evening soaking in the slow town way of life in Sedgefield or Wilderness, subject to your accommodation location. Feel the white sand between your toes as you sip on cocktails and enjoy dinner. Overnight at (Saver) PiliPili Beach Backpackers or someplace similar. Day 3: Garden Route (Travel about 400 km excluding safari drive) Start the day in the heart of the African bush. On your first stop of the day, spot some of Africa’s wild animals from the back of an open 4x4 vehicle in the malaria-free Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. Search for giraffe, white rhino, kudu, lion, elephant, zebra, and wildebeest, just to name a few. The game drive is led by an experienced game ranger, sharing his knowledge of the local wildlife; including antelope species, birdlife, and insects. End the day with a journey through the landscape of rolling farmlands as you say farewell to the Garden Route on your way back to Cape Town or Stellenbosch.

From Cape Town: 5-Day Best of Garden Route & Addo Safari

3. From Cape Town: 5-Day Best of Garden Route & Addo Safari

Day 1: Route 62Travel about 400 km Start with a morning pickup from Cape Town and Stellenbosch, between 6 - 7 AM.Travel along Route 62, the longest wine route in the world, with a wine-tasting stop (non-alcoholic tasting available too) before reaching Oudtshoorn in the semi-desert Klein Karoo in the late afternoon. For a close encounter with Mother Nature, opt in to join rangers on an Elephant Educational Bush Walk (at extra cost) as they follow 3 lovable rescued elephants along the waterhole, learning about these gentle giants' background. Then, spend overnight at Uthando Backpackers (if you choose the Saver Dorm package), at 88 van Rheede (if you choose the 3* Comfort package), or Buffelsdrift Lodge (if you choose the 4* Deluxe package). Day 2: OudtshoornTravel about 250 km Visit a working ostrich farm to learn about the largest, flightless bird in the world. Next, head to the mountains to go deep underground in the illuminated wonder world of the Cango Caves. Explore the vast halls filled with ancient stalactites before traveling onward to the Addo region. Spend overnight at Avaco Cabins, Gerald's Gift (if you choose the 3* Comfort package) or Addo Wildlife lodge (if you choose the 4* Deluxe package). Day 3: Addo, Jeffreys BayTravel about 250 km An early morning start allows the best option to spot wildlife as the bush awakes in Addo Elephant National Park, the 3rd largest national park in South Africa. You can join the optional 4x4 game drive (with extra cost).  Next, go on the included 2-hour safari with your guide. Navigate the park in the tour van in search of some of the Big Five animals, including 550 elephants, buffalo, lions, black rhinos, and zebras. Spend your afternoon relaxing with free time at Jeffreys Bay's beach.  Choose between surf lessons, beach horseback riding, or sand boarding (all optional at extra cost). Spend overnight at Island Vibe, Sea Whisper (if you choose the 3* Comfort package), or On The Beach lodge (if you choose the 4* Deluxe package). Day 4: Tsitsikamma, SedgefieldTravel about 250 km Experience the highest Bungy Bridge Jump in the world or Waterfall Zipline over waterfalls in the nearby Tsitsikamma forest (optional at extra cost). Next, see Tsitsikamma National Park. Take a short walk to the suspension bridges before a photo stop at Knysna's lagoon en route to Sedgefield. Spend overnight at Pili Pili Beach Cabanas, Fairy Knowe (if you choose the 3* Comfort package), or Dolphin Dunes Lodge (if you choose the 4* Deluxe package). Day 5: WildernessTravel about 450 km Take to the water for a leisurely canoeing session to a secret waterfall along the rivers of the Wilderness region. On the journey back to Cape Town, spot wildlife on a 4x4 Botlierskop game drive (at extra cost) or relax at Mossel Bay's Diaz Beach after walking to the Cape St Blaize lighthouse. Your adventure ends with an evening drop-off at your Cape Town or Stellenbosch accommodation between 8 - 10 PM.

Cape Town: Guided Kayaking in Hout Bay

4. Cape Town: Guided Kayaking in Hout Bay

This tour offers you the opportunity to explore the views of Hout Bay from the shore - making memories that you will never forget. You will learn about Hout Bay's heritage, experience one of Cape Town's most iconic shorelines, and view marine life - like the Cape Fur Seal. The tour is two hours in duration and offers you an advenaline rush like no other. These tours are suitable for both beginners as well as advanced kayakers. The minimum age to participate in this activity is 7 years old - and all children will need to be accompanied by an adult. All trips are weather dependent - if bad weather is forecast the supplier will not be able to go out as client safety is the highest priority. It is important that you provide your contact number and email address as the supplier will need to reach you on these details should they need to reschedule your booking. The dress code is normal beachwear - however please bring a warm jacket along. The supplier provides all necessary gear, as well as a life jacket. You are required to sign an indemnity form before departure.

