Everything You Need to Know Before Paddle
Quirky, intelligent, and entertaining, our team has been asked them all. Remember, there is no such thing as a silly question—so don’t be too scared to ask. If you don’t find what you need to know below, then please contact us.
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 along behind their kayaks. (This option is great for kids, although adults have been known to take us up on the offer too!)
Our kayaks are wider but shorter than some kayaks—which makes them very stable. For the tall (or those with long legs), we may need to make adjustments for your comfort. Please send us an email and we can organise a trial setup for you. The weight restriction for our kayaks is 110 kg / 240 lb.
All bookings and payments are made through our website, and you will receive confirmation of booking via email (so please double-check your email address). We love connecting with all of you social butterflies on our social media pages, and you will often find tour availability there. But expressing your interest through social media does not confirm a space on a tour—always go to our website to book.
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.
All paddlers on a Sydney by Kayak tour will enjoy amazing views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and we’ll snap some amazing photos of you with the bridge in the background. Kayaking under the bridge, however, is only guaranteed during the warmer months on the Sunrise Kayak and Coffee tour (as it departs before the ferries begin). Sunrise tours during our off-peak season, when the ferries are busy during their commuter time, will mean our route will change to a stunning paddle into Berry’s Bay instead. Please rest assured, you will still enjoy stunning photos and views of the Bridge and Opera House on our Sunrise Kayak and Coffee tours. After the busy commuter period, the ferries quieten down again for a while, allowing our popular Sydney Harbour Bridge tour to take paddlers under the Bridge. Please note the harbour can still be a little choppy under the bridge at this time, so we do recommend paddlers are not completely new to kayaking for this one. To help us understand everyone's abilities, please complete the paddler questionnaire when booking, telling us about your kayaking experience.
Weather is notoriously difficult to predict, especially for a natural, sheltered harbour like Sydney, and experience has told us that the forecast is often incorrect. We would hate for you to miss out on a beautiful tour, so please arrive at the boat ramp regardless of the weather forecast. We want your Sydney by Kayak experience to be memorable for all the right reasons, and we will do our best to get you out on the harbour for an incredible, safe, and memorable experience. Paddles will go ahead if it just looks a little wet, so pack your raincoat and sense of adventure! Should it look unsafe for kayaking, we will provide a store credit and/or an alternative date or a 90% refund. For those of you who are coming from afar and don’t want to make the trip to the boat ramp to see what the weather is doing, please call us the day before to discuss options.
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.
Be prepared for paddle splash and wear something you don’t mind getting wet, such as shorts, leggings, rash vest, or comfy gym clothes. Winter Sunrise Tours can be chilly first thing in the morning, so add an extra layer or two, a windbreaker, gloves, and a beanie.
Lavender Bay has free parking for up to 2 hours on Lavender Crescent (off Lavender Street), and there is usually plenty of parking during our morning tours. Additional parking can be found on King George and surrounding streets.
- All equipment including a single kayak, paddle, and life jacket (available in various sizes)
- Qualified, experienced, and friendly guides/instructors
- Full safety briefing and kayak instruction prior to departure
- Pre-ordered barista-made coffee, tea, hot chocolate or food (as advertised for your tour)
- Free digital photos taken by your guides
Kayaking is a fun family experience and we welcome children 8 and above (children under 15 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian 18 years or older). Our Eco and Social kayaks are more suited to younger paddlers as they don’t involve an early start! If your kids struggle, we have tow lines for you or your guides to assist.
Our tours leave from the Lavender Bay boat ramp. Meet by the boat ramp on Railway Avenue, at the bottom of Lavender Crescent in Lavender Bay.
Spaces are limited on our tours so that we can provide a 5-star, personalised experience. We understand that plans sometimes change, but we appreciate your advance notice so that we can offer the space to others. In the event that you need to move your tour to an alternative date, click on the ‘manage my booking’ option in your confirmation email and follow the steps. Please refer to our terms and conditions for our cancellation and refund policy.
We are a mobile business and you will not find a shed, shop, or storage place at our launch sites. If you arrive early and can’t see the Sydney by Kayak van or kayaks, don’t worry—our guides are probably picking up your hot coffees! Check your map in your confirmation email to make sure you are in the right place.
Tour times vary throughout the year based on sunrise times. Most tours are two hours, with the exception of the Clean-up Paddle which is 90 minutes, and the Eco Tour, which is 2.5 hours. This includes meet-and-greet, safety briefing, launch, and paddle time. View launch times, availability, and pricing for specific dates by clicking on ‘Book now’.
We can create a corporate or private package to suit your needs—from work gatherings and corporate social responsibility events to birthday parties, hen’s brunches, and everything in between. Email info@sydneybykayak.com.au with the details.