Marine Life Kayak Tour From the V&A Waterfront

Highlights

• Experience Cape Town's breathtaking scenery and ocean wildlife from the unique perspective of a kayak on the Atlantic Ocean.
• Enjoy possible sightings of marine wildlife including dolphins, whales, penguins and seals in their natural habitat.
• Incredible views of Table Mountain, Lion's Head, Signal Hill and the Twelve Apostles mountain range from the water.
• Get a photograph at one of the most photogenic coastlines in the world with Table Mountain as your backdrop.
• Set your senses free on the fresh blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean with stable kayaks and expert guides.
• Small group experience limited to 10 participants for personalized attention and safety.

Tour Overview

This 2 hour kayak tour offers a unique way to experience Cape Town's natural beauty from the Atlantic Ocean, making it ideal if you want to combine wildlife viewing with stunning mountain scenery. The tour departs from the calm waters of the V&A Waterfront, one of Cape Town's most accessible departure points, and operates with small groups of up to 10 participants led by qualified guides with competitive kayaking backgrounds.

You begin at the meeting point in the V&A Waterfront parking garage, where you meet your guide and receive your kayak, paddle and life jacket. After a safety briefing and instruction on kayaking techniques, you launch from the calm waters of the V&A Waterfront and paddle into the fresh movement of the Atlantic Ocean. The kayaks are extremely stable, making this experience suitable for beginners, and no previous kayaking experience is needed.

As you paddle through Table Bay, you encounter active local marine life and may catch glimpses of dolphins, whales, seals, penguins and sunfish. Your guide monitors ocean conditions carefully and provides information about the wildlife and landmarks you see. You witness unique views of Lion's Head, Signal Hill, the Twelve Apostles mountain range, and a local shipwreck. The tour concludes with a breathtakingly photogenic view of Table Mountain, one of the most picturesque locations on earth, before returning to the V&A Waterfront.

Typical Itinerary

1. Arrival at V&A Waterfront - Arrive at the meeting point on Granger Bay Boulevard, V&A Waterfront, located between the Oranjezicht Farm Market and the Lookout Waterfront at the top of the wooden steps behind the Grand Beach Cafe.
2. Check-in and equipment distribution - Check in at the office nestled under the ramp at the parking pay stations and receive your kayak, paddle and life jacket.
3. Safety briefing - Attend a comprehensive safety briefing conducted by your qualified tour guide covering kayaking techniques, ocean safety and what to expect during the tour.
4. Launch from V&A Waterfront - Launch your kayak from the calm waters of the V&A Waterfront and begin paddling into the Atlantic Ocean with your guide.
5. Ocean paddling begins - Paddle into the fresh movement of the ocean, getting comfortable with your kayak and the rhythm of paddling while your guide monitors conditions.
6. Marine wildlife search - Search for active local marine life including dolphins, whales, seals, penguins and sunfish as you paddle through Table Bay.
7. Wildlife encounters - When marine life is spotted, your guide helps you approach safely and provides information about the species and their behavior.
8. Landmark viewing - Enjoy views of Lion's Head, Signal Hill, the Twelve Apostles mountain range and a local shipwreck from your kayak on the water.
9. Table Mountain photo opportunity - Paddle to a location offering a breathtakingly photogenic view of Table Mountain, where your guide takes photos of your experience.
10. Return journey - Begin paddling back towards the V&A Waterfront, continuing to search for wildlife and enjoy the scenery along the way.
11. Arrival back at V&A Waterfront - Return to the calm waters of the V&A Waterfront and disembark from your kayak.
12. Equipment return and refreshments - Return your equipment and enjoy drinks and snacks provided, while your guide shares the photographs taken during your experience.

The exact route and wildlife encounters vary depending on marine life activity, weather conditions and ocean state. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed as animals are in their natural habitat, but your guide will do their best to locate marine life during the tour. The tour operates in most weather conditions, but may be cancelled if ocean conditions are unsafe. Your guide monitors ocean conditions carefully throughout the experience to ensure safety, and the stable kayaks make this suitable for beginners with no previous kayaking experience.

What's Included

• 2 hour kayak tour from the V&A Waterfront on the Atlantic Ocean with a qualified tour guide.
• Kayaks and paddles provided for all participants, with stable kayaks suitable for beginners.
• Life jackets and safety equipment provided and fitted for all participants.
• Qualified tour guide with competitive kayaking background and extensive ocean knowledge.
• Drinks and snacks provided during or after the tour.
• Sun protection provided to help protect against the South African sun.
• Photograph of your experience taken by your guide at the Table Mountain viewing location.
• Small group experience limited to 10 participants for personalized attention and safety.

Not Included

• Change of clothing for after the tour, which you should bring as you will get wet during kayaking.
• Wind breaker or jacket, though one can be provided by the supplier if you don't have your own.
• Sandals or water shoes, which are recommended but not required.
• Sunglasses and water bottle, though water bottles are available to purchase at the office.
• GoPro or camera for filming on the water, though your guide takes photos during the experience.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off service, as the tour departs directly from the V&A Waterfront.
• Tips for the guide, which are optional and appreciated for good service.

Accessibility & Practical Info

• No previous kayaking experience is needed, as the kayaks are extremely stable and suitable for beginners. Your guide provides instruction on kayaking techniques during the briefing.
• You should be comfortable in the water and able to swim, though you will be wearing a life jacket at all times during the tour.
• Bring a change of clothing for after the tour, as you will get wet during kayaking. A wind breaker is recommended in case the weather cools down, and sandals are useful if you have them.
• Bring sun protection, sunglasses and a water bottle if desired, though sun protection is provided and water bottles are available to purchase at the office.
• You may bring a GoPro or camera if you wish to film on the water, though your guide takes photographs during the experience which are included.
• The tour operates in most weather conditions, but may be cancelled if ocean conditions are unsafe. Your guide monitors ocean conditions carefully throughout the experience.
• Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed as animals are in their natural habitat, but your guide will do their best to locate marine life including dolphins, whales, seals and penguins during the tour.
• The meeting point is located in the V&A Waterfront parking garage on Granger Bay Boulevard, between the Oranjezicht Farm Market and the Lookout Waterfront at the top of the wooden steps behind the Grand Beach Cafe.
• The office is nestled under the ramp at the parking pay stations, making it easy to find once you know the location.
• This tour is likely to sell out, especially during peak season, so advance booking is recommended to secure your preferred date and time.