Perth: Shoalwater Islands Marine Park Sea Kayaking Tour

Planning a day of adventure, wildlife spotting, and scenic views? This Shoalwater Islands Marine Park Sea Kayaking Tour from Perth offers just that. With a blend of active exploration and relaxed beachside breaks, it’s perfect for those who want a genuine taste of Western Australia’s marine life without needing prior kayaking experience.

What we love about this tour is how smoothly it balances fun and education — the guides are incredibly knowledgeable, the views are outstanding, and the opportunity to see dolphins, sea lions, and a variety of sea birds is genuinely impressive. Plus, the included lunch by the water makes it a well-rounded full-day experience.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a physically active adventure — suitable for most, but not ideal if you prefer a more relaxed day or have mobility limitations. This tour really shines for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts craving authentic wildlife encounters in a stunning setting.

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Key Points

Experienced Operator: Rivergods has been running tours since 1993, making them WA’s most seasoned kayak tour provider.
Wildlife Encounters: Look out for dolphins, sea lions, and diverse seabirds including pelicans and sea eagles.
All-Inclusive Price: $115 covers all gear, guide, transport, lunch, and a hike to Point Peron lookout.
No Paddling Experience Needed: The tandem kayaks are easy to handle, and guides will give clear instructions.
Balanced Activity: Combines paddling, wildlife spotting, picnicking, and a scenic hike.
Family Friendly: Suitable for ages 4 and up, with the exception of very young children.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Well-Organized Introduction to Western Australia’s Marine Life

This tour kicks off with a 45-minute drive south from Perth, heading towards the beautiful Shoalwater Marine Park. The journey itself sets the tone, as you leave the city behind and enter a region famed for its limestone islands and clear waters. Once at the starting point, the friendly guides, like the experienced team from Rivergods, introduce everyone to the equipment and fellow paddlers.

You’ll be paddling in easy-to-manage double kayaks with waterproof compartments — perfect for keeping essentials dry. The guides, who come with extensive local marine knowledge, not only ensure safety but also enrich the experience with interesting stories about the area and its inhabitants.

The group size tends to be small and intimate, which means personalized attention and more chances to ask questions about the wildlife and environment. Several reviewers mention how approachable and helpful the guides are, making the experience comfortable even for those new to kayaking.

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First Stop: Seal Island and Australian Sea Lions

The first leg of the adventure is a roughly 15-minute paddle of about 1 kilometer to Seal Island, where you’ll see cheeky Australian Sea Lions. The chances of spotting these playful creatures are high, and many guests highlight how close you can get to them — all under the watchful eye of your guide.

One reviewer from Hong Kong described the paddling as “so nice and fun,” emphasizing how the smooth, stable kayaks contributed to a relaxing yet exciting experience. The guides are also quick to point out the behaviors and features of the sea lions, adding an educational layer to the interaction.

Continued Paddling to Point Peron and Lunch Break

After enjoying Seal Island, the group sets out on a roughly 30-minute paddle of 2 kilometers toward Point Peron, a scenic spot perfect for resting and refueling. Here, a delicious beachside picnic lunch awaits — fresh, healthy, and thoughtfully prepared by the guides.

Guests often remark on how the picnic complements the outdoor adventure, giving a moment to relax, soak in the surroundings, and chat about what’s been seen so far. The guides encourage you to unwind, whether that’s lying in the sun, taking photos, or venturing into the water for a quick swim or snorkel (weather permitting).

Scenic Hike and Breathtaking Views

After lunch, the tour includes a guided hike to the Point Peron lookout. This short trek offers panoramic views over the marine park, with some reviewers noting how the scenery makes the effort worthwhile. The lookout provides sweeping vistas of limestone islands, turquoise waters, and possibly more wildlife.

The guides often share their insights here, making it a great spot for photography or simply appreciating nature’s grandeur. Many guests find this added element—combining kayaking with hiking—a highlight of the trip.

