Kayak to the Penguins from Simon's Town

Simon's Town is the old naval base on the False Bay coast of the Cape Peninsula, a village of Victorian buildings along a single main road, with fishing boats, grey warships and, a few kilometres south, one of the most famous penguin colonies in the world. Most visitors see the African penguins from the boardwalks at Boulders Beach. The Kayak to the Penguins tour offers another way: paddle there. The guided sea kayak lasts about two and a half hours, and the booking page describes a route from Simon's Town along the shore towards the penguin beaches, with a guide to lead the group and look after safety. From the water you see the granite boulders, the small sheltered coves and, with luck, the penguins themselves swimming, preening or waddling on the rocks. The tour has a very strong record, with an average of 4.8 on the booking page, though from a smaller number of guest reviews than the big-volume tours, so it is best treated as a small-group specialist outing rather than a mass-market product. The price varies by group size.

What you need to know. Sea kayaking in False Bay depends on wind and swell, and operators cancel or move trips when conditions are not safe. The water is cold and the Cape's south-easter can arrive quickly in summer, so expect to be told to reschedule if the forecast is poor. Book early in your stay to leave room for a second try. Operators normally brief beginners and supply the kayak, paddle and a life jacket, but check the booking page for the minimum age, any weight limit and whether previous experience is needed.

Respecting the penguins. The African penguin is endangered, with populations falling sharply across southern Africa, and the colonies at Boulders are among the few that are doing well because they are protected. Keep a respectful distance, never try to touch or feed the birds, and follow the guide's instructions about where you may land or stop.

Kayaks must stay clear of the nesting beaches, and some beaches are closed to protect the birds. If you want a close look at the penguins, the walkways at Boulders are the best option; the kayak adds a view from the sea and a sense of the coast that you cannot get on land.

Who it suits. This is an excellent half-day for adventurous couples, groups of friends and families with older children who enjoy being on the water. It combines naturally with a day on the peninsula: spend the morning paddling, have lunch in Simon's Town or Kalk Bay, and visit Boulders Beach or Cape Point in the afternoon. If you prefer a calmer version of wildlife-watching, the Hout Bay seal cruise is easier on the arms, and the Atlantic sea kayak tour from Granger Bay is a cheaper alternative with more chance of dolphins.

In every case, check the day's forecast before you drive down, because the False Bay side of the peninsula can be gloriously calm or whipped by wind. Allow time for parking in Simon's Town, which is a narrow village on a single road, and arrive at the meeting point a little early so that the briefing is not rushed.