The Byron Bay Sea Kayak Tour
4.5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
The Byron Bay Sea Kayak Tour
By Go Sea Kayak at Byron Bay
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About
The beaches of Byron Bay are among the most popular in New South Wales. On this tour, explore the coastline by kayak and admire the beautiful beaches, coves, and historic landmarks from the water. See Byron Bay lighthouse, the Julian Rocks, and Wategos Millionaire Row; look out for dolphins, sea turtles, and whales; and learn about the history of Byron Bay as you paddle around Cape Byron.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 5-99, max of 32 per group
Duration: 2h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Spectacular views of Byron Bay from the water
- Chance to spot dolphins and whales in their natural environment
- Hassle-free hotel pickup and round-trip transfers from Byron Bay
- No experience necessary: full instruction and equipment provided
- Local guides, trained to the highest standards. Long term local staff, the benefit of experience
- Free Photos for download. Check our Facebook timeline for your tour photos uploaded in high res.
- All Kayaking & Safety equipment. Super Stable Double Sit on Top Kayaks
- Kayak lesson on the beach before you start. You will need some physical fitness to partake this tour
- Beginners & Non-Swimmers are welcome, not recommended for people with phobia of water
- Our promise - if you don't see a Dolphin, Turtle or Whale you can paddle again for free
- Wetsuits available to keep you warm in cooler months
What's not included- Alcoholic drinks
- Pick Up / Drop Off
- Start:
- Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay, Opposite/56 Lawson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, AustraliaPlease meet us at our head office, Opposite 56 Lawson Street, Byron Bay at least 20 minutes before your tour start time. Please note that we operate on Daylight Savings hours from October to April each year. We are 1hr ahead of QLD during this period. Please read our full terms & conditions.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 15511P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children 5 to 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult
- Women more then 15 weeks pregnant should consider the safety risks of undertaking such a tour
- Minimum age 5 years old
- Roadside parking available (paid), Free 4 hour parking is available nearby on Massinger St
- Remember: we run on NSW Daylight Savings time between Oct and April each year
- Please let our staff know of any medical conditions at check in, you do this confidentially by completing our waiver form at check in
- Not recommended for people with phobias, poor physical fitness or chronic lower back injuries
- Mother Nature dictates the day - everyday is different on the Bay, we will do our best to find all sorts of wildlife for you.
- Should conditions be dangerous: We conduct risk assessments of conditions several times per day. If the ocean is too dangerous from things like string winds, stingers or large surf we will contact you to cancel. In this case you are entitled to a full refund, don't worry we don't take your money. Sometimes you are just better off not going then being out there in unnecessary danger
- We do run the tours in the rain, you get wet anyway whether it's sunny or raining.
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- In winter we have wetsuits for you to put on before the tour to keep you warm
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- We use Tandem ( 2 person) Sit on Top Kayaks
- Not Recommended for people who suffer from phobias of water
- Not recommended for people who suffer from motion sickness
- Not recommended for people suffering the effects of alcohol abuse
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 32 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 15511P1
From
AU$89.00
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- M2818XNhollyb0 contributionsVery cool experienceVery cool experience, that the guides make you feel super safe for by teaching you how to get over and back from surf. We saw Dolphins, turtles, lots of fish and birds. Would recommend as a fun morning activity to anyone visiting Byron, especially if your not keen to surf, but still want to get out into the bay and see the wildlife.Written 5 December 2024
- jeffbY8299OA0 contributionsBeautiful RverJust a really nice tour into a pristine river. You would never know its so close to Brunswick Heads, recommended for all.Written 8 November 2024
- karlo820 contributionsAmazing Paddle … with WhalesWe took The Sunrise Byron Bay Sea Kayak Tour. Our guides were friendly and welcoming, never in a hurry. They got us outfitted and on the water and then shared local history and stories about the marine life we might see. They are eco-minded and very respectful of the animals. The weather was beautiful and the seas calm at 06:30. We saw dolphins (including babies) very quickly, and that would have been enough, but then we saw humpback whales. With calves. 10 meters away. It was breathtaking. Highly recommend paddling with Go Sea Kayak. You may not see whales, but you will have a great time.Written 26 October 2024
