AUSTRALIA
Australia's standouts.
The 15 most popular canoes & kayaks tours in Australia right now, with prices, run times and what each day actually involves.
Paddle at sunrise in Sydney Harbour for up-close Opera House and Harbour Bridge views, plus coffee, croissant, and free guide-shot photos.
“Great tour and guides who kept it fun and exciting!”
A small-group Magnetic Island half-day with snorkeling, paddle boarding, a real snorkel lesson, and reef-guides plus morning tea and snacks.
“The fishing feeding and swimming. Also the information on the island. Had a lovely smoko break and swim. Paddle boarded and snorkelled. The guys were happy and fun. Very relaxed.”
Sea kayak off Byron Bay for 2 hours, with a beach lesson, lighthouse views, possible dolphins and turtles, and a final surf ride in.
“Guides were very knowledgeable. Saw lots of dolphins.”
Easy sea kayaking in Freycinet National Park from Coles Bay, with coaching, warm jackets, and a halfway hot drink break.
“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”
Paddle in a LED-lit kayak at sunrise past the Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge, then refuel with coffee and breakfast.
“THIS IS A MUST when coming to Sydney. So relaxing, guides were so friendly and talkative throughout. Took some amazing photos of us with the sunrise and finished off with an amazing brekkie they provided a voucher for to refuel”
A guided day from Brisbane or the Gold Coast to Moreton Island for wreck snorkeling, transparent kayaking, sandboarding, and a beach picnic.
“Shockingly awful with Ryan treating everyone like children. Condescending lead and boring afternoon. The queue for the food was so long and badly organised with them eventually realising two queues would be more efficient. By the time I got to the food there were flies.”
Eco kayak through Port Adelaide mangroves and a dolphin sanctuary with a marine biologist guide, plus possible shipwreck sightings.
“Amazing from start to finish. Alex was our tour guide, and his extensive knowledge of dolphins and mangroves was impressive. As a first-time kayaker, I felt comfortable and safe throughout the entire experience. The waterproof phone bags were a great touch and allowed us to take photos along the way. 3 hours fly by!”
Paddle Hobart from Sandy Bay along the Derwent Estuary with a friendly guide, gear provided, and lunch on the water.
“Great local guide who was very knowledgeable. Was a good way to mix up our trip as we spent a lot of time doing the historical/convict past stuff. Fun experience all around, would definatelt recommend it.”
Paddle a two-person kayak in Cape Byron Marine Park for bottlenose dolphins, with a dolphin guarantee, included park fees, and warm snacks.
“I enjoyed the event even if it was more by luck than design. I’m in my 60s and a strong swimmer including open water so confident in the sea. I have never kayaked before and although the event description said no experience required I hadn’t appreciated the stamina required to paddle in the strong, gusty…”
Paddle the Brunswick River in Cape Byron Marine Park on a small-group SUP tour with a land lesson, wildlife spotting, and 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”
Noosa 4WD beach drive to Double Island Point, then guided sea kayaking for dolphins, turtles, whales (seasonal) and more. Ferry + gear.
“The trip was amazing and would definitely recommend. We say dolphins and a whale while kayaking. Vince was also very knowledgeable and friendly”
Paddle with a naturalist through Adelaide’s mangroves for dolphin sightings on a small-group 3-hour kayak tour from Garden Island.
“They provided about all that you needed. Bring a water bottle with water. Be ready to paddle a bit. Nice tour. No dolphins but that can't be helped.”
Kayak Broadwater to Wave Break Island, snorkel with subtropical fish, bushwalk, and snack by the sea. Beginner-friendly with free photos.
“Our kayaking tour to Wave Break Island was unforgettable, with serene paddling and vibrant snorkeling among abundant sea creatures. The highlight was visiting a sandbar teeming with Soldier Crabs. Our excellent tour guide ensured a safe and informative experience. Highly recommended for water sports enthusiasts!”
Morning kayak under Sydney Harbour Bridge and past the Opera House, then breakfast in Neutral Bay. Small group, plus photo email.
“We unfortunately had some rain, but it was still a nice trip and an opportunity to get a different perspective on the harbor. Breakfast was really nice as well!”
Gold Coast kayaking and snorkelling to Wave Break Island in 2.5 hours. All gear, snacks, photos, and a chance to spot dolphins.
“instructors were very nice, made the experience easy even for inexperienced people. the kayaking was straightforward, snorkeling was a bit underwhelming. we couldn’t see the fish in the sandy water, although the instructor said the best time to snorkel is during high tide. the whole thing was around 3.5 hours. still a nice chill activity,…”
