HOUT BAY: is ideal for beginners. It is a secluded bay surrounded by picturesque mountains. Paddle along the rugged coastline, take in the stunning views. You can explore the hidden corners of Hout Bay harbour and find the “Green Room”. You will see ocean wildlife, kelp forests, fynbos mountain cliffs. Heaviside dolphins are seen regularly. You will see Cape fur seals, Cape cormorants, and Bank cormorants. If you are lucky you may spot a sunfish, Dusky dolphin, or whale! For the more advanced paddler you can paddle to see the Seal colony on Duiker Island. Launch from the beach or from the harbour slipway.

FISHHOEK BEACH: wonderful spot to try your kayak in a little wave. Paddle in and around the bay and along the Cat Walk on the southern side of the bay. Do not kayak in the corner when the shark net is in place.
SIMONSTOWN: Steeped in history the South African naval base of Simon’s Town is blessed with a beautiful natural environment. Paddling from Long Beach, a flat calm stretch of sand at the end of the railway line and the beginning of town. Paddle around the yachts and then head out past the naval harbour towards Cape Point. On the way you can stop at Seaforth beach for a break or swim. Here you can have lunch, buy a coffee or even an ice cream. Only a short way past Seaforth beach you will find Cape Town’s suburban penguin colony at Boulders beach. There are many small bays along this coast line to explore.

TABLE BAY: Kayaking from the slipway at Oceana Powerboat Club you can slip onto the Table Bay waters without any fear of waves. There is a launching fee and non-members may not park inside the venue. You do not need to go very far to encounter the local Heavyside dolphins and during season the Southern Right whales. The penguins from Robben Island are always near buy and if you are lucky you will spot a Sun fish too. From here you an paddle all the way around the Green Point light house, taking care not to get caught by the waves at the point, and along Sea Point as far as Camps Bay if you have the fitness. Most recreational paddlers stay in and around the Light House.

THREE ANCHOR BAY: The parking here is pretty busy but it is right next to a public slipway that goes down to the water and beach. There are pretty tidy ablutions here as well.
Launching from the beach one can go left towards Clifton beach or right towards the Green Point lighthouse. This section toward Clifton can often be quite bumpy as the waves push back off the rocks and promenade wall so being a little further off shore is a bit calmer. Most beginners will go towards the Lighthouse and around the corner. Beware not to cut the corner and get caught in a wave that breaks on the reef at the point.

BIG/SMALL BAY: Access to the beach is pretty straight forward with both having a public slipway to the beach. Small Bay usually has smaller waves then Big Bay. Kayakers can paddle out and around the rocks in the middle of the bay. Best paddling times are early in the morning before the South East wind picks up. Be mindful of other beach users especially when in the surf zone. A kayak tumbling towards the beach on a wave can be dangerous to others.

CLIFTON BEACH: A great safe beach to kayak from but getting the kayak to the beach down the narrow stairs is quite a challenge and for this reason not many kayakers don’t bother.
ZANDVLEI ESTUARY NATURE RESERVE: Situated in the southern peninsula with quick access from central Cape Town, Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve is a popular destination for recreational kayakers to bird watch and wind their way for a sightseeing cruise between the houses of Marina Da Gama.

LANGEBAAN LAGOON: Although a good hour’s drive from Cape Town it must be mentioned as a incredable venue for beginners to go kayaking. Spring and Autumn is the ideal time of the year when the winds are at their calmest and the lagoon is like a mirror. The rest of the year an early morning start is best before the winds have pick up.
Other place to kayak but that require a permit of a tour company
V&A WATERTFRONT CANALS: Paddle through the charming canals of the V&A Waterfront. Admire the cityscape, pass under bridges, and soak up the urban vibe

CENTURY CITY CANALS: Discover the hidden gem of Intaka Island in Century City. Navigate the wetlands, observe birdlife, and escape the hustle and bustle.
