Discover More with a Local Guide

Our guided tours are designed for those wanting more than just a paddle. With an experienced guide leading the way, you’ll gain local knowledge, paddle with confidence and discover parts of Port Stephens that many visitors never experience.

If you’re a nature lover or looking for a more adventurous outing, our tours offer a safe, enjoyable and informative way to explore the stunning coastline. Along the way, we’ll share local stories, keep an eye out for wildlife and help you appreciate the unique natural beauty that makes Port Stephens so special.

Choose Your Adventure

Shoal Bay Short Paddle

An Introduction to Adventure

Perfect for beginners, families and anyone looking for an easy-going adventure experience, the Shoal Bay Short Paddle is our most popular guided experience.

This scenic 1.5-hour tour circumnavigates the magnificent waters of Shoal Bay, taking you beneath the towering slopes of Mount Tomaree while enjoying spectacular coastal scenery from a unique perspective.

Suitable for novice paddlers and a wide range of fitness levels, this tour is a fantastic introduction to kayak adventures, and an ideal way to experience the beauty of Port Stephens with the reassurance of an experienced guide.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 Hours

Suitable for: Beginners and most fitness levels

The Sanctuary Explorer

Our Signature Adventure

If you’re looking for a true paddling adventure, The Sanctuary Explorer delivers an unforgettable experience.

This longer tour ventures beyond the sheltered waters of Shoal Bay to explore the spectacular coastline and pristine waters of Port Stephens. The journey is more physically demanding, but the reward is breathtaking scenery, sheltered marine sanctuaries and a high likelihood of encountering dolphins, rays and other local wildlife along the way.

This tour is best suited to paddlers with previous kayaking experience and a reasonable level of fitness.

If you’re new to kayaking, we recommend hiring a kayak first to become familiar with the equipment before taking on this more challenging adventure.

Suitable for: Experienced paddlers with reasonable fitness

What's Included

Every guided tour includes:

Experienced local guide

Safety briefing and paddling instruction

Well-maintained kayak and paddle

Life jacket (PFD)

Complimentary dry bag (subject to availability)

Local knowledge, wildlife interpretation and paddling tips

Before You Book

To ensure everyone enjoys their experience safely, we recommend choosing a tour that matches your paddling ability and fitness level.

If you’re unsure which tour is right for you, we’re always happy to help you decide.

Tour Comparison

Shoal Bay Short Paddle
The Sanctuary Explorer
Duration
1.5 Hours
Approximately 3 Hours
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Moderate to Challenging
Experience
No experience required
Previous kayaking experience
Fitness
Reasonable/Moderate
Moderate/High
Distance
3–4 km
7–10 km
Wildlife Chances
Good! but not guaranteed
Great! But not guaranteed.

Have a question before you head out?

Our Frequently Asked Questions page covers many of the things people ask us before booking, including what to bring, what to expect, safety information and more.

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to get in touch.

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

Join us on the water and discover the beauty of Port Stephens with the confidence of an experienced local guide.
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