Top picks · AUSTRALIA KAYAKING TOURS

15 Australia Kayaking Tours Worth Booking

42 tours  ·  from $27 a head

The good australia kayaking tours fill up weeks ahead in summer, and the calm-water morning slots go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Sydney: Harbour Sunrise Kayak Tour - Starting at Rushcutters Bay
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Sydney: Harbour Sunrise Kayak Tour

1.Sydney: Harbour Sunrise Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,899 reviews · 2 hours · from $119Our pick

Meet at d’Albora Marinas Rushcutters Bay for a guided two-hour kayak outing on Sydney Harbour. You’ll receive safety gear, paddle near the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and get free guide-taken photos and videos. The tour ends with coffee and a croissant or pastry at Navy Bear Cafe. English guides include Liam, Rachel, Warren, and Ashley.

“Great experience. Never kayaked before, but put totally at ease. Good clear instructions. Ashley, Rachel, Liam & Nick (sorry if I forgot anyone or got names wrong), were so friendly and made sure we all gad a good experience. We even got a sunrise on what started out a wet & cloudy morning. Lovely way to start your day. A must do activity.”

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Magnetic Island Discovery Tour with Snorkeling & Paddle Boarding - Snorkeling the fringing reefs
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Magnetic Island Discovery Tour with Snorkeling & Paddle Boarding

2.Magnetic Island Discovery Tour with Snorkeling & Paddle Boarding

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,372 reviews · from $114

Start at 8:30 am in Nelly Bay for a five-hour cruise around Magnetic Island. Aquascene’s small group tour combines reef snorkeling, paddle boarding, secluded beaches, island stories, and wildlife viewing. Master Reef Guides provide tuition and reef education, while the crew may include local hosts such as Adam, Calvin, Anita, or Jan.

“Highly recommend! Absolutely beautiful ocean water, beaches and sea life. Guides were amazing! It was a lot of fun”

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Byron Bay: The Byron Bay Sea Kayak Tour - The beach briefing and your first paddle
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Byron Bay: The Byron Bay Sea Kayak Tour

3.Byron Bay: The Byron Bay Sea Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,207 reviews · 2h 30m · from $63

Paddle a two-person sea kayak through Byron Bay’s marine reserve with English-speaking guides. You’ll learn about Aboriginal culture, local history, and ocean wildlife, then try riding a wave onto the beach. Guides such as Pete and Chris have been praised for keeping the mood fun and safety-focused. Wildlife sightings are likely, but never guaranteed.

“Amazing to see whales, dolphins and turtles up close”

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The Freycinet Paddle - Paddling beneath The Hazards
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The Freycinet Paddle

4.The Freycinet Paddle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 985 reviews · from $104

Spend about three hours on Coles Bay with Freycinet Adventures, paddling stable double kayaks beneath The Hazards. Guides such as James, Lee, Bea, and Jules provide coaching, local stories, warm jackets, dry bags, and a hot drink with a gourmet cookie at the halfway stop. Morning and sunset departures are available.

“great experience, staff super friendly. When weather was too rough we were offered our money back or early morning and breakfast paddle. We asked for Gluten free meals and only one was offered”

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Sydney: Sunrise Kayak, Opera House & Under Harbour Bridge - Starting at Milson Park in Kirribilli
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Sydney: Sunrise Kayak, Opera House & Under Harbour Bridge

5.Sydney: Sunrise Kayak, Opera House & Under Harbour Bridge

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 869 reviews · 2 hours · from $126

Start at Milson Park Boatramp in Kirribilli for a two-hour guided kayak tour with LED-lit boats, a safety briefing, and views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Qualified guides, including team members such as Bo, Charlie, Dan, and Helena, help beginners, take photos, and finish the outing with a $20 breakfast credit at Flying Bear Café.

“Really enjoyed this sunrise kayaking trip. The workers were so lovely and even took photos for us! Well worth the money and would highly recommend!”

