Kayaking in South Africa
Including Breede River, False Bay and Simon's Town, and Orange River (Richtersveld). On the map.
The vibe
Paddling here means sharing the surface with passing dolphins and seals against a backdrop of steep mountain ranges. Early mornings usually offer the glassiest water before the afternoon coastal winds pick up. It is a mix of independent estuary exploring and guided marine excursions.
Breede River
Western Cape
Azwi / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Enjoy relaxed flatwater and mild touring paddles along the lower reaches of the Breede River as it winds through fertile farmlands and indigenous bush. It is a favored destination for recreational kayak touring and birdwatching.
Access. Access points are available via various riverside estates, campsites, and private operators offering day rentals and guided trips near Swellendam and Malgas.
Notes. Tidal influence affects the lower estuary; generally calm and beginner-friendly upstream.
False Bay and Simon's Town
Western Cape
Satdeep Gill / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Explore the sheltered coves and granite boulder-strewn coastline of False Bay from a sea kayak. Paddlers frequently visit the resident African penguin colony at Boulders Beach and tour historic naval waters.
Access. Guided tours and kayak rentals operate out of the Simon's Town yacht basin.
Notes. Watch out for the afternoon South Easterly wind ('Cape Doctor') which can create choppy conditions.
Orange River (Richtersveld)
Northern Cape
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Embark on multi-day wilderness river journeys down the lower Orange River as it carves through the arid desert mountains of the Richtersveld. Calm touring stretches punctuated by gentle riffles make this a premier multi-day kayak camping destination.
Access. Multi-day guided inflatable kayak and canoe trails are organized by specialized outfitters operating from bases like Vioolsdrift.
Notes. Extreme desert heat in summer; autumn and spring offer the most comfortable touring conditions.
Plettenberg Bay and Robberg Peninsula
Western Cape
Jürgen Kehrberger / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Sea kayak around the dramatic rocky headlands and marine protected areas surrounding the Robberg Peninsula. Paddlers routinely encounter seals, dolphins, and seabirds in the crystalline bays along the Garden Route.
Access. Guided sea kayak excursions launch from Central Beach in Plettenberg Bay, weather permitting.
Notes. Exposed to open ocean swell; tours depend heavily on favorable wind and sea states.
Storms River Mouth (Tsitsikamma)
Eastern Cape
Marko Kudjerski / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Navigate deep into the dramatic gorges of the Storms River Mouth where it meets the Indian Ocean within the Tsitsikamma section of Garden Route National Park. Paddlers thread through towering sandstone cliffs, deep river pools, and sea caves.
Access. Guided kayak and lilo trips depart from the rest camp at Storms River Mouth inside the national park.
Notes. Park permits and entrance fees apply; subject to ocean swells and river flood levels.
Walker Bay and Hermanus
Western Cape
Pavel Špindler / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Paddle the protected waters of Walker Bay along the scenic Cape Overstrand coastline. This renowned marine destination offers sea kayakers the chance to encounter southern right whales, dolphins, and Cape fur seals against dramatic cliff backdrops.
Access. Guided sea-kayaking tours launch directly from the Old Harbour in Hermanus, with equipment and briefings provided by local operators.
Notes. Best from June to November for whale watching; monitor wind conditions and ocean swells before launching.