Recognised for Excellence in Eco-Tourism & Adventure

Sydney by Kayak has been proudly awarded for its commitment to sustainable tourism, outstanding customer service, and environmental leadership—setting the gold standard for kayak experiences on Sydney Harbour.

Honours, Memberships & Industry Recognition

At Sydney by Kayak, we’re proud to be recognised by leading tourism and paddling bodies across Australia. Over the years, our commitment to safety, sustainability, and delivering unforgettable experiences has earned us multiple awards, accreditations, and memberships with respected industry organisations. These honours reflect more than just recognition—they represent the care, passion, and high standards we bring to every tour.

Achievements in Eco-Tourism & Innovation

Australian Tourism Awards 2024

Finalists for Eco-Tourism, recognising excellence in sustainable travel experiences across Australia.

NSW Tourism Awards 2024

Silver Winners in the Ecotourism category for delivering high-quality, eco-conscious tours in Sydney.

NSW Woman of the Year 2024

Awarded to Laura Stone for leadership, community contribution, and innovation in sustainable tourism.

BBP Sustainability Award 2023

Recognised as Overall Sustainability Business of the Year for environmental stewardship and initiatives.

NSW Tourism Awards 2023

Gold Winners in the Ecotourism category for consistent excellence and responsible tourism practices.

Take 3 for the Sea Award 2023

Gold winners for Visitor Litter Prevention, supporting marine conservation through education and action.

BBP Leisure & Venues Award 2023

Sustainability award recognising outstanding environmental efforts in leisure and public spaces.

Tourism Accreditation 2023

Certified as a Quality Tourism Accredited Business with Eco Star and Sustainable Tourism recognitions.

Australian Tourism Finalists 2023

Finalists in the Ecotourism category, celebrating innovation and sustainability in outdoor experiences.

Sustainable Cities Award 2022

Winners of the Keep Australia Beautiful Litter Prevention Award for city-wide eco-initiatives.

NSW Tourism Awards 2022

Gold winners in Ecotourism, highlighting dedication to nature-focused visitor experiences.

NSW Tourism Awards 2021

Bronze winners for Ecotourism and excellence as a specialised business in the tourism industry.

Northshore Business Award 2021

Recognised as the top Specialised Business in the local community for quality and service.

Business Person of the Year 2021

Laura Stone honoured for entrepreneurial vision, sustainability, and community leadership.

BBP Sustainability Runners-Up 2021

Commended in the Better Business Partnership Sustainability Awards by North Sydney Council.

Kayak Instructor of the Year 2020

Laura Stone named NSW Kayak Instructor of the Year for safety, leadership and expertise.

TripAdvisor Choice Award 2020

Travellers’ Choice winner based on consistently high customer ratings and outstanding service.

Northshore Business Award 2020

Awarded for being an Outstanding Specialised Business serving the local area.

NSW Tourism Awards 2019

Silver winners for providing eco-focused, high-impact kayaking experiences on Sydney Harbour.

TripAdvisor Excellence Award 2017

Certificate of Excellence awarded for top-rated experiences by global travellers.

Leading the Way in Sustainable Adventure

Sydney by Kayak is proud to be a Quality Tourism Accredited Business, recognised for exceeding expectations in customer service, safety, and sustainability. We’ve achieved Level 2 Sustainable Tourism Accreditation and proudly hold Eco Star Certification, reflecting our dedication to delivering exceptional, eco-conscious experiences on Sydney Harbour.

Proudly Certified by Ecotourism Australia

We’re proudly certified through Ecotourism Australia’s world leading ecotourism certification program. This means that when you kayak with us, you are supporting a business that is backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and provides high-quality, nature-based tourism experiences. Our certification demonstrates our commitment to:

  • Looking after our natural environmen
  • Offering quality interpretation and educating paddlers
  • Supporting and engaging our local community
  • Reducing our carbon footprint
  • Protecting our unique wildlife and endangered species
  • Making real contributions to conservation
  • Helping to preserve Australian Indigenous cultures
  • Providing an unforgettable, high-quality, 5-star experience

The Ecotourism Australia Certification programs are recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)

Things You Might Want to Know

See Full FAQ List

Our kayak tours and Sydney Harbour Highlights Tour are a great way to experience kayaking for the first time. Kayak Guides will brief you on safety and demonstrate the best paddling techniques, ensuring you have a great time out on the harbour. Let us know if you are a ‘newbie’ on the paddle questionnaire, so we can give you all the pro tips before you hit the water.

Just like a trip to the beach, you will need sunscreen, water, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable kayaking clothes that you don’t mind getting a little wet from paddle splash.

Thongs/flip flops are okay in the kayak, but water shoes are highly recommended to protect you from oyster shells on the beach.

We use single kayaks, which are extremely stable, comfortable, and great for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

Never fear — if you fall behind or get tired, our guides will happily give you a rest by towing you behind their kayaks. (This option is great for kids, although adults have been known to take us up on the offer too!)

Things You Might Want to Know

See Full FAQ List

Our kayak tours and Sydney Harbour Highlights Tour are a great way to experience kayaking for the first time. Kayak Guides will brief you on safety and demonstrate the best paddling techniques, ensuring you have a great time out on the harbour. Let us know if you are a ‘newbie’ on the paddle questionnaire, so we can give you all the pro tips before you hit the water.

Just like a trip to the beach, you will need sunscreen, water, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable kayaking clothes that you don’t mind getting a little wet from paddle splash.

Thongs/flip flops are okay in the kayak, but water shoes are highly recommended to protect you from oyster shells on the beach.

We use single kayaks, which are extremely stable, comfortable, and great for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

Never fear — if you fall behind or get tired, our guides will happily give you a rest by towing you behind their kayaks. (This option is great for kids, although adults have been known to take us up on the offer too!)