Paddle, tube, then stroll Tsitsikamma forests. This easy, guided tubing and SUP combo takes you onto the Storms River in a wide, playful stretch, with flat-water paddling options and a forest walk that keeps things interesting. I also like how the pace fits first-timers: you’re not forced into anything too intense.

My second favorite part is the setting and the variety. You’re moving through indigenous rivers and forests in the Plaatbos Nature Reserve, with the chance to add a little culture along the way, like learning a traditional African song during the tour. Guides such as Derrin and Luciene bring the day to life with clear instruction and good energy.

The one thing to keep in mind is conditions can change the fun. You’ll be walking over rocks and down to the river bed with your tube, and if the river has less water than expected, the run can feel more gentle than you planned.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Storms River at its widest stretch: more room to tube, paddle, and relax
• Plaatbos Nature Reserve forest walk: indigenous rivers and shade between water moments
• Tube + SUP combo with easy options for different comfort levels
• Pool and drop tube run style segment adds a fun push without requiring big skills
• English-speaking guides who keep the experience safe and lighthearted, including Derrin and Luciene
• Fresh drinkable water on the route, plus safety gear included

Tubing and SUP on the widest Storms stretch

This isn’t a one-note water activity. The Stormsrivier Green Route Tubing and Paddle-Boarding Tour blends flat water paddling with tubing moments, then rolls you into a forest walk in the Plaatbos Nature Reserve. If you like adventures that feel active but not exhausting, this setup makes a lot of sense.

What I like most is the mix of skill levels built into the day. You can choose what you do—tube, walk, or SUP—so the tour doesn’t punish you for not being a confident paddler. It also helps if your group has mixed interests or energy levels.

Then there’s the practical “why this works” factor. Instead of spending your whole time fighting currents or trying to perfect technique, you get short, guided segments where someone shows you what to do and when to switch activities. That structure is a big reason this feels doable for a wide range of people.

Where the tour starts at 85 Darnell St (and what that implies)

Your day begins at 85 Darnell St, near Tube n’ Axe Lodge. Plan to arrive a little early so you’re not rushing while everyone’s sorting out gear and instructions. From there, you’re picked up by a jeep/SUV for about 20 minutes before you hit the water area.

That transfer matters more than you might think. When an adventure tour includes a short drive, it usually means the guides are getting you to the right place for the day’s conditions rather than just dropping you at a random spot. In this case, the goal is to access a section of the Storms River that’s wide enough to support both tubing and paddle-boarding.

You’ll be out for around 3 hours total, which is a sweet spot for an active half-day. It’s long enough to feel like you did something memorable, but short enough that you can still plan a dinner or another activity later.

The 1.5-hour guided Storms River segment

The heart of the experience is a guided Storms River tour lasting about 1.5 hours. This is when the adventure shifts between activities: you tube, you paddle, and you also get moments where the guide keeps everything moving smoothly so nobody gets stuck waiting too long.

The route is designed around easier paddling. The SUP part is described as flat water paddling, which is what makes it approachable if you’ve never stood on a board before. Even if you’ve done SUP elsewhere, the guided format helps because you’re not guessing where to go or how long you’ll be out.

Tubing is also built to feel playful rather than extreme. You can expect a pool and drop tube run style segment, meaning there’s likely a moment where the tube ride feels more thrilling than the slow float sections. The guide’s role is key here: you’re not just dropped in and left to figure it out.

And because this is on fresh drinkable water, the day has a clean, refreshing feel. Just remember that “drinkable” doesn’t mean “safe to take chances.” Treat it like water that’s meant for the route, and still focus on your body position and control.

Plaatbos forest walk: why the land segment matters

Between water time, you’ll take a forest walk through the Plaatbos Nature Reserve. This isn’t just a break from paddling. It changes the whole rhythm of the day, letting you slow down, get your balance back, and take in the indigenous rivers and forests around you.

It also gives you context for where you are. The tour talks about exploring the Tsitsikamma region while learning about the demographics, history, and culture of the area. In a fun, non-academic way, you’re getting story bits that help the scenery feel connected rather than just scenic.

One of the neat details here is that the guides may even teach you a traditional African song as you move through the quieter forest stretches. If you’re the type who remembers trips by moments, that’s the kind of thing that sticks.

You’ll still be moving, though. The tour includes guidance on walking on rocks and getting to the river bed with your tube. That means the “forest walk” is active, not a gentle stroll on a paved path.

Tube, SUP, or walk: choosing your level of energy

A big part of this tour’s value is flexibility. The experience is built as a combo, and you’re not limited to only one activity. You can choose to tube, walk, or SUP depending on what you feel like doing that day.

Here’s how to think about it for your group:

• If someone is nervous about standing on a board, they can lean into tubing and walking.
• If you want the most time “in motion,” SUP can be your anchor.
• If your day needs variety without constant standing, switching between tubing and walking is a smart strategy.

This mix is also helpful for comfort. The tour notes that wet suits are not mandatory, but you can still choose a wetsuit or booties if hiring is available (it is). That gives you control over warmth and grip, especially if you get cold quickly.

Just be realistic about the terrain. Even if you choose the walk option, you’ll still encounter rock steps and uneven ground because the tour requires walking over rocks throughout the experience.

