kayaking in Simonstown
 

I'm considering a 2 hour kayaking trip with the penguins in Simonstown, on one of the days I'll be in Cape Town in September.

Has anyone done this? Did you find it worthwhile?

We did it September 2005. Had a blast. Whales, Seals, and Penguins. Have a great time!

I want to know the same thing. Here is what I've found out so far.

The trips depart from the same dock as the shark trips.

The morning trips are better and are offered more frequently than afternoon departures.

Going at all is weather dependent.

Someone posted that you do not get very close to any penguins in the kayak and that you have better viewing on foot.

The operator of this (I forget who) was very helpful and prompt in his replies.
I can look it up later if you'd like.

The question I was going to ask was: are you really kayaking with penguins or are you kayaking in the vicinity of penguins which causes them to flee from the kayak?

Thanks Chewey and atravelynn-

Simonstown is about 1 hour drive from Cape Town, is that right? I was thinking of doing the kayaking in the am, then drive down to cape point in the afternoon, heading back to Cape Town. Does that sound like doable plan?

The beach where the penguins reside is protected. Kayaking to a beach just before you will probably be able to visit with a few stray penguins. But the actual Penguin area is set to on foot. We asked about the sharks too! They said you are as likely to die from a pineapple falling on your head as you are from a shark eating you. Just do not be the slowest paddler:-) Just kidding.

We were picked up from the Cape Grace Hotel in the morning by our private guide, Rob, from Wilderness. He drove us to the Kayak start point. Then after he took us the the Penguins. After that we toured CapePoint, hiked around the area, and photographed the baboons and their babies. Got chased by them too! I do not recommed that portion of the adventure as Rob probably kept me from being seriously injured. Next, poor Rob had to drive four exhausted women back to the hotel.
Next day he took us to the winecountry for horseback riding and the Cheetah Reserve. And finally the last day and probably the most important excursion was to the Townships. Rob and Tundo opened our eyes to horrors and beauty that we only read about here in the US.

Thanks Chewyhead. Was your harrowing baboon encounter just on the Cape, not part of the official "baboon walk?"

Could you take any penguin pictures from the kayak?

Correct. Not on the official walk. I do not think we saw one baboon on the "official walk." We beached our kayaks and had a snack and photographed a few of the penguins walking around the flora nearby. Could have taken photos of them from the water. We waited, however, to get to the beach so we were closer. No telephotos in the kayak!

Cheweyhead-

You mentioned horse riding in wine country...I also posted a question about this, so we definitely have similiar interests.

Did you ride between wine tastings? What stable did you use? Would you recommend? Thanks

Horses, yes. Tequila/agave, yes. Wine, no.
This was set up by our fantastic trip planner Yvette at African Portfolio 800-700-3677 (in CT).
The name of the ranch was La Petite Rochelle.

Cheweyhead,

Did you do the baboon walk "Baboon Matters"? Is that where you did not see any baboons?

Sorry do not remember that name. I think Rob, our guide, took us on the "walk".

Then I don't think it was the one I am thinking of. Thanks for all the info.

You'll get much closer on the beach, if that's what you're after.

However, it's a great day out in fine weather. Mind that you will not be comfortable in wet clothes and should bring some dry ones if you're continuing to tour that day.

John S.