The 15 Kayak Dolphin Tours in Australia That Are Worth the Early Start

1.Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Eco Kayaking Tour

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

Set out from Port Adelaide with guides such as Alex, Mark, Paddy, or Kendall for a gentle three-hour paddle through 10,000-year-old mangroves. You may spot dolphins, pelicans, fish, and old shipwrecks. Kayaks, life jackets, water, and a waterproof bag are provided. No experience is needed, but you must be able to paddle.

“We really enjoyed the tour. our guide Mark was very knowledgeable n new his stuff. The only thing I would say if there could be a toilet stop within the 3hrs. 3hrs on water n no toilet stop is a big ask for some.”

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2.Kayaking with Dolphins in Byron Bay Guided Tour

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

Paddle a stable two-person sit-on-top kayak through Cape Byron Marine Park with a local surf-and-sea guide. The 2.5-hour tour includes safety gear, marine park fees, beachside tea and Tim-Tams, and morning or afternoon departures. Dolphins are guaranteed, but open-ocean conditions mean you must swim 25 metres and handle moderate paddling.

“I've lived in Byron in the 80s and 90s. This my first time kayaking and it was everything. The guide paddled and we even caught a wave at Wategoes. It was so much fun. Seen dolphins and it was worth every cent. Just wish they posted my photo. Take a waterproof case to take photos. Byron is spectacular from water. Julian rock is the head of the rainbow serpent and mount Warning is his body. Sensational view.”

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

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

Ride a 4WD along Noosa North Shore and Great Beach Drive, cross by ferry, then kayak around Double Island Point with guides such as Vince, Tyron, Cam, and Nick. Expect coastal scenery, wildlife searches, swimming, snacks, and instruction. Dolphins and whales are possible, but never guaranteed.

“Our guides Cam and Nick were amazing. Unfortunately other than one Dorsal fin we didn’t see any animals but the place is so incredible and the guides were great that the kayaking experience by itself was worth the trip. We had rough enough conditions so wasn’t for the faint hearted or poor swimmers, and was a little sea sick inducing for some. Over all a great day out.”

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4.Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tour Adelaide

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

Paddle from Garden Island into the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary with guides such as Alex, Paddy, Callie, Hannah, Fiona, and Lewis. Expect a safety briefing, included kayak gear, mangrove channels, birdlife, possible dolphins, and sometimes shipwrecks. No experience is needed, but you should be reasonably fit and ready to paddle for three hours.

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This experience was absolutely fantastic! I did this tour as a mum with my child, and we both had the best time. Paddy and Callie were amazing from start to finish. Paddy was incredibly knowledgeable and shared so much interesting information along the way, which really added to the experience. Callie was awesome; she made sure everyone was able to keep up and was so supportive throughout. She even kindly guided our kayak through some of the trickier parts, which made us feel safe and confident the whole time. The tour was well organised, fun, and perfect for families. We felt well looked after and truly enjoyed every moment.…”

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5.Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour

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

Spend about three hours kayaking through Adelaide’s Dolphin Sanctuary and Garden Island Ships’ Graveyard. Guides such as Luke, Phil, Pippa, Tim, Oli, and Alannah have led departures. You’ll learn the basics, paddle calm mangrove creeks, look for Port River dolphins, and pass hulking abandoned ships. Dolphins are common but never guaranteed.

“It was a family fun activity to do, and the staff were great, we definitely would do this again. We saw dolphins quite close up.”

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6.Noosa: Epic Ocean Kayak with Dolphins & 4WD Beach Adventure

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

Travel from The J Noosa across the North Shore by 4WD, then kayak around Double Island Point and Honeymoon Bay with guides such as Vince and Tyron. You may see dolphins, turtles, stingrays, seabirds, or humpback whales from June to November. Bring lunch, swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes.

“Great, our guide Vince was chilled, funny and informative. Had a great time getting there and kayaking around Double Island Point.”

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7.Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 143 reviews · 3 hours · from $55

Join Adventure Kayaking SA at Garden Island for a three-hour guided paddle through mangrove creeks and the Port River’s Ships Graveyard. Guides such as Tom, Aaron, Oliver, and Kelahn explain local wildlife and maritime history while you look for dolphins. Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are supplied, but you need transport, water, sun protection, and shoes that can get wet.

