Cape Town: Sea Kayak Tour with Table Mountain Views

Summary

Kayak Cape Town’s wild edge with Lion’s Head rising above

You’ll paddle Cape Town’s Atlantic coast in a sea kayak with local guides, gliding past Table Mountain and Lion’s Head while spotting wildlife and feeling the ocean air on your skin. Expect salty spray, laughter, and new angles on landmarks you thought you knew — plus all your gear is included so you can just show up ready to go.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was how salty the air tasted — way stronger than at the beach. We pushed off from the V&A Waterfront, and I could hear a couple of seals barking somewhere behind us. Our guide, Sipho, had this easy laugh and kept pointing out little details I’d never have noticed: how Lion’s Head looks almost gold in the early light, or how you can sometimes smell kelp before you even see it floating past. I tried to paddle in sync but honestly, my arms were all over the place for the first ten minutes.

Once we got past the marina, everything felt quieter except for our paddles dipping in and out. The city looked so different from out there — Table Mountain just sort of loomed behind everything, and Sea Point stretched out along the shore. Sipho told us about some shipwrecks (I didn’t catch all of it because a cormorant popped up right next to my kayak — nearly made me drop my paddle). There was this moment when we stopped paddling and just floated; I remember thinking how small the stadium looked compared to that giant mountain behind it. Weirdly calming.

I’d worried about keeping up but it wasn’t a race — more like drifting through Cape Town’s morning with a bunch of strangers who were also grinning every time a wave splashed up. The water was colder than I expected (definitely woke me up), and by the time we turned back at Sea Point, I could feel my shoulders working in ways they don’t at home. Still think about that view of Lion’s Head glowing above us while we drifted for a bit. It felt like seeing Cape Town for real, not just from a postcard.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sea Kayak Tour and Sightseeing

• Meet at V&A Waterfront office
• Kayak in marine nature reserve
• View Lions Head and Signal Hill
• See Sea Point suburb from ocean
• Pass Cape Town Stadium

Top questions

How long is the Cape Town sea kayak tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Where does the kayak tour start in Cape Town?

The tour begins at their office located at the V&A Waterfront.

Is kayaking experience required for this tour?

No previous kayaking experience is needed; it’s suitable for all fitness levels.

What landmarks do you see on this kayak tour?

You’ll see Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, Sea Point suburb, and Cape Town Stadium from the water.

Are children allowed on this sea kayak tour?

Yes, children 8 years and older can join if accompanied by an adult.

Is equipment provided on the Cape Town kayak tour?

Yes, all kayaking equipment and safety gear are included in your booking.

What is the group size for this kayak trip?

A maximum of 14 people can book per group.

Are there health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, spinal injuries or pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes professional guiding throughout, full kayaking equipment with safety gear provided at launch near V&A Waterfront — just bring yourself (and maybe dry clothes) before heading out to paddle under Table Mountain’s shadow alongside Lion’s Head and past Cape Town Stadium.