The 15 Best Wildlife Kayak Tours in Australia

1.Dolphin Sanctuary Eco Kayaking Tour

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

From Angas Inlet Boat Club, you’ll paddle through 10,000-year-old mangrove creeks with a marine biologist guide such as Alex, Paddy, Mark, or Kendall. Expect gentle instruction, birds, shipwrecks, and possible dolphin sightings, though wildlife and route conditions can change.

“Alex was really knowledgeable about the area, the wildlife and history. He was patient with a couple of people who struggled with their Kayak. He gave a great introduction to kayaking and safety. The weather was great for the time of year and we actually got to see very active dolphins which mae my day and everyone else's, including Alex. I'd happily go again and would be happy if Alex was our guide. Thoroughly recommended experience.”

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2.Kayaking with Dolphins in Byron Bay Guided Tour

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

Paddle a stable two-person kayak through Cape Byron Marine Park with local surf guides, watching for bottlenose dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales from May to November. The 2.5-hour trip includes safety gear, marine park fees, wetsuits on request, beach refreshments, and a free return if no dolphins appear.

“Great fun, safe and friendly. Really great way to spend a morning. We saw whales, dolphins and turtles. Incredible.”

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

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

Travel from Noosa by ferry and 4WD along Great Beach Drive to Double Island Point. With guides such as Tyron, Vince, Cam, and Nick, you’ll learn sea-kayaking basics, look for dolphins and whales, and enjoy time in Great Sandy National Park.

“It was absolutely beautiful out on double point! The gides were fabulous and very helpful. Even though we didn't see any wildlife it was still a blast! Thanks Steve and Pete ❤️”

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4.Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tour Adelaide

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

Paddle calm waterways, mangrove creeks, and possible shipwreck sites in Adelaide’s Dolphin Sanctuary with guides such as Alex, Paddy, Fiona, or Lewis. The three-hour small-group tour includes kayaks, life jackets, and a waterproof bag. No experience is needed, but you should be ready to paddle.

“Wonderful kayak experience with knowledgeable guides. Good safety briefs well run. Good way to start my birthday.”

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5.Kayak Turtle Tour from Palm Cove

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 298 reviews · from $85

Start at 7am in Palm Cove for a guided kayak trip to Double Island and Haycock Island. Guides such as Noel, Luke, and Andrew lead beginners across coral-fringed water to turtle spots, mangroves, a limestone cave, and a beach for swimming and snorkeling. Equipment is included.

“The tour was amazing! Beautiful views, kayaking was safe and fun, and we enjoyed our time on double island! Would recommend this tour to anyone!”

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6.Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 275 reviews · from $55

Paddle from Garden Island through Adelaide’s Dolphin Sanctuary and mangrove creeks to the Ships Graveyard Maritime Heritage Trail. Guides such as Luke, Phil, Pippa, and Tim teach beginners the basics, supply kayaks and safety gear, and help you look for dolphins, birds, and abandoned vessels.

“Great family activity we all enjoyed the experience. We saw dolphins and really enjoyed the kayaking through the mangroves. Our guides were excellent.”

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7.Epic Ocean Kayak with Dolphins & 4WD Beach Adventure

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

From The J Noosa, guides such as Vince and Tyron take you by 4WD along Noosa North Shore to Double Island Point. You kayak around Honeymoon Bay and the lighthouse, with chances to see dolphins, turtles, stingrays, seabirds, and humpback whales from June to November.

“We had the most awesome, special and memorable day with the eagle eyed legend himself, Vince - thank you so much. We kayaked amongst dolphins, whales, sea birds and turtles in what you could only describe as paradise. Vince was so knowledgeable and delivered all his information in an engaging but informal way - in Scotland we would say Vince was ‘great craic’! The 4WD trip along the beach was really cool too….and we didn’t have to get out and push at any point either! It’s a day I will never forget - thank you so much for the experience Vince. I would highly recommend this trip.”

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8.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, looking for dolphins, birds, marine life, and historic wrecks. Guides such as Aaron, Tom, Oliver, and Kelahn provide safety help and local stories. The pace suits beginners, but you need moderate fitness and transport to Garden Island.

“It was amazing and so thrilled to have seen Mum and baby dolphin”

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9.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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10.Rainbow Beach: Kayaking with Dolphins and Beach 4WD Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 59 reviews · 3 hours · from $98

Ride through Great Sandy National Park to Double Island Point, then paddle around the headland with an English-speaking guide such as JB. Look for bottlenose dolphins, turtles, whales, rays, and soldier crabs. The three-hour trip follows the tides, so expect changing departure times and an active ocean paddle.

“PHYSICALLY CHALLENGING FOR SOMEONE MY AGE - I BELIEVE YOU NEED TO ADVERTISE A LITTLE MORE THAT THE INDIVIDUAL NEEDS A GOOD LEVEL OF FITNESS - IN SAYING THAT MY HUSBAND AND I CAN NOW CLAIM THAT WE HAVE BEEN KAYAKING IN THE OCEAN, SO BOTH PRETTY CHUFFED.”

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11.Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary Mangroves Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 59 reviews · from $39

Meet Adventure Kayaking SA at Garden Island for a 90-minute guided paddle through Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. You’ll receive a sit-in kayak, safety gear, and a waterproof container, then look for dolphins, birds, and marine life with time for local stories and photos.

“It was a very interesting experience and the scenery was amazing. I would highly recommend doing this. We also saw a few dolphins along the way.”

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12.Dolphin Sanctuary Mangroves Kayak Tour

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

Join Adventure Kayaking SA for a 90-minute paddle through Adelaide’s Dolphin Sanctuary at Garden Island. You’ll learn basic kayak safety, follow sheltered mangrove creeks, and watch for Port River Dolphins, seals, sea lions, and birdlife. Guides including Keenan, Darla, Keilan, and Will have led these gentle, story-filled outings.

“Great experience, great for kids and adults, Keenan and Darla were fantastic. Overall we would do it again - remember water bottles and a hat”

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13.Dolphin Sanctuary Single or Double Kayak Rental

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

Rent a single or double kayak at Garden Island and set your own route through Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. Staff provide paddling instructions, safety gear, and a map. You may spot dolphins in the mangrove creeks, but sightings are never guaranteed, and the ship graveyard is off-limits.

“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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14.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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15.Exmouth: Half Day Turtle Kayak & Snorkel Tour

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

Paddle the sheltered Bundegi Sanctuary Zone with an English-speaking guide such as Kim, Kolton, Jules, or Neri, watching for turtles, rays, baby reef sharks, and fish. Then snorkel coral gardens from a kayak-only mooring. Pickup, equipment, snacks, sun protection, and photos are included.

“Most likely the best adventure we did in Exmouth. Koltron picked us up and took escape of everything. We saw about 30 turtles, lots of rays, sharks and of course a million amazing fish. super well organised. highly recommended”

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