Kayaking at Clifton 4th Beach, Cape Town

Paddle across the bay, dive under the kelp, and paddle back on your own.

Kayaking at Clifton 4th Beach in Cape Town starts and finishes on white sand, using stable plastic kayaks suited to beginners. You paddle across the bay toward Clifton 1st Beach, explore kelp forests and shallow rock pools, and can use a diving mask to look below the surface. The whole experience lasts about 90 minutes. Book early in your Cape Town stay so the operator can reschedule if the weather shifts.

The experience

You arrive at Clifton 4th Beach, sign an indemnity form, get fitted with a personal flotation device and offered a waterproof phone case. The guide gives a short safety briefing and paddle instruction before you set off. The kayaks are plastic, stable and easy to handle even if you've never paddled before.

The paddle crosses the bay toward Clifton 1st Beach, with views of Lions Head, Table Mountain and the 12 Apostles the whole way. Along the route, the guide talks about Clifton's history and the expensive real estate that lines the shore. You then explore the kelp forests and rock pools on the Maiden's Cove side. Guests who want to go deeper can use a diving mask to see the kelp and the life below. Those who prefer to stay dry soak up the sun on the kayak. On the way back to Clifton 4th Beach, you get time to paddle on your own before returning to the sand.

The weather in Cape Town can shift day to day, so the operator asks you to book early in your trip so they can move your departure to a better day if needed. Children from age 4 are welcome. Live guides speak English.

What’s included

• Stable plastic kayaks, paddles, personal flotation device and waterproof cell phone case.
• live guide in English.
• safety briefing and paddle instruction.

Options for this experience

5 options

09:00 scheduleGuide in English · Available from 19 Dec · 09:00Departs at 09:00, November to December

11:00 scheduleGuide in English · Available from 19 Dec · 11:0011:00 schedule

07:00 scheduleGuide in English · Available from 14 Dec · 07:0007:00 schedule

See 2 more options

Running March through May, 10 am startGuide in English · Available from 13 Mar 2027Running March through May, 10 am start

March to May, departing at 12 pmGuide in English · Available from 13 Mar 2027March to May, departing at 12 pm

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00, 09:00 and 11:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Child (4 to 17 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kayak Clifton

Is this one for you?Book this if you're new to paddling or want a gentle morning or afternoon on the water: the stable kayaks and shallow rock pools mean you can focus on the views and the kelp forests instead of fighting the conditions. Children from age 4 can join, though they'll need to sit on an adult's lap.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 17 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the water like at Clifton 4th Beach when I paddle out?

Clifton 4th Beach has shallow rock pools and kelp forests close to shore, so you stay in calm water the whole time. The bay is protected and the kayaks are stable, making it safe for beginners to explore.

Can I actually see underwater, or is it just snorkeling?

The operator offers diving masks so you can look down into the kelp forests and see what's underneath while you float on the kayak. It's optional. You can use one or stay on the surface.

How much time do I spend actually paddling versus sitting?

The whole experience is about 90 minutes. You paddle across the bay to Clifton 1st Beach, explore the rock pools and kelp forests, then paddle back. You get time to paddle on your own at the end before returning to the beach.

What if the weather is bad on the day I book?

Cape Town weather can change day to day, so the operator asks you to book early in your stay. If the conditions look poor on your scheduled day, they can reschedule you for a better one.

Do I need any kayaking experience to join?

No. The kayaks are designed for beginners and easy to use. The guide gives a safety briefing and paddle instruction before you start, and you stay in shallow, protected water the whole time.