- dmpeng0 contributionsNo better way to see the Sydney harbour.You can't find better way to see the Sydney harbour. The staff is very engaging and will go out of their way to make sure the everyone, regardless of their experience have a good time. Luckily, in our group there were no persons who had not kayaked before. The kayaks are all sit-in type, either single or tandem and they are all in good shape. The staff gets the boats ready and assist you to get your safety gear on, get in and get launched. Once in the water, they are available to answer any questions in addition to their duties to make sure that everyone stays safe. The photos that they provide (at no extra cost) are excellent. Don't know if I will ever get back to Sydney, but I would do this again.Written 26 August 2024
- 116johanned0 contributionsBrunswick River Nature Kayak TourI had an amazing tour where we saw a bunch of different fish and birds and the tour down the river was amazingly beautiful. Would highly recommend.Written 26 July 2024
- G1289HVannah0 contributionsAmazingSuch an incredible experience, saw more than 8 whales and learnt a lot. Thank you so much Doug molly and I had the best time and will treasure it forever !Written 24 July 2024
- Journey356855226510 contributions10/10 would recomm - beautiful and serene experienceInitially chose the sea kayak but ended up doing the river kayak due to the swell on the day, and I am soo glad I ended up doing that! The booking and switching process was incredible easy, and the river kayak itself was the most peaceful and serene experience. Our guide was great (Beau?) allowing us to amble down the river taking our time and spotting the wildlife, and the scenery was something out of this world. I would wholeheartedly recommended this tour for anyone thinking bout it :)Written 20 March 2024
- Jodie B0 contributionsGreatThis tour was amazing. Interesting facts, great guides and awesome kayaking. The guides were so helpful and made it all feel like a breeze! Unfortunately we didn’t get to see any dolphins but was offered another trip again. Great time and great fun. Thank youWritten 31 January 2024
- lrowings170 contributionsDolphin KayakingWas a fun day out on the water with really great staff. We especially enjoyed Marty, he was very personable. You get to see some wildlife (mostly dolphins) and learn about the history of the bay. Only rated 4/5 since they normally take photos for us, but I believe their phone was dead so they did lend waterproof cases for our phones if we wanted one which was nice.Written 8 January 2024
- Justyachus0 contributionsAwesome!!The team was so good in telling us what’s around ,helping us as we were with small kids,I struggled a little for a first timer.we had a good time,did in our pace .I highly recommend themWritten 30 September 2023
- zachrN1396WD0 contributionsPeaceful kayakIt was really lovely experience relaxing in nature, seeing stingrays, kingfishers, and different arrays of fish.Written 30 September 2023
- E6241PTvictoriak0 contributionsGorgeous spot with great guidesA beautiful relaxing morning paddle through the mangroves to the river with a knowledgeable guide. The bird and marine life was plentiful and very active,and our guide knew all the best spots to see them. Thoroughly recommend for anyone who loves nature. Great for both experienced kayakers who get the benefit of a local guide as well as for learning kayakers who will develop their kayaking skills whilst enjoying the most beautiful spot.Written 7 January 2023
- alving20230 contributionsFantastic value, great guides, informative and fun. Local business with a focus on safety and first nation's history.Ed and Daisy were an absolutely fantastic duo. Thoroughly enjoyed my time with them on the Brunswick Heads river tour, which I attended with my wife and daughter. They were informative throughout the tour without being boring and safety and first nations were top of mind. Will definitely come back again and will also rebook the Byron Bay dolphin kayak tour, as again with safety front of mind, my booked tour was cancelled, but with quick refund or rebooking option. I really appreciate their view on safety of customers and staff over the almighty $$$. Please support this local Byron Bay business. Value for money and a great work out to boot.Written 4 January 2023
- Emma M0 contributionsHighly recommend - beautiful! +++A beautiful outing on the bruns river. Spectacular scenery and crystal clear, calm water! Our tour guide Daisy was brilliant - very knowledgeable, informative and easy to talk to. We would definitely go again & recommend to all!Written 15 August 2022
- 940maeved0 contributionsHighly recommendAn amazing experience! Daisy our guide was so knowledgeable on the area and it’s history. Highly recommend it!Written 6 August 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.5
187 reviews
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ResortInd
Gold Coast, Australia12 contributions
May 2021
Happened to be in Byron on a babymoon and took the opportunity to do something physical. Guide Dougy was awesome, and the benefit of being Autumn / Winter was not many customers seemed to be about town due to cooler weather or COVID.
Dougy was easy to talk with, a wealth of knowledge and put me onto plenty of Dolphins which came pretty close to our kayak. The water was clear and it was easy to see entire dolphin families passing under and around us, including plenty jumping. Also saw a turtle, jumping fish, and seabirds, and got good encouragement on surfing the waves back in on the kayak.
Would recommend to anyone as easily worth it to experience Byron from a different angle for 60 or 70 bucks!
Dougy was easy to talk with, a wealth of knowledge and put me onto plenty of Dolphins which came pretty close to our kayak. The water was clear and it was easy to see entire dolphin families passing under and around us, including plenty jumping. Also saw a turtle, jumping fish, and seabirds, and got good encouragement on surfing the waves back in on the kayak.
