The 6 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 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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6.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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