Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?

We see dolphins on the vast majority of paddles, but they're wild animals so we can't guarantee sightings. If we miss them, the bay itself is still spectacular.

Is this safe for beginners?

Yes — the bay is sheltered, the water is warm and we keep small groups with full on-water guide support.

Britannia Bay is around 90 minutes north of Cape Town. We offer shared or private transfers, or you can self-drive and meet us at the slipway.

Britannia Bay Kayaking Tour

Overview

What this paddle is about

The Britannia Bay Kayaking Tour is one of the most magical wildlife paddles in the country. The shallow, sheltered bay has near-daily dolphin sightings — sometimes hundreds at a time — with calm conditions ideal for beginners and intermediates.

We launch from the slipway and explore the bay at a relaxed pace, with experienced local guides reading the water for dolphin pods and bird life.

The experience

Your day on the water

After a thorough beach briefing and ski fit, your guide leads you onto the bay in single file, with full on-water support. The first few minutes settle stroke and balance.

From there it's a relaxed exploration of the bay — looking for dolphin pods feeding along the kelp lines, paddling close to seabird colonies and stopping for swims and photos.

On a great day you'll have dolphins surfing the bow waves of your ski — one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in South Africa.

Route breakdown

Step by step on the water

1
Britannia Bay slipway launch
Briefing, ski fit and easy beach launch.
2
Bay exploration
Sheltered paddle along the kelp line looking for dolphin pods.
3
Dolphin and bird viewing
On-water stops for wildlife and photos.
4
Return paddle
Easy paddle back to the slipway.

Gallery

Scenes from the ocean

Three paddlers enjoying a tandem surfski outing at sunset

Two paddlers riding open-ocean swell in a tandem surfski

Tandem surfski paddlers gliding over a wave in False Bay

Smiling tandem surfski paddlers on the water off Cape Town

Trip pricing

Shared dolphin paddleFrom R1,200 pp
Private guided tourFrom R2,500 pp

Shuttle & transport

Shared transfer from Cape TownR1,200 – R2,500 pp
Private van + ski trailerR7,000 – R14,000

What's included

Suitable kayak or surfski, paddle, PFD and leash — all necessary kayaking equipment is included in the advertised trip price
Local ocean guide and wildlife spotter
Surfski, PFD, leash and full on-water support
Beach briefing and ski fit
Bottled water and trail snacks

Not included

Personal travel and watersports insurance
Gratuities for your guide (optional)
Meals outside what's listed as included

Ocean conditions

Sheltered bay paddling in calm to light wind conditions. We run on glassy mornings or late afternoons when the bay is at its best.

Fitness requirements

Suitable for any reasonably active traveller and confident swimmer. No prior surfski experience required — just a sense of adventure.

Safety

All trips led by an experienced ocean guide trained in sea rescue and first aid
Live weather, wind and swell monitoring — trips are rescheduled if conditions aren't safe
PFDs, leashes and marine VHF carried on every paddle
Small group ratios with a guide who paddles alongside you the whole way

What to bring

Swimwear, rash vest and quick-dry layer
Cap, polarised sunglasses with strap, reef-safe sunscreen
Light windbreaker for the boat or shuttle ride home
Water bottle and a small dry bag (we can supply)
Sense of adventure and a love for the ocean

Best time of year

October to April for warm water and consistent calm mornings. Dolphin pods are present year-round.

Launch location

Find the launch

FAQs