Noosa: Kayak With Dolphins & 4WD Beach Drive Double Island

4.80

(364 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sand — not just any sand, but this pale, squeaky stuff under my bare feet as we hopped out of the 4WD. Our guide, Tom (who actually grew up around Noosa), laughed when I asked if it always made that sound. The drive itself felt like something out of a road movie — windows down, salty wind everywhere, and the ocean just stretching out forever on one side. I’d never realized how much you can smell eucalyptus even right by the beach here.

Getting the kayaks off the trailer was a bit clumsy (I almost dropped my paddle in the soft sand). The water looked glassy and weirdly inviting for winter — Tom said it’s usually clear enough to spot rays or turtles from above. We paddled out past where the waves broke gentle and wide, and suddenly there were dolphins — not performing or anything, just gliding along near us. You could hear them breathe when everything else went quiet for a second. I didn’t expect to feel so small in a good way.

We drifted for a while near Double Island Point — it’s one of those places that doesn’t really look real until you’re there. Someone spotted a turtle; someone else swore they saw a whale spout way out past the headland (Tom said it’s migration season, so maybe). Afterward, we just floated and talked about how locals try to keep this place protected. There was time for a swim if you wanted — cold but worth it. The snacks after tasted better than they probably were because everyone was hungry and salty and sun-warmed.

I still think about that silence when we watched the dolphins move through the water — like everything else paused for them. Anyway, if you ever get the chance to do this day trip from Noosa with a local guide, don’t overthink it too much. Just go.