Jervis Bay: Sea Kayak Tour with Wildlife & Morning Tea

Summary

Kayak Jervis Bay’s clear water to hidden beaches with local wildlife

You’ll paddle Jervis Bay’s unreal turquoise water with a local guide, stopping at Murrays Beach for morning tea with cake and fruit. Watch for dolphins or seals along the way as you follow the coastline by kayak. This half-day tour includes all gear plus snacks and hot drinks—expect salt air in your hair and maybe a story or two to bring home.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll probably get wet,” our guide grinned, handing me a spray skirt that smelled faintly of neoprene and sunscreen. The air had that salty, slightly sweet scent you only get near the ocean, and honestly, I was nervous — I’ve kayaked before, but never somewhere like Jervis Bay. The water here is this wild shade of turquoise that almost looks fake in photos. We pushed off from the sand while a pair of sea birds squabbled overhead (one of them definitely won). I kept glancing at Bowen Island in the distance — it looked close enough to swim to, but our guide said it’s farther than it seems. He knew all the names for the little coves we passed; I forgot most of them immediately except for Murrays Beach because we stopped there for snacks.

The paddling wasn’t too hard once you got into a rhythm. There was this moment when everyone just went quiet — no one talking, just paddles dipping in and out, the occasional splash from someone getting distracted by a dolphin fin (yes, really). I didn’t expect to see so much wildlife; seals are apparently regulars here, though today it was mostly birds and a flash of something silver under my kayak. At Murrays Beach we unpacked morning tea: chocolate cake, fruit that tasted extra sweet after all that salt air, plus coffee poured from a battered thermos. Someone brought chocolate too — I’m not sure if that was official or just our guide being generous.

On the way back, my arms started to feel it (should’ve stretched more), but nobody seemed in a rush. Our guide told us about how Bowen Island is protected for fairy penguins — can’t land there — and pointed out some old middens on shore left by Yuin people ages ago. It made me think about how long people have been moving through these waters. The sun came out right as we finished up, drying off my wet sleeves while everyone compared paddle blisters and swapped stories about what they’d seen. Still thinking about that silence on the water — kind of rare these days, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sea kayak along Jervis Bay coastline

• Start at Booderee National Park
• Paddle along coastline to Murrays Beach
• Continue kayaking to Bowen Island
• Observe local wildlife during tour

Top questions

How long is the Jervis Bay sea kayak tour?

The tour lasts half a day.

Is morning tea included on this kayak tour?

Yes, morning tea with cake, chocolate, fruit, coffee or tea is included.

Do I need kayaking experience for this trip?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness; previous kayaking helps but isn’t required.

What wildlife might I see during the tour?

You may spot seals, dolphins, sea birds and sometimes whales depending on season.

Are all kayaking equipment and safety gear provided?

Yes, sea kayak, PFD (life jacket), spray skirt, paddling jacket and safety equipment are provided.

Does this day trip include pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; check booking details for meeting point information.

Can children join this Jervis Bay kayak tour?

The tour requires moderate fitness; age restrictions aren’t specified—ask operator before booking.

Where does the tour go in Jervis Bay?

You’ll paddle along Booderee’s coastline to Murrays Beach and see Bowen Island from your kayak.

What’s included

Your half-day includes use of a sea kayak with PFD (life jacket), spray skirt and paddling jacket plus all safety equipment carried by your local guide. Morning tea is served at Murrays Beach with cake, chocolate treats and fresh fruit alongside coffee or tea—snacks are included throughout your paddle along Jervis Bay’s coastline before returning to shore.