Kayak Turtle Tour from Palm Cove: An Exciting Adventure with Aquatic Life at Double Island
4.9
264 Ratings
Palm Cove
Embark on an exciting Kayak Turtle Tour from Palm Cove to Double Island. Explore mangroves, paddle over coral reefs, and spot turtles, rays, and possibly dolphins or whales. Book now!
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 73 Williams Esplanade - Departing from Palm Cove, we paddle our way over to the coral reefs that fringe Double Island and Haycock Island (Scouts Hat).\nThe first stop is our turtle spot. This is the place where the green turtle and the hawksbill turtle can be seen basking in the ocean. More often than not we have numerous turtle sightings. This is an exciting part of the trip for all of our customers.\nFrom here on, we either travel to the north side of the island or we move in to the south side and explore the mangroves, depending on what the tides are doing and the wind direction. Its not uncommon to see many rays and shovel nosed sharks playing and feeding in the shallows along the tidal part of the beach. If we venture to the north side of the island and with a low tide, we will check out the lime stone cave. When the tide is right, we go right inside the cave. Here we find small stalactites hanging from the roof of the cave. \nNext stop is the beach for a swim and relax. Snorkeling equipment will be provided, so if anyone feels like a snorkel, you are more than welcome to give it a go.\nAfter all this, its time to head home. If the northerly wind kicks in, we head back to Palm Cove.
What's Included
  • Expert local guide
  • Includes all necessary equipment
What's Not Included
  • Hotel Pick Up Fees - $20 per person (if requested)
Additional Information

Ready for the experience of a lifetime? Come on our Kayak Turtle Tour. Tours operate daily from the south end of Palm Cove and paddle out to Double Island from there. Once we are at Double Island, it’s an incredible experience. There are mangroves to explore, coral reefs to paddle over and even a cave to explore if the conditions are right. More often than not, the water is crystal clear. There is an abundance of small rays and turtles swimming through the water, and it’s even possible to see dolphins, dugongs or whales on the tour, but you have to be very lucky. Kayaks, life jackets, juice, water and fruit is provided.

Location
73 Williams Esplanade
Williams Esplanade
Please ensure you arrive at 73 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove at 6:40 to check in and get ready. We depart at 7:00am. Please bring sun protection, plenty of water and some snacks. Environmental Management Fee - $7 per person is compulsory and payable on the day.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(264 Ratings)
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Nicoleb197
Feb 8, 2024
Great fun & experience - We are a family of 4 with two teens and it was so much fun. The instructor was very friendly & knowledgeable. We weren’t so great at kayaking but didn’t have any issues. The kids loved the snorkelling too. Highly recommend. And great value for money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G9924whdaniellef
Jan 12, 2024
Palm cove Sea kayak tour - Luke was an amazing tour guide for our sunrise sea kayak turtle tour . He was very knowledgeable and informative about the marine life , tides , and surrounds . He was so patient with all my kids questions , and made us feel safe and relaxed. Our highlite was visiting Double island , and spotting turtles .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leighgrixti
Jan 4, 2024
Such a wholesome experience! - We've never Kayak before however it was the most beautiful, relaxing morning! We had an incredible experience with a great guide and good people! Would do again and again! Def recommend seeing the morning sunrise and doing the 6am session. 5/5 stars easily! LOVED!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alina3754
Dec 31, 2023
A definite ‘must do’ when in Palm Cove! - My husband and I had an amazing 4 hours Kayaking with Andy from Pacific Watersports. He was very informative and even took photos which we were able to download after our tour for free. Everything we needed(stinger suits, booties, life jackets) was provided and after a short intro to kayaking we were off. It was a leisurely paddle with many stops to see turtles popping their heads out of the water and swimming under our kayaks. After circling the island, we even got to get off on Double Island for a swim and a short tour. It used to be a luxury Island which Keanu Reeves stayed at while filming the Matrix. This tour was one of the highlights of our stay at Palm Cove.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
759tracin
Dec 6, 2023
Dawn kayak sea turtle experience - The absolute highlight of our week in FNQ. As a first time kayaker I was initially apprehensive but it was the most beautiful relaxing morning with perfect conditions, an awesome guide and incredible sights. I would do this again and again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gail_l
Oct 26, 2023
Must Do Kayaking in Palm Cove - Absolutely perfect weather. Very informative leader - learnt so much about local marine life and the area. Great mix of paddling, drifting, walking, swimming/snorkeling. Saw turtles, rays, shark, fish and many birds. Thanks guys for a great experience.
Review provided by Viator
439kaylenep
Oct 20, 2023
Wholesome - Such a beautiful way to start the day with a sunrise and a paddle! I managed to see a few turtles and really enjoyed the tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Matt_g
Oct 12, 2023
Relaxing and easy going - The day was too windy so unfortunately no turtle trip, BUT they had another river trip planned and that was great as well. The guys running this are lovely, passionate and great for beginners. A truly relaxing experience.
Review provided by Viator
C1134vamelissav
Oct 16, 2023
kayak turtle experience - great fun seeing the turtles pop their heads out of the water. enjoyed the kayaking, swimming and exploring double island.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leanne_i
Oct 7, 2023
Had the potential to be great, but was somewhat disappointing. - Overall, I was disappointed with this tour. They did not deliver on what was promised. It clearly states in the information provided for the tour that you would get a morning tea on arrival at the island. No morning tea was provided. The ad also says that snorkelling equipment would be provided. There was no snorkelling equipment offered. The tour guide was knowledgeable and happy to answer questions when asked but spent an excessive amount of time on his phone. We started seeing some turtles, but unfortunately, we didn’t spend much time in this area before we moved on, which was disappointing. We also returned 20 mins before the tour was due to end; it was a beautiful day on the water, so not sure why we came back early. On the positive side, no previous kayaking experience is needed, and the islands and surrounding waters are stunning. I just wish the ad had been more accurate when stating what to expect on this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 10 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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