Garden Route and Addo Elephant National Park: 6-Day Safari

5. Garden Route and Addo Elephant National Park: 6-Day Safari

Day 1: Cape Town – Hermanus – Cape Agulhas The tour departs from Cape Town and heads to Hermanus. Follow the scenic coastal road to Betty's Bay to see a colony of endangered African penguins. Spend the afternoon in the seaside resort town of Hermanus, famous for playing home to hundreds of Southern Right whales from July to November. The town also features many shops, restaurants, and markets. In the afternoon you'll drive on to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, and the place where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. Day 2:  Cape Agulhas – Oudtshoorn Travel to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo, known as the ostrich capital of the world, via scenic Route 62, South Africa’s longest wine route. Sample local wines before experiencing the subterranean beauty of the Cango Caves on a guided tour. Day 3:  Oudtshoorn – Knysna – Sedgefield After breakfast head over to Outeniqua Mountain Pass, where you'll explore Wilderness National Park by canoe. Enjoy a paddle up the Touw River through the indigenous forest, admiring the diverse local birds along the way. After about 40 minutes, leave your canoe behind for a 2-kilometer hike along a boardwalk that leads to rock pools and a lovely waterfall. Afterwards, head to the famous town of Knysna via the beautiful Garden Route Lake District. Visit the famous Knysna Heads viewing point, overlooking the Knysna estuary. Spend the late afternoon exploring the beaches of Sedgefield. Day 4: Sedgefield- Tsitsikamma - Addo After breakfast, head off to Tsitsikamma National Park. En route, you'll stop at Bloukrans Bridge, the world’s highest bungee jump bridge, standing at 216 meters tall. You'll spend the afternoon in Tsitsikamma National Park, which features a unique combination of indigenous forest and beautiful Indian Ocean coastline. The park offers hikes of varying lengths including a walk across a suspension bridge, and swimming. In the late afternoon, depart the Garden Route for Addo. Day 5: Addo-Wilderness/Mossel Bay Spend the morning exploring Addo Elephant National Park. You'll get up to 2-3 hours to roam the 28,000-hectare national reserve, home to approximately 600 elephants and various other animals, including buffalo, lions, rhinos, warthogs and many more. After an exciting morning on safari, we drive back to the Garden Route where we overnight in Wilderness/Mossel Bay. Day 6: Wilderness –Mossel Bay - Cape Town After breakfast, stop in Mossel Bay to spend some time on the gorgeous beaches, hike the Cape St. Blaize trail along the seaside cliffs, and visit the famous Diaz Museum complex which commemorates the first known European exploration around the tip of Africa. The more adventurous can try a 10,000 foot tandem skydive or sandboarding on the longest dune in South Africa. Arrive back at Cape Town in the early evening.

