5
Moderate
Activities
  • 5 days kayaking
  • Day walks
Accommodation
  • 1 night hotel
  • 4 nights camping
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts

6 Days$3595AUD

View Inclusions
Trip Code: WISK

Trip highlights

  • Sea kayaking through the spectacular Whitsunday Islands
  • Camping on iconic Whitehaven Beach
  • Snorkelling vibrant fringing coral reefs and encountering colourful marine life
  • Hiking to spectacular island lookouts
  • Paddling between Whitsunday and Hook Islands
  • Keeping watch for turtles, stingrays and other marine life

Why Book With Us

  • Kayaks and all safety gear provided
  • Over 30 years experience operating sea kayaking

The Whitsunday Islands, located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, are one of Australia’s most spectacular tropical island destinations. With turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, vibrant fringing coral reefs and abundant marine life, the islands provide an incredible setting for a sea kayaking adventure. Some highlights of the trip include camping on iconic Whitehaven Beach, paddling between Whitsunday and Hook Islands, snorkelling the colourful reefs of Maureen’s Cove and hiking to spectacular island lookouts. Keep watch for turtles and stingrays from your kayak and discover an incredible variety of reef fish beneath the water. Join us on this six day adventure as we paddle, snorkel, hike and camp amongst the unforgettable natural beauty of the Whitsundays.

Activities:

Itinerary

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Make your own way to Mantra Club Croc in Cannonvale, located approximately five minutes drive from Airlie Beach. Room check-in is available from 2pm and the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. At 5pm, meet your kayak guide at the hotel for a group briefing. Your guide will distribute the dry bags provided for the expedition and explain how and what to pack, as well as confirming the following morning’s pick-up time and answering any questions. Luggage not required during the kayaking expedition can be stored at the hotel if you are returning after the trip, or at the kayak base in Shute Harbour. Please ensure your dry bags are packed and ready for the following morning. Airlie Beach is easily accessible from the hotel via a scenic waterfront boardwalk and offers a range of cafes and restaurants for dinner this evening.

Meals:  Nil

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the kayak base at Shute Harbour. Here we join a fast water taxi for the journey to spectacular Whitehaven Beach, located on the south-east coast of Whitsunday Island. On arrival, we set up camp and enjoy a picnic lunch on the iconic white silica sands before our guides provide a full kayaking and safety briefing. We then launch the kayaks and paddle across to nearby Haslewood Island, where we can explore the colourful fringing coral gardens around Chalkie’s Beach and Windy Bay. Keep watch for the abundant marine life found here, including schools of colourful reef fish. Returning to Whitehaven Beach, there may be time for a short bushwalk to Chance Bay Lookout for views across the southern end of Whitsunday Island and the surrounding islands. We return to camp to relax on the beach and enjoy our first island sunset followed by dinner under the stars. Paddling distance: approximately 6km (1–1.25 hours).

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we break camp, pack the kayaks and begin our journey north along the spectacular coastline of Whitsunday Island. Whitehaven Beach stretches for seven kilometres and its famous white silica sands provide an impressive backdrop as we paddle north, often assisted by the south-easterly trade winds. Near the entrance to Hill Inlet, we stop for a swim and walk to the renowned lookout for spectacular views over the swirling sands and turquoise waters below. Green sea turtles and stingrays are often seen in the shallows around the inlet. Returning to the kayaks, we continue along the east coast of Whitsunday Island to Cairn Beach. Our campsite is tucked amongst sheltered bushland and fragrant bottlebrush, providing a peaceful setting for our second night on the islands. Paddling distance: approximately 20km (4-5 hours).

