11 Best Kayak And Canoe Tours In Sydney

Sydney’s harbor and waterways shine brightest from a kayak or canoe. Guided tours last 2-4 hours and cover the essentials: quality gear, safety briefings, and local expertise. Morning paddles to Goat Island and sunrise harbor tours offer the calmest waters and best photo ops.

I’m especially fond of the Manly Dive tours – they avoid tourist crowds while delivering close-up views of hidden coves and marine life. The Opera House paddle ranks as another favorite, combining exercise with Australia’s most famous landmark.

Check out these top-rated kayak and canoe adventures that showcase Sydney’s maritime charm:

Key Points

• Highly rated kayak tours in Sydney offer a range of experiences, from half-day excursions to Goat Island to scenic paddles around iconic landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
• Kayak tours provide personalized experiences with small group sizes, experienced guides, and complimentary photos, catering to a variety of skill levels and age groups.
• Kayak and canoe tours in Sydney allow access to secluded beaches, waterfalls, and marine wildlife, offering unique perspectives of the city’s natural attractions.
• Sunset and sunrise kayak tours in Sydney are popular options, with flexible booking and inclusive options like breakfast credits to enhance the overall experience.
• Sydney’s kayak and canoe rental services cater to beginners, with stable, soft-board paddleboards and basic instruction available, as well as equipment and safety guidelines to ensure an enjoyable outing.

Kayak to Goat Island in Sydney Harbour With Local

On a half-day tour, travelers can kayak to Goat Island in Sydney Harbour, guided by a qualified local sea kayaking expert.

This tour boasts 123 reviews with a 100% traveler recommendation, earning a Badge of Excellence. Guests will discover Goat Island’s history and observe wildlife while enjoying professional-quality photos with the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge as a backdrop.

The tour includes top-quality composite sea kayaks, all necessary gear, and hotel pickup and drop-off. With a maximum of 6 travelers, this personalized experience offers a unique perspective of the harbor.

However, participants must be at least 18 years old, physically fit, and able to swim comfortably in the water.

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Sydney: Sunrise Kayak Tour on Sydney Harbour

For those seeking a serene and breathtaking start to their day, the Sydney: Sunrise Kayak Tour on Sydney Harbour offers an unparalleled experience.

This 2-hour tour immerses participants in the city’s iconic sights, including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, at the most magical time of day – sunrise. Priced from $115.92 per person, the tour includes all necessary gear, qualified guides, and a $20 breakfast credit.

With a maximum group size of 14, the experience provides personalized attention. Suitable for ages 12 and up, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive outing.

Reviewers praise the unique perspective, peaceful atmosphere, and stunning views, making this sunrise kayak adventure a must-do activity for visitors to Sydney.

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Manly: Stand Up Paddle Board Public Group Lesson

Manly: Stand Up Paddle Board Public Group Lesson

Explore the serene waters of Manly Cove on a stand-up paddle board (SUP) group lesson. Suitable for all skill levels, this 1-hour session teaches the basics of SUP, from equipment use to paddling techniques.

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll learn how to balance, steer, and propel the board confidently. The lesson takes place in the calm, sheltered waters of the cove, making it an ideal setting for beginners to gain skills and confidence.

Whether you’re a first-timer or looking to refine your SUP skills, this group lesson promises an enjoyable and informative experience on the water.

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Manly: 4-Hour Double Kayak Hire for 2 People

Paddling along Manly’s beautiful shorelines, guests can enjoy a 4-hour double kayak hire for two people. Priced from $64.76 per group, this experience provides access to exclusive beaches only reachable by water, including a local waterfall.

Suitable for beginners, the rental includes paddles, life jackets, a map, and storage for belongings. All participants aged 16 and above must be able to swim 150m without a life jacket, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

With an overall rating of 4.4/5 based on 8 reviews, this kayak hire offers a memorable water adventure in Sydney’s iconic Manly.

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Sydney: Sunset Kayak Tour on Sydney Harbour

Tourists can embark on a captivating Sunset Kayak Tour on Sydney Harbour, an immersive experience that showcases the city’s iconic landmarks at golden hour.

The 1.5-hour tour, priced from $96.49 per person, accommodates a maximum of 14 paddlers. Led by professional instructors, the tour departs from Prue’s Beach and returns to the same location, allowing guests to admire the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Circular Quay.

Wheelchair-accessible and offered in English, the tour includes guide-provided photos. Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later, and a full refund available up to 24 hours prior.

Guests must bring a signed waiver, change of clothes, and comfortable shoes.

