Kayaking with Dolphins in Byron Bay Guided Tour
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Byron Bay, Australia
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Spotting dolphins from land is exciting, but kayaking alongside them is a truly special experience. From Byron Bay, journey along the waters of Cape Byron Marine Park as your local guide leads you to locations that maximize your chances of seeing bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat—you might even catch a glimpse of whales and sea turtles, too.
- Guaranteed dolphin sightings or enjoy another tour for free
- Meet your guide and group at a handy central Byron Bay location
- Choice of morning and afternoon departures to suit your schedule
- Marine park entry fees are included for ease
What's Included
- Professional guide
- National Park fees
- Safety gears
- Wetsuits (upon request)
- All-you-can-eat Tim-Tams
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Cape Byron KayaksOpposite, 62 Lawson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
Opposite 62 Lawson St, 15 minutes prior to the tour.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
With relatively calm, protected waters and an abundance of marine life, Cape Byron Marine Park is an ideal sea kayaking spot. Choose from a morning or afternoon departure. You’ll be outfitted with a paddle, safety vest and a two-person sea kayak designed for ease and stability. All levels of kayaking experience are welcome.
Follow your knowledgeable surf-and-sea guides out into the marine park, learning about the area’s natural and cultural history as you paddle. Your guides will navigate the group toward the path of a local pod of more than 300 dolphins that are regularly seen swimming, splashing and jumping in the area. Get an amazingly up-close encounter with these smart and playful creatures in their natural habitat.
Keep an eye out for other marine life including sea turtles and migrating humpback whales (May to November). Disembark on a lovely local beach and refresh with morning or afternoon tea and coffee, served with hot drinks and chocolate biscuits.
In the rare event that your group does not encounter any dolphins, you can take the tour again on another day, free of charge.
Follow your knowledgeable surf-and-sea guides out into the marine park, learning about the area’s natural and cultural history as you paddle. Your guides will navigate the group toward the path of a local pod of more than 300 dolphins that are regularly seen swimming, splashing and jumping in the area. Get an amazingly up-close encounter with these smart and playful creatures in their natural habitat.
Keep an eye out for other marine life including sea turtles and migrating humpback whales (May to November). Disembark on a lovely local beach and refresh with morning or afternoon tea and coffee, served with hot drinks and chocolate biscuits.
In the rare event that your group does not encounter any dolphins, you can take the tour again on another day, free of charge.
Cape Byron Kayaks (Pass By)
Byron Bay (Pass By)
Clarks Beach Park (Pass By)
Wategos Beach (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Everyone 18+ must be able to swim 25 meters unaided. Non swimming adults who book the tour are not entitled to a refund
- Not recommended for child aged under 5 years old
- A public liability waiver is required to be signed prior to departure. Should you wish to receive this more than 24hrs in advance please call +61 2 6680 9555
- This tour will proceed in the rain. Customers who cancel less then 24hrs prior to a tour due to rainy conditions are not entitled to a refund or free swap. Choosing to opt out of a tour due to rain does not warrant a refund.
- This is a tour in the open ocean and all paddlers need to be confident in the open water.
- A reasonable level of fitness and ability to paddle my/our own kayak is required
- Inability to paddle my own kayak in moderate conditions is not a reason for a refund
- If the tour does not see dolphins or whales (during whale season), I am entitled to a free return tour but I am NOT entitled to any refund. Free return tours are non-transferable.
- Cancellations or changes to a booking within 24 hours of tour start time are not allowed and non-refundable. No exceptions.
- Guests must check in no later than 15 mins prior to scheduled tour departure
- Please note: There is an hours time difference between QLD and NSW during summer daylight saving time - please check if travelling from QLD
- Please bring: sun protection, waterproof camera, water bottle and a towel
- Each Child under 16 MUST be accompanied by a adult. Failure to comply will result in you not being able to join the tour and no refund will be issued
- In booking this tour I acknowledge that I and everyone in my group (if applicable): • Is aware that this is a tour in the open ocean and I/we are confident in the open water • I/We has a reasonable level of fitness and ability to paddle my/our own kayak • We acknowledge that an inability to paddle my own kayak in moderate conditions is not a reason for a refund.
- I understand that this tour will proceed in the rain.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 32 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Nathalie_B
The moment you arrive the guides are informative helpful and kind. The tour itself was wonderful. The water is so clean and clear you can see easily see any wildlife that’s in your area. We also did a slight ocean wave catching and the guides were very helpful with our inexperienced visitors. All in all for the price one was extremely satisfied. Thank you for the tour.
