The Hobart Kayak Tour starts at Short Beach in Sandy Bay, beside the children's play area and rowing sheds, with the meeting point at 14 Marieville Esplanade. It is a guided paddle on the River Derwent, with the kayak, life jacket and spray jacket supplied, along with a local guide. The standard city tour lasts about two and a half hours and starts at 10 am. No previous experience is needed, though a basic level of fitness is required. The tour is rated 4.9 from 477 reviews, which makes it one of the best-regarded outdoor activities in Hobart. The minimum age is 7, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Groups are capped at 16, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.
What to do
After a briefing and gear fit-out on the beach, you paddle along the shoreline with the guide, learning about the river, the coast and the city from the water. The experience is aimed at beginners, with an easy pace and a focus on enjoying the view of the mountain behind the city. Other options on include a longer cliffs, caves and beaches tour of about seven hours and a ten-hour Tasman Peninsula tour, but the shorter city tour is the standard choice for first timers.
Planning
Book ahead, because the tour is marked as likely to sell out and is typically booked about a month in advance. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour starts at 10 am, and the operator is a mobile business with no office at the meeting point, though free parking is available nearby.
Tours are not wheelchair accessible. The page says hotel pickup and drop-off are available, so confirm the details when you book. Wear clothes that can get wet, bring sun protection and a towel, and check the weather, since conditions affect the route.
Fitting it in
The tour takes a morning, leaving the afternoon free for lunch, a walk around Battery Point or a visit to Salamanca Place. It suits couples, friends and families with children aged seven or older, and it is a good way to see Hobart from a different angle if you have already walked the waterfront. If you are prone to seasickness or are uncomfortable on open water, ask the operator about conditions on the day. Keep a dry change of clothes in the car or at the hotel for afterwards.
What to expect
The experience
A guided beginner sea-kayak paddle on the River Derwent from Sandy Bay, with all gear supplied.
Best time
Choose a calm morning, and book ahead because the tour often sells out.
How long
About two and a half hours for the city tour.
Tips
Wear clothes that can get wet, bring sun protection, a towel and a dry change, and confirm hotel pickup when you book.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Active visitors who want to see Hobart and the Derwent from the water with a guide, no experience needed.
- Families
- Children aged seven and over are welcome with an adult, with under-16s required to be accompanied.
- Couples
- A relaxed morning paddle makes a shared activity, followed by lunch in Battery Point.
- Pair with
- Pair it with Salamanca Market, Battery Point or the Mona ferry in the afternoon.
- Time needed
- A morning of about two and a half hours.
Good questions
Do I need kayaking experience?+
No previous experience is necessary, but a basic level of fitness is required. A local guide leads the tour and supplies the equipment.
Where does the tour start?+
It starts at Short Beach in Sandy Bay, near the children's play area and rowing sheds. The meeting point is 14 Marieville Esplanade, and the tour ends back there.
How long is the tour?+
The city tour takes about two and a half hours and starts at 10 am. Longer tours of about seven and ten hours are also offered.
What is the minimum age?+
The minimum age is 7, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Groups are capped at 16.
Can I cancel?+
Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the experience. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking.
