Shoalwater Islands: Sea kayak tour with guide & picnic

Summary

Sea kayaking Shoalwater’s islands, wildlife, and a salty breeze

You’ll paddle sea kayaks through Shoalwater Islands Marine Park with a local guide, spotting sea lions and pelicans up close before landing on Penguin Island for a picnic brunch. In summer months there’s time to snorkel among shallow reefs too. It’s one of those days where salt air and laughter linger long after you’ve left the water.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you first step onto sand and it’s still cool from the morning? That’s how our day started at Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. Our guide, Jess, handed out sun shirts and hats before we even touched the kayaks — she joked about the “Aussie sun” being less forgiving than it looks. The double kayaks felt steady enough for me (I’m not exactly graceful), and after a quick rundown on paddling, we pushed off toward Penguin Island. The water was glassy, but you could hear gulls arguing overhead and the occasional splash from something unseen.

Paddling out, I kept glancing back at the mainland — it gets small pretty fast. Jess pointed out a cluster of pelicans perched like grumpy old men on a sandbar. We drifted close to Seal Island too, where sea lions were sprawled in the sun. One lifted its head to watch us; I swear it looked unimpressed by my paddling technique. There was this salty tang in the air mixed with sunscreen and seaweed — not unpleasant, just honest. We stopped for a picnic brunch on Penguin Island under some battered trees, eating sandwiches Jess had packed. I dropped half my tomato on my shirt; nobody cared.

After food (and brushing off crumbs), we walked across Penguin Island itself — it’s smaller than I expected but full of odd little corners and birds darting around. In summer months they offer snorkelling near the limestone reef (we lucked out with warm water). I tried the mask and fins; saw flashes of silver fish below me and felt that weird mix of nerves and excitement you get when you can’t see your feet. Jess kept an eye on everyone but let us explore at our own pace.

I didn’t expect to feel so far away from everything just an hour from Perth. It’s not fancy or dramatic — more like a day that sneaks up on you with quiet moments: sunlight flickering through kayak spray, someone laughing at their own clumsy paddle stroke, pelicans ignoring us completely. On the way back, arms tired but happy, I caught myself thinking I’d come again just for that hush between islands.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sea Kayaking and Wildlife Exploration

• Sea kayak around Penguin and Seal Islands
• Observe Australian sea lions and pelicans
• Guided walk on Penguin Island
• Snorkel among limestone reefs (Dec-Mar)
• Enjoy picnic brunch at Penguin Island

Top questions

Is this sea kayaking tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, beginners are welcome and guides provide instruction before setting out.

What wildlife might I see during the tour?

You may spot Australian sea lions, pelicans, and various marine life while kayaking around Penguin & Seal Islands.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Yes, a healthy picnic brunch is included on Penguin Island.

Can children join this kayaking experience?

The minimum age is 8 years old for participants.

When is snorkelling available during the tour?

Snorkelling is offered from December to March when water temperatures are warmer.

Are lifejackets provided?

Yes, lifejackets (PFDs) are provided for all participants.

How physically demanding is this activity?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended for paddling and walking activities.

Is transportation to Shoalwater included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transport options are available nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes use of double sit-inside sea kayaks with rudder controls, long sleeve sun shirts and hats for protection, lifejackets for safety, all necessary snorkelling equipment during summer months, plus a freshly prepared picnic brunch served by your guide on Penguin Island before returning in the afternoon.