Highly recommend.
Reviews
4.4
based on 396 reviews
Bac_P, Apr 2026
Quite physical and you should not be prone to sea sickness
The guides were great, with a sense if humour and took great care of us. Lots of dolphins and a beautiful 150 year old turtle! This was the experience of a lifetime. Thanks!!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
How amazing is nature it really does blow you away sometimes. Thanks for paddling with us we are stoked you enjoyed your experience.
Laura_W, Mar 2026
Relaxing, fun beautiful trip with friendly and knowledgable instructors - we didn’t actually see any dolphins so we get to come back for free anytime- it didn’t actually matter as we had a lovely time anyway, well worth a couple of hours of your Byron morning- I strongly recommend!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thanks so much for your review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such an enjoyable morning out on the water with our team — it really is a beautiful way to start the day.
We look forward to welcoming you back with our wildlife guarantee, and hopefully next time our resident dolphins will make an appearance 🐬 Thanks again for the recommendation, and we hope to paddle with you again soon!
Mary_D, Mar 2026
Amazing we saw so many dolphins. Friendly staff. Value for money. Although they didn’t take any photos of us.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thanks so much for the great feedback! We’re thrilled you got to see so many dolphins—that’s always a highlight—and that you found the team friendly and the experience good value.
We really appreciate your note about photos as well. While our guides do their best to capture everyone during the tour, there are times when this isn’t possible, and we sincerely apologise for missing you on this occasion.
Lesley_R, Mar 2026
Great experience - they are pretty guides were very competent and informative - looked after us really well - felt completely safe in their hands. We saw turtles and dolphins up pretty close to really make for a special experience.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thanks for taking the time to review us. How awesome is it to see wildlife ... in the wild!! Thanks for paddling with us we are super happy you enjoyed your experience.
Al_P, Mar 2026
Loved every minute. Endless dad jokes and tim tams. Only saw dolphins from a distance but still great
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We’re stoked you loved every minute — even if the dolphins were playing a little hard to get that day!
As for the endless dad jokes… we do apologise (but also absolutely do not 😄).
Thanks again for paddling with us and eating tim tams with us 😊🐬
Pauline_W, Feb 2026
A bit strenuous for a beginner but the guides ate very attentive and make sure everyone is safe and looked after
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Stoked you enjoyed your experience, it is so great to be out on the water. Unfortunately, our wild dolphins are sometimes elusive, but we really hope you use your free return tour in the future and we see you on the water again. Thanks for paddling with us and for taking the time to leave a review
Juan_P, Feb 2026
This is not a review.
The tour was cancelled by the operator due to unsafe ocean conditions.
Cape Byron Kayaks confirmed that a full refund applies and that it must be processed through Viator.
My booking appears as completed, but the activity did not take place.
I am requesting the full refund.
Please contact me regarding this booking.
Charity_P, Jan 2026
Fantastic tour guides - all of us loved the experience and would highly recommend!
If we had been in the area for longer we would have booked this again!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for the fantastic review! We’re so glad you loved the experience and our guides. It means a lot to hear you’d come back again — we’d love to see you on the water next time you’re in the area 😊
Folu_F, Jan 2026
Does exactly what it says on the tin - we saw so many dolphins! And they came so close to our kayaks, really special experience.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thanks so much for your review! We’re thrilled you had such a special experience and got to see so many dolphins up close — it really is something magical. Thanks for joining us and for taking the time to share your feedback 🐬
Helena_R, Dec 2025
Be be prepared to get wet. Quite windy and high waves made it more exciting. Unfortunately no dolphins, but a large turtle. We did not appreciate the guides internal jargong/teasing. Suggest you focus more on the guests...
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the turtle sighting. We’re sorry that the guides’ jargon impacted your experience — this isn’t our intention, and we will bring this up at the next staff meeting. We appreciate you letting us know. We hope to see you on the water again with your wildlife guarantee.
