Hobart offers a surprisingly vibrant canoe and kayak scene. With its calm waterfront, rugged cliffs, and access to pristine beaches and sea caves, it’s a paddler’s paradise. For those who enjoy adventure on the water combined with stunning scenery, Hobart’s kayak tours stand out. We especially like the Hobart Kayak Tour because of its flexible options and the chance to see the harbor from a different angle—plus, the fun of having lunch on your kayak. And the full-day excursions provide a full immersion into Tasmania’s wild coast, perfect for nature lovers. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned paddler, Hobart’s tours offer a variety of experiences.
Quick Overview
We’ve rounded up three top kayak experiences in Hobart. The first is a flexible Hobart Kayak Tour with options for a city paddle or full-day wilderness adventures, ideal for those who want variety. The second, the Hobart City 2.5-Hour Kayak Tour, focuses on a shorter, city-based paddle with scenic waterfront views. The third, the Hobart’s Cliffs, Caves and Beaches Kayak Tour, is a full-day trip that explores spectacular sea caves and beaches near Storm Bay. All are highly rated, offer different levels of commitment, and provide memorable ways to enjoy Tasmania’s stunning coast.
1. Hobart Kayak Tour
This Hobart Kayak Tour is a favorite for its variety and comprehensive offerings. Priced at around $95 per person, it provides options for a 2.5-hour city paddle, a 7-hour adventure along cliffs, caves, and beaches, or a full 10-hour expedition on the Tasman Peninsula. You can choose based on your interest, fitness level, and how much time you want on the water. The shorter option takes you from the Hobart waterfront, where you paddle past historic docks and learn about the harbor’s maritime past. The longer trips venture outside the city, offering views of cliffs, sea caves, and remote beaches.
The tour includes all kayaking gear and guided instruction, making it accessible for beginners. The guides are knowledgeable about local history and natural features, creating a richer experience. Reviewers consistently praise the staff for their friendliness and safety focus, with one noting the “best fish and chips ever” enjoyed during a lunch break on the kayak.
Bottom Line: This tour’s versatility and positive reviews make it perfect for travelers who want a mix of city and wilderness paddling, with options to extend the adventure or keep it short and scenic.
2. Hobart City 2.5-Hour Kayak Tour
For those seeking a shorter, more relaxed paddle, the Hobart City 2.5-Hour Kayak Tour offers a focused look at the waterfront. Priced at $79 per person, it’s a great choice for a half-day activity that combines sightseeing with a bit of fun. During this tour, you’ll paddle past luxury yachts, tall ships, and fishing boats, getting up close to Hobart’s vibrant harbor scene.
One standout feature is the chance to enjoy fish and chips right from your kayak—an unusual treat that adds local flavor to your outing. The guide provides engaging commentary about Hobart’s waterfront and its ships, making the experience both enjoyable and informative. Suitable for all skill levels, this tour is best for travelers who want a quick, picturesque escape on the water without committing to a full day.
Bottom Line: This short, city-based paddle is perfect if you’re tight on time but still want to experience Hobart from the water and enjoy fresh fish and chips in a unique way.
3. Hobart’s Cliffs, Caves and Beaches Kayak Tour
If your idea of a perfect day on the water involves exploring Tasmania’s wild coast, this full-day trip is hard to beat. At about $200 per person, it’s the most expensive but also the most immersive of our picks. The tour lasts around 7 hours and takes you to Storm Bay, where you’ll paddle past lichen-covered cliffs, through sea caves, and along unspoiled beaches. Small groups of no more than 10 ensure a personalized experience, and all gear—including wetsuit booties, spray jackets, and warm fleeces—is provided.
Led by an experienced guide, you’ll spend your day leisurely exploring remote coastal features, with plenty of time for photos, swimming, and relaxing on sandy beaches. The included lunch, snacks, and refreshments help keep everyone energized. Reviewers highlight the beautiful scenery, the guide’s expertise, and the quality of the lunch, with one saying, “Our guide was fantastic, scenery was beautiful, lunch was great.”
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for active travelers who want a full day of kayaking in Tasmania’s most scenic coastal environments, perfect for ages 12-99.
How to Choose the Right Hobart Kayak Experience
Selecting the best kayak tour depends on your budget, available time, and interest level. If you’re looking for a short city paddle, the Hobart City 2.5-Hour Kayak Tour is perfect. For those wanting a full-day outdoor adventure exploring caves and beaches, the Hobart’s Cliffs, Caves and Beaches Kayak Tour offers an unforgettable experience. And if you prefer flexibility—combining city views with wilderness paddling—the Hobart Kayak Tour is a smart choice.
Consider your physical fitness and comfort level with water activities. The full-day trip requires more stamina but rewards with stunning scenery and fewer crowds. The city tour keeps it simple and accessible, while the full-day outing is best for confident paddlers looking to venture further afield.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons (summer months). Pack your sense of adventure, bring sun protection, and prepare for some of the most memorable water experiences Hobart offers.
Hobart’s kayak options give you a range of ways to enjoy the city and its surroundings. Whether you choose a quick paddle beneath historic waterfronts, a scenic city tour, or a full day exploring sea caves and beaches, each offers a unique view of Tasmania’s rugged coast. For a beginner or time-crunched traveler, the shorter options are perfect. For those craving a deeper connection with Tasmania’s wild side, the full-day tour can’t be beaten. Make sure to book ahead—these experiences fill up fast, especially in the summer months.