Water activity

Sydney: Kayak to Goat Island At The Heart of Sydney Harbour

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Water activity
Sydney: Kayak to Goat Island At The Heart of Sydney Harbour
Top rated
5
23 reviews

Explore Sydney's magnificent harbor on an unforgettable kayaking adventure. Paddle to the heart of the harbor, take photos in your kayak framed by Sydney Harbour Bridge, and discover Goat Island by landing in a secret cove with your special access permit.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 3 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Instructor
English
Small group
Limited to 6 participants

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

N
Nick – Australia

Matt was a great guide who was super friendly and we thoroughly enjoyed the morning with him and the group. Matt was full of local knowledge and facts and we thought the photos of us with the harbour bridge in the backgroind,which we got emailed at the end, were awesome!

B
Bethany – Germany

This was awesome! Really enjoyed learning about sydney past and present and how to use a proper kayak :) The best kayak trip I've been on in ages - views from Goat Island are fab and bridge photos from kayak 👏

Highlights

  • Admire fantastic views of Sydney from the heart of its harbor
  • Get up close and personal to the harbor's built environs, natural wonders, and marine life
  • Make the most of the experience with your expert guide and top-notch kayak
  • Explore the magnificent Goat Island on foot, with landing permit included
  • Take home fantastic memories with free professional photos

Full description

Head out on a morning sea kayak adventure on Sydney's beautiful harbor. Paddle to the centre of the harbor to take photos by Sydney Harbor Bridge, before exploring Goat Island on foot with your expert guide.

Escape the noise of the city, and simply enjoy the sound of your paddle in the water and the sea birds squawking above as you paddle in the harbor. Get up close and personal to both the built environs and natural wonders of the harbor, including its marine inhabitants.

After reaching the center of the harbor, pose with Sydney Harbour Bridge for your guide to take high-quality shots of you. Then, land in a secret cove on Goat Island (Memel in the local Aboriginal language), and explore the area on foot. Make the most of this experience: Goat Island is closed to the public and landing is by special permit only, included in your tour.

Paddle back via Darling Harbour, and take a hot shower, if you like. Take advantage of the end-point's proximity to the famous Sydney Fish Markets, and refuel with a great lunch.

Includes

  • Professional grade sea kayaks and gear (single and double kayaks available)
  • Expert, fully-qualified sea kayak guide (who will eskimo roll on demand!)
  • PFD (life jacket), safety briefing, and quick introduction to the latest developments in kayak paddling techniques
  • Professional grade photos sent by file transfer upon completion of your tour
  • Food and drink

Not suitable for

  • Children under 16 years
  • People with back problems
  • People with mobility impairments
  • People who can't ride a bike
  • Wheelchair users
  • People with vertigo
  • Non-swimmers
  • People with respiratory issues
  • People with haemophilia
  • People prone to seasickness
  • People with pre-existing medical conditions
  • People with low level of fitness
  • People with motion sickness
  • People over 200 lbs (91 kg)

Select participants and date

Meeting point

Meet at the Sydney University Boat Shed, 123 Ferry Road, Glebe NSW 2037. Just wait at the end of Ferry Road to meet your guide.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Change of clothes
  • Towel
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Sportswear

Not allowed

  • Smoking

Know before you go

  • Tour participants should have a reasonable to high level of fitness and not be afraid of water
  • Please don't be late as there may be others waiting
  • Tours begin at 8 AM and finish around 11 AM

Customer reviews

Overall rating

5 /5

based on 23 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Transportation
    4.9/5
  • Value for money
    4.7/5

Customer photos

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N
Nick – Australia22 January 2025 – Verified booking
Matt was a great guide who was super friendly and we thoroughly enjoyed the morning with him and the group. Matt was full of local knowledge and facts and we thought the photos of us with the harbour bridge in the backgroind,which we got emailed at the end, were awesome!
B
Bethany – Germany29 March 2024 – Verified booking
This was awesome! Really enjoyed learning about sydney past and present and how to use a proper kayak :) The best kayak trip I've been on in ages - views from Goat Island are fab and bridge photos from kayak 👏
H
Hannah – Australia25 March 2024 – Verified booking
I seriously had the most wonderful experience! Such great value for money learning to kayak in a proper sea kayak with a very experience guide who has a wealth of knowledge about the area and its history. Couldn’t fault the experience at all, it truely was a magical morning. I have a new found love for sea kayaking and would gladly go back a second and third time!!! With no experience having done this before, I felt very safe at all times during the activity. If you’re looking for great value for money look no further because this is the kayaking trip you’ve been looking for!!!! Fantastic day and an absolute highlight of my holiday.

Product ID: 226219

Activity provider:Paddle Pirates

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