The 8 Best Island Kayak Tours in Australia

1.Magnetic Island Discovery Tour with Snorkeling & Paddle Boarding

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

Start in Nelly Bay for a five-hour cruise around Magnetic Island with guides such as Adam, Calvin, Anita, and Jan. Snorkel fringing reefs, paddle in quiet bays, watch for sea life, hear island stories, and enjoy morning tea. Ferry tickets are separate.

“This was a great day with great commentary and a very nice fresh fruit morning tea hamper. Boat was not overcrowded and very comfortable”

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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 full day on Moreton Island with guides including Michelle, Ryan, Darcy, and Will. Ride a 4WD along the sand, snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks, paddle transparent kayaks, and sandboard the dunes. The pace is brisk, and ferry and 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

Paddle from Biggera Waters to Wave Break Island with guides such as Jane and Nelson, then walk across the island, snorkel a protected rocky reef, and enjoy fruit, snacks, water, photos, and skyline views. No kayaking or snorkelling experience is needed.

“thanks you so much Jane! a great guide! She's amazing she teach you everything. A great experience 😃”

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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 with Capricorn Seakayaking. Guides including Jimmy, Ryan, Rosie, and Abby teach beginners the basics, lead a wildlife walk, provide lunch and gear, and offer summer snorkeling from December to March.

“A last minute booking and so glad I did it. Jimmy was a great guide, sharing his knowledge of island and wildlife.”

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5.Gold Coast: Moreton Island Day Trip Kayak & Sandboarding

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 46 reviews · 12 hours · from $155

Join Australian Sunset Safaris from Surfers Paradise for a 12-hour Moreton Island outing. After a 75-minute cruise, you will snorkel and paddle a transparent kayak at the Tangalooma Wrecks, eat DIY wraps on the beach, then ride a 4WD to The Desert for sand tobogganing at speeds of up to 70 km/h.

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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 tandem-kayak trip from Perth to Shoalwater Bay, led in English by guides including biologist Tom. Paddle to Seal Island, walk Penguin Island, snorkel, picnic, and watch for sea lions, dolphins, penguins, pelicans, and seabirds.

“Bus was late with no communication or explanation as to why. Penguin Island had no penguins. No instruction on how to kayak despite that some members had no experience. Did not feel safe during swim-snorkelling as no safety measures in place to check group. Poor experience overall and could not possibly recommend to anyone.”

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7.Kayak to Goat Island At The Heart of Sydney Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · 3 hours · from $101

Paddle a sea kayak from Glebe to Sydney Harbour Bridge and Goat Island with guides Matt or Daniel. Learn proper paddling, land in a permit-only cove, hear harbour history, and receive free photos. This three-hour morning tour suits fit participants aged 16 and over.

“Matt was a great guide and easy to get along with! Lots of great history and tidbits of information about the bay area along the way! Definitely recommend the tour if you're up for it!”

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8.Stand Up Paddle at Double Island Point + 4×4 Beach Drive

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 7 reviews · 6 hours · from $114

Ride a 4WD beach route from Noosa to Double Island Point, then learn stand-up paddle skills in calm lagoons. English-speaking guides provide gear, instruction, park entry, snacks, and refreshments. You need competent swimming ability, and departure times change with the tides.

“nick the guide was awesome- made our tour even better- such a shame we did not see one animal or sea creature!!”

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