Tubes and SUP in a Tsitsikamma forest. I love the combo format that mixes river tubing with stand-up paddle-boarding, and I like how the whole thing is guided, so you spend less time figuring it out and more time enjoying the Tsitsikamma scenery. One thing to keep in mind: if the river level is low, the tubing can feel less exciting and more like floating.

This is a Green Route style adventure in the Eastern Cape, set in the Plaatbos Nature Reserve. You’ll head to the Storms River at its widest point for a 3-hour outing that includes flat-water paddling, a forest walk, and a pool-to-drop style tube run. It’s also on fresh drinkable water, so the experience feels less like a grimey “mud and mayhem” day and more like an outdoor reset.

You should also know there are a few physical bits. You’ll walk over rocks, and you’ll even walk down to the river bed while carrying your tube. Add in the fact that it needs a minimum group of 4 people, and it helps to plan with a bit of flexibility if your preferred slot doesn’t run.

Key highlights you will notice right away

• Plaatbos Nature Reserve setting with indigenous rivers and forest scenes close to the Storms River
• Tubing plus SUP in one outing, so you’re not choosing between thrill and calm
• Flat water paddling that works well as an easy intro to SUP
• Storms River at its widest for more breathing room on the water
• Guides like Derrin and Luciene who help keep the vibe fun and organized
• Pool and drop tube run that adds a quick hit of excitement without turning into a hardcore expedition

Why the Plaatbos setting feels like a real nature breather

Plaatbos Nature Reserve is the kind of place where the “day plan” fades fast. Instead of just speeding from one viewpoint to another, you’re moving through river and forest environments, with time to actually look around.

The route focuses on indigenous rivers and forests. That matters because it changes the feel of the outing. You’re not just on open water or only walking trails you could do elsewhere. You’re part of a living, moving system where the forest meets the river, and the guided pace makes it easier to notice details you’d miss on your own.

Also, this is part of the Tsitsikamma region, so you get a sense of place. The scenery you’re paddling and tubing through is tied to that famous coastline and forest geography, not just generic water fun.

Getting there: a short drive that keeps the start easy

Your departure point is at 85 Darnell St, near Tube n’ Axe Lodge. The tour then includes a jeep or SUV ride of about 20 minutes before you reach the Storms River area.

That matters more than you might think. A longer drive can turn a half-day adventure into a transportation day. Here, it’s short enough that you still feel like you’re starting the experience quickly.

Once you arrive, you’re not just handed gear and sent off. You’re guided through what comes next, which helps especially if you’re new to tubing or SUP.

Storms River at its widest: tubing and SUP in the same 1.5-hour guided block

The main on-water portion is about 1.5 hours of guided time at the Storms River. This is where the Green Route combo earns its name, because you’re switching between activities without losing momentum.

Here’s the flow you can expect:

• Flat water paddling: You get time on calmer water first. This is ideal if you want to try SUP without immediately being thrown into chaos.
• Stand-up paddle-boarding: After the initial paddling, you’ll be up on the board as part of the guided experience. The “easy option” style means the focus is on getting you comfortable, not testing your athletic limits.
• Tubing with a pool and drop run: Then the tubing element adds variety. The run includes a pool section and a drop tube part, which is where the fun gets a little more physical.

This mix is valuable because it gives you two different ways to experience the same river setting. On the SUP side, you’re more upright and observational, so you tend to notice the forest and river edges. On the tube side, your attention shifts to what your body is doing and where the guide is steering you.

And yes, it’s on fresh drinkable water. That doesn’t mean you should treat it like a spa, but it helps the whole day feel cleaner and more comfortable than water that looks or smells like it belongs in a different planet.

The forest walk isn’t filler, it’s the calm counterpoint

Between the water bits, there’s a forest walk through Plaatbos and river-adjacent scenery. This is not just “take a breather.” It’s part of the experience design because it balances active water time with slower movement.

During the walk, you’ll get context about the environment, and you may even learn about local demographics, history, and culture in the Tsitsikamma area. You might also be taught a traditional African song while you’re out there, which is the kind of human touch that makes a nature day feel more complete.

If you’re thinking, okay, but how long is this walk really? The key point is that it breaks up the physical rhythm. You’re not constantly wet and slippery. You’re moving, looking, and listening, which helps the time feel less repetitive than some “same river, same moves” tours.

