13 Wildlife Kayak Tours in Australia Worth Booking

1.Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Eco Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 560 reviews · 3 hours · from $55Our pick

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

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

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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3.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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4.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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5.Noosa: Epic Ocean Kayak with Dolphins & 4WD Beach Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 247 reviews · 6 hours · from $118

Spend six hours crossing Noosa North Shore by 4WD and paddling around Double Island Point and Honeymoon Bay. Guides such as Vince and Tyron lead the kayak session, point out wildlife, and share coastal stories. Bring lunch, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Wildlife sightings are common but never guaranteed.

“Fantastic day had on the Noosa: Dolphin Sea Kayak & Beach 4x4 Tour. Our guides were excellent from the outset making sure we were all relaxed and happy. The beach drive was amazing with the 4x4 vehicle slowing or stopping from time to time with the guide telling us interesting facts. The kayaking was great and Double Island Point is the most beautiful setting for such an activity. During our kayak we saw dolphins, turtles and stingrays. The guides stayed with us throughout and made sure we had a fun time but were safe. We travelled with two teenagers who loved every minute of it. Thanks for the memories 😀”

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6.Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 143 reviews · 3 hours · from $55

Paddle sheltered mangrove creeks and the Port River with an English-speaking guide on this three-hour tour from Garden Island. You’ll learn about the Ships Graveyard, watch for Port River dolphins, and spot birds and marine life. Guides including Aaron, Tom, Oliver, and Kelahn are praised for clear instruction and lively local stories. Children from age 8 can join with an adult.

“Beautiful day, easy to use kayak. Tyler and James were kind, informative and helpful. We saw 6 dolphins and I loved the Amazon mangroves. Thankyou for a fantastic morning.”

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7.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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8.Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Mangroves Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 54 reviews · 1h 30m · from $38

Meet Adventure Kayaking SA on Garden Island for a 90-minute paddle through Adelaide’s Dolphin Sanctuary. Guides including Keenan, Darla, Keilan, and Will lead beginners in single or double kayaks through sheltered mangroves, sharing local stories and watching for dolphins, seals, sea lions, and birds.

“Keilan was a great guide. It was fun in the kayak as our first time. We saw dolphins which was excellent. The island was lovely.”

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9.Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Single or Double Kayak Rental

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 51 reviews · 2 hours · from $27Best value

At Garden Island, Adventure Kayaking SA fits you with a single or double kayak, paddle, life vest, map, and safety briefing. You get two hours to explore the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary’s mangrove creeks on your own. Dolphin sightings are possible but not guaranteed, and the permitted paddling area does not include the Ship Graveyard.

“Pleasant paddle up a mangrove creek. Arrived half hour early as requested only to be told to come back at start time. Intro, rules, and launch used half hour of 2 hour time. Limited area allowed to paddle coupled with short time means you are probably unlikely to see any dolphins. Next time will probably pay more for longer guided tour with different company that covers more area and gets to visit wrecks. OK for the price but was expecting more (maybe unrealistically).”

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10.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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11.Exmouth: Half Day Turtle Kayak & Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 35 reviews · 4 hours · from $106

Paddle the calm shallows of Bundegi Sanctuary Zone with an English-speaking guide such as Kim, Jules or Kolton, watching for turtles, rays, baby reef sharks and osprey. Then snorkel coral gardens from your kayak. Transfers, equipment, snacks, sun protection and tour photos are included.

“Myself and my wife had the most amazing experience Kayaking and snorkeling with the assistance of our guide Kim who was fantastic from the moment she picked us up to the moment she dropped us off. with Kim's guidance and knowledge we managed to have the wonderful experience of swimming with turtles which was my wife's dream. Kim helped make sure everyone had the best experience on the tour and I would recommend this tour highly to anyone who hasn't had the chance to experience the reef at ningaloo.”

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12.Airlie Beach: Half Day Turtle Tour Sea Kayaking Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 21 reviews · 3 hours · from $77

Set out from Shingley Beach with an English-speaking guide and paddle about 6 km along Airlie Beach’s turquoise foreshore. In a group of up to eight, look for turtles, birds, and perhaps dugongs, learn local stories, visit three beaches, and swim if the tide allows. You need to swim, follow instructions, and handle a moderate workout.

“It was a fun, informative morning on the water. We wanted something quiet, away from the noise of boats, jetskis & traffic. Would recommend.”

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13.Canning River Half-Day Kayak Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 17 reviews · 3 hours · from $55

Join Rivergods for a three-hour guided paddle through the Canning River Regional Park. You will use a stable double kayak, learn the basics from an English-speaking guide, and look for water birds among the paperbark trees. Guides including Izzy, Simon, Tom, Ella, Rod, Cat, Stef, Carl, and Jessica have led this gentle outing.

“Thanks to Carl & Jessica. A great leisurely paddle along the beautiful Canning River. Didn't realise the amount of bird life around. Thanks to the people of Perth allowing us to appreciate make in a large city.”

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