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Return Paddle and Relaxed Afternoon

By around 1:30 pm, it’s time to head back — often naively called “the return trip,” but with a twist. Depending on the wind conditions, the crew might opt to “raft up” the boats or sail back, which adds a playful element and makes the final stretch more enjoyable. The approximately 2.5-kilometer paddle back offers excellent chances to spot more wildlife or just enjoy the views.

The guides are attentive, ensuring everyone is comfortable and having fun. Once back at the starting point, there’s time to change into dry clothes and use the nearby facilities before heading back to Perth, arriving around 3:30 pm.

Wildlife Viewing: Reviewers consistently praise the guide’s local marine knowledge, which enhances sightings of dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds. One says, “The guide is great and friendly too,” highlighting the importance of good leadership in wildlife tours.

Scenic Variety: From paddling around limestone islands to hiking on Point Peron, the tour combines active exploration with relaxing breaks, ensuring everyone stays engaged.

All-Inclusive Convenience: For $115, you get kayaks, paddles, life jackets, transport from Perth (if needed), lunch, and guided activities. This comprehensive approach means no hidden costs or worries about gear.

Environmental Respect: The tour emphasizes not touching marine life, promoting responsible viewing, which is vital for preserving these delicate ecosystems.

This tour is perfect for active travelers who want to blend outdoor adventure with wildlife encounters. It suits those who enjoy scenic paddling, nature photography, and casual trekking. The fact that no paddling experience is necessary makes it accessible for beginners, but the physical nature still offers a rewarding challenge.

Families with children aged 4+ will find this an engaging way to introduce young explorers to marine life. However, it might not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues, due to the activities involved.

Duration: 4 hours, including transport, paddling, lunch, and hike.
Price: $115 per person, which covers gear, guide, lunch, and transport.
What to Bring: Hat, swimwear, sunscreen, water, camera, and comfortable clothing suitable for both kayaking and hiking.
Not Allowed: Touching marine life — the guides are strict about preserving wildlife.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible at the start/finish point, but the paddling and hiking should be considered based on individual mobility.
Cancellation Policy: Full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

This Shoalwater Islands Marine Park Sea Kayaking Tour offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of Western Australia’s marine environment. Guests rave about the knowledgeable guides, the stunning scenery, and the opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. It’s an ideal choice for adventure lovers, nature photographers, and families eager for a day outdoors.

While physically active, the tour’s manageable pace and clear instructions make it accessible for most. The inclusion of a scenic hike and a relaxing picnic lunch rounds out the experience beautifully, making it feel like a full-day escape into nature.

If you’re after a mix of fun, education, and incredible wildlife sightings, this tour delivers on all fronts. It’s a chance to connect with nature, learn from passionate guides, and create lasting memories in one of Australia’s most beautiful marine parks.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, no paddling experience is needed. The tandem kayaks are stable and easy to paddle, and guides provide full instructions.

How long is each paddling leg?
The first paddle to Seal Island is about 15 minutes, covering roughly 1 kilometer. The return paddle from Point Peron is about 2.5 kilometers and takes around 30-45 minutes depending on conditions.

What wildlife will I see?
You’re likely to see dolphins, Australian Sea Lions, pelicans, ospreys, cormorants, and sea eagles, among other seabirds.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a healthy, delicious picnic lunch is provided at the scenic Point Peron.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, water, and a camera. Wear comfortable clothes suitable for paddling and hiking.

Can I snorkel or swim?
You may do so if conditions permit, but ensure to follow guide instructions and not touch marine life.

Is transportation from Perth provided?
Transport from the city is included if needed; otherwise, meeting instructions will be shared.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 4 years old can participate, but very young children or those with mobility issues might find paddling or hiking challenging.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours can be canceled or rescheduled with full refunds if weather conditions become unsafe.

How accessible is the tour?
The start/finish point is wheelchair accessible, but kayaking and hiking may require some mobility adjustments.

This sea kayaking adventure in Shoalwater Bay promises a day of active discovery and wildlife encounters in one of WA’s most scenic marine parks — perfect for nature lovers and outdoor explorers alike.