“Fantastic activity. We spent the full 3 hours out kayaking. Great demonstrations and safety info provided at the start. Our guide was very knowledgeable and was so friendly to everyone. Saw lots of dolphins and really enjoyed the experience. Would highly recommend.”

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8.Rainbow Beach: Kayaking with Dolphins and Beach 4WD Tour

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

You’ll ride a 4WD through Great Sandy National Park, then paddle around Double Island Point with an English-speaking guide. Look for bottlenose dolphins, turtles, rays, seabirds, and humpback whales from June to November. Guide JB is known for his passion, but sea kayaking can be tiring and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“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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9.Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary Mangroves Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 59 reviews · from $39

Join Adventure Kayaking SA at Garden Island for a gentle 90-minute paddle through Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. Your guide provides the kayak, safety gear, waterproof storage, and local stories while you look for Port River dolphins, birds, and marine life. The trip suits children from age eight, with adults required to paddle with children 12 and under.

“We had a great day, very easy to do, the guys were very friendly and patient. We didn't get to see any dolphins unfortunately but we still had a great time, we could have gone for longer but for the price, it was definitely worth it.”

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10.Rainbow Beach: Dolphin & Wildlife Ocean Kayak & Beach 4WD Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 59 reviews · from $99

Ride a 4WD along Rainbow Beach into Great Sandy National Park, then paddle at Double Island Point with guides such as Sean, Luke, or Seb. Equipment, wetsuit or wetshirt, park fees, transport, and photos are included. Wildlife sightings can include dolphins, whales, turtles, and rays.

“Listening to our guide Sean meant we were able to see a pod of about 15 dolphins swim straight past our kayaks. It was amazing as was the rainbow sand. Definitely add this as a must do when in Rainbow Beach.”

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11.Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Mangroves Kayak Tour

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

Join Adventure Kayaking SA at Garden Island for a 90-minute paddle through Adelaide’s Dolphin Sanctuary. You’ll get a safety lesson, kayak, paddle, and life jacket, then follow an English-speaking guide through sheltered mangrove creeks while watching for Port River Dolphins, birds, seals, and sea lions. Children must be at least 8.

“Will was very welcoming and friendly and gave us a really good understanding of the mangroves environment. unfortunately we didn't see any dolphins but that didn't really matter.”

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12.Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Single or Double Kayak Rental

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

Meet Adventure Kayaking SA at Garden Island Boat Ramp for a safety briefing, map, life vest, paddle, and a one or two-person kayak. You’ll explore the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary at your own pace for two hours, threading through mangrove creeks while watching for dolphins and other marine life. The ship graveyard is off limits.

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13.2-Hour Dolphin Kayak & Snorkel Tour on the Broadwater

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 30 reviews · from $62

Set out from Biggera Waters with a professional guide, learn basic kayaking skills, and paddle across the sheltered Broadwater to Wavebreak Island. You’ll snorkel from the beach among subtropical fish and watch for dolphins, which are seen on about 80 percent of outings. Guides such as Pete are especially good with families and first-time paddlers.

“Loved the Kayaking and Snorkeling but No Dolphins, and worse than that, no even a mention of Dolphins by the Guides. The ad said 80% chance of seeing dolphins. We would have at least expected guides to say...Sorry No Dophins today”

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14.Dolphin Kayak Tour & Beach 4X4 National Park Tour (Private)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 7 hours

Travel from Noosa by private 4X4 along Teewah Beach to Double Island Point, then choose kayaking, surfing, SUP, or a wildlife eco tour at Honeymoon Bay. Guide Vince shares local stories, flora, fauna, and marine life. Dolphin sightings are possible, and no previous water experience is needed.

“Thankyou Vince for a great day. Took the family up to DI. Very interesting and informative about the region,wildlife and marine life. Some wonderful dream time stories too. Had a great surf lesson. Delicious healthy lunch. Very eco friendly. Felt very safe as a family. Loved it. Will come again”

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15.Mornington Peninsula Kayak Coastline Tour of Dolphin Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 2 reviews · from $78

Join Bayplay for a three-hour guided kayak trip from Portsea through the Mornington Peninsula Dolphin Sanctuary. Your guide supplies the double kayak, paddle, life jacket, and briefing, then leads you from Sorrento or Point Nepean based on conditions. Watch for dolphins, seals, penguins, and seabirds before a beach snack break.

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