Explore the Whitsundays by Sea Kayak, Whitsundays

Embark on this half day kayaking tour to the inner islands of the Whitsundays, suitable for both beginners and seasoned paddlers.

Overview

Embark on this half day kayaking tour to the inner islands of the Whitsundays, suitable for both beginners and seasoned paddlers. Kick-off from Shute Harbour and kayak through fringing coral reefs and mangroves, exploring nearby tropical islands teeming with diverse marine life and birds, including sea turtles and eagles. Enjoy a beach stopover for swimming, exploration, and refreshments, absorbing local knowledge from our knowledgeable guides. 
 
This tour brings together the elements of nature, exploration, relaxation, and adventure. Each kayak comes complete with life jackets, dry bags for personal items, and paddles.

Highlights

  • Embark on a inner island tour suitable for both experienced paddlers and beginners
  • Complete a kayaking tutorial, paddle and kayak across the channel to learn about mangroves, local nature, and history of the islands
  • Navigate over fringing coral reefs and explore the nearby tropical islands teeming with biodiversity
  • Marvel at the diverse marine and bird-life including sea turtles, soaring eagles, and possibly humpback whales between July and September
  • Swim, relax, and learn about the local ecosystems and islands during a beach stopover with cold drinks, snack bars, and fruit platter provided

Know before you go

Duration
4 hours
Recommended for
7 years old & up
Food & Drink
Snacks and Water

What you'll do

Begin your half day tour at Shute Harbour, where you'll be equipped with life vests and optional stinger suits for your safety and comfort. You'll also receive a brief tutorial on paddling and kayaking, ensuring that both novices and seasoned paddlers are secure and ready for the adventure ahead. Once you're geared up, you'll step into the kayaks on the pontoon and set off as a group across the channel.

Your first destination will be a small island rich in mangroves. As you glide through the water, keep a lookout for sea turtles known to inhabit this area. Your guide will share insights about the mangroves and their ecological importance, adding an educational element to the tour. Following this, you'll kayak across to your second destination, White Rock Island. Along the way, your guide will provide information about the local nature, channel markers, the history of the islands, and the culture of the area.

Upon arrival at the coral beach on White Rock Island, you'll have the chance to swim in the crystal-clear waters, hike around the island, or simply relax on the sandy beach to enjoy the view of the Whitsundays. Snacks, including cold drinks, muesli bars, and a fruit platter, will be provided for you to enjoy at your leisure. During the humpback whale season from July to September, you may also have the opportunity to spot these magnificent creatures in the surrounding waters.

After your refreshing break, you'll get back in your kayaks and start the journey back to Shute Harbour. The entire kayaking experience lasts around 2-3 hours, ensuring you have plenty of time to soak up the breathtaking views and diverse marine and birdlife that call these waters home.

Once you arrive back at the harbour, you can choose to help unload the gear or grab a quick snack. As you're driven back to your hotel, the guides will point out additional points of interest and provide further tips for the rest of your stay. This tour requires a medium level of fitness and is subject to change based on weather conditions. However, with its blend of adventure, education, and leisure, it promises a memorable and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Note: you can expect to kayak approximately 6 kms (3.75 miles)

What's included

  • Stable double kayaks
  • buoyancy aid
  • safety briefing
  • snorkelling gear
  • stinger suits
  • snacks
  • dry bag for towel or spare clothes, (we cannot guarantee to keep sensitive electronics dry)

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Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

Get started