Paddling a sea kayak is a unique and intimate way to explore Penguin & Seal Islands. Get up close and personal with the sea lions, cruise past colonies of pelicans and take in the rugged beauty of the islands. Meet the little penguins in the Penguin Island discovery centre. Tours are led by a qualified instructor who will take you on a guided walk and snorkelling (in the warmer summer months, December to March) on Penguin Island. Sometimes we even see the dolphins! It’s a fun filled day suitable for beginners and advanced paddlers.
On arrival at Shoalwater Marine Park (a beautiful bay with several limestone islands), our AW Host will meet you and conduct intro's prior to the Kayaking Guide providing the group with a briefing at 8.00AM.
After buddying up and familiarising ourselves with the equipment, it's time to head off with the first section of the paddle out to Seal Island, a distance of approximately 1km, where we check out the Australian Sea Lions. Under the conditions usually experienced (light easterly breeze), this paddle generally takes about 15 minutes.
Next up we paddle approximately 2kms (about a 30 minute paddle) to Penguin Island where we land and have a yummy picnic lunch, followed by a visit to the Penguin Centre where some Penguins are fed. After this you're welcome to fall asleep under a tree or in the sun, snorkel, swim, do some more kayaking, or go exploring the coast and caves of the island, whatever you wish. There is an option to join your instructor for a guided walk exploring other parts of the island if you wish.
** We are able to accommodate girls aged 12 and above on this activity if accompanied by an adult in the same kayak as themselves
** The tour is suitable for beginners or experienced paddlers, with a good general level of fitness
● Visiting the sea lions on Seal Island that sometimes swim and jump playfully amongst the kayaks!
● Silently gliding over shallow reefs, exploring secluded bays, and getting up close to the islands, all within an easy 700m to 1km distance offshore - kayaking Penguin Island and Seal Island is easy paddling for beginners
● Getting a close up water level view of the wildlife
● Taking a guided walk around Penguin Island to enjoy 360 degree views of the coastline; discover sea bird nesting sites; and hear about the cultural and natural history of the area
● Seeing the Little Penguins at the Discovery Centre and then enjoying an island picnic lunch under the trees overlooking sweeping views of the marine park
Double sea kayaks (traditional sit-inside, with rudder for comfortable cruising)
Paddles, PFDs (lifejackets)
Long sleeve sun shirts and hats
Dry bags (for valuables)
Snorkelling gear (in the warm summer months)
Entry Fee into the Penguin Island Discovery Centre
Qualified guide
AW Host / Experienced Paddler
Morning tea and lunch (specific dietary requirements can be catered for)
Transport To/From Shoalwater
- Drinking water
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Bathers or boardshorts
- Towel
- Thongs, sandals or crocs
- Camera
- A jacket can be handy during the cooler months
- A Sense of Adventure
This tour is suitable for beginners or experienced paddlers who have a good general level of fitness and for girls 12 aged and over providing they are accompanied by an adult.
Meet our Adventurous Women Host and Guide/s from Capricorn Sea Kayaking at 153 Arcadia Drive, Shoalwater (Pengos Cafe car park, opposite the Penguin Road intersection). There is ample free all day parking. Please be there by 8am, look for a white mini-van/ute with yellow sea kayaks in the car park and introduce yourself to your Adventurous Women Host/Guide.
Please note:Participants must weigh less than 115kgs, be at least 16 years of age for this private charter, be able to understand basic English instructions and are required to sign a waiver of liability prior to participating.
If you wish to cancel this tour with Adventurous Women, you must email to advise and the following conditions will apply:
We require at least 72 hours notice to cancel your booking with us. Cancellation made within 72 hours of tour commencement will forfeit 100% of the tour cost, no refunds are given.
If you give us 72 hours, or more notice, you will be eligible for a full refund (minus a $10 admin fee) unless a replacement can be found for you.
If we cancel due to unsuitable weather or other unforeseen circumstances, every effort will be made to reschedule your tour. If it is not possible to reschedule, a full refund will be given.
Once a tour has commenced there will be no refund