Goat Island: Clearyak Hire Transparent Kayak Marine Reserve

See marine life up close in a glass kayak at Goat Island

You’ll paddle a transparent Clearyak over Goat Island Marine Reserve’s clear waters with all equipment provided. Watch fish swim beneath you, get tips from local staff on the beach, and take your time exploring at your own pace. Expect small surprises—like sunlight catching on blue fish—and moments that stick with you long after you’re back on shore.

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary equipment for paddling—life jackets and paddles—plus friendly help from local staff waiting under the pohutukawa tree on Goat Island beach. Just check their website banner before leaving home to make sure they’re operating that day; everything else is sorted once you arrive.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Clearyak hire at Goat Island Marine Reserve

• Park car at top of hill
• Walk down to beach under Pohutukawa tree
• Meet staff at beach
• Paddle Clearyak over clear waters
• Observe fish below canoe

The Experience

I didn’t think I’d actually see that many fish — you always hope, but you never know. But right from the moment we pushed our Clearyak off the sand at Goat Island, there they were, darting around under us like we’d dropped into their living room. The water was so clear I kept forgetting there was even anything between me and them. It’s kind of wild to look down and spot a snapper gliding by your toes (well, almost). Our guide on the beach just grinned and said it’s always like this when the tide’s right — he’s probably seen it a thousand times but still seemed stoked for us.

We parked up top (the hill is steeper than it looks, fair warning), then walked down through a patch of pohutukawa shade where the staff had set up under this big old tree. They handed us all the gear — life jackets, paddles, some quick instructions that made me feel less nervous about tipping over. My partner tried to pronounce “Clearyak” in a Kiwi accent; one of the crew laughed and gave us a thumbs up. I liked that nobody rushed us — they just let us figure out how to settle in before shoving off. The plastic felt cool against my legs at first, but once we got moving I forgot about it.

The best part? At one point we drifted into this pocket of sunlight and everything below just lit up — seaweed waving around like green hair, little blue fish flickering between rocks. There was this salty tang in the air and all you could hear was our paddles tapping now and then. I didn’t expect to feel so calm out there. We stayed out longer than planned because it was hard to leave that view behind, honestly.

Top questions

Is previous kayaking experience required for Clearyak hire?

No, no previous kayak experience is needed for Clearyak hire at Goat Island.

Where do I find the staff for Clearyak hire at Goat Island?

The staff are located on the beach under the Pohutukawa tree at Goat Island.

What is the minimum age for children to join?

The minimum age is 3 years old; children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult in the kayak.

Is there a weight limit for each Clearyak?

Yes, it's 100kg per person or 200kg total per Clearyak.

Are service animals allowed during Clearyak hire?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Is Clearyak suitable in all tides?

Yes, Clearyaks are suitable in all tides at Goat Island Marine Reserve.

Can infants or small children join?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller before or after kayaking but not inside the Clearyak itself unless they meet age requirements.

Do I need to bring any equipment?

No, all equipment is provided as part of your booking.