Coral Sea Kayaking
Coral Sea Kayaking
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About
We offer expedition sea kayak trips to Hinchinbrook Island in far North Queensland. Hinchinbrook Island is an iconic Australian wilderness destination situated within the Great Barrier Reef marine park. Paddling along the coast of Australia's largest Island National Park in an unforgettable way to experience the majestic, rainforest clad peaks rising out of pristine turquoise waters. We camp on remote, untouched beaches where the only way in and out is by kayak, often seeing dolphins, turtles, dugongs, whales and other sea life. Our extended expeditions in Papua New Guinea are often considered the a trip of a lifetime and well worth the effort. We also offer sea kayak hire out of Mission Beach, Queensland.
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5.0
122 reviews
Excellent
119
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
2
Terrible
1
skitch16
Brisbane, Australia104 contributions
Sept 2020
Just completed the 7 day hinchinbrook island kayak trip and all i can say is wow! The guides Michelle and Daniel were just unbelievable. So knowledgeable, so friendly, so professional, they made sure we were safe the whole time. The double kayaks are so stable out in the ocean so never felt unsafe. The food they cooked up for all our meals was way beyond camping quality...just gourmet food and SO much of it. We never went hungry. Hinchinbrook is a stunning island that is so remote. We only saw 2 other campers. The couple of hikes we did to Zoe's waterall and Nina's peak were beautiful with great views. We had 13 in our group, and that might sound like alot. But it was a great number, and every one got on so well as we were all there for the same purpose. It is best to have some fitness and some kayaking skills, however its all about the journey not the destination, so everyone cruised at similar pace, and everyone looked out for one another. There were some challenging ocean days, but you never felt unsafe. Overall this was just an amazing experience run by a very experienced crew. Thanks James, Michelle and Daniel
Written 25 September 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.
hudhoh
Hobart, Australia37 contributions
July 2022 • Family
Our experience with the team from Coral Sea was easy, natural and lovely from day one. From dreaming and planning right through to lunch and farewell hugs all was easy. James and his team give great customer service. And what a product! Hinchenbrook turned it on for us. I think QLD was having a cold snap, it being winter, but we are used to Tasmanian winters so for us it was paradise. The paddle was laid out masterfully. We stayed away from the dark side and never saw a Croc. We did see a dugong, sharks, dolphins , turtles, eagles and an albatross.
Once away from the 5k jetty at Lucinda we felt we were in proper wilderness. Moving between pristine camps we rode current, tide, wind and swell to our benefit. The fat boats were stable and reliable as anything. I felt I probably could have stood in the cockpit and fished while Ruth paddled… even in cross swell. Our teen sons Max and Declan, whose paddling experience is limited, rated fear factor on the trip as 1 out of 10 with ten being the most scared you have ever been. Importantly they also found that five minutes into facing the hard stuff their confidence would grow with every pull of the paddle. All they had to do was follow the example laid on by Brownie and Jen. Both boys have come away brimming with water confidence. Ruth and I, with plenty of expedition experience found the trip very cruisy yet not without moments of challenge to take on. It could hardly be an adventure trip without opportunities to grow and be proud of what you have achieved and learned as an individual, family and a group.
There is nothing that builds my confidence so much as being in the hands of a guide team who know the area and its whims inside and out and can pull the best performance from all of us. Brownie and Jen are both excellent guides and team leaders. Our meals were great, providing plenty of paddle power, no mean feet when 6 of the twelve guests are young men between the ages of 17 and 25. Talk about your hollow legs! My gluten free diet was taken in stride with heaps of good and useful calories.
We had some lovely group building moments both programmed and spontaneous and there was a heap of lovely bonding over music in particular. Ask Jen to whip out the Ukulele as early into the trip as you possibly can. Then bask in the calm wisdom and wry sense of humour of Brownie. You are in such good hands and James must be so confident of the faith he places in this particular team. Kate and Jen were diamonds and angels for us.
Ten out of Ten!!!! Take the trip
Will, Ruth, Max and Declan Jul 2022
Once away from the 5k jetty at Lucinda we felt we were in proper wilderness. Moving between pristine camps we rode current, tide, wind and swell to our benefit. The fat boats were stable and reliable as anything. I felt I probably could have stood in the cockpit and fished while Ruth paddled… even in cross swell. Our teen sons Max and Declan, whose paddling experience is limited, rated fear factor on the trip as 1 out of 10 with ten being the most scared you have ever been. Importantly they also found that five minutes into facing the hard stuff their confidence would grow with every pull of the paddle. All they had to do was follow the example laid on by Brownie and Jen. Both boys have come away brimming with water confidence. Ruth and I, with plenty of expedition experience found the trip very cruisy yet not without moments of challenge to take on. It could hardly be an adventure trip without opportunities to grow and be proud of what you have achieved and learned as an individual, family and a group.
