If you’re seeking a truly immersive experience along Tasmania’s rugged coastlines, the Tasman Peninsula full-day kayaking tour offers just that. Starting from Hobart, this approximately 10-hour journey combines breathtaking scenery, wildlife encounters, and a dash of adventure. The tour, priced at $189.84 per person, is run by Roaring 40s Kayaking and includes transport, guide, lunch, and all necessary gear. It’s designed for small groups—no more than 10 travelers—making for a personalized experience with plenty of room to ask questions and soak in the views.
What we love most about this trip are two key details: first, the chance to paddle beneath some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs—think towering, 200-meter-high formations—and second, the gourmet lunch in a secluded cove that feels miles away from the hustle. These elements turn an active day into a feast for the senses. That said, it’s not a tour for everyone; it can be physically demanding and requires a good level of fitness, especially since you’ll be paddling for up to five hours.
This tour also has a few considerations. The weather can be unpredictable—some reviews mention variable conditions—and the day’s success depends on it. Also, the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, so you’ll need to meet at the designated starting point. Still, for those who crave authentic outdoor experiences with knowledgeable guides, this trip hits the right notes.
If you’re a traveler who enjoys active adventures, stunning scenery, and wildlife spotting, this tour is especially well-suited. It’s perfect for those eager to see Tasmania’s wild coast from a unique perspective, and who don’t mind a bit of physical activity.
Key Points
- Stunning scenery including towering sea cliffs and natural caves
- Wildlife encounters with seals, dolphins, whales, and sea eagles
- Small-group experience for personalized attention and better viewing opportunities
- Inclusion of all gear and meals, ensuring convenience and comfort
- Flexible meeting options, though no hotel pickup is available
- Physically demanding—paddlers should be comfortable with multiple hours of paddling
An In-Depth Look at the Tasman Peninsula Kayaking Tour
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What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
This kayaking adventure is far more than a paddle along a coast. It’s a chance to get up close to some of the world’s most dramatic coastal features. You’ll glide past dizzyingly high sea cliffs, marvel at the natural curves and formations of water-carved caves, and paddle over a semi-submerged shipwreck—an eerie, fascinating relic that adds an extra layer of history to your trip.
The guides, Luke and Misha, receive glowing reviews for their professionalism and knowledge. One traveler even called the experience “brilliant,” highlighting the guides’ ability to make everyone feel safe and engaged. Their local expertise really enhances the trip, helping you identify wildlife and landmarks, and sharing stories that bring the scenery alive.
The Itinerary: From Hobart to Coastal Wonders
The adventure begins with a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Hobart to the Tasman National Park, or you can meet at Fortescue Bay if you prefer to skip the bus ride. Once there, your guide provides a thorough safety briefing and gets you suited up in wet suit booties, spray jackets, and life jackets—all included in the price. The gear ensures you stay comfortable, dry, and warm even if the weather turns.
Your first paddle takes you beneath some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs, where you’ll have ample opportunity to marvel at the colossal, striped rock faces. The natural caves here are perfect for exploring—some might be small and dark, others large enough to paddle into and photograph. The highlight for many is the “Candlestick,” a stunning rock formation that looks like a giant candle, and the “Totem Pole,” a sheer column popular with climbers.
Wildlife and Water Encounters
Keep your eyes peeled for Australian fur seals, which are resident along this coast and often observed basking on rocks or swimming nearby. Sea eagles soar overhead, and on lucky days, you might spot dolphins or even migrating whales passing by. One review mentions that the guides are very knowledgeable about local marine life, making wildlife sightings a highlight of the trip.
Lunch in Seclusion
Midday, you’ll stop for a gourmet Tasmanian lunch in a quiet, deserted cove. This is a real treat—fresh, local ingredients served in a stunning setting far from any tourist crowds. The secluded location makes it feel like you’ve discovered a secret corner of Tasmania’s coast.
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The Shipwreck and Final Paddles
After lunch, you’ll paddle over a semi-submerged shipwreck, a haunting relic that offers a little history and a lot of photo opportunities. The marine environment around the wreck is vibrant, with fish and marine invertebrates adding to the underwater spectacle.