Meals:  B,L,D

We begin the day with an early morning walk to Cairn Lookout. The steep climb is rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views across the Whitsundays, including Hook and Border Islands. Returning to camp for breakfast, we pack the kayaks and take to the water for the crossing to Hook Island. Along the way, keep watch for green sea turtles and stingrays swimming beneath and alongside the kayaks. Our destination is beautiful Crayfish Beach, overlooking Mackerel Bay. The waters surrounding the campsite offer excellent snorkelling, with colourful coral, schools of reef fish and the possibility of spotting giant clams amongst the coral gardens. After exploring the underwater world, we settle into camp and enjoy another evening beneath the stars. Paddling distance: approximately 9km (1.5–2 hours).

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we launch the kayaks and paddle around the north-eastern tip of Hook Island, known as the Pinnacles, and into the island’s more protected northern waters. We stop at Maureen’s Cove for lunch and the opportunity to snorkel directly from the coral beach. This renowned snorkelling location features underwater valleys and caves and is home to abundant marine life, with the possibility of seeing giant Maori wrasse and manta rays. After lunch and time to explore beneath the water, we continue by kayak to Steens Beach where we set up camp for our final night in the Whitsunday Islands. Paddling distance: approximately 13km (3–4 hours).

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we break camp for the final time and paddle west towards Bali Hai, also known as Black Island. This tiny picturesque island is surrounded by colourful coral gardens where parrotfish and coral trout can often be seen. We continue to pristine Langford Island, where there is another opportunity to snorkel and perhaps spot turtles in the surrounding waters. After lunch on the island’s sand spit and, time permitting, a short walk, we meet our water taxi for the afternoon transfer back to Shute Harbour. On arrival at the kayak base, we unpack and collect any luggage stored before the expedition. A complimentary transfer back to Airlie Beach is included for those returning to town. Accommodation and dinner this evening are not included. The paddling distance today will depend on the tides and the scheduled water taxi pick-up time.

Meals:  B,L

Inclusions

What's included

  • 4 nights camping and 1 night twin share hotel accommodation in Airlie Beach
  • 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners, plus snacks, starting with breakfast on Day 2
  • Professional kayaking guides
  • National Park entry, reef and camping fees
  • Tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag and camping equipment
  • All cooking equipment including cups, plates and eating utensils and camp chairs
  • Double sea kayaks, with single kayaks available on request and subject to guide approval
  • Snorkelling equipment and stinger suits
  • 2 x 20 litre dry bags for personal equipment
  • Transfer from group accommodation in Airlie Beach to Shute Harbour
  • Water taxi transfers to and from the islands
  • Transfer from Shute Harbour to Airlie Beach at the conclusion of the trip
  • Emergency communications and group first-aid equipment

  • Flights, transport and transfers to and from Airlie Beach
  • Accommodation in Airlie Beach after the trip
  • Dinner on Day 1 and dinner on Day 6
  • Items of a personal nature: alcoholic beverages, car parking etc
  • Travel insurance

Accommodation

Camping in the Whitsunday Islands

We camp for four nights in stunning beach locations on Whitsunday and Hook Islands. During the kayaking expedition we’ll be self-sufficient, with food and camping equipment carried in the kayaks. Tents and camping equipment are supplied. Campsites are scenic but basic, with established toilet facilities but no showers and only limited opportunities to wash with fresh water. The first night of the trip will be at Mantra Club Croc in Airlie Beach, booked on a twin share basis. Accommodation after the trip on Day 6 is not included.

Suitability

Moderate

5

Sea kayaking can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate level of fitness and is often compared to brisk walking or cycling. Previous kayaking experience is not necessary, however participants should have a sound level of fitness and a sense of adventure. The difficulty of each day will depend on weather and sea conditions, so flexibility and a positive attitude are important. The trip caters for both regular paddlers and those who are new to sea kayaking. Double kayaks are primarily used to maximise safety and the overall experience of the group. Single kayaks may be available on request, subject to the guide’s approval and demonstration of suitable experience. In general, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the trip. Regular walking, cycling, swimming or other aerobic exercise in the lead-up to departure will help prepare you for consecutive days of paddling.