There is nothing that builds my confidence so much as being in the hands of a guide team who know the area and its whims inside and out and can pull the best performance from all of us. Brownie and Jen are both excellent guides and team leaders. Our meals were great, providing plenty of paddle power, no mean feet when 6 of the twelve guests are young men between the ages of 17 and 25. Talk about your hollow legs! My gluten free diet was taken in stride with heaps of good and useful calories.
We had some lovely group building moments both programmed and spontaneous and there was a heap of lovely bonding over music in particular. Ask Jen to whip out the Ukulele as early into the trip as you possibly can. Then bask in the calm wisdom and wry sense of humour of Brownie. You are in such good hands and James must be so confident of the faith he places in this particular team. Kate and Jen were diamonds and angels for us.
Ten out of Ten!!!! Take the trip
Will, Ruth, Max and Declan Jul 2022
Written 20 July 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.
Vicki E
Brisbane, Australia11 contributions
July 2021 • Friends
A group of 11 women who had joined a Women Want Adventure tour had an amazing experience kayaking along the eastern side of Hinchinbrook Island . Coral Sea Kayaking guides who accompanied the group Paul and Abigail were enthusiastic supportive encouraging and attentive. The wellbeing of the group was their highest priority. Their unfailing good humour infused the group and created a sense of goodwill and camaraderie between group members. The whole group expressed their gratitude to Paul and Abigail for facilitating such a wonderful experience.
The equipment provided for camping was sufficient and the dry bags were in good condition. The food and beverages provided were abundant and of an excellent standard.
Hygiene standards were maintained and there was lots of hand sanitiser and insect repellent was easily accessible.
One of the most important pieces of equipment provided was a top of the range camping mattress. Being comfortable at night was a major benefit and allowed for a good nights rest .
The kayaks were in a good state of repair and working order.
A good level of fitness is required for this tour as there is a requirement for heavy lifting when retreiving and lauching kayaks.
The scenery and camping spots were beautiful. Hinchinbrook Island is almost pristine and our guides Paul and Abigail were careful to keep it that way encoraging us to be respectful of the environment.
The equipment provided for camping was sufficient and the dry bags were in good condition. The food and beverages provided were abundant and of an excellent standard.
Hygiene standards were maintained and there was lots of hand sanitiser and insect repellent was easily accessible.
One of the most important pieces of equipment provided was a top of the range camping mattress. Being comfortable at night was a major benefit and allowed for a good nights rest .
The kayaks were in a good state of repair and working order.
A good level of fitness is required for this tour as there is a requirement for heavy lifting when retreiving and lauching kayaks.
The scenery and camping spots were beautiful. Hinchinbrook Island is almost pristine and our guides Paul and Abigail were careful to keep it that way encoraging us to be respectful of the environment.
Written 14 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.
jeffcan1
Canberra, Australia57 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Wow What a trip.
We have just completed the 7 day hinchinbrook expedition with Coral Sea Kayaking and it was incredible.
Well organised with good gear and excellent food. Our guides Michelle and Brownie were just brilliant. They were lovely people, experienced in guiding and knew the flora and fauna of the area very well.
We were lucky to have perfect weather and had a brilliant 7 days. The paddling was not too much and every night we stayed on a beautiful sand beach that were all very different. We saw a stack of sea turtles, fish, dolphins, dugongs and other marine and bird life.
To top it all off the food was absolutely brilliant.
I would highly highly recommend this trip and we are looking at other expedition paddles with Coral sea kayaking in the future.
We have just completed the 7 day hinchinbrook expedition with Coral Sea Kayaking and it was incredible.
Well organised with good gear and excellent food. Our guides Michelle and Brownie were just brilliant. They were lovely people, experienced in guiding and knew the flora and fauna of the area very well.
We were lucky to have perfect weather and had a brilliant 7 days. The paddling was not too much and every night we stayed on a beautiful sand beach that were all very different. We saw a stack of sea turtles, fish, dolphins, dugongs and other marine and bird life.
To top it all off the food was absolutely brilliant.
I would highly highly recommend this trip and we are looking at other expedition paddles with Coral sea kayaking in the future.
Written 14 October 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.
Michelle D
Sydney, Australia18 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Awesome trip led by Paul and Blake. Couldn’t have had a better time - the trip was exactly as advertised and exceeded our high expectations. Paul’s cooking was amazing, Blake’s dad jokes spectacular, and both of them made us feel safe in all weather and conditions.
We did average days of about 18kms and had a rest day to swim, rest and read on Wheeler Island while Paul took a few of the group for an optional paddle.
Sleeping each night to the sound of waves breaking only a few metres from where we slept was amazing, while the kayaking stretched us (just enough) and was incredibly fun.