Would recommend to anyone as easily worth it to experience Byron from a different angle for 60 or 70 bucks!
Written 20 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Global798567
8 contributions
We were a little bit nervous before going out to sea. Everyone get a lifejacket and a helmet so it felt safe and we also got common instructions. It was a great wind and big waves and really tough when we’re going out from the beach but it was worth it. We saw turtels and dolphins, it was awesome! The guides were helpful and proffessional. Afterwards timtam was provided. After three hours kayaking it was a little bit dizzy so water would had been nice.
Written 5 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ajkillen84
Sydney, Australia5 contributions
Really fun activity, with friendly staff & decent equipment. We didn’t see any dolphins, but were lucky enough to spot a couple of turtles & see a juvenile humpback. There can be a lot of waiting around on the water, so younger kids may get inpatient.
Only slight downside is could do with maybe slightly more refreshment than a couple of TimTams on returning to shore!
Only slight downside is could do with maybe slightly more refreshment than a couple of TimTams on returning to shore!
Written 31 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks! We are glad that you enjoyed your tour with us :)
Written 2 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emma J
Aarhus, Denmark6 contributions
We saw nothing on the three hour tour. We went on the 9:30 to 12:20 tour and it was absolutely horrible. The waves were giant. People were falling off the kayaks and we saw nothing on our trip at all.
Wouldn’t recommend as it would be better to just rent the kayaks on your own.
Wouldn’t recommend as it would be better to just rent the kayaks on your own.
Written 27 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
We are very sorry that you did not enjoy your tour with us. The weather conditions change daily in the ocean which means that some of our tours are run on calm flat conditions and other tours are run when there is swell in Byron Bay.
Our staff members are all qualified lifeguards and Sea Kayak guides and safety is their number one priority. We would not have run this tour if we did not think it was safe.
The main objective on our guided tours are to allow our customers to have an experience and connection with the beautiful marine life that reside in and migrate through Byron Bay. Our guides are passionate about wildlife and the environment and will always strive to give you the best chance possible of an encounter with said marine life on the particular day that YOU HAVE CHOSEN to come paddling. We do guarantee that if you do not see wildlife on our tours, you are very welcome to come on another tour with us for free.
It is not legal to rent kayaks on the ocean so I would suggest buying your own next time.
Regards,
Written 29 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jen W
Perth, Australia48 contributions
we turned up at 8.30am as a group of approx 50 people on a work trip.
we arrived to find “mother nature” had made the kayak tour implausible. no apology, no refund offered - our tour was replaced with a beach walk, that we could easily have organised for free ourselves.
we could have been advised in advance that the surf was too rough and cancelled. wasted an entire morning of our group’s time and didn’t bat an eyelid about doing so.
we arrived to find “mother nature” had made the kayak tour implausible. no apology, no refund offered - our tour was replaced with a beach walk, that we could easily have organised for free ourselves.
we could have been advised in advance that the surf was too rough and cancelled. wasted an entire morning of our group’s time and didn’t bat an eyelid about doing so.
Written 24 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi There, Im sorry you've got this very wrong indeed.
At 7:00am this morning we called your group organiser Tom to tell him the tour is a cancel. However, unbelievably, we get told by him that you are still coming and we NEED to do something for your group. I found this ridiculous. We are a kayak company and when the ocean is rough we have to cancel. If your tour organiser did not pass on this message to your group ( which became apparent when you arrived) then what are you doing placing such trust in him.
Also, I have not taken a dollar for this morning and am out $400 in wages. If you've paid your group organiser for this tour then again you've put trust in an unworthy person.I agree you shouldnt have paid for it and our company doesn,t charge people for cancelled tours. I respectfully request you contact me personally to discuss this as I think you definitely need to be given full perspective on the events of the morning and probably need to re evaluate who you deal with when it comes to organising coordinating your events. I'll be contacting Tom tomorrow to get in contact with you myself as I was far from iimpressed myself.
Written 25 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
indiannajade
Byron Bay, Australia1 contribution
This was such a great trip, and by far the best way to see Byron Bay! As promised we got to see whales and dolphins up close which was amazing! Dougie and the team were magnificent, they have such a great respect and love for the Bay, and to have such passionate locals take you on a tour is a privilege.
Also Dougie reminded us of Woody Harrleson. That in itself is enough reason to book a trip
Also Dougie reminded us of Woody Harrleson. That in itself is enough reason to book a trip
Written 14 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt H
Croydon, Australia23 contributions
This was a fantastic tour, on flat water in the morning, a great group of people from around the world, we were able to see turtles and some reefs. The on water experience was great. But… one slight exception was the guide.