The rock-and-river-bed reality check (read this before you book)

This tour includes real river walking. You’ll walk over rocks at points, and you’ll need to walk to the river bed with your tube.

That means you’ll want to treat this as an active water tour, not a sit-on-a-raft situation. If you have balance issues or you hate the feeling of stepping on uneven stones, this is the part that can change your whole experience.

Wet suits are not mandatory. That’s useful if you’re traveling in warmer conditions and you’re not trying to carry extra gear. Still, wet suits or booties are available for hire, and since you’ll be on rocks and in the water, hiring the right footwear can matter for comfort.

Also, keep an eye on water level timing. One downside that came up was that when there isn’t enough water in the river, the tubing section can feel less thrilling and more “slow and flat.” You can’t control the river, but you can control your expectations and your flexibility if weather or river conditions mean the experience changes.

Price and value: where the $62 makes sense, and where it might not

At around $62 per person for roughly 3 hours, this tour is priced like a genuine half-day activity rather than a full-day excursion. The value is strongest if you want variety: tubing plus SUP plus a guided forest walk.

What you get included is also worth noting:

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

You’ll still need to think about the “extras” that are not included:

• Meals or drinks
• Transportation
• Wet suits or booties (available to hire)

So is it good value? For many people, yes, because you’re paying for guided instruction and multiple activities in one outing. If you only care about one activity, then the combo may feel like you’re paying for parts you don’t love as much. But if you want to try SUP and tubing in one go, it’s a strong use of time.

The other value factor is the guided element. When someone is showing you how to paddle or how to handle the tube portion, you spend less time guessing and more time actually doing the fun part.

Logistics that affect your day more than you’d expect

Two practical things can affect how your day goes.

First, the tour needs a minimum of 4 people to operate. If that number isn’t met, you may be asked to move to another time slot. This isn’t a “gotcha,” it’s a reality of small group adventure tours, but it’s smart to book with a bit of breathing room.

Second, the meeting point is near Tube n’ Axe Lodge at 85 Darnell St. Aim to arrive a little early. With any river-based activity, a late start can ripple into the whole experience.

On top of that, the tour includes a live guide in English. If you’re traveling with questions about what you’re seeing, the English guide presence makes it easier to get answers while you’re out there.

Who should book this Stormsrivier Green Route combo

This is a great fit if you want a guided, easy-to-moderate water adventure with variety. I’d especially point it toward people who:

• Want to try SUP without committing to a full day on the water
• Like nature walks and not only water thrills
• Prefer guided safety support and clear pacing
• Are comfortable walking over rocks and carrying a tube to the river bed

It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling in the Tsitsikamma region and you want a half-day plan that feels outdoorsy and real, not just a quick photo stop.

That said, it’s not suitable for everyone. It’s not recommended for pregnant women and people with mobility impairments. Since the tour involves stepping over rocks and getting to the river bed, those restrictions make sense.

My booking decision checklist: should you go?

Book this tour if you want tubing and SUP in one guided session, plus a forest walk with some cultural context. The price is reasonable for the variety, and the fact that it includes safety equipment and experienced guides keeps the day smoother.

I’d hesitate or plan carefully if:

• You’re highly sensitive to uneven footing or carrying gear to the water
• Your main goal is tubing thrills, and you’re traveling when river conditions might be low
• You fall into the groups the tour says it isn’t suitable for (pregnancy or mobility impairments)

If you meet the activity basics and you’re flexible about conditions, this is a fun, practical way to experience the Tsitsikamma forests and the Storms River system in just a few hours.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

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

How long is the Stormsrivier Green Route Tubing and Paddle-Boarding Tour?

The activity takes about 3 hours.

What activities are included in the tour?

You can expect river tubing, a forest walk, and stand-up paddle-boarding, plus flat water paddling and a pool and drop tube run.

Is a wet suit required?

No, wet suits are not mandatory. Wet suits or booties are available for hire.

What language is the guide?

The live tour guide is available in English.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.

Is there a minimum number of people required?

Yes. The tour requires a minimum of 4 people, and you may be moved to another time slot if that number is not met.

Is transportation or meals included in the price?

Meals or drinks are not included. Transportation is also not included. The tour includes safety equipment and guides.