Diane_C, Dec 2025
Brilliant experience. The guides were fun and I felt really safe. Didn't feel uncomfortable as a solo traveller as several others. Saw a turtle and dolphins. Great value. I will definitely do it again. Don't miss out such fun and beautiful being in the ocean
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for the lovely review! We’re so glad you had a brilliant experience and felt safe and comfortable with our guides — that’s exactly what we aim for and you are right it really is beautiful out there. 🐬🐬
Kate_G, Dec 2025
We had a relaxing 2 hours, not too strenuous, great fun guides and we saw a lot of dolphins. Happy with the experience 100%😄👍
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thanks for the great feedback! We’re glad the tour was relaxing, enjoyable, and full of dolphins. Awesome to hear you were 100% happy with the experience!
Vicky_L, Nov 2025
What a fab experience! My partner and I struggled a bit with the kayak as we were both novices and so the instructors got us to switch Kayaks to go with them. They did this seamlessly and without making a fuss, reassuring us and being kind in the process. We were lucky enough to spot dolphins and so it was well worth doing. Thanks all for the great experience and support 😊
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thanks so much for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear that our team could step in and make things easier for you both — that’s exactly what we’re here for. It’s great that you were able to relax, enjoy the paddle, and see our beautiful resident dolphins along the way. Thanks for taking the time to write a review and for paddling with us.
Owen_G, Sep 2025
Great fun, safe and friendly. Really great way to spend a morning. We saw whales, dolphins and turtles. Incredible.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thanks heaps for paddling with us and leaving a review. The Trifactor!!!🐬🐳🐢
Aaron_W, Sep 2025
A great few hours on the sea! We were unfortunately the rare few that didn’t manage to see anything but would still recommend!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thanks so much for joining us and for taking the time to share your experience! We’re glad you still enjoyed your time out on the water, even though the wildlife didn’t make an appearance this trip. We’d love to welcome you back again with your wildlife guarantee and that has no expiry.
Nadia_A, Aug 2025
Couldn’t ask for more! Big pod of dolphins swimming right by us! Great leadership from the guides. No fuss, clear instructions, we had a great time. Thanks!
Dionne_W, Jul 2025
I went with my husband and very nervous 9 yo. He luckily went with one of the guides and he was amazing with him. We saw everything! Whales, up close dolphins, turtles. Unfortunately it got a bit scary as we fell out in the choppy open waters. By then we were a bit exhausted. But they gave us good instructions before hand on what to do and a very calm amazing Belgian instructor came to help. We fell out again as waves were getting bigger and boat was filling up with water and made the kayak unstable. He very calmly helped us again and swapped boats and got us out with the help of an other instructor. He handled the situation so well. He was directional, calm under pressure and confident and that put us at ease. Overall great experience.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us!
We're thrilled to hear that you all had such an exciting adventure and got to see whales, dolphins, and turtles up close—what a fantastic way to connect with nature!
We understand that falling out in choppy waters can be quite nerve-wracking. We're glad to hear that our guides were there for you during those moments and provided calm support when it was needed most.
Enjoy the memories, and thanks for taking the time to leave a review for us.
Nathalie_B, Jun 2025
The moment you arrive the guides are informative helpful and kind. The tour itself was wonderful. The water is so clean and clear you can see easily see any wildlife that’s in your area. We also did a slight ocean wave catching and the guides were very helpful with our inexperienced visitors. All in all for the price one was extremely satisfied. Thank you for the tour.
Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience on our tour. Our guides take great pride in being informative, helpful, and kind, so it’s fantastic to know they made a difference during your visit. How much fun is ocean wave catching; we love helping everyone have fun, regardless of their experience level. Your satisfaction means everything to us, and we truly appreciate your recommendation! Thank you once again for choosing us for your adventure.
Dale_W, Apr 2025
Amazing trip ! Got to see the dolphins and hundreds of them!
We took our 5 yr old and the instructor was brilliant with her
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Yay Yay and Yay!! So glad we were able to be part of this experience for you and your family and what great memories, to be 5 and see nature at its best. Thanks for paddling with us and taking the time to leave a review.
Thomas_N, Mar 2025
Amazing experience! The kayaking alone is fun and the sights are beautiful but there's a very high chance of seeing dolphins which makes it even more special. If no dolphins are seen then they allow you to rebook anytime in the future for free!
The staff are all amazing and very funny - can't fault anything with this trip
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with us! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your kayaking adventure and found the sights to be beautiful. The opportunity to see dolphins truly does make each trip special. I will pass on your kind words to the staff and thanks for paddling with us.
Leisa_T, Mar 2025
A really fun couple of hours paddling around Byron Bay. So lucky to have been in amongst the dolphins. Great experience.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thanks for paddling with us and for the review stoked you enjoyed your time with us and the dolphins.