Garden Route, Addo and Winelands: 7-Day Combo from Cape Town

6. Garden Route, Addo and Winelands: 7-Day Combo from Cape Town

Join the ultimate Garden Route experience: explore the winding roads from Cape Town to Addo National Park with a combo tour package including a 2-day Western Cape tour and a 5-day Garden Route tour. Enjoy accommodation, tastings, bushwalks, and more. Day 1-2: Cape Winelands and Cape Point Sample wine paired with cheese at the Fairview wine estate and enjoy chocolate at the Muratie Wine Estate in the scenic Cape Winelands. Join a 15-minute wine tram journey to Rickety Bridge in the historic town of Franschhoek for a Taste & Tram tour along the Cape Winelands (or similar). Continue to spend time in Franschhoek for lunch before you return to Cape Town for your overnight stay as per your selected package: Never@home Backpackers (Saver), 3-star Sea Point Protea or Sky hotel (Comfort), or 4-star Garden Court Hotel Victoria Junction or similar (Deluxe). The next day, travel via Chapman's Peak towards Cape Point. After a short hike to the top of the lighthouse and a stroll down to the Cape of Good Hope, journey along Boulder's Beach to visit the penguins. Drive past colorful beach huts at Muizenberg Beach before another overnight stay in Cape Town. Day 3: Oudtshoorn Capture the beauty of the high mountains and rugged Karoo Plains on a drive along the legendary Route 62 to reach and explore the Cango Caves. Stay the night in Oudtshoorn: Uthando Backpackers (Saver), 3-star Yamkela Guesthouse (Comfort), or 4-star Buffelsdrift Lodge or similar (Deluxe). Day 4: Addo Fall in love with giant orphaned elephants on an optional bush walk. Visit an ostrich farm before spending the night in the town of Addo: Avoca Cabins (Saver), 3-star Gerlads Gift Guesthouse (Comfort), 4-star Addo Wildlife Lodge or similar (Deluxe). Day 5: Addo and J’bay Look for wildlife on a game drive by tour bus at Addo Elephant National Park, home to the densest population of wild elephants on the planet. Opt in to an extra Addo 4x4 safari led by a ranger. Chill at J’bay Beach: swim, surf, or join in optional activities like beach horse riding or sand boarding. Stay overnight at Jeffrey's Bay: Island Vibe Backpackers (Saver), 3-star Sea Whisper (Comfort), or 4-star On The Beach Guesthouse (Deluxe). Day 6: Wilderness Face your fear during an optional jump from the world's highest bungee bridge at the Bloukrans, zip-line over waterfalls, or have more time to explore the Tsitsikamma National Park. Visit The Heads Viewpoint at Knysna, then stay overnight in the Wilderness National Park area: PiliPili Backpackers (Saver), 3-star Fairy Knowe (Comfort), or 4-star Dolphin Dune (Deluxe). Day 7: Wilderness National Park Canoe peacefully in nature in the Wilderness region and watch abundant birdlife while rowing to a waterfall. Choose to visit Mossel Bay Beach or partake in an optional 4x4 Botlierskop Game Reserve Safari before arriving back in the Cape in the evening.

Cape Town: Hout Bay Harbour Guided Kayak Tour

7. Cape Town: Hout Bay Harbour Guided Kayak Tour

Experience the beauty of Cape Town from the water, on a fascinating kayaking trip around Hout Bay Harbour. Enjoy the ocean in a safe setting by receiving a briefing and the proper safety gear, then heading out to explore a secluded and quiet area. Spot impressive marine life and admire the view. Meet your guide and have a quick safety briefing to ensure you're feeling comfortable with your kayak and paddle. Board your kayak and paddle away to visit the famous "green room". Follow your guide on a scenic route through the tranquil harbor, lined with colorful boats. Seize the possibility to encounter wildlife such as Cape fur seals, sunfish, and dolphins along the way. Travel back to the starting point and take advantage of the hot shower facilities at the activity provider's shop to warm up before getting on with your day.

Frequently asked questions about Cape Town

What top attractions are a must-see in Cape Town?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Cape Town?

The best day trips and excursions from Cape Town are:

Stellenbosch

Other Sightseeing Options in Cape Town

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What people are saying about Cape Town

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 60 reviews

Our guide Issac treated us like family and by the end of the trip we certainly all felt like family. Half of the group were solo travelers and I would recommend this since they don't charge you double. I highly recommend upgrading to 4*, the accommodations were over the top and the best I have ever stayed at. From glamping to luxury BnB with glass everything and infinity pool. I have never felt so pampered. One of the backpackers reported one strange mosquito filled accommodation when they ran out of space. I had so much space as a solo traveller that they could have all stayed at my place! There are still rolling blackouts and most places have backup lighting, but I would recommend bringing lots of powerbanks to keep your phone charged. I did create a daily YouTube vlog. Search on "Day 3 Africa - Guided 5 day Garden Route tour" to find it. It is really inexpensive to eat in South Africa. A great meal will only run you about $16 in USD and were taken to great restaurants for dinners.

This trip was just amazing. Super well organised, nice accommodations, fun activities and Last but not least we had with Gareth the best guide on this trip. The driving can get intense but Gareth made sure we get a lot of breaks and nice things to do during the day. We really loved all the places where we stayed.

This tour was a beautiful experience. Our guide Isaac was a warm, knowledgeable, and truly exceptional person who immediately created a fun, open dynamic. The safaris were breathtaking and the accommodation was lovely. Highly recommend!

Tour excellently arranged, guests get a good insight of important highlights along the Garden Route within a few days. I am fully satisfied with the accommodations and meals.

Beautiful surroundings we saw swimming penguins and dolphins!!