Clifton Beach Kayak Adventure — Clifton 4th Beach to Maiden's Cove, Cape Town
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1.5 hours (90 minutes)
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness and basic mobility required; ability to sit and paddle for the duration and to climb in/out of a stable kayak.
Overview
Paddle from Clifton 4th Beach past granite boulders and kelp gardens to Maiden’s Cove beneath Table Mountain. This 90‑minute guided tour balances easy paddling, shallow-water snorkeling and unbeatable coastal views—best booked early in your Cape Town visit to allow for weather shifts.
Clifton Beach Kayak Adventure — Clifton 4th Beach to Maiden's Cove, Cape Town
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The Atlantic presses cool and blue against a wall of granite as you slide the kayak from sand into surf at Clifton 4th Beach. The beach’s famous white sand crowds the shoreline in bright bands between enormous, sun-warmed boulders; behind them Table Mountain sits broad and ancient, Lions Head a pointed silhouette, the 12 Apostles rolling west like a stone spine. Guides in orange move with the certainty of tides, handing out PFDs and quick paddling pointers before you push off and let the current set the cadence.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book early in your trip
Reserve this activity early in your Cape Town stay so the operator can reschedule if wind or swell make conditions unsafe.
Morning light, calmer water
Launch for the calmest seas and best photos—mornings typically have lighter wind than afternoons, especially in summer.
Bring a mask or use theirs
Snorkel masks are offered, but bringing a well-fitted mask makes seeing kelp forests and rock-pool life easier and more comfortable.
Protect your back and neck
Avoid this tour if you have spinal injuries or serious heart conditions—basic paddling and some bracing is required.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Cape fur seals
- Bottlenose dolphins (occasional)
History
Clifton’s beaches formed where Table Mountain Group rocks meet the sea; the area later became prized real estate and a fashionable seaside retreat in Cape Town’s colonial and modern eras.
Conservation
Kelp beds are vital marine habitats—avoid touching kelp or disturbing rock-pool organisms and dispose of all trash to protect this nearshore ecosystem.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cape Town
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Water shoes or reef shoes
Protects feet on rocky stairways and when stepping in shallow water near rocks.
Snorkel mask (personal)
Personal masks fit better than shared gear and improve underwater visibility of kelp gardens.
High‑SPF sunscreen and lip balm
Strong coastal sun and reflected light from sand and water make reliable sun protection essential.
summer specific
Light wind shell
A packable shell wards off the afternoon southeaster and cool sea spray during shoulder seasons.
spring specific