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Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) frm Brisbane or Gold Coast - Snorkeling at the Tangalooma Wrecks
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Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) frm Brisbane or Gold Coast

6.Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) frm Brisbane or Gold Coast

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 633 reviews · from $128

Spend a long, active day on Moreton Island with guides including Michelle, Ryan, Darcy and Will. Ride a 4WD along the beach, snorkel around the Tangalooma Wrecks, paddle transparent kayaks, and sandboard the dunes. Lunch and equipment are included, but ferry and national park fees cost extra.

“We had an excellent day! We enjoyed very much all the activities we had, the crew had been wonderful! Hardly recomended!”

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Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Eco Kayaking Tour - The first 15 minutes: safety and kayak practice
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Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Eco Kayaking Tour

7.Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Eco Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 560 reviews · 3 hours · from $55Best value

Join a marine biologist guide at Port Adelaide for a gentle three-hour paddle through 10,000-year-old mangroves, tidal creeks, and past historic shipwrecks. You may see dolphins, pelicans, and other wildlife. No kayaking experience is needed, but children must be at least 10 and able to paddle.

“it was such a nice experience! we couldn't see many ship wrecks but saw many dolphins. loved that bit! highly recommend doing this if in Adelaide!”

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Hobart Kayak Tour - The fish-and-chip lunch has real charm
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Hobart Kayak Tour

8.Hobart Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 473 reviews · from $179

Paddle from Sandy Bay along Hobart’s waterfront with guides such as Dan, Pip, or Reg. The 2.5-hour city tour suits beginners and includes kayak gear, instruction, local stories, and fish and chips enjoyed from the kayak. Longer options reach cliffs, caves, beaches, and the Tasman Peninsula.

“Very manageable tour for those wanting something active but not too strenuous, and seeing the sights of the harbor rather than a wilderness area was a different way to enjoy kayaking. Our guide, Will, was excellent!”

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Byron Stand Up Paddle Nature Tour - What the two-hour route feels like
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Byron Stand Up Paddle Nature Tour

9.Byron Stand Up Paddle Nature Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 384 reviews · from $71

Paddle the quiet Brunswick River in Cape Byron Marine Park with guides Ricky and Krystal. You’ll get a land lesson, board, paddle, leg rope, and life jacket if needed, then move through tree-lined water while your guide points out wildlife and takes digital photos. The two-hour tour ends with cold water and homemade snacks.

“This stand up paddle tour was nothing short of amazing. From start to finish, the experience felt both exhilarating and deeply peaceful—a rare combination that made it truly special. The natural beauty surrounding us was absolutely spectaRead more”

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Epic Kayak With Dolphins & Wildlife - 4WD Beach Adventure Noosa - Double Island Point gives you a special launch point
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Epic Kayak With Dolphins & Wildlife – 4WD Beach Adventure Noosa

10.Epic Kayak With Dolphins & Wildlife – 4WD Beach Adventure Noosa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 366 reviews · from $115

From Noosa, ride a 4WD along Teewah Beach and Great Beach Drive to Double Island Point. Guides such as Tyron, Vince, Cam, Nick, and James lead a sea-kayak wildlife outing with equipment, instruction, water, and a light snack. Dolphins and whales are possible, not promised.

“We as a family had a huge day! Exciting from the start 48km sand beach 4WD to Kayak in the mist beautiful clear waters hearing the whales and having them come up close. Just incredible. Our Tour Guide Tyron was sensational!”

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Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tour Adelaide - Arriving at Garden Island and getting set up
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Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tour Adelaide

11.Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tour Adelaide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 355 reviews · from $56

Set out from Garden Island with guides such as Alex, Paddy, Fiona, or Lewis for a three-hour paddle through Adelaide’s Dolphin Sanctuary. Expect a safety briefing, supplied kayak gear, mangrove creeks, birdlife, shipwreck views, and a chance to see wild dolphins. No kayaking experience is needed, but you should be moderately fit.

“A great experience, Alex was a fab guide - really informative and fun! Sadly didn’t see any dolphins but obviously that is totally out of their control. Kayaking through the mangroves was enjoyable, just wish we had seen some more of the shipwrecks!”

