What this paddle is about
The Cape Point Kayaking Expedition is the bucket-list ocean adventure of the Cape Peninsula, run as a serious full-day expedition for experienced paddlers. From Buffels Bay we follow the dramatic cliffs of the Cape of Good Hope, rounding the lighthouse and pushing into the meeting of two oceans.
This is a full-day, advanced expedition supported by a fully-equipped van and ski trailer, with route options based on swell, wind and your group's experience.
Your day on the water
Early breakfast, expedition brief and shuttle to the launch beach. The first hour is a steady warm-up along the eastern cliffs.
Rounding the point itself is the highlight — towering cliffs above you, big-ocean swell rolling in from the Atlantic, and a sense of scale that's hard to put into words.
We finish with a relaxed paddle into a sheltered cove, recover the skis with the support trailer and shuttle back to Cape Town.
Step by step on the water
- 1
Buffels Bay launch
Briefing, gear, expedition fit-out and shuttle to the launch.
- 2
Cape Point cliffs
Dramatic vertical cliffs and seabird colonies above the swell line.
- 3
Cape of Good Hope rounding
The most iconic ocean rounding in Africa.
- 4
Sheltered cove finish
Land, recover skis with the support trailer, shuttle home.
Scenes from the ocean
Trip pricing
- Expedition paddleFrom R3,000 pp
- Premium expedition packageFrom R7,000 pp
Shuttle & transport
- Expedition van + ski trailer supportR5,000 – R12,000 / day
What's included
- Suitable kayak or surfski, paddle, PFD and leash — all necessary kayaking equipment is included in the advertised trip price
- Lead expedition guide and support driver
- Van and ski trailer support throughout the day
- PFD, leash, marine VHF and safety kit
- Expedition lunch and hot drinks
Not included
- Personal travel and watersports insurance
- Gratuities for your guide (optional)
- Meals outside what's listed as included
Ocean conditions
Run only in safe windows — moderate swell, manageable wind, low fog risk. We will reschedule rather than push a marginal day.
Fitness requirements
Experienced surfski paddler with multiple hours of open-ocean and downwind experience, confident remount in big swell, comfortable with exposure and remote conditions.
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
- Dedicated support vessel or coast-shadow support available on request
- Marine VHF, EPIRB and flares carried on every expedition
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
November to April. Calm-morning windows with light wind and a long-period swell are ideal. We watch the forecast and pick the day.
Find the launch
Cape Point Kayaking Expedition, answered
Ask about this trip
Send us your dates to check availability and discuss the forecast. Our team will reply as soon as possible.