Palm Cove Watersports
Palm Cove Watersports
Palm Cove Watersports
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About
Sea kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the coastline and islands of tropical north Queensland. We have amazing encounters with dolphins, turtles, stingrays and other marine life while paddling around history rich Double Island. Tours are offered year-round catering equally for those seeking a peaceful paddle or a bit of adventure. Our sunrise and half-day tours run daily. Paddling techniques and safety information are clearly explained and demonstrated. Our highly stable single and double, sit on top, kayaks are well suited for beginners to experienced kayakers. Each tour visits Double Island and includes fresh fruits, sweet treats and juices. Half-day tours include snorkelling.
Palm Cove, Queensland, Australia
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5.0
302 reviews
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Terrible
4
Redearthlad
Alice Springs, Australia5 contributions
Jan 2022
As Palm Cove Watersports is unable to do transfers from Cairns at the moment, I caught the 4.45 am bus from Cairns City. Arriving in Palm Cove at around 5.30 was actually ideal, as colour was just starting to arrive in the sky as I sat on the beach to watch a spectacular coastal sunrise. I grabbed a coffee from a nearby café when it opened at 6, then wandered down to the pier to check in at 6.30 ahead of the 7am tour.
Brad and Jeremy did a great job of looking after a large group of probably around 30 people, consisting of mainly couples and family groups. They guided us out to Scout had and then Double island, Brad explaining aspects of the history of the area. Although we unfortunately didn't see any iconic wildlife - sea turtles and stingrays were advertised as possibilities - both Jeremy and Brad kept us entertained with sensory experiences including sea cucumbers and mushroom flowers. Tasting oysters fresh from the rocks was definitely a highlight!
For around 3.5 hours on the islands and water, including refreshments, I thought this tour was great value and would definitely recommend.
Brad and Jeremy did a great job of looking after a large group of probably around 30 people, consisting of mainly couples and family groups. They guided us out to Scout had and then Double island, Brad explaining aspects of the history of the area. Although we unfortunately didn't see any iconic wildlife - sea turtles and stingrays were advertised as possibilities - both Jeremy and Brad kept us entertained with sensory experiences including sea cucumbers and mushroom flowers. Tasting oysters fresh from the rocks was definitely a highlight!
For around 3.5 hours on the islands and water, including refreshments, I thought this tour was great value and would definitely recommend.
Written 9 January 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.
Jonesy
Brisbane, Australia292 contributions
Jan 2021
My wife and I enjoyed a morning kayak tour with Brad around Double Island for 2 hours. We found the kayaking relatively easy going, some fitness is required. I'd also recommend this tour for families and small groups.
With Brad's assistance we spotted turtles, stingrays and other marine life. Overall a great way to start the day!
For this tour we were provided with stinger suits, life jackets and a refreshing morning tea. I recommend bringing your own sun screen, water, hat and sunglasses.
Please note that you should arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the tour start time so that all equipment can be issued promptly. I'd also recommend booking the tour directly through their website rather than a reseller.
With Brad's assistance we spotted turtles, stingrays and other marine life. Overall a great way to start the day!
For this tour we were provided with stinger suits, life jackets and a refreshing morning tea. I recommend bringing your own sun screen, water, hat and sunglasses.
Please note that you should arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the tour start time so that all equipment can be issued promptly. I'd also recommend booking the tour directly through their website rather than a reseller.
Written 2 January 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.
Courtney
Townsville, Australia9 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Thank you so much to our lovely tour guide Brad, great service, super helpful, patient, very informative, all round great bloke. Everything we needed was provided, and it was in good condition. Brad even packed us a fruit, cake and juice morning tea for when we stopped off on double island. While I was hoping to see more turtles close up - this I’m guessing is subject to time of year, day, and willingness and patience to visually seek them out. I am reasonably unfit yet found the paddle not too fast paced, and we were lucky it wasn’t a super windy day. Pricing for the time spent on the water and service received was spectacular and I’d recommend this tour to all. Thank you Brad!
Written 6 March 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.
WorldTravla7
Cairns, Australia8,604 contributions
Mar 2022 • Solo
I did the 3hr kayaking tour with Brad from 6-9am (meeting at 5.30pm) and it was magical from start to finish. The sunrise colours on the horizon were some of the best I’ve ever seen and totally worth the 4.45am wake up! After getting our stinger suits & life jackets fitted (plus a short training session) we headed straight out to Scout Hat (Haycock) Island with the awe-inspiring sunrise before us. On the way we stopped for some photos & commentary and spotted some reef sharks feeding close to shore over on Haycock Island. We saw a few turtles with their heads bobbing up along the way but none up close. We then kayaked to Double Island & spent some time on the island. Brad was super knowledgeable and gave us some great info & local history. The island once had a ferry service & fancy resort up until the mid 2000s and charged $11,000 a night but has since falling into disrepair, a bit like the Dunk Island resort. We saw some sting rays close to the shore. We learned that Keanu Reeves once stayed here for a week while filming one of the Matrix films and had his own gym built (now run down) including a Buddhist monument out the front which we walked past. He also did a fireworks display on New Years from here which was reportedly better than the one over at Palm Cove. We also got to meet the Polish caretaker and his two dogs (one was called Bieber!) and tasted some wild passion fruit & purple flowers which tasted like mushrooms & had refreshments before heading back to Palm Cove. The weather was beautiful and the water nice & calm and there were plenty of amazing visuals & photo opportunities. It was a great bunch of people too (about 15 of us). Cost was $80 and 110% value for money.
Written 11 March 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.
Julie M
Australia462 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
Best thing to do in Palm Cove!!!
Had the best time kayaking out to Double Island today .
Early start at 5.30 for safety briefing & given rashies , life jackets etc.