Guides, safety gear, and why that boosts your confidence

Safety gear and guides are included, which is exactly what you want in a mixed activity day. When you’re switching between tubing, SUP, and walking down toward the river, small safety cues make the difference between a smooth outing and a stressful one.

The tour is led by English-speaking guides, and the names Derrin and Luciene appear in guest feedback as people who make the experience feel worth it. That tells me the human factor is strong here: guests notice clear guidance and good organization, not just the scenery.

You’re also getting an activity combo from a provider named Blackwater Tubing, and that matters because it suggests the operation focuses specifically on tubing-style river experiences rather than trying to be everything at once.

If you’re traveling with kids or friends who need structure, this kind of guided, safety-minded approach is often what turns a “we hope this is fun” day into a confident one.

Price and value: what $62 includes (and what it doesn’t)

At $62 per person for about 3 hours, the pricing feels aimed at accessible adventure. What you’re paying for isn’t only access to the river. You’re also getting:

• Safety equipment
• Guides
• A 10% restaurant discount voucher
• A 10% gift voucher

Those vouchers are small, but they can help offset costs if you plan meals or shopping nearby. The biggest value piece, though, is that you’re not paying separately for guiding or basic safety support.

What’s not included is important. Meals or drinks aren’t part of the package, and transportation to the meeting point isn’t included. Also, wet suits or booties are not included, though hiring is available if you want it.

So the real cost picture for you is simple: if you’re already near Tube n’ Axe Lodge and can handle your own snacks and warm layers, this is a good value way to cover two adventure styles in one outing.

Who should book this Stormsrivier combo (and who shouldn’t)

This tour is a great fit if you want an outdoors day with clear guidance and multiple activity choices. It suits people who are:

• Curious about trying SUP without a full-day, high-skill commitment
• Comfortable in a setting that mixes water time with a forest walk
• Happy to move over rocks and follow instructions closely

On the other hand, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. The tour requires walking over rocks and walking down to the river bed with your tube, so it’s not designed for limited mobility.

If you’re traveling with older grandparents, a cane user, or anyone who struggles on uneven ground, pick a different style of activity. The fun here is tied to physical movement.

Things that can affect your fun: rocks, water levels, group size

Two practical considerations can change your experience.

First: physical footing. The tour requires you to walk over rocks and also to walk to the river bed with your tube. Even if the water part feels easy, the approach and steps can be the hardest part for some people.

Second: river water level. There’s a note that if there isn’t enough water in the river, the tour can feel more like a gentle run than an exhilarating one. That doesn’t mean it’s canceled, but it does mean your expectations should stay flexible.

Third: minimum group size. The tour needs at least 4 people to operate. If fewer people book, you might be asked to move to another time slot. This is usually manageable, but it’s worth planning your schedule with a bit of breathing room.

What to bring and how to prepare for a smooth day

You won’t need a wetsuit by default, but I’d treat weather and comfort like part of your planning. Wet suits are not mandatory, yet hiring is available, so if you’re sensitive to cold or you get chilly on water, consider booking the extra gear.

For the rest, focus on common-sense prep:

• Wear footwear you don’t mind getting wet (and that can handle rocks)
• Bring a small dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone and valuables
• Expect to get splashed and to move on uneven ground

Also, because you’ll be on fresh drinkable water during the activities, you might want to rinse after. You can’t control what happens, but you can control whether you step out into your next stop feeling comfortable.

If you like photos, bring something you can keep safe on the walk and during the water segments. The day involves both water and forest time, so a single plan for keeping your gear protected saves stress.

Should you book the Stormsrivier Green Route tubing and SUP combo?

Book it if you want an easy, guided day that mixes tubing and stand up paddle boarding in a Tsitsikamma forest setting. The fact that you can choose to tube, walk, or SUP makes it a strong pick for groups with different comfort levels. The included safety gear and English-speaking guides also add peace of mind.

Think twice if you know you won’t handle rocky ground well, or if your trip timing is tight and you can’t shift in case the minimum group size isn’t met. Also keep river conditions in mind. If you’re traveling during a period where the river can run lower, aim for a “fun water + forest day” mindset rather than expecting the most dramatic drop moments.

If your goal is an active outdoor experience you can actually complete without advanced skills, this one is a solid value at $62 for roughly 3 hours.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from near Tube n’ Axe Lodge at 85 Darnell St.

How long is the Stormsrivier Green Route tour?

It lasts about 3 hours total.

What activities are included?

You can expect flat water SUP (paddle-boarding), a forest walk, and river tubing with a pool and drop tube run segment.

Do I need a wetsuit?

Wet suits are not mandatory. Wet suits or booties are available for hire if you want them.

Is transportation included?

No, transportation is not included. You’ll still have a short jeep/SUV ride as part of the itinerary.

Does the tour include meals or drinks?

No. Meals or drinks are not included.

Is the tour guide English-speaking?

Yes. The tour includes a live tour guide in English.

How big does the group need to be?

The tour requires a minimum of 4 people to operate. If that minimum isn’t met, you may be moved to another time slot.

What should I expect physically during the experience?

You’ll need to walk over rocks and you’ll be required to walk to the river bed with your tube.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.