Australia · CANOES & KAYAKS

Kayak Tours in Australia: 15 Dawn Paddles and Day Trips

67 tours  ·  from $18

Under the Harbour Bridge at sunrise, through the Adelaide dolphin sanctuary, out along Freycinet. These 15 are compared on paddling distance, whether breakfast is in the price and how much experience each one really wants.

Sydney: Harbour Sunrise Kayak Tour - Learning to paddle on Sydney Harbour
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Sydney: Harbour Sunrise Kayak Tour

1.Harbour Sunrise Kayak Tour

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

Meet at d’Albora Marinas Rushcutters Bay for a two-hour guided kayak around Sydney Harbour. Guides such as Liam, Rachel, Warren, and Ashley help beginners paddle safely, take free photos and videos, and keep the group together. Finish next door at Navy Bear Cafe with coffee and a croissant or pastry overlooking the Harbour Bridge.

“We had the best time this morning! The guides were amazing and the views were wow! Highly recommend 😄”

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Magnetic Island Discovery Tour with Snorkeling & Paddle Boarding - Meeting at Nelly Bay and setting out
Canoes & Kayaks, Queensland Tours, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours, Townsville & Magnetic Island Tours

Magnetic Island Discovery Tour with Snorkeling & Paddle Boarding

2.Magnetic Island Discovery Tour with Snorkeling & Paddle Boarding

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

Spend five hours exploring Magnetic Island with Aquascene guides including Adam, Kalvin, Anita, and Jahn. Cruise to quiet bays, learn about island and reef life, snorkel with tuition, paddle board, watch for sea eagles and seasonal humpback whales, and enjoy morning tea on a secluded beach. Ferry tickets are separate.

“What an amazing experience! Adam was a wealth of knowledge, and so clearly passionate about Magnetic island. The island itself is so beautiful from the sea, we spent a lovely time in a beautiful little bay where we could swim in the ocean and go out on paddle boards and clamber up to a stunning waterfall, with a lovely morning tea from Jan, who was also very helpful and experienced. The only slight downside was the snorkelling opportunity - this was due to a change in the weather - which meant the conditions were pretty rough and the snorkelling was less than ideal. But still a fabulous experience which I…”

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Byron Bay: The Byron Bay Sea Kayak Tour - Paddling across Byron Bay’s volcanic reefs
Byron Bay Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, New South Wales Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Byron Bay: The Byron Bay Sea Kayak Tour

3.The Byron Bay Sea Kayak Tour

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

Paddle from Main Beach across Byron Bay’s marine reserve, with views of Cape Byron Lighthouse and Australia’s easternmost point. Guides such as Pete and Chris provide safety instruction, local stories, and help in the surf. Look for dolphins, turtles, sharks, manta rays, and migrating whales, then ride a wave back to shore.

“Amazing! We saw so many dolphins, close up. Had a great laugh! Tour guides were amazing. Super friendly and polite! Would definitely do this again next time I am here. Thank you!”

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The Freycinet Paddle - Getting comfortable in a double kayak
Canoes & Kayaks, Freycinet & the East Coast Tours, Tasmania Tours, Tour Reviews

The Freycinet Paddle

4.The Freycinet Paddle

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

Launch from Muirs Beach in Coles Bay for a three-hour guided paddle along Freycinet National Park. You’ll use stable double kayaks, receive coaching, stop for a hot drink and gourmet cookie, and may see seals, dolphins, birds, or stingrays. Guides such as James, Lee, Bea, and Jules add local stories and humor.

“We had an absolutely fabulous time. James our guide was knowledgeable thoroughly entertaining and great company. I would highly recommend this trip if you’re in this area.”

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

5.Sunrise Kayak, Opera House & Under Harbour Bridge

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

Start at Milson Park Boatramp in Kirribilli for a guided sunrise paddle in an LED-lit kayak. You will pass the Opera House, glide beneath the Harbour Bridge, hear local stories, and pause for guide-taken photos. Finish beside the water with a $20 credit at Flying Bear café. Guides speak English and Hungarian.

“Amazing experience, really lovely guides and a stunning sunrise. The free pictures and the breakfast included at the end was a lovely touch too! Highly recommend booking as an activity!”

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Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) frm Brisbane or Gold Coast - The ferry from Brisbane or Surfers Paradise
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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 11 to 14 hours traveling from Brisbane or Surfers Paradise to Moreton Island for guided snorkeling at the Tangalooma Wrecks, transparent kayaking, and sandboarding. Guides including Michelle, Ryan, Will, and Darcy help with the activities, while non-swimmers can use flotation support. Ferry and national park fees cost extra.

“Try to go to the sand desert first as you get a lot of sand on you. Both ways to the desert we were delayed by stuck vehicles on the deep sand roads. This meant our “free time” to swim was about 5 minutes. That said, this was a great excursion and we had a blast.”

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Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Eco Kayaking Tour - Fifteen minutes to learn the basics
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Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Eco Kayaking Tour

7.Dolphin Sanctuary Eco Kayaking Tour

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

Set out from Angas Inlet Boat Club with guides such as Alex, Paddy, Mark, or Kendall for a gentle kayak trip through Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. You’ll receive a safety lesson, kayak through 10,000-year-old mangroves, look for dolphins and birds, and may reach historic shipwrecks. No kayaking experience is required, but children must be at least 10.

