Wilderness Beach is an 18-kilometer stretch of coastline along the Indian Ocean, split by the mouth of the Touw River. It is a Blue Flag accredited beach, indicating high standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management. The main access point for paddlers is the primary parking area near Salinas Restaurant and the Wilderness Hotel, located just off the N2 highway. This lot provides direct access to the beach via a boardwalk, though it can become busy during holidays and peak weekends. The beach itself is characterized by expansive white sands and is exposed to the open ocean, which means paddlers launching through the surf will encounter typical ocean swells and conditions. The area is known for dolphin and whale watching during seasonal migrations.

Adjacent to the beach is the Wilderness Lagoon, a sheltered estuary system formed where the Touw River meets the ocean. This lagoon offers consistently calm, protected waters with shallow depths averaging 1 to 3 meters, making it an ideal flatwater paddling destination for all skill levels, especially beginners. The lagoon is accessible from the beach area, and its conditions are shielded from ocean swells. The best paddling conditions on the lagoon occur during high tide. Water temperatures in the summer months reach a comfortable 22°C. The surrounding scenery includes fynbos-covered hills, indigenous forests, and the greater Garden Route National Park. The area is rich in birdlife and other wildlife. While the beach is used for swimming and surfing, the adjacent lagoon and Touw River are used for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and eco boat tours. The area is within a national park, so general park regulations apply.