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Gold Coast: Wave Break Island Kayaking & Snorkeling tour - Paddling from Biggera Waters
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Gold Coast: Wave Break Island Kayaking & Snorkeling tour

12.Gold Coast: Wave Break Island Kayaking & Snorkeling tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 340 reviews · 2h 30m · from $63

Join local guides such as Jane or Nelson for a 150-minute paddle from Biggera Waters to Wave Break Island. You’ll learn basic kayaking, snorkel a protected rocky reef, walk across the manmade island, enjoy fruit and local snacks, and receive free digital photos. Morning trips are usually gentler.

“We really had a great time with Angel. He was funny, kind and professional. Above all he has amazing photo making skills. Highly recommended for something to do in Gold Coast!!!”

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Sydney Harbour Bridge Kayak & Breakfast Tour - Meeting at Quibaree Park at 7:00 am
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Sydney Harbour Bridge Kayak & Breakfast Tour

13.Sydney Harbour Bridge Kayak & Breakfast Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 325 reviews · from $139

Start at 7:00 am in Lavender Bay for a guided kayak trip beneath the Harbour Bridge and past the Opera House. Guide Sam provides safety instruction, local stories, and help on the water. Stop at Thelma & Louise Café for breakfast, then paddle back. The group is limited to 12 people.

“Brilliant experience! Sam was a great guide and gave us a tow when we were struggling against the wind. Had a lovely breakfast at the halfway point and Sam gave us lots of recommendations for places to eat or visit. Would definitely do it again (but maybe not in winter)”

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Gold Coast Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour (2.5 Hours) - Starting at Biggera Waters on the Broadwater
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Gold Coast Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour (2.5 Hours)

14.Gold Coast Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour (2.5 Hours)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 318 reviews · from $63

Paddle from Biggera Waters across the Broadwater to Wave Break Island with guides such as Nelson, Caroline, and Karen. You will kayak, take a short bushwalk, snorkel among subtropical fish, and enjoy fruit, snacks, and water. The tour suits first-timers, though tides and weather can affect water clarity.

“Participated with family and children, beautiful atmosphere and environment, very friendly and patient staff”

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Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour - Through the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
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Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour

15.Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 275 reviews · from $55

Set out from Garden Island with Adventure Kayaking SA for a guided paddle through Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and the Ships Graveyard. You’ll receive a kayak lesson, then explore calm creeks, mangroves, wildlife, and abandoned vessels. Guides including Luke, Phil, Pippa, Tim, Oli, and Alannah are praised for clear instruction and friendly local insight.

“Great value for 2.5 hours on the water with kayaks and guides. Loved paddling through the mangroves and then back into more open passage and the shipwrecks. Would recommend.”

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New in Australia Kayaking Tours

★ 4.5From Perth: Rockingham Seal & Penguin Islands Sea Kayak TourFrom $14042 reviews
★ 4.1Gold Coast: Kayaking and Snorkeling Guided TourFrom $5336 reviews
★ 4.7Exmouth: Lagoon Explorer – Full day kayak & Snorkel tourFrom $1986 reviews
★ 4.8Exmouth: Half Day Turtle Kayak & Snorkel TourFrom $10635 reviews
★ 4.8Canning River Half-Day Kayak Wildlife TourFrom $5517 reviews
★ 4.9Byron Bay: Group 2.5 Hour Stand-Up Paddle Board TourFrom $606 reviews
★ 4.3Byron Bay: Brunswick River Sunset Kayak TourFrom $538 reviews
★ 4.6Byron Bay: Brunswick River Scenic Kayak TourFrom $4227 reviews
★ 4.2Brisbane: Illuminated River Night Kayak TourFrom $7025 reviews
★ 4.4Brisbane: 2-Hour Kayak Hire on Brisbane RiverFrom $3629 reviews
★ 4.8Airlie Beach: Half Day Turtle Tour Sea Kayaking AdventureFrom $7721 reviews
★ 4.5Adelaide: City Kayaking ExperienceFrom $558 reviews
★ 4.2Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Mangroves Kayak TourFrom $3854 reviews
★ 4.1Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Single or Double Kayak RentalFrom $2751 reviews
★ 4.8Airlie Beach: Whitsunday Islands Sailing, SUP & Snorkel TourFrom $16290 reviews

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