Discover the Heart Behind Cape Town Kayak Safari

About Us

The "US" part should actually be "Richard Kohler"

Richard is an accomplished ocean kayaker, adventurer, and storyteller with decades of experience exploring South Africa’s rugged coastline.

His deep connection to the ocean, combined with a lifetime of kayaking in some of the country’s most dynamic conditions, forms the foundation of his kayak safari tours.

What sets Richard apart is not just his skill on the water, but his ability to share the ocean in a way that is safe, authentic, and inspiring.

Unlike the high-volume, bus-and-go tours, Richards tour numbers are kept small and are designed to immerse guests in Cape Town’s natural beauty, wildlife, scenery, and seascape, while benefiting from the insight, calm leadership, and passion of someone who truly lives the adventure he offers.

Richard Kohler

Your guide - "at your service"

Who is Richard:

Richard has over 30 years of experience in kayaking and is a professionally accredited kayak coach.

He has achieved multiple kayaking records and world-first accomplishments, including being the only person to kayak the entire coastline of South Africa solo.

He is also the only individual to have kayaked solo and unsupported across the South Atlantic Ocean from Cape Town to Salvador, Brazil, an achievement that earned him a Guinness World Record.

In addition to his kayaking career, Richard has more than 40 years of experience as a professional yachtsman, both commercially and competitively. He was a member of the South African sailing team for the 2007 America’s Cup and has logged over 200,000 nautical miles at sea.

Widely regarded as a true waterman, Richard’s depth of experience, technical expertise, and lifelong connection to the ocean underpin everything he does, both on and off the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know Before You Go Kayaking

Planning your Safari kayak tour should be just as smooth as the ride itself. We’ve gathered answers to the most common questions to help you prepare for your adventure with confidence. From what to bring and how to book, to safety, accessibility, and more—our FAQ section is here to ensure you know exactly what to expect before hitting the water.

1. What should I bring on the tour?

We recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a light jacket, and your camera. Don’t forget water, snacks and any necessary medications.

We’ll provide life jackets and safety gear.

A dry bag or waterproof container for your belongings.

2. What should I wear?

Comfortable beach wear or exercise clothing that you run or hike in, quick dry clothing works best.

Be prepared for sun exposure and wind chill factor while being splashed. You will get at least a wet bottom.

If you’re kayaking in cold weather, you’ll also need to dress appropriately.

The sea temperature of the Atlantic Ocean is colder in summer (9–14°C), so bring something warm and a change of dry clothes to change into afterwards.

Flip flops (or ‘plakkies’) or water shoes are recommend.

3. What happens in case of bad weather?

Safety is our top priority. If weather conditions are unsafe, we may cancel or reschedule your tour. You will be notified as early as possible and offered a priority booking on an alternative date/time. If you can't make an alternative date we will refund you.

4. What else should I know?

To avoid not having a fab time by checking the weather forecast, dress appropriately, bring your prescribed allergy medication (asthma pump, allergy tablets, sea sick tablets, insulin etc) along with you. It’s a water sport so you will get wet.

Bring your water bottle, apply sunscreen and stay hydrated.

You must be able to swim.

Please note our cancellation policy states 24 hours notice. If a “no show” occurs, a 100% forfeit.

Dolphins are wild animals and there is no guarantee that you will actually see any dolphins or any of the other wildlife.

5. Do I need to make a reservation in advance?

Yes, booking at least 24hrs ahead of time is essential. You can reserve directly through our website or by calling us. By calling us we can advise you on the best day and weather conditions for your trip.

5. Service Terms and Conditions

Cancellation Policy

Cape Town Kayak Safari reserves the right to cancel the kayak tour if there is any circumstance that is beyond their control.

Our tours are weather dependent which could result in a tour being canceled for safety reasons.

In the event the tour has to be canceled, the following will happen:

Participants will be notified as soon as possible before the tour is scheduled to begin (please ensure contact details on the booking form are correct)

Participants will have the choice to either a refund (less CR card fees) or priority booking on the next available tour.

If the participant cannot make the scheduled booking time:

Any cancellation of a booking must be made in writing and is not effective until such cancellation is received by Cape Town Kayak Safari.

Bookings canceled by participants prior to 24 hours notice will be refunded in full save for a 10% administration costs.

Bookings canceled by participants less than 24 hours notice are non-refundable.

Terms and Conditions

By booking a kayak tour with Cape Town Kayak Safari you are acknowledging, understanding and agreeing to our terms and conditions as stated below:

1. Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of your kayak tour (map and coordinates provided in location tab). Being more than 10 minutes late may result in cancellation.

2. All participants are required to sign the indemnity form before embarking on the Cape Kayak Tour.

3. A safety briefing and instructions will be given by the guide before every tour and all participants agree to follow these instructions.

4. All Participants must understand the dangers involved in kayaking and kayak-related activities and undertakes to stay within earshot of the guide(s) at all times and follow their instructions directly.

5. Anyone under the age of 18 on the date of the kayak tour is considered to be a minor. Minors should be accompanied by an adult. The minimum age for minors participating on any kayak tour is 10 years old.

6. Each adult on a kayak tour with a minor or minor(s) is jointly and severally responsible for the behavior, wellbeing, supervision and monitoring of such minor(s), and jointly and severally accepts these Terms for and on behalf of any minor(s) on their booking, including all assumptions of risk and limitations of liability.

7. Participants in the kayak tours are responsible for any damage caused to equipment due to negligence and failing to comply with the instructions given by the guide.

8. All participants will agree to abide by all decisions and adhere to all instructions that Cape Town Kayak Safari guide/s make whilst under their supervision.

9. It is each participant’s responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of the kayak tour based on their circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements and undertakes to inform Cape Town Kayak Safari of any physical or medical condition that may affect their ability to kayak safely prior commencing the trip.

10. Each person party to the booking undertakes not to use any alcohol during a kayak trip or within 10 hour period before prior the trip

11. Should poor weather conditions set in during the trip, at the sole discretion of the lead guide, deem the conditions may endanger the safety of the group, the trip may be terminated.

12. Cape Town Kayak Safari holds the right to use any photographs or video taken by our guides for marketing purposes.