Our story
- 1994
REAL CAPE ADVENTURES CC was founded in 1994 by Johan and Teresa Loots with a vision to share the joy of eco-friendly outdoor experiences with people from around the world. What began as a single operation quickly expanded to iconic locations including Hout Bay, Simon’s Town, Paternoster, St Helena Bay, Plettenberg Bay, as well as further afield in Namibia, Mozambique, Mauritius, and Madagascar.
- 2012
In 2012, Johan and Teresa scouted Spain’s coastline and identified the Ría de Arousa as a place to offer a kayak journey alongside the Camino de Santiago. That experience inspired them to bring a coastal Camino home to Plettenberg Bay.
- 2018
The Camino took to the water in Plettenberg Bay. Johan and Teresa launched their first local Camino, the Cape Kayak Camino, with paddlers setting out from Poortjies to explore the bay’s waterways. Getaway magazine joined the adventure for its November 2018 issue.
- Today
Their original Cape Kayak Camino has since evolved into the Pansy Shell Camino— a unique combination of coastal hiking and kayaking.
Our Values
The Pansy Shell Camino is shaped by a few simple beliefs.They guide the way we explore, host and share this coastline with others.
Respect for Nature
Nature is at the heart of what we do. We believe in enjoying the outdoors responsibly, respecting the environment and helping preserve the places that make this journey so special.
Spirit of Adventure
A love for exploring has always been part of our story. It’s what led us to bring walking and kayaking together, and what continues to inspire the experiences we share.
Meaningful Connections
Good company can make a journey even more memorable. We believe in creating an environment where people feel welcome, conversations come easily and connections happen naturally.
Authenticity
We believe the best experiences are genuine ones. No unnecessary fuss or grand promises, just beautiful places, thoughtful hospitality and a journey that speaks for itself.
Why choose us?
Our connection with Plettenberg Bay goes back decades. Since the 1970s, we’ve explored its coastline, rivers, forests, and waterways through hiking, kayaking, diving, swimming, and surfing.
In 2012, we scouted Spain’s coastline and chose the Ría de Arousa as the setting for a kayak journey alongside the Camino de Santiago. That experience inspired us to bring the same spirit of exploration home, shaping a coastal Camino around the beaches, waterways and forests of Plettenberg Bay.
Today, the Pansy Shell Camino brings together our knowledge of the region and our passion for exploring it.
