Hermanus Sea Kayaking
An unforgettable luxury marine eco-adventure on South Africa's Whale Coast — paddle Walker Bay with Southern Right whales, dolphins, seals and African penguins.
The Quietest Way to Meet the Whales
Hermanus is recognised by the World Wildlife Fund as one of the best land- and sea-based whale watching destinations on earth. Sea kayaking on Walker Bay takes that experience even closer to the water — low, silent and entirely eco-friendly.
Launching from the historic Old Harbour, your guide leads a small group of paddlers across sheltered, turquoise water framed by sandstone cliffs and the Hemel-en-Aarde mountains. In whale season you'll share the bay with calving Southern Rights; year-round you'll meet dolphins, Cape fur seals, African penguins and a sky full of seabirds.
Stable Kayaks · Expert Guides · Effortless Adventure
Designed for first-time paddlers and seasoned ocean lovers alike. Premium sit-on-top kayaks, professional marine guides and one of the safest, most spectacular bays on the planet.
Your guide assists every paddler from the slipway into the kayak — no awkward beach scrambles, just a smooth launch into Walker Bay.
Wide, self-bailing doubles that are impossible to capsize in normal conditions — ideal for families, couples and beginners.
A bucket-list bonding activity for families with kids 10+ — silent, safe and packed with wildlife encounters they'll never forget.
A Cinematic Walker Bay Timeline
Arrival at the Old Harbour
Meet your guide at Hermanus' historic Old Harbour, the gateway to Walker Bay and South Africa's whale-watching capital.
Safety Briefing & Kit-Up
A relaxed briefing on paddling technique, whale etiquette and marine safety, followed by life jackets, paddles and stable sit-on-top kayaks.
Launch Into Walker Bay
Glide off the protected slipway and into the calm, sheltered waters of Walker Bay with the Hermanus cliffs rising behind you.
Wildlife Encounters
Pause to watch Southern Right whales surfacing, pods of dolphins racing the bay and Cape fur seals curiously circling the kayaks.
Scenic Coastal Paddle
Drift along the dramatic Hermanus coastline, sandstone cliffs and hidden coves — a slow-cinema view of the Whale Coast.
Return to the Harbour
Beach the kayaks back at the Old Harbour, swap stories with your guide and toast a once-in-a-lifetime morning on Walker Bay.
The Marine Cast of the Cape Whale Coast
Migratory giants visiting Walker Bay each year between June and November to calve in the sheltered bay.
Energetic pods often surf the kayak wash, breaching and feeding in the cool Atlantic-influenced water.
Curious, playful and unfazed by kayaks — often slipping under the boats for a closer look.
Walker Bay's resident penguin colonies forage the bay year-round — an unmistakable South African icon.
Cormorants, gannets, oystercatchers and gulls wheel above the kayaks throughout the paddle.
Lucky paddlers may spot ocean sunfish, rays and other Walker Bay marine species drifting beneath the kayaks.
Walker Bay, Cinematic
What's Included
- Guided sea kayak experience on Walker Bay
- Qualified marine guide & safety briefing
- Stable sit-on-top double kayaks, paddles, life jackets and dry bags — included in the trip price
- Use of the Hermanus Old Harbour launch
Not Included
- Transport from Cape Town (optional add-on)
- Meals, snacks and refreshments
- Personal photography / GoPro hire
- Gratuity for your guide
- Travel insurance
Hermanus Sea Kayaking Questions
An Unforgettable Luxury Marine Eco-Adventure
Daily departures, weather permitting. Send your preferred date and we'll confirm live availability, pricing and the best paddle time for your day.