Sea Point Dolphin Kayak Adventure — Paddle with Dolphins and Marine Life in Cape Town
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic upper-body strength helps for sustained paddling but beginners are welcome.
Overview
Paddle out from Sea Point Promenade beneath Table Mountain and meet Cape Town’s marine residents up close. This guided two-hour ocean kayak gives beginners front-row encounters with dolphins, seals, penguins, and dramatic coastal views.
Sea Point Dolphin Kayak Adventure — Paddle with Dolphins and Marine Life in Cape Town
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You push off from Prom Park as the city wakes: the first ripple of ocean, a guide's low chuckle, and Table Mountain hanging like a silent map across the bay. The kayaks line up into the open Atlantic and the Promenade — with its green lawns and the old lighthouse — recedes. The sea here doesn't whisper; it dares you forward, nudging the bow as dolphins arc and streak in the swell.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Pick a calm morning
Book morning departures to avoid the strong southeasterly wind that builds in the afternoon during summer.
Use a drybag
Bring a small drybag for your phone, camera, and snacks — waterproofing ensures you keep shots and essentials dry.
Wear non-slip shoes
Closed-toe water shoes or sturdy sandals help when entering and exiting kayaks off rocky slips or slippery ramps.
Respect wildlife distances
Let dolphins choose how close to approach; avoid splashing or chasing animals to prevent stressing them.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Common bottlenose dolphin
- Cape fur seal
History
The Sea Point coastline has long been a crossroads of maritime activity; nearby Robben Island is a historically significant site where political prisoners were once held.
Conservation
The cold Benguela Current supports rich marine life but faces threats from overfishing and plastic; operators encourage low-impact practices and using reef‑safe sunscreen.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cape Town
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Drybag (5–10L)
Keeps camera, phone, and small items dry while you paddle.
Reef‑safe sunscreen and hat
Protects skin from strong UV on reflective ocean surfaces.
summer specific
Non‑slip water shoes
Provides traction when launching from rocks or wet ramps.
Light waterproof jacket
Blocks wind and spray during cooler or windy outings.
winter specific