Rapid Bay, South Australia: Can I do a Fleurieu Peninsula kayaking tour?

Adventure Kayaking SA runs a Fleurieu Peninsula kayaking tour from Rapid Bay, South Australia. Expect to visit isolated beaches, sea caves and friendly sea lions.

There are several exceptional Fleurieu Peninsula beaches, including Sellicks Beach, Myponga Beach, Carrickalinga Beach and Normanville Beach. But Rapid Bay, South Australia, is often overlooked along the drive from Adelaide to Cape Jervis.

Rapid Bay attractions: Jetty and sea caves

Rapid Bay is 100km south of Adelaide, and is little more than a hamlet. It is best known for its quiet white beaches backed by huge cliffs, plus the long jetty and sea caves. It’s also a fabulous place for diving and snorkelling, although if you want an organised tour, kayaking is the way forward.

Rapid Bay on the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia — Rapid Bay on the Fleurieu Peninsula has gorgeous clear waters. Photo by Ben Goode.

Adventure Kayaking SA runs Rapid Bay kayaking tours during the warmer summer months. Their Fleurieu Peninsula kayaking tour covers about 12km to 14km of the craggy coastline, which might be a bit beyond novice kayakers. Some experience is preferable.

Things to do in Rapid Bay, SA: Fleurieu Peninsula kayaking tour

Starting at the Rapid Bay beach, the Fleurieu Peninsula kayaking tour kicks off with safety instructions and gear fitting. But once the boring bit is out of the way, kayakers head out over gloriously clear water.

On the way, the tour pays a visit to small beaches that are inaccessible by land, the Rapid Bay caves and wildlife habitats. You’re almost certain to see sea eagles, seals and Australian sea lions.

Lunch takes place on an isolated beach, using fresh local foods.

Rapid Bay kayaking tour costs

The Adventure Kayaking SA tour from Rapid Bay costs $200. Book via the company website. Adventure Kayaking SA also runs kayaking tours in the Dolphin Sanctuary at Garden Island, north of Adelaide.

Elsewhere in South Australia, it’s possible to do kayak tours on the Coorong from Hindmarsh Island. That’s just over the bridge from Goolwa on Encounter Bay. Near Berri on the Murray River, it’s also possible to go kayaking on Loch Luna.