Enquire
Why book with us?

What are you looking for?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY

Last Updated: 23 September 2024

Kayak Tours in Simons Town

Matthys Van Aswegen Headshot

Written by  Tiffany Bowers

 • Travel Writer

Verified by  Matthys Van Aswegen

 •  Africa Safari Expert

Part of the South Africa Safari Collection

Suppose you’re dreaming of a Cape Town vacation. In that case, your thoughts immediately drift to sunny days on the beach, spectacular mountain views, and lazy afternoons sipping sundowners while showing off your newly sunkissed skin. Simons Town offers all this and more and is one of my favourite places to visit.

Cape Point in South Africa
Cape Point in South Africa ?

This picturesque coastal town is rich in spectacular historic architecture and home to the most adorable penguin colony that braved the quiet streets searching for its residents during the strict lockdown months.

Or maybe they were just sneaking off to get up to mischief – we will never know. Your stay will not be complete without a visit to these dapper birds, so why not combine this with a Kayak tour and enjoy the fresh breeze and cool waters of the False Bay coast.

More about the Kayak Tours

This unique journey starts at the town jetty, and after a quick briefing, you will paddle off towards the Naval harbour for a close-up view of our most prominent naval vessels. From here you will head out towards Boulders Beach to meet the endangered penguin colony with a great chance of encountering some Cape Fur seals along the way. 

Kayaking with Penguins in South Africa
Kayaking with Penguins in South Africa?

If the tide allows you will be led onto the beach, or you can swim out to see the penguins from up close. The Kayak tours run throughout the year and your best experience may well be during the warm and less windy winter days, so there is no need to write off the rainy season just yet.

Do I need to be an experienced kayaker?

No experience is needed; the double kayaks are very stable. Being a bit scared of open waters and feel I may drown in anything deeper than 1 meter, I can honestly say I felt completely safe throughout and would definitely book another tour.  

So, if you are over 8, can get into the kayak without tripping over your own feet, and hold a paddle, I’d say you’re good to go!

Accommodation

Although day excursions to Simonstown are enjoyable, I would suggest staying for a night or two. Just 5 minutes walk from Glencairn Beach, Simon’s Town Guest House offers warm hospitality in a cosy ambience. All of the major sites and activities that the Cape is known for are within driving distance of Simon’s Town Guest House.

The family-run guest house provides all of the modern amenities that one would expect from such a place, guaranteeing that guests have an unforgettable stay.  Simons Town is a friendly place to visit irrespective of the season and will leave you with a sense of longing to return whether you stopped over for a night or longer.  

Written by  Tiffany Bowers

 • Travel Writer

Team Member Headshot

Verified by  Matthys Van Aswegen

 •  Africa Safari Expert

Matthys is a Senior Travel Consultant, with over 18 years experience in the travel industry and a keen eye for photography.

Discover the African Journey that’s Right for You

Discover Africa Through Travellers' Stories

The true magic, though, is with the people. They’re not just staff; they’re my friends, my family.

JJ Towler

United States

Matthys Van Aswegen

JJ Towler's journey was crafted with the expertise of Matthys Van Aswegen

I went to Africa to help my parents check a box, but I returned with a new perspective on my own life. Africa is no longer a "someday" destination for me; it’s a "must-return".

Steven

United States

Vihann Van Wyk

Steven's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

We trusted our guide implicitly as we sat mere metres from elephants, lions, and hippos.

Cathy & Debb

Canada

Vihann Van Wyk

Cathy & Debb's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

The Serengeti offered us sights we had never witnessed before, such as the surreal image of lions lounging high in the trees

Cathy & Nat

Canada

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"We had an amazing time at our safari place(Kapama Karula) organized by Susan from Discover Africa! She is very professional and gave us unforgettable time in South Africa! I highly recommend Susan and discover Africa!"

Luana, Brazil21 Apr 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"Justin planned the best safari for our honeymoon. Everything was coordinated smoothly and the arrangements could not have been better. We are hoping to take another trip to South Africa in the future and will be using Discover Africa again. Justin was avail..."

Austin Mader, United States11 Apr 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"Working with Susan made our experience just perfect. She has everything organized and it all went so well. Her recommendations were perfect. We loved the safaris she chose, the lodges, guides, staff and the experience were wonderful."

Marlene Wheatley, Canada22 Mar 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Safari Bookings review

"All bookings were at luxurious and convenient places. The camp tents are beautifully decorated with a rustic look and feel. Food service were amazing for most part. The bush drives are as best as it could be given the rainy season etc. Punctuality has been ..."

George Jacob, Canada10 Mar 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"I used Discover Africa services for organizing our South African safari. Justin was our organizer, he did an excellent job. He was very communicative, responsive and very helpful. He helped us all the way and kept in contact also during the Safari. I will d..."

Shahin Shahkarami, South Africa14 Feb 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"This was our first time going on a Safari, and also the first time using a travel expert to organise part of our trip. I was so impressed with how quick and easy the whole process was and Chrizaan tailored our experience to meet our travel needs whilst prov..."

Matthew Childs, United Kingdom18 Dec 2025

Read More
View All Testimonials

Our safari traveller reviews are independently verified and sourced from trusted third-party review platforms.