6 Island Kayak Tours in Australia Worth Booking

1.Magnetic Island Discovery Tour with Snorkeling & Paddle Boarding

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

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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2.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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3.Gold Coast: Wave Break Island Kayaking & Snorkeling tour

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

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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4.Penguin and Seal Islands Sea Kayaking Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 141 reviews · from $142

Paddle from Shoalwater to Seal Island and Penguin Island in a double sea kayak with guides such as Jimmy, Ryan, or Rosie. You’ll receive instruction, safety gear, lunch, and a guided island walk. Sea lions and pelicans are regular highlights, while snorkeling is offered from December to March. The six-hour trip suits beginners with moderate fitness.

“We loved it. The kayaking needs confidence - but they teach you all about it and make sure you’re safe, They give you everything you need and more - life jackets, hats, rash vests, jumpers, dry bags - they even pack lunch for you and fresh water!!! You need to take your flip flops to walk around penguin island it can be hard on your feet otherwise. Such a happy day - would do it again.”

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5.Airlie Beach: Whitsunday Islands Sailing, SUP & Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 90 reviews · 6 hours · from $162

Spend six hours aboard Wings III, a 60-foot air-conditioned sailing catamaran limited to 29 people. You’ll sail near Hook Island and Hayman Island, snorkel a fringing reef, paddle a SUP or clear-bottom kayak, and relax in the jacuzzi. Crew members may include Maddy, Mike, Mon, Sarah, or Stu. Bring your own drinks, and note that Whitehaven Beach is not included.

“10/10 experience, impeccable in every way. Honestly can't rate this tour highly enough. If you're stuck on a cruise ship, trying to book a day tour but getting frustrated with bad internet and trying to align transfer times, let me save you the hassle - BOOK THIS TOUR! These guys made sure we made it back in time for the cruise transfer. 9.30am start Coral Sea Port, 4pm return Coral Sea Port. Nothing was too much trouble, boat was luxurious! Tour itself was beautiful, they took us to the best secluded spots where we had privacy and space. Fully catered with premium quality food, catered to my allergies very safely.…”

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6.From Perth: Rockingham Seal & Penguin Islands Sea Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 42 reviews · 6 hours · from $140

Join Rivergods for a six-hour sea-kayak trip from Perth to Shoalwater Bay. Paddle a tandem kayak to see Australian sea lions, explore Penguin Island with a biologist guide such as Tom, enjoy a picnic lunch, snorkel, and watch pelicans and other coastal wildlife. No kayaking experience is required.

“Belle journée Dommage que les pingouins et les lions de mer ne soient pas venus nous voir Pas de dauphins on pensait qu’on y en aurait d’après le descriptif Mais la guide super Bravo”

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