We kayaked out to Double Island .
Brad is very knowledgeable about the area and provided interesting commentary on the island around & flora & fauna.
Do’s @ don’ts regarding indigenous preferences.
Stopped @ serenity beach & cold orange juice & snacks provided.
I’m a poor swimmer but I felt safe & supported. I had a single kayak but it was comfortable with a built in seat.
Very good value for money, $60 for 2 & a half hours was very cheap.
Highly recommend Brad & Palm Cove Water Sports, very prompt replying to enquiries.
What a magical way to start the day!!
Had the best time kayaking out to Double Island today .
Early start at 5.30 for safety briefing & given rashies , life jackets etc.
We kayaked out to Double Island .
Brad is very knowledgeable about the area and provided interesting commentary on the island around & flora & fauna.
Do’s @ don’ts regarding indigenous preferences.
Stopped @ serenity beach & cold orange juice & snacks provided.
I’m a poor swimmer but I felt safe & supported. I had a single kayak but it was comfortable with a built in seat.
Very good value for money, $60 for 2 & a half hours was very cheap.
Highly recommend Brad & Palm Cove Water Sports, very prompt replying to enquiries.
What a magical way to start the day!!
Written 6 April 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.
Skeeta11
Brisbane, Australia6 contributions
July 2021
I joined the sunrise kayak tour with my 13 year old son. Brad provided a great introduction to kayaking. We were in a double kayak which felt stable and safe. We had a window of a couple of hours of beautiful weather between the rain to enjoy the sunrise and a rainbow on the way back. My favourite part was wandering the shoreline while Brad pointed out stingrays and shovel nosed sharks. There were a couple of turtles pop up which I wasn't quick enough to see! Enjoyable way to explore Double Island near Palm Cove.
Written 8 July 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.
supernoodle3
N.Ireland61 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
Three friends booked with Palm Cove Watersports to go for a paddle while visiting Cairns. We had a wonderful morning out on the water with Jeremy, who was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and fun.
His knowledge of the local flora and fauna was exceptional and guided us to a great little cove for lemon tea cake, fresh fruit and orange juice. I would highly recommend this activity for a long easy going few hours, suitable for all ages and basic fitness level required.
His knowledge of the local flora and fauna was exceptional and guided us to a great little cove for lemon tea cake, fresh fruit and orange juice. I would highly recommend this activity for a long easy going few hours, suitable for all ages and basic fitness level required.
Written 31 December 2019
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.
Beth H
7 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
What a awesome morning on the sunrise kayaking tour with Georgia . I would highly recommend this tour if staying at Palm as it is well worth the money spent & Georgia was a excellent tour guide with all her knowledge of the area along with her ray of happiness she provided as well. Thank you so much for a spectacular sunrise paddle Palm cove watersports 👍
Written 26 November 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.
Tracy M
Melbourne, Australia38 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
Went out on an early morning family kayak trip with our 3 girls led by Brad.
Made our way to Double Island. Thankfully stopped halfway there for a breather and a bit of chat about the history of the island and the abandoned resort on it.
Had a wander, ate weird and wonderful bush tucker, saw some small rays and were suitably impressed by the beauty of the surrounds.
Carried on kayaking clockwise round the island. Word to the wise - if you are on a solo kayak, don’t try doing what Brad does and straddle the kayak, drag it backwards through your legs and get in that way. Not unless you’re confident that the leg length to kayak width ratio is working for you :)
The other side of the island is gorgeous. We stopped for cake, fruit and drinks on serenity beach. Just fab. Covered in coral and shells, with these funny little cake eating skinks that put in an appearance!
The far side of the island is a little choppier, but still great fun, and the last gruelling leg (for me as the solo kayaker bringing up the rear. All the way) was spent cruising the reef edge looking for turtles. A couple were spotted, but not super close...
Definitely do yourself a favour and book this activity. It’s so much fun and Brad is awesome. We all totally loved it
Made our way to Double Island. Thankfully stopped halfway there for a breather and a bit of chat about the history of the island and the abandoned resort on it.
Had a wander, ate weird and wonderful bush tucker, saw some small rays and were suitably impressed by the beauty of the surrounds.
Carried on kayaking clockwise round the island. Word to the wise - if you are on a solo kayak, don’t try doing what Brad does and straddle the kayak, drag it backwards through your legs and get in that way. Not unless you’re confident that the leg length to kayak width ratio is working for you :)
The other side of the island is gorgeous. We stopped for cake, fruit and drinks on serenity beach. Just fab. Covered in coral and shells, with these funny little cake eating skinks that put in an appearance!
The far side of the island is a little choppier, but still great fun, and the last gruelling leg (for me as the solo kayaker bringing up the rear. All the way) was spent cruising the reef edge looking for turtles. A couple were spotted, but not super close...
Definitely do yourself a favour and book this activity. It’s so much fun and Brad is awesome. We all totally loved it
Written 26 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.
Christiane W
Sydney, Australia54 contributions
June 2021 • Couples
Really enjoyed our kayak tour around Double Island. Kayaks are super comfortable and easy to manage. Small group (6 guests) allowed clear communication with all members of our group - so glad I didn’t join the other group of kayakers (pacific water sports).
Our guide was really knowledgeable and shared lots of interesting facts and stories about the history of the island. Would 100% recommend joining this tour
Our guide was really knowledgeable and shared lots of interesting facts and stories about the history of the island. Would 100% recommend joining this tour
Written 12 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.
We are fit but old 75 and 82 so am wondering if we could be kayaked around as it looks amazing or a bout tour that takes in these areas. Maureen.
Written 14 April 2018
Hi Maureen yes we have had people your ages and even older on our tours just contact us a few days before so we know the weather conditions are ok for a tour
Cheers Brad
Written 6 June 2018
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