Sheelagh_A, Mar 2025
I enjoyed the event even if it was more by luck than design. I’m in my 60s and a strong swimmer including open water so confident in the sea. I have never kayaked before and although the event description said no experience required I hadn’t appreciated the stamina required to paddle in the strong, gusty off shore winds we experienced. As a solo participant I shared a kayak with one of the three guides who looked after me very well. We saw dolphins at a distance, rode waves and we all made it back to shore (some with assistance) so all good on this occasion. My advice before booking is consider fitness, strength, stamina and confidence in the water and the possibility of being paired with someone of less ability. Cape Byron Kayaks don’t assess abilities and everyone is required to sign a waiver.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thanks for your review! We're so glad to hear that you enjoyed kayaking and felt well taken care of by our guides.
You bring up a great point - while no prior kayaking experience is required, conditions like offshore winds can add an extra challenge, and a reasonable level of fitness and confidence in the water is required.
We always strive to ensure our guests feel safe and supported throughout the experience. Your feedback is valuable, and we appreciate you sharing your perspective for future adventurers
DariuszTomasz_B, Jan 2025
I was disappointed after this canoe trip. It was announced as an attraction with the possibility of seeing marine fauna. In fact it was just paddling . Admittedly, after we had seen nothing we were offered another date for free , but we no longer had the day off for this. This was weak compared to expectations.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback regarding your recent kayak trip with us. We are sorry that the experience did not meet your expectations, particularly in relation to the opportunity to observe marine fauna. We understand how disappointing it can be when an anticipated aspect of an outing is not realised. While we strive to provide opportunities for wildlife sightings, nature can be unpredictable, and we regret that this impacted your enjoyment of the trip. Please note the wildlife guarantee does not have an expiry and can be used anytime you are back in Byron.
Leanne_Q, Jan 2025
Great morning out on the water with a guided team supporting us every step of the way. As we didn’t see any dolphins there was an offer to return anytime for free.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you and we definitely hope to see you out on the water again whenever you want to use your wildlife guarantee.
Stephanie_J, Dec 2024
I think this is a tour that everyone should do when visiting Byron Bay! It's a unique experience and a lot of fun! The guides were also very funny and helpful!
Response from Host, Dec 2024
So great to hear! It is such a great way to see Byron Bay, the Hinterland and the wildlife. Thanks for paddling with us.
REBECCA_W, Dec 2024
Really fun experience and felt 1000% safe! The guides were so fun and kind- I was nervous since I was traveling solo. Also, I was worried I might not make the tour because I had to take a bus down from Queensland, and the bus was a little late. I really appreciated the communication and that they were going to try to wait a few minutes for me, although it turned out I made it ok. This trip is really great for beginners - you will be able to relax and have fun!
Response from Host, Dec 2024
It was a pleasure to have you paddling with us and we are stoked you had a great time. Thanks for the review.
Venessa_E, Dec 2024
I've lived in Byron in the 80s and 90s. This my first time kayaking and it was everything. The guide paddled and we even caught a wave at Wategoes. It was so much fun. Seen dolphins and it was worth every cent. Just wish they posted my photo. Take a waterproof case to take photos. Byron is spectacular from water. Julian rock is the head of the rainbow serpent and mount Warning is his body. Sensational view.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thanks for your review! We are so happy to hear you had an awesome time and enjoyed the tour - its spectacular out there on the water!
Leanne_D, Nov 2024
The kayaking with dolphins experience was wonderful. The guides were professional yet fun and the dolphins frolicked around and under our kayaks. We were blessed with beautiful weather too.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thanks for joining us it really is such a blessing to be so close to wildlife here in The Bay.
Emma_F, Oct 2024
I went by myself for this tour and I’m so glad I did it! We were 10m away from whales and dolphins, the guides were fantastic and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Love this!! Thanks for joining us we love showing off the pure beauty of the bay. The bees knees and all!!
Debra_M, Oct 2024
My friend was unwell so went along on my own. I was about 30 years older than everyone else but I felt comfortable. The guides were all friendly and I was paired with one. We had a good laugh and thoroughly enjoyed the activity. Even saw dolphins and a baby whale playing. Was magical.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
So glad you enjoyed your experience, such a shame your friend was unwell, hopefully you can both come along again in the future and enjoy the tour together. Thanks for the review and for paddling with us.
From $65.08
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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