Kayak Cape Town

Kayak Cape Town runs guided sea kayaking trips from Simon's Town, the historic naval town on the False Bay coast of the Cape Peninsula. Its best-known trip is the penguin paddle, a guided outing of about two hours that follows the shoreline from Simon's Town out to Boulders Beach, home to the famous African penguin colony, and back again.

Seeing the penguins from the water gives a different perspective from the crowded boardwalks on land. Paddling along the rocky coast, you may see penguins swimming or resting on the boulders, and the route also passes the harbour, the naval base and the granite coves that make this stretch of coast so attractive. On calm days the water can be very clear. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but the scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile.

The trip begins at Simon's Town Jetty, where guests are asked to arrive 15 minutes before departure for an introduction to paddling and a safety briefing. The guides explain the basics before setting off, but you should be reasonably fit and comfortable on the water. Ask about any age limits for children when booking.

Trips depend on the weather and sea conditions, and False Bay can be windy, particularly on summer afternoons, so morning departures are often calmer. Book ahead by phone, WhatsApp or email, and confirm the meeting time the day before. Wear clothes that can get wet, bring sun protection, a hat and a light waterproof layer, and leave valuables behind or in a waterproof bag.

The kayak trip fits naturally into a day exploring the southern peninsula. Combine it with a walk through Simon's Town's main street and harbour, a visit to the Boulders boardwalks on land, and a drive on to Cape Point. Simon's Town is the last stop on the Southern Line railway from Cape Town, so it is possible to reach the jetty by train, although the journey takes around an hour or more.

Simon's Town is about 45 minutes to an hour from the city centre by car, so allow enough time to arrive for the briefing, especially on weekends when traffic along the False Bay coast can be slow. Parking near the jetty can be busy in summer, so leave a little extra time to find a space.