Destinations: SEA KAYAKING

There are few better ways to explore the Australian coastline than in a sea kayak. The close proximity to nature that kayaks allow gives detailed insights into the environment both above and below the water. Sea kayaking is therefore an easy and relaxing way to explore natural areas. Almost all the locations visited by Australia's sea kayaking clubs and sea kayak tour operators cannot be accessed by any other means. Most sea kayaks are designed to accommodate two people and all their gear. Most tour operators have a minimum age requirement of 13 years.
To make the most of a sea kayaking adventure you should be fit and healthy. Hours of kayaking, although beautiful and refreshing, can become strenuous for people who are not accustomed to exerting themselves physically. Restrict yourself to a maximum of 3-5 hours of paddling per day, unless you are a seasoned kayaker. Remember that tides and windy conditions can make this a challenging enterprise. Therefore it is recommended that you do upper body exercise before embarking on the trip.
Serious sea kayaking began in Australia in the mid 1970s, firstly in Tasmania and then South Australia. It has since spread to the other states and is now growing rapidly.

Guided Kayaking Tours

Tasmanian south coast wilderness

Sea Roaring 40s Kayaking offers premium sea kayaking eco-tours that range from two to seven days. These adventure cruises take guests into one of the world's last untouched wilderness regions in the beautiful World Heritage Southwest Area of Tasmania. Here they visit pristine wilderness harbours and ocean coastlines, remote islands and wild rivers. Guests camp in and around the stunning Bathurst Harbour at night and glide the pristine waters by day in one of our multi-day paddling expeditions. More information >>

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Byron Bay, NSW

Sea kayaking tours, which include a guide, operate twice a day out of Byron Bay on the NSW north coast, giving the opportunity to get up close and personal with the residential Byron Bay Dolphins whilst Sea kayaking around some of the most spectacular coastline. You can also escape away with your special friend on a guided journey of the Byron Bay aquatic wonderland. This tour is limited to just two people plus your guide who will lead your exploration over underwater volcanic reefs, local shipwrecks and iconic coastline and headlands. You can view the local dolphin population from up close, snorkel with the local green turtles at middle reef and enjoy a choice morning or afternoon tea on a secluded beach of champagne, seasonal fresh local organic fruits and other treats. More information >>

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Ningaloo Reef, WA

Ningaloo Reef is Australia's largest fringing coral reef and the only large reef positioned very close to the mainland. Ningaloo Reef is famous for swimming with whalesharks, its superb snorkeling and diving. Capricorn Seakayaking offers a variety of Eco Adventure Wildlife tours at Ningaloo Reef (April to October), snorkeling is a feature of all tours, which operate out of Exmouth. The snorkeling from the sea kayaks is phenomenal. Inside the reef it is rarely more than 4 meters deep, perfect for even novice snorkelers. More information >>

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Tasman Peninsula, Tas

If you are looking to paddle a dramatic coastline with sea caves and swell, a day trip kayaking along the coast of Tasmania is one of a number of options. After a pick-up in Hobart, guests are driven to Fortescue Bay on the peninsula. With favourable weather, they paddle along the cliff edge towards Cape Huoy and the Candle Stick - keeping eyes pealed for Australian Fur Seals on the rocks! After lunch at Canoe Bay there is a short stroll to the cliff top to take in the view. The cruise back along the coast including pausing by a semi-submerged shipwreck. More information >>

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Broome, WA

Broome, in WA's Kimberley region, is a destination where things are measured not in time but in tide cycles and different seasons. Kayaks are a great way to experience the natural wonders of Broome's spectacular coastline where you have a chance to spot a turtle from your kayak. Prolific bird life, turtles, fish, manta rays and dolphins are often encountered when out on the water. Trips are dictated by Broome's vast tidal range and there is a wide range of experiences to be had depending on the tide. Low tides allow access to secret beaches, caves and a range of unique reef life. High tides are impressive with excellent turtle sightings, coastal colours and natural rock spa pools. More information >>

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Mission Beach, Qld

Coral Sea Kayaking, based at Mission Beach in north Queensland, operates sea kayaking tours, expeditions, private charter and hire within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, visiting many of the National Park islands in the region, such as Dunk Island, Hinchinbrook Island and the Family Island group. Both short and extended trips are available - among the former is a day trip to Dunk Island. It is an easy and relaxing way to explore Dunk Island, away from the noise and bustle of motors, simply glide along the surface of the water and enjoy the views of the colourful corals and watch the turtles and rays swim past. More information >>

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Kangaroo Island, SA

Throughout the warmest part of the year (October - April) kayak tours operate at carefully selected locations on Kangaroo Island. Accompanying you on your kayaking trip is an experienced local guide who will ensure a safe, enjoyable and relaxing time on the water. There is an abundance of wildlife  to see as you glide across pristine waters - see dolphins, sea eagles, pelicans, fish, ducks, swans, kangaroos and much more. Regular day time tours are 2  hours in duration, departing twice a day, as well as sunset tours. More information >>

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Shark Bay, WA

The large inner gulfs of Shark Bay are almost totally protected from the powerful Indian Ocean swells and are therefore great for sea-kayaking. The best time of year is during the winter months when the winds drop and there is no surface chop to contend with. With scenery that includes limestone islands, rich red sand dunes, massive sea grass beds and abundant wildlife it is no surprise sea-kayakers rave about Shark Bay. Wula Guda Nyinda Eco Adventures operate the Saltwater Dreaming Kayak Adventure tour of the clear waters around Monkey Mia and Gutharraguda. Learn local Aboriginal History, taste seafood caught by local Aboriginal Fishermen and explore the bay's best-kept secrets, including hidden lookouts and other points of interest.  More information >>

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Hinchinbrook Island, Qld

If you can picture yourself camping on an uninhabited tropical island under a canopy of stars, exploring and enjoying the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, then this is the kayaking tour for you. Coral Sea Kayaking, which is based at Mission Beach, operates 5 and 7 days kayaking tours to Hinchinbrook Island, which paddling the island's coast and camping on the white sandy beaches. 3 to 4 hours paddling each day allows plenty of time, to explore Zoe Bay, swim in crystal clear fresh water pools, relax and enjoy this pristine environment. Evenings are spent camping under the stars, enjoying some local tales from our experienced guides and a glass or two of wine over a sumptuous dinner. The waters of the Coral Sea which surround Hinchinbrook Island are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, world renowned for it's abundant marine life offering a chance to view turtles, dolphins and dugong. More information >> | About Hinchinbrook Island

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