What this paddle is about
The Hermanus Coastal Kayaking Tour is a premium guided ocean paddle along the cliff-lined edge of Walker Bay — one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in South Africa. It complements our sheltered Walker Bay sea-kayak trip by following the open coastline rather than the harbour bay.
Expect deep blue ocean water, sweeping coastal views and the quiet drama of the Overberg cliffs rising above you on every stroke. This is the Hermanus coastline as very few visitors ever experience it.
This surfski experience operates outside of the annual whale season to ensure safe and environmentally responsible ocean activity within Walker Bay. All trips are weather and condition dependent, and scheduled around marine activity and ocean safety.
Your day on the water
We meet at the Hermanus New Harbour slipway for a full briefing, ski fit and on-beach tuition. Your guide will walk you through stroke, balance and ocean safety before you launch.
From there it's a guided paddle along the cliff line of Walker Bay, with constant views of the Overberg mountains, sandstone cliffs and the open Atlantic to your south.
We choose calm-condition windows and paddle exclusively outside of whale season — keeping the experience safe, ethical and uninterrupted by marine activity.
Step by step on the water
- 1
New Harbour launch
Briefing, ski fit and on-beach tuition.
- 2
Walker Bay cliff line
Guided paddle along the dramatic Hermanus coastline.
- 3
Coastal scenery stops
Photo and breather stops with sweeping Overberg views.
- 4
Return to harbour
Easy paddle back to the slipway, ski recovery and debrief.
Scenes from the ocean
Trip pricing
- Shared guided Walker Bay paddleFrom R900 pp
- Private guided paddleFrom R1,800 pp
Shuttle & transport
- Shared transfer from Cape TownR650 – R1,200 pp
- Private van transferR3,500 – R6,000
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 qualified instructor
- Surfski, PFD, leash and 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
Open ocean within the shelter of Walker Bay. We paddle only in calm, low-wind windows with manageable swell — trips are weather- and condition-dependent and scheduled around marine activity and ocean safety.
Fitness requirements
Suitable for active travellers and confident swimmers. Some basic paddling experience helps but is not required — your guide adapts the route to the group.
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
Operates outside of the annual whale season (roughly December to May) to ensure safe, environmentally responsible ocean activity within Walker Bay. Exact dates depend on marine activity each year.
Find the launch
Hermanus Coastal Kayaking Tour, answered
Ask about this trip
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