Kayak to Goat Island in Sydney Harbour with Local
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Come enjoy a morning sea kayak adventure on Sydney's beautiful harbour. No engine noise or fumes, just the sound of your paddle in the water and the sea birds squawking above! We'll experience the built environs and get up close and personal with many of the harbour's natural wonders and marine inhabitants. We'll paddle to the center of the harbour where we'll get some photos of you framed by the Harbour Bridge (I'm a professional photographer in my other job so expect good pics - no charge of course!) We'll then land and explore Goat Island (Memel in the local Aboriginal Language) before paddling back via Darling Harbour. Goat Island is closed to the public and landing is by special permit only. Your permit is included as part of the tour. After we're finished your welcome to have a hot shower before treating yourself to a great lunch at the famous Sydney Fish Markets a short walk away.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 18 years
Guests must be able to swim and be comfortable around water
Guest should not weigh more than 100KG (205 pounds)
HIGH FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED
Must not have any serious medical issues
A waiver needs to be signed
Not recommended for XL sized travelers
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Carbon fibre paddle
Sun Screen
Top notch composite sea kayak - we have singles and doubles and can help you choose the best option on the day
Paddling Gloves, Water Shoes and a hat if you don't have your own
PFD (Life jacket)
We'll send you a link to your photos later - professional quality!
Expert Kayak Guide (your guide is a born & bred Sydney local who is fully qualified sea kayaking expert)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
What To Expect
We'll use professional grade sea kayaks and high end paddles to kayak right to the heart of Sydney Harbour. After getting some spectacular photos of you framed by the famous Harbour Bridge we'll land our kayaks in a secret cove on the seldom visited Goat Island (Me-mel) where your guide will take you on an exclusive tour of this very special place. Goat island is a designated conservation zones with lots of bird life, remnant native bush and some of Sydney's oldest convict built sandstone buildings. Your National Parks Landing permit is included as part of your tour. We then get back in our kayaks and head back to where we started at Blackwattle Bay not far from the Sydney Fish Markets and lots of other great cafes and restaurants where you can treat yourself to a well earned feed.
Options
Kayak To Goat Island - At The Heart of Sydney Harbour
Reviews
127 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great time Kayaking
Faith M,
Sep 7, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had a great time going under the Sydney Harbor bridge. I’m not very experienced but the guide helped us know what to do to cross the Harbor and avoid tipping over. He had lots of great stories about the area.
Exciting experience while in Sydney
Patty W,
Sep 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00This kayak tour was fantastic! Novice or experienced kayakers will love paddling into Sydney Harbor and passing under the Harbor Bridge. I had never kayaked and was out of my comfort zone on the ocean but it was fun, not too difficult and a memorable experience with a great group of people. I highly recommend giving this your a try. Our guide was the most positive, happy, helpful tour guide we’ve ever had.
Great experience, highly recommend.
Joseph B,
Apr 27, 2024
- Viator
5.00The kayaking throughout our time on the water was awesome, Matt's an amazing person and tour guide who has lots of knowledge, we got to see loads of historical and interesting places on the water. Highly recommend the experience.
Great experience would recommend
Jessica L,
Apr 12, 2024
- Viator
5.00A really fantastic experience, thoroughly enjoyed it. Organised very well, was able to see all the main attractions from the water. Would definitely recommend. Had a fantastic tour guide who was so informative M!
Fantastic Kayak Tour of Sydney Harbour
Jordan C,
Apr 8, 2024
- Viator
5.00I recently took a kayak tour around Sydney Harbour, guided by the knowledgeable and passionate local, Matt. His stories about Sydney's history enhanced our journey, as we paddled past iconic landmarks like the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, enjoying stunning photo spots along the way. Matt's knowledge made the tour not just a kayaking experience but a deep dive into the essence of Sydney, offering unique views and insights you can't get elsewhere. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this tour comes highly recommended for an up-close look at the city's beauty. A truly fantastic activity, it's a must-do for anyone wanting to explore Sydney from a different angle. Thanks to Matt, this experience is has been one of my favourite parts of my Australia trip.
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Operated by Matt Bezzina