Paddle with the Penguins
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 26 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Paddle with the Penguins worth booking?
Paddle with the Penguins is a 2-hour experience in Cape Town, South Africa, from $38 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 26 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (26)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $38 per person
100% of your guided trip fees go back into helping to continue our long-standing marine conservation projects that benefit the endangered African penguin, sharks and other marine sea creatures.
What you get
About this experience
100% of your guided trip fees go back into helping to continue our long-standing marine conservation projects that benefit the endangered African penguin, sharks and other marine sea creatures.
What's included
Included
- Instruction and safety briefing
- Sea Kayak, double paddle, PFD
Not included
- Bottled water
- Sunblock
- Beach towels
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cape Town
Shark Warrior Adventure Centre is located right on Seaforth Beach, beneath the Seaforth Restaurant. Look out for our flags and yellow and blue kayaks!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Shark Warrior Adventure Centre is located right on Seaforth Beach, beneath the Seaforth Restaurant. Look out for our flags and yellow and blue kayaks!
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
- Shark Warrior Adventures
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Ample safe & secure parking at the beach
- Serviced by Uber taxis
- Lock-up facilities for valuables at our Centre
- COVID-19 safety protocols observed
- Public amenities
- Not recommended for travellers who weigh over 120 KG
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 26 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
26 verified traveler reviews for Paddle with the Penguins. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Penguins up close and personal!
An excellent way to see the penguins, along with many other bird species (cormorants, terns). Kayaking through the kelp forest and the clear waters was a beautiful experience. My guide was very knowledgeable about penguin behavior and conservation. The whole experience was very special, highly recommend seeing the penguins from the water
via Viator
Shark Warrior Adventures cancelled our trip over supposed bad weather despite clear skies
I had an extremely disappointing experience with Shark Warrior Adventures. Our trip was cancelled last minute due to “strong winds and rain storms,” yet when we arrived that morning, there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky or even the slightest breeze. The weather was absolutely perfect, making the cancellation feel completely unjustified.Bear in mind that they ask a very hefty price and you expect some sort of professionalism. What made things worse was the horrible customer service. When I called to question the decision, the operator was incredibly rude and dismissive. Instead of offering a reasonable explanation, he spoke to me as if I didn’t know what I was talking about. Also to mention he did not offer any rescheduling, which was both frustrating and unprofessional. Overall, this felt like a total waste of money and, honestly, gave off the impression of being a tourist scam. I would strongly recommend staying away and looking for a more reliable and respectful company. See pictures below for proof of the “ Strong winds and rain storms”
Response from the operator: You spoke to me and according to the weather app that we use, the conditions were not suitable for kayaking. it was actually raining before you got there & your trip was cancelled for your safety & comfort. We do not apologise for the weather which has the final say!
via Tripadvisor
Great family outing!
Fantastic time kayaking with Terry and a mixed group of families from various geographies (probably about 20 altogether). All very easy and no faffing about getting on the water. We have two kids, 9 and 11, husband and I each shared a kayak with them. Felt very safe. Was a little concerned about sharks but needn’t have been as you’re mostly paddling over huge walls of seaweed and kayaks are very stable. There are even people snorkelling around you so feels very safe. It’s a decent paddle, especially against the tide, so need to be reasonably fit. But there is a chap who follows at the rear if you’re a bit slow. Saw some penguins on land but not loads as they’re fast reducing in numbers sadly. Terry was very knowledgeable although small criticism is too many of us so hard to hear him on the water. All in all would definitely recommend for a great family excursion.
via Tripadvisor
Lovely to be out on the...
Lovely to be out on the water with T, he is very knowledgable. The water is not too cold to swim in either.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your 5 star review!
via Viator
Very disappointed
Cancelled on us the day of. I was so excited for this excursion. I never received a reason why it was cancelled at the last minute.
Response from the operator: We are sorry but many trips were cancelled in December for your safety. We had the worst wind in 20 years. We are at the mercy of the wind!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $38 to $600
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Paddle with the Penguins: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cape Town.
How much does Paddle with the Penguins cost?
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Prices start at $38 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 Paddle with the Penguins take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Paddle with the Penguins worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 26 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 Paddle with the Penguins?
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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 Paddle with the Penguins suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Paddle with the Penguins?
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Around 9 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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Paddle with the Penguins 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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