The guide started the kayak experience on the water by making a unauthorised welcome to country, as they did not identify themselves as being a member of the local aboriginal land council- who are the only authorised members to complete this.
An acknowledgment of country would have been more appropriate.
Additionally, they continued to tell what appeared to be local aboriginal language and storytelling without identifying there were either indigenous and a member of the local aboriginal land council or had permission from local indigenous elders to share these stories.
It appeared this Indigenous storytelling was designed to impress international tourists. However it was noticed by some Australian’s on the tour that the guide had breached the common cultural laws that are set by Australian Aboriginal peoples by not providing clear information into how these stories were being shared and what approval was in place in order to share them.
The guide started the kayak experience on the water by making a unauthorised welcome to country, as they did not identify themselves as being a member of the local aboriginal land council- who are the only authorised members to complete this.
An acknowledgment of country would have been more appropriate.
Additionally, they continued to tell what appeared to be local aboriginal language and storytelling without identifying there were either indigenous and a member of the local aboriginal land council or had permission from local indigenous elders to share these stories.
It appeared this Indigenous storytelling was designed to impress international tourists. However it was noticed by some Australian’s on the tour that the guide had breached the common cultural laws that are set by Australian Aboriginal peoples by not providing clear information into how these stories were being shared and what approval was in place in order to share them.
Written 30 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review and points about the way in which we share first nations information to our guests. Our business was the first tour company in Byron Bay to ever employ local mob. We have strong connections with the Arakwal people so its nice to know that guests value content and want it delivered in the best manner possible.
Behind the scenes we will continue to work to ensure we deliver the best experience possible to our guests and your feedback helps serve us by highlighting our needs in that area. We really appreciate your time in making your review. Thank you.
Written 31 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Boutique_2012
Melbourne, Australia6 contributions
Mar 2021
My partner and I were fortunate to experience an amazing coupe of hours with Dougie and Chris. They are both very friendly and well informed, sharing their knowledge and information and really keen for everyone to have he best experience. They love what thy do and it shows. They have a a great respect for the ocean and the inhabitants, which was exciting to see. (dolphin and turtles).
It was fun getting out past the breakers and getting back in. Highly recommend this trip, a major highlight, and a great escape from the southern state of Vic. Many thanks, Francesco and Peta
It was fun getting out past the breakers and getting back in. Highly recommend this trip, a major highlight, and a great escape from the southern state of Vic. Many thanks, Francesco and Peta
Written 5 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josie H
8 contributions
This was the best experience we did in our time in Byron bay! This is the perfect mix of adventure whilst also being able to relax and take in the wildlife. We did this at the end of whale migration season so weren’t expecting many encounters but we must’ve seen at least 10 whales in the two and a half hour session. At one point we had three whales within 20m of us. The guides we had were very knowledgable on the local area and wildlife as well. We also saw dolphins and a turtle. The tour was pretty flexible and the guides would change the plans in line with wildlife so that we got the best view whilst staying respectful distances away and letting them approach us.
Would highly recommend to anyone in the area and it is great value for money.
Would highly recommend to anyone in the area and it is great value for money.
Written 26 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly N
Perth, Australia30 contributions
I only had two days in Byron and with a lot of recent rains and stormy weather the beaches weren't high on my list, given the lack of beautiful sunny weather. I loved having the opportunity to explore the beaches from another perspective and getting up close and personal with the dolphins and turtles that call Byron bay home. Was very choppy for our group but once pit on the ocean it was remarkably peaceful. Our crew were amazing at teaching us how to paddle, what to do in waves and most importantly spotting dolphins! We saw a few large pods of dolphins and a turtle on our surf back in.
Wonderful way to spend a rainy afternoon in nature!
Wonderful way to spend a rainy afternoon in nature!
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HI there, we have a 7 year old son. Can we have 2 adults plus him in one kayak?
Written 2 September 2020
I have booked this tour for July. I was just wondering how likely it is to fall in etc as I have a bit of a fear about falling into open water 😬 thanks!
Written 15 June 2019
In my personal opinion it’s highly unlikely you will fall into open water while kayaking. When you are returning to shore you have to approach on a wave. It’s unlikely but the kayak may capsized, if it does you will only be in shallow water at the shore. The team are brilliant and they do assist you. You will also be wearing a life jacket so you will be safe. You’ll have an amazing time, I loved every minute of it. Enjoy
Written 15 June 2019
How to get from the airport to your location?
Written 9 February 2019
I see there is a lot availability in the afternoon...,is this not as good as the morning to go?
Written 8 August 2018
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