In the afternoon, wildlife continues to impress. Expect to see cliff-nesting cormorants, gannets diving for fish, and possibly more seals. The guides often point out the myriad bird species, adding an educational element to the adventure.
The Physical Challenge and Comfort Level
While the tour is described as suitable for anyone with no prior kayaking experience, it is physically demanding. Paddling for up to five hours at a relaxed pace, stopping for snacks, photos, and breaks, means you should be comfortable with sustained activity. One reviewer emphasizes the importance of good physical fitness, so consider your own stamina before booking.
Group Size and Atmosphere
With no more than 10 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate feel. This allows guides to provide personalized attention and ensures you have plenty of space to enjoy the scenery quietly or ask questions. The small group size also helps with wildlife spotting, as everyone gets a good view.
What’s Included and What to Bring
The package includes all gear—kayaks, paddles, life jackets, wetsuit booties, spray jackets—as well as a gourmet lunch and refreshments. Comfort is a priority, with air-conditioned transport to and from Hobart. While hotel pickup isn’t offered, meeting at the specified location is straightforward, especially if you’re already in the area.
Travelers are advised to bring a reusable water bottle (to stay hydrated), wear comfortable clothing suited for physical activity, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This trip is ideal for adventure-seeking travelers who enjoy active outdoor pursuits and want to see Tasmania’s coast from a unique vantage point. It’s particularly suited for those comfortable with paddling and with a decent level of fitness. Wildlife lovers will appreciate the seals and birdlife, while landscape enthusiasts will be awestruck by the cliffs, caves, and natural formations.
The gourmet lunch and the small-group format also make it a good fit for travelers who prefer a more personal, less crowded experience. If you’re looking for a day that combines physical activity with incredible scenery and wildlife viewing, this kayaking tour could be a highlight of your Tasmania trip.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
For a full-day, active adventure that showcases Tasmania’s wild coast, this tour delivers. The landscapes are spectacular, the guides are knowledgeable, and the inclusion of gourmet lunch and all gear makes it a convenient option. It’s a chance to stand among towering cliffs, paddle through natural caves, and encounter native wildlife in a pristine setting.
While it’s physically demanding—paddling for several hours—the reward is an experience few other tours can match: intimate contact with a rugged, water-carved landscape. It’s best suited for travelers who are reasonably fit, love the outdoors, and aren’t fazed by a bit of the elements.
In short, if you’re after an authentic, hands-on Tasmanian adventure and don’t mind a workout, this kayak trip offers excellent value and unforgettable memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable if I have no kayaking experience?
Yes, the tour is designed for beginners with no prior experience. Guides will provide instructions and support, but you should be comfortable paddling for up to five hours at a relaxed pace.
What is included in the price?
The cost covers all necessary gear—kayaks, paddles, life jackets, wetsuit booties, spray jackets—plus transport, a gourmet lunch, snacks, and refreshments.
Are meals provided?
Yes, a gourmet Tasmanian lunch is included, served in a secluded cove. Snacks and drinks are also part of the package.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothes suitable for physical activity, and bring a reusable water bottle. The provided gear helps keep you dry and warm, but layers are recommended if weather looks variable.
How long is the kayaking portion?
Paddling can last up to five hours, with plenty of stops for photos, snacks, and rest. The total tour duration is around 10 hours, including transportation and lunch.
Can I see wildlife on this tour?
Yes, seals, sea eagles, dolphins, and whales are often spotted. The guides are skilled at pointing out wildlife, making it a highlight for nature lovers.
Where does the tour start and end?
The meeting point is at the Anaconda CambridgeHarvey Norman Centre in Cambridge, Tasmania. The tour begins at 8:00 am and finishes back at the same location.
Is there hotel pickup available?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickups. Travelers need to meet at the designated starting point.
This full-day kayaking tour offers an active, scenic, and wildlife-rich experience perfect for those eager to explore Tasmania’s stunning coast from a fresh perspective. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a curious first-timer, it’s a memorable way to connect with this wild, beautiful part of the world.