Read our full review: Sydney: Sunset Kayak Tour on Sydney Harbour Review
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Manly: 3-Beach Kayak Tour With Lunch

Visitors to Manly can embark on a captivating 3-Beach Kayak Tour with Lunch, exploring the picturesque North Harbour area. The tour departs from Manly Wharf, providing views of yachts and ferries along the way.

Participants will first stop at Reef Beach for swimming or a scenic walk to Dobroyd Head. Next, they’ll visit Quarantine Beach and the Q Station Museum. The final stop is Store Beach for a picnic lunch.

The tour includes kayak use, safety equipment, an experienced guide, and entry to the Q Station Museum. Participants must be at least 12 years old, able to swim 150m without a life jacket, and weigh no more than 265 lbs.

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Sydney: Kayak to Goat Island At The Heart of Sydney Harbour

Exploring the heart of Sydney Harbour, adventurous sightseers can embark on a captivating 3-hour kayak tour to the historic Goat Island. Priced from £73.11 per person, this small-group experience is limited to just 6 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized adventure.

Paddling in professional-grade sea kayaks, guests will snap photos framed by the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge as they access Goat Island’s natural beauty. Led by expert, fully-qualified guides, the tour includes complimentary photos and a flexible cancellation policy.

Though not suitable for all, this activity promises an unforgettable exploration of Sydney’s stunning waterfront for those with an appropriate fitness level and comfort in the water.

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Sydney: Opera House and Harbour Guided Kayak Tour

An unparalleled opportunity to take in Sydney’s captivating harbor awaits adventurous sightseers who embark on the Sydney: Opera House and Harbour Guided Kayak Tour.

This 1.5-hour excursion allows participants to paddle near the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, capturing breathtaking photo opportunities. The tour, led by knowledgeable English and Hungarian-speaking guides, promises scenic views and potential wildlife encounters.

Priced from Kč 2,164 per person, the activity is wheelchair-accessible and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

With safety gear, photos, and an experienced guide included, this tour offers an unforgettable way to explore Sydney’s remarkable waterfront from a unique perspective.

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Sydney: Guided Kayak Tour of Manly Cove Beaches

For those seeking a more intimate encounter with Sydney’s stunning natural landscapes, the Sydney: Guided Kayak Tour of Manly Cove Beaches offers an unparalleled opportunity.

This 2.5-hour tour lets you explore secluded beaches, picturesque caves, and mini-waterfalls, all while enjoying refreshments and the chance to swim.

No prior kayaking experience is required, as the gentle pace and safety briefing ensure a comfortable journey.

With a maximum of 8 participants, the tour provides personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide.

Boasting an impressive 4.8/5 rating from 129 reviews, this tour is a must-do for those wanting to experience Sydney’s beauty from a unique perspective.

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Manly: Mini Kayak Tour on Sydneys North Harbour

This 1.5-hour Mini Kayak Tour on Sydney’s North Harbour offers an intimate exploration of the region’s natural beauty.

Led by experienced local guides, participants paddle through Manly Cove and visit nearby beaches, including Fairlight, North Harbour Reserve, and Reef Beach. Along the way, there’s a chance to spot resident sea turtles.

The tour includes a scenic walk to Dobroyd Head, where stunning views await. Priced from €40.10 per person, the tour is suitable for those aged 12 and above who can swim 150m without a life jacket.

Kayak hire, safety equipment, and a basic skills lesson are all included. Saturdays and Sundays are the available tour days, with a minimum of six participants required.

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Manly Stand Up Paddle Board Hire

Manly Stand Up Paddle Board Hire offers an exciting way to explore the picturesque waters around Manly.

Prices start from $32.38 per person for a 2-hour rental, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Paddlers can enjoy the unique adventure of exploring Manly’s beaches and historic sites only visible from the water.

The stable, soft-board SUPs are suitable for all experience levels, and basic instruction is available if needed.

Participants must be able to swim at least 150 metres and sign a waiver.

The rental includes the paddle board, paddle, and a life vest upon request, as well as a map and area explanation.

Read our full review: Manly Stand Up Paddle Board Hire Review
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Sum Up

Sydney offers a variety of kayak and canoe tours that let you explore the city’s beautiful waterways. Whether you’re looking for a serene sunrise paddle, a sunset cruise, or a guided tour of landmarks like the Opera House, there’s an option to suit your interests. The north shore suburb of Manly also provides opportunities for stand-up paddleboarding and kayak rentals. With so many options, visitors can easily find the water-based adventure that fits their needs.