
Kayak to the penguins in Simons Town
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 16 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kayak to the penguins in Simons Town worth booking?
Kayak to the penguins in Simons Town is a 2.5-hour experience in Cape Town, South Africa, from $79 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 16 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (16)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $79 per person
This trip gives you a different view of Cape Town from the water. There's a good chance of viewing marine life such as penguins, dolphins and whales (in season). In summer, the water is warm enough to swim.
What you get
About this experience
This trip gives you a different view of Cape Town from the water. There's a good chance of viewing marine life such as penguins, dolphins and whales (in season). In summer, the water is warm enough to swim.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide & safety gear
- Kayak, paddle, PFD
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cape Town
You can park or get dropped off in the public car park next to the beach - look out for our bright yellow kayaks, either on the beach or on our trailer in the car park.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
You can park or get dropped off in the public car park next to the beach - look out for our bright yellow kayaks, either on the beach or on our trailer in the car park.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Gravity Micro Adventures
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for travelers weighing over 110kg
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 16 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
16 verified traveler reviews for Kayak to the penguins in Simons Town. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Incredible family experience
It was a blustery day so our expectations were low. But Jen and Andrew provided an unforgettable experience. We saw tons of penguins, had a great paddle and enjoyed the amazing visibility in the water. Great bonding experience for our family.
Response from the operator: Hey Brent and family - so glad we made it happen. Enjoy the rest of your stay!
via Tripadvisor
Paddling Around Simon’s Town and Cape Point
This was one of the best experience in my visit to Cape Town. While many tourists go for a visit to the penguin centre on the shore, we paddled with Gravity Adventures around Simon’s Town and visited many beautiful less known and crowded small beaches in between. This gave us an opportunity to visit the penguins and other wildlife from the sea which was very unique. We highly recommend this to anyone visiting this area. Also the Gravity Adventures team (especially Marie-Louise, Andrew and their team) were on top of organising the logistics of brining the boats as well as very experienced and knowledgeable about the surrounding area and the wildlife and this was a very well-guided tour.
Response from the operator: so glad you enjoyed it and hope to see you again in future.
via Tripadvisor
Paddling Around Simon’s Town and Cape Point
This was one of the best experiences of my visit to Cape Town. While many tourists go to the penguin centre on the shore, we paddled with Gravity Adventures around Simon’s Town and visited many beautiful, lesser-known, and less crowded small beaches along the way. This gave us a unique opportunity to see the penguins and other wildlife from the sea. We highly recommend this to anyone visiting this area. The Gravity Adventures team (especially Marie-Louise, Andrew, and their team) were excellent at organising the logistics of bringing the boats and were very experienced and knowledgeable about the surrounding area and wildlife. This was a very well-guided tour.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much!
via Tripadvisor
Kayaking on Sunday morning in delicious water around Cape Town
What an awesome experience! So many things in one place - great exercise, panoramic vistas, a new view of the well known penguin site in Cape Town, and a chance to swim on some less well known and very beautiful little beaches in that area. Keep up the good work! It’s a good way to spend a Sunday morning.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much - hope you'll join us again in future
via Tripadvisor
Blue sky. Blue sea. Calm and peaceful
Incredible day with family! Youngest was 11 and oldest 78! Guide Jen was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing interesting info on the area and wildlife. Awesome to see birds and penguins from a kayak. Kayaks in excellent condition. Felt safe and relaxed.
Response from the operator: What lovely feedback - so glad the whole family enjoyed it.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $79 to $1250
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kayak to the penguins in Simons Town: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cape Town.
How much does Kayak to the penguins in Simons Town cost?
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Prices start at $79 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cape Town usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Kayak to the penguins in Simons Town take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cape Town is not rushed.
Is Kayak to the penguins in Simons Town worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 16 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cape Town, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kayak to the penguins in Simons Town?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Kayak to the penguins in Simons Town suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kayak to the penguins in Simons Town?
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Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cape Town can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cape Town and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kayak to the penguins in Simons Town start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cape Town within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cape Town?
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On Outty we rank every Cape Town experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike, Ocean Wildlife Encounter in Cape Town, Private Full Day Stellenbosch Wine Tour with Pick Up and Drop Off. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cape Town?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cape Town?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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