We had a great group of people with us, which made it even better.
We did average days of about 18kms and had a rest day to swim, rest and read on Wheeler Island while Paul took a few of the group for an optional paddle.
Sleeping each night to the sound of waves breaking only a few metres from where we slept was amazing, while the kayaking stretched us (just enough) and was incredibly fun.
We had a great group of people with us, which made it even better.
Written 9 October 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.
Bruce R
3 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
The weather was wonderful, the sea and wind benign, scenery brilliant, conversation sparkling, food remarkable. But I was most impressed with the training we received at the beginning to make sure that kayaks were stowed perfectly, and to ensure that the group paddled safely if conditions became difficult. It was a memorable journey and I took away improved practises for future paddling.
Written 18 July 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.
Jenny S
Hobart, Australia6 contributions
July 2024 • Friends
An Fabulous Trip. It turned out to be more challenging than we had expected due to much rougher seas than we were used to. The guides Ben and Mia looked after us, giving excellent briefings and coaching us in handling the heavy but stable double kayaks. They adjusted the route to suit the weather and made sure each of us gained the knowledge and skills to tackle each part of the journey. The food prepared by Ben and Mia from ingredients and equipment brought along with us in the kayaks was excellent. There were different styles of food each night with desserts, picnic lunches in the most beautiful locations and lovely cooked breakfasts including the fluffiest coconut pancakes.
Hinchinbrook Island and the surrounds are magnificent areas. Camping on the beaches and swimming at Zoe Falls were highlights as was achieving the 18km paddle to Wheeler Island.
I would recommend this trip to any lovers of Kayaking, Camping and Comradery.
Hinchinbrook Island and the surrounds are magnificent areas. Camping on the beaches and swimming at Zoe Falls were highlights as was achieving the 18km paddle to Wheeler Island.
I would recommend this trip to any lovers of Kayaking, Camping and Comradery.
Written 30 August 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.
John F
Brisbane, Australia16 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Fantastic half day experience hiring a double sea kayak from James and Dan. Gear was superb, service amazing and very friendly and advice was spot in. Very much recommend this team as professionals with huge experience, great location and willingness to help in any way they can.
Written 14 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.
Jon M
2 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
I was impressed by the ability of our guides James and Michelle to take a group of people, most who had never met and with variable paddling experience, and create a week of open water paddling with the right mix of adventure and fun. We mostly paddled in the mornings and went swimming or sat on one beach or another in the afternoon. There was a nice bush walk up to and swim at Zoe Falls. Hinchinbrook is an amazing place and that helps.
There is some work involved. Tent and sleeping mat are provided but you have to set it up and pack it yourself. You have to unpack and pack kayaks and work as a team to carry them up the beach at the end of the paddling day and launch them each morning. Food however is all prepared by the guides, and the food is impressive.
Highly recommended.
There is some work involved. Tent and sleeping mat are provided but you have to set it up and pack it yourself. You have to unpack and pack kayaks and work as a team to carry them up the beach at the end of the paddling day and launch them each morning. Food however is all prepared by the guides, and the food is impressive.
Highly recommended.
Written 11 July 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.
Kit
Queensland, Australia13 contributions
July 2022
If you do one kayaking expedition in your life: This is it! The tour guides led the tour exceptionally well, did everything for you except paddle and put your tent up but everything else! made great meals (still don't know how), gave lots of local information, and made the whole experience one to remember. The scenery could not have been better, and the weather was kind to us even though rain was forecast, we never had more than a light drizzle at worst, one day... The kayaks were extremely stable but heavy and low in the water at launch from Lucinda. They did get lighter as the week progressed (eating all the food ), and if you are a bit concerned about your kayaking abilities, don't worry; the guides are experts in picking the best routes to navigate the swells and the waves (not so good at fishing , Ha ) and in reality, we only had one day rounding the headland at Eva island was a bit rough. The kayaks or "Battleships"plow through the water well and are extremely stable. And as for the staff, Paul, and Max, were the most friendly, funny and amicable people I have been on tour with. I still cannot work out how they prepared and served some of the best food I have eaten while camping, and although they only had 2 burners to create these lavish meals, I give them 5 Michelin stars.
James and his team have a unique chance to show you something you may not get the opportunity to see , they showcase the best of Hichinbrook Island by kayak. In my opinion they are the best ...
James and his team have a unique chance to show you something you may not get the opportunity to see , they showcase the best of Hichinbrook Island by kayak. In my opinion they are the best ...
Written 13 August 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, would like to know about your half day and full day tours. Two people check in on 26th and check out 28th april. Do i have to book? Is this subject to a minimum amount of people and what are the costs? Thankyou in advance
Written 14 April 2019
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