Airlie Beach kayaking: Can I do a Whitsundays kayak tour?

Whitsundays kayaking tours depart from Shute Harbour in Airlie Beach, Queensland. Half day tours to White Rock, full day kayaking trips to South Molle Island and six day expeditions are available with Salty Dog Sea Kayaking.

The Whitsunday Islands, off the coast of tropical Queensland, are justifiably popular for yacht cruises between white sand beaches. They are also a staple of the traditional Australian backpacker route up the east coast. But if you fancy paddling rather than going under sail, then Whitsundays kayaking tours are available from the Queensland town of Airlie Beach.

9 memory-making Airlie Beach experiences to add to your visit

Whitehaven Beach day cruise – with plenty of snorkelling thrown in.
Glass bottom boat tour – see coral and marine life without getting wet.
Heart Reef flight – see the islands and Great Barrier Reef from above before flying over Australia’s famous heart-shaped island.
Proserpine River crocodile safari – see the big crocs from a boat.
Whitsundays sunset cruise – with free snacks and sparkling wine.
Sailing on the Camira – glide around the Whitsunday Islands under sail.
Whizz around the islands on a guided jetski tour.
Waterfall explorer day tour – with swimming in Hinterland rock pools.
Enjoy high speed thrills on a jet boat ride.

Salty Dog Sea Kayaking runs a series of tours, departing from Shute Harbour. These include six day kayaking expeditions that involve camping out on the islands in between snorkelling and bushwalking. They also involve taking a water taxi out to Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, which rather feels like cheating.

These six day trips cost $1,950, and realistically, not many visitors to Queensland are going to be that obsessive about kayaking to pay it. The full day and half day tours are much more appealing.

Which Whitsundays cruise should I choose?

For those with limited time: Whitehaven Beach half day tour.
For the highlights reel: Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island day trip.
To see the reef two ways: High speed Whitsundays cruise plus scenic reef flight combo.
For romance, sparkling wine and sunset under sail: Multi-beach and reef Lady Enid cruise.
To see several islands: Sailing and snorkelling adventure.
For an overnight sailing adventure: Matador two day yacht cruise.

Half day kayaking tours from Airlie Beach

The half day tour costs $90 and is designed to be accessible for beginners. This Airlie Beach kayak tour heads over fringing reefs, often passing leatherback turtles, eagles and dolphins, on the way to White Rock. On a sunny day – aim for September – the water glistens. Paddling is a joy.

Half day Whitsundays kayaking tour from Airlie Beach — Half day Whitsundays kayaking tours head to White Rock from Shute Harbour in Airlie Beach. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions

If you take the Whitsundays kayaking tour between July and September, there’s also a decent chance of seeing migrating humpback whales.

At White Rock, kayaks are pulled up to the beach for the chance to enjoy a swim and explore. Sat amongst the big limestone boulders on the coral beach, the mainland looks green and pristine. The other Whitsunday Islands in view look similar, demonstrating that they were once part of the mainland.

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Full day Whitsundays kayak tours

Salty Dog Sea Kayaking’s full day kayaking tour from Airlie Beach goes further. The small group stops at White Rock before paddling over to South Molle Island. If weather conditions allow, there’s the chance to snorkel with the tropical fish on the reef just off the beach.

Alternatively, take on the Mount Jeffries Walking Track, which offers gazillions of butterflies and photogenic grass trees. The full day Airlie Beach kayaking tour, including courtesy bus transfers from Airlie Beach hostels and hotels, costs $145.