Cape Town: Table Mountain Kayak Tour & Dolphin Sighting

Summary

Kayak past Table Mountain & shipwrecks with dolphins nearby

You’ll paddle from Three Anchor Bay along Cape Town’s famous coastline with a local guide, passing lighthouses and old shipwrecks while looking for dolphins in Table Mountain’s shadow. Expect salty air, laughter as you learn to steer tandem kayaks, and moments where the city feels far away. Includes all gear — just bring yourself and maybe an extra sweater for after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is how the morning light hit Table Mountain, kind of hazy but sharp at the same time — like someone wiped half the fog off a window. We met right on Three Anchor Bay Beach, which our guide said was Cape Town’s oldest anchorage. There was this salty smell in the air, and a couple of dogs chasing each other around while we tried to wriggle into our life jackets. Our guide, Siya, showed us how to paddle (I thought I had it down but honestly, it’s trickier than it looks). He laughed when I nearly spun us in a circle before we’d even left the sand.

Once we got out into Table Bay, the city felt far away — just this quiet stretch of water with Signal Hill and Lion’s Head watching over us. The main keyword here is Cape Town kayak adventure, but what sticks with me is how small you feel out there. The water slapped gently against the kayak and every now and then a breeze would whip up something cold and seaweed-y. Siya pointed out Green Point Lighthouse (it’s red and white, not green — go figure) and told stories about old shipwrecks like RMS Athens. Somewhere near Granger Bay, we spotted fins slicing through the water — Heaviside's dolphins. They zipped by so fast I barely caught them on camera. My hands were freezing by then but I didn’t care much.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much trying to coordinate paddling with my friend — we kept drifting off course whenever we got distracted by another view or bird overhead. Sometimes you could hear nothing but the splash of your paddle and that distant city hum behind you; other times there’d be shouts from another group or someone spotting something in the waves. The trip was maybe three or four kilometers total (Siya said it depends on conditions), but it felt both longer and shorter than that somehow.

Back on shore, sand stuck everywhere and my arms were jelly — in a good way. There were lockers for our stuff, which was nice since I always worry about losing my phone. We changed into dry clothes while Siya chatted about his favorite spots to eat nearby (I wish I’d written them down). I still think about that moment when everything went quiet except for the sound of water under Table Mountain — just for a second, it felt like Cape Town belonged only to us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak tour along Cape Town coast

• Meet at Three Anchor Bay Beach
• Receive briefing and paddle instructions
• Launch tandem kayaks into Table Bay
• Kayak 3–4 km towards Clifton or V&A Waterfront
• Enjoy views of Signal Hill, Lion’s Head, Table Mountain
• Pass Green Point Lighthouse and shipwrecks
• Spot Heaviside's dolphins near Granger Bay
• Return to shore and change clothes

Top questions

Where does the Cape Town kayak adventure start?

The tour starts at Three Anchor Bay Beach in Cape Town.

Do I need kayaking experience for this tour?

No experience is required; guides provide instruction before launching.

How long is the kayaking route?

The journey covers 3–4 km along Table Bay’s coastline.

Is dolphin spotting guaranteed?

Dolphin sightings are possible but not guaranteed as they’re wild animals.

Are lockers available for valuables?

Yes, lockers are provided at the meeting point for your belongings.

What should I bring for after kayaking?

You should bring something warm and a change of clothes for after paddling.

Is this Cape Town kayak tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller at the meeting point; check with operator about age limits on kayaks.

What’s included

Your day includes all tandem kayak equipment and safety gear plus guidance from a local expert; lockers are provided for your valuables at Three Anchor Bay Beach before you set off along Cape Town’s coastline toward Granger Bay or Clifton—just show up 30 minutes early ready to paddle and explore under Table Mountain’s watchful eye.