“Brayden and Paddy were amazing guides. 3hrs, multiple dolphin sightings, mangroves and some ship wrecks - all of our expectations were met if not exceeded. :)”

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Hobart Kayak Tour - Fish and chips in the harbor
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Hobart Kayak Tour

8.Hobart Kayak Tour

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

Paddle from Sandy Bay along Hobart’s Derwent waterfront with guides such as Dan, Pip, Reg, and Jenny. Choose a relaxed 2.5-hour city trip with fish and chips in your kayak, or a full-day outing to cliffs, caves, beaches, and Tasman Peninsula wildlife.

“From the phone call to get directions to our fantastic guide Dan, we loved every moment of this experience! What a great way to see Hobart. Thankyou!”

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Byron Stand Up Paddle Nature Tour - Starting near Brunswick Heads with a land lesson
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Byron Stand Up Paddle Nature Tour

9.Byron Stand Up Paddle Nature Tour

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

Meet your guide near Brunswick Heads for a two-hour stand-up paddle tour on the Brunswick River in Cape Byron Marine Park. Ricky and Krystal provide a land lesson, boards, paddles, leg ropes, and lifejackets if needed. Paddle through tree-lined water, look for wildlife, collect digital photos, then return for cold water and homemade snacks.

“Really good tour. Ricky the tour guide is super nice and friendly. If you’re in Byron I’d check it out for sure.”

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Kayaking with Dolphins in Byron Bay Guided Tour - Meeting the guides and getting on the water
Byron Bay Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Dolphin Watching, Guided, New South Wales Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Kayaking with Dolphins in Byron Bay Guided Tour

10.Kayaking with Dolphins in Byron Bay Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 384 reviews · from $63

Spend about 2.5 hours kayaking from Byron Bay into Cape Byron Marine Park in a two-person sit-on-top kayak. Guides lead you toward regular bottlenose dolphin areas, with possible turtles and humpback whales from May to November. Morning and afternoon departures are available, wetsuits can be requested, and a free return tour is offered if no dolphins appear.

“I went by myself for this tour and I’m so glad I did it! We were 10m away from whales and dolphins, the guides were fantastic and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour!”

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Epic Kayak With Dolphins & Wildlife - 4WD Beach Adventure Noosa - What the kayak portion is really like
4WD & Off-Road Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Dolphin Watching, Kayak Tours in Noosa & Sunshine Coast, Noosa & Sunshine Coast Tours, Queensland Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

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

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

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

From Noosa, you’ll cross the Tewantin Ferry and ride a 4WD along Teewah Beach to Double Island Point. Guides such as Tyron, Vince, Cam and Nick lead the ocean kayak and wildlife search. Allow six hours, bring extra food, and remember that dolphins and whales are possible, not guaranteed.

“Just magic! The 4x4 took us for a drive on the beach to get to Double Island. On the way, we saw many humpback whales playing and frolicking close to the shore. Slapping the water and then a double breech! We arrived to the beach sRead more”

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Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tour Adelaide - Mangroves, birds, and the quiet side of Adelaide
Adelaide Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Dolphin Tours in Adelaide, Dolphin Watching, Kayak Tours in Adelaide, South Australia Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Adelaide

Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tour Adelaide

12.Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tour Adelaide

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

Kayak through Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary from Garden Island on a roughly three-hour small-group tour. Guides such as Alex, Paddy, Fiona, and Lewis lead beginners through mangroves, estuary water, bird habitat, and sometimes shipwrecks. Dolphins are wild and sightings are possible, not promised. Gear and a dry bag are included.

“Didn’t see any dolphins - they aren’t a guarantee. Would be great if the website gave the rough odds of seeing dolphins as it turned out to be an expensive kayaking tour. Otherwise was well organised and lovely views. Paddling was mostly eRead more”

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Gold Coast: Wave Break Island Kayaking & Snorkeling tour - Meeting the team at Biggera Waters
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Gold Coast: Wave Break Island Kayaking & Snorkeling tour

13.Wave Break Island Kayaking & Snorkeling tour

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

Join local guides such as Jane, Nelson, Angel, or Caroline for a beginner-friendly 150-minute kayak and snorkeling trip from Biggera Waters. Paddle across the Broadwater, walk over Wave Break Island, spot subtropical fish, enjoy fruit and snacks by the water, and receive free digital photos. Morning departures are often gentler.

“Had so much fun! Guides were great and made the experience very enjoyable :)”

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Sydney Harbour Bridge Kayak & Breakfast Tour - Paddling beneath the Harbour Bridge
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Sydney Harbour Bridge Kayak & Breakfast Tour

14.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 leads the small group into Lavender Bay and on to Thelma & Louise Café in Neutral Bay for breakfast, then you paddle back. Kayak gear, safety briefing, and photos are included.

“so cool and enjoy every minute！the view is good the breakfast is good！and very safety we have a 8 years child finish the tour”

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Gold Coast Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour (2.5 Hours) - Wave Break Island adds more than a snorkel stop
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Gold Coast Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour (2.5 Hours)

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

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

Paddle across the Broadwater to Wave Break Island with guides including Nelson, Karen, and Gonzalo. You’ll kayak past sandbanks, walk to a rocky reef, snorkel among fish and rays, and enjoy fruit, snacks, and water. It suits first-timers, families, and short-on-time visitors, though water clarity depends on tides and weather.

“We live locally and always see these guys around so thought it would be fun to do one day. It was great value for money. We thoroughly enjoyed the kayaking tour and hanging out on wave break island. The snorkeling isn’t the best there so dRead more”

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