Departure dates


Notes

DN1
In addition to the World Expeditions deposit, you will also be required to pay an additional deposit of AUD$400 (paid in your local currency at the current rate of exchange).

Priceper person from

$3595AUD

Options & Supplements*
    *Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Whitsunday Islands Kayak Expedition trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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It is a condition of booking a tour with us, and your responsibility to ensure that you are adequately insured for the full duration of the tour in respect of illness, injury, pre-existing medical conditions, death, loss of baggage and personal items and cancellation and curtailment. You must provide evidence to TEX that you have obtained personal travel insurance. You must ensure that your personal travel insurance covers all of the activities you expect to participate in.

Each trip departure takes a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10 participants.

Mobile coverage is usually available where we paddle. We recommend you join the trip with your devices fully charged and carry spare batteries where applicable. Bring along a power bank or compact solar charger if you have one as there is no electricity at the campsites. Your guides carry a VHF marine radio for emergencies and satellite communication devices. We ask that you switch your phone to silent and consider other group members when using technology

We camp for five nights in stunning beach locations. During the trip we’ll be self-sufficient and all food, water and camp gear are carried in the kayaks. Provided tents are twin share tents, or you may like to bring your own tent, provided it is of suitable size. Composting toilets are available at Hazards Beach, Cooks Beach, Wineglass Bay and Friendly Beaches. There are no shower facilities. All camping gear, including cooking equipment and camp chairs, is supplied.

The first night of the trip will be in a hotel in Hobart, booked on a twin share basis with ensuite. Single supplement is available on a request basis for this night only (limited).

Meals are freshly prepared by the guides who are fantastic camp cooks. Breakfasts are a mix of hot and cold, with items such as muesli, fruit salad, scrambled eggs and pancakes on offer. Lunches are picnic-style, with a selection of wraps, crackers, cheese, cold meat and salad. Dinners are varied daily with emphasis on Tasmanian ingredients. Mains may be pasta with a freshly made sauce, lamb curry with chutney, a Mexican spread or a laksa with fresh ingredients. We are happy to cater for vegetarians and other special dietary requirements - please advise us at the time of booking.

Freycinet Peninsula has a cool, temperate climate dominated by the westerly flow of winds that blow across the Southern Ocean. November to April are the warmest months with air temperatures ranging from as low as 8°C to a comfortable 23°C, although fluctuations above and below these averages are common, often all in the space of a day! The ocean temperatures remain relatively stable over the course of the year, averaging between a refreshing 13-17°C from November to April. While rain can occur at any time of year, the summer months are typically dominated by a warm, dry northerly stream of air.

Our paddling will mostly take place in Great Oyster Bay, which is sheltered from the open ocean swell. However, we do hope to access the spectacular cliffs on the east coast of Freycinet Peninsula and to do so may require up to three hours in a kayak with the possibility of landing or launching in small waves. For the most part, the paddling is of moderate level and some previous kayaking experience is recommended. You do not need to be an expert kayaker or know how to roll, however, it is important to have a sound level of ftness and, most of all, a sense of adventure. The degree of difficulty of the trip will depend on the weather we encounter. We ask that all participants feel confident in swimming.

The kayaks used are Wilderness Systems Tsunami singles and Mission Eco Niizh doubles, all sit-in with rudder. The kayaks are stable, easy to paddle and control and suited for beginners to experts. On day one of the trip you will be given a thorough briefing on all aspects of sea kayaking techniques with ample time to practice and familiarise yourself with the kayaks.

Paddles used are Werner Skagit at 220cm length. All paddles are split for easy adjustment to suit your style.

Other equipment supplied include your PFD (personal flotation device), 2 x 20L dry bag, a set of pogies (paddling mittens), a paddling cag (an over-the-head style jacket that has seals on the waist, wrist and neck offering protection from wind and rain).

The trip starts with a night of accommodation in Hobart on day 1. Check-in is from 3pm. Please ensure you arrive before the 5:30pm briefing.

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Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.