The pristine waters of Noosa and Sunshine Coast deliver Australia’s finest paddling experiences, from tranquil river systems to ocean adventures. Guided tours spot marine life while weaving through the spectacular Noosa Everglades, a true paddler’s paradise. My favorite outings include the early morning Dolphin View Kayak tours – they consistently deliver close-up wildlife encounters in calm waters.
The region caters to all skill levels, with accessible options including adaptive equipment for wheelchair users. Basic rentals begin at $16 for groups, while comprehensive guided experiences run about $168 per person. Book ahead, especially in peak season, as the best tours fill quickly.
These are the standout kayak and canoe adventures worth your time and money:
Key Points
- Explore the natural beauty of Noosa and Sunshine Coast through guided kayak tours that offer the chance to spot dolphins, whales, turtles, and baby stingrays.
- Rent stand-up paddleboards and enjoy a personalized experience with a professional photographer guide, or opt for self-guided Noosa Everglades kayak tours.
- Combine eBike and kayak adventures to experience Noosa’s diverse landscapes, with tour inclusions like snacks, equipment, and necessary fees.
- Tours are designed to accommodate wheelchair users and service animals, though those with medical conditions or low fitness may be limited.
- Booking is recommended due to high demand and limited group sizes, with free cancellation and reserve now, pay later options available.
Epic Kayak With Dolphins & Wildlife – 4WD Beach Adventure Noosa
The Epic Kayak With Dolphins & Wildlife – 4WD Beach Adventure in Noosa offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy the natural wonders of the Sunshine Coast.
This 6-hour tour combines thrilling 4WD beach driving with guided kayaking to spot dolphins, migrating whales, turtles, and more. Participants enjoy the scenic drive to Teewah Beach, followed by a guided kayak tour at Double Island Point in the Great Sandy National Park.
With a 96% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this adventure provides an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.
While wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, past travelers have reported memorable encounters with the region’s diverse marine life.
Read our full review: Epic Kayak With Dolphins & Wildlife – 4WD Beach Adventure Noosa Review
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Noosa Everglade Kayak -South/Noosa End – Searching for Stingrays!
Tucked away in the serene Noosa Everglade, this kayak adventure offers nature enthusiasts a chance to search for the elusive yet captivating stingrays.
With a 96% traveler recommendation and a 5.0-star rating, the Noosa Everglade Kayak tour promises an immersive experience amid the diverse wildlife.
Guests will paddle through the tranquil waterways, guided by friendly and knowledgeable experts, in search of baby stingrays and other fascinating creatures.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, refreshments, and fees, ensuring a seamless and eco-friendly outing.
While a few participants noted concerns about the cost-to-duration ratio, the overall feedback highlights the peaceful, fun, and educational nature of this Noosa adventure.
Read our full review: Noosa Everglade Kayak -South/Noosa End – Searching for Stingrays! Review
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Stand Up Paddle Board Rental in Sunshine Coast
Renting a stand-up paddle board on the Sunshine Coast offers an exhilarating way to explore the region’s stunning waterways.
With an activity overview of 5.0 rating from 8 reviews, this stand-up paddle board rental provides essential features like a safety vest, paddle, and guidance on currents and winds.
Conveniently located at the Pumicestone Passage, the meeting and end points are easily accessible.
While not suitable for wheelchair users or those with back problems, the learner boards offer great buoyancy, making it an enjoyable experience for most travelers.
Priced from $16.49 per group, the rental also offers free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option, providing flexibility for booking.
Read our full review: Stand Up Paddle Board Rental in Sunshine Coast Review
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Stand up Paddle 4WD Day Trip From Noosa Including Great Beach Drive Experience
On the Sunshine Coast, travelers can embark on a captivating Stand up Paddle 4WD Day Trip from Noosa.
This 12-review, 100% recommended tour takes small groups of up to 11 on an adventure through Noosa and the stunning Sunshine Coast. Fully qualified instructors provide specialized equipment and lead the way, with inclusions like national park fees, light refreshments, and a delicious lunch.
The tour departs from and returns to The J Noosa, with a 24-hour notice required for any pickup location changes. Praised for its informative insights, the tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the region’s natural beauty while stand-up paddleboarding and driving along the Great Beach.
Read our full review: Stand up Paddle 4WD Day Trip From Noosa Including Great Beach Drive Experience Review
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1-Hour Single or Double Kayak Hire @ Golden Beach
A 1-hour single or double kayak rental at Golden Beach allows visitors to explore the tranquil Pumicestone Passage and Bribie Island National Park.
The rental includes paddles, flotation vests, a safety briefing, and instructions. Single kayaks have backrests, and double kayak upgrades are available on-site. Prices start from $17.15 per person, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours before.
The meeting point is at Golden Beach Hire, near public transportation. Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions, but children can participate with adult supervision.
Positive reviews praise the friendly staff, excellent location, and suitability for beginners, with opportunities to spot wildlife like stingrays and kangaroos.
Read our full review: 1-Hour Single or Double Kayak Hire @ Golden Beach Review
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1 Hour Single or Double Kayak Rental to the Nth Bribie Island
Visitors can embark on a captivating 1-hour kayak adventure to the northernmost tip of Bribie Island, exploring the tranquil waters of the Pumicestone Passage.
Rated 5 stars by 24 reviews and recommended by 100% of travelers, this rental offers a choice of single or double kayaks, both equipped with paddles and safety gear.
The meeting point is conveniently located on the Esplanade in Golden Beach, with clear directions provided.
While the activity isn’t wheelchair-accessible, infant seats are available.
Participants must be able to swim confidently, and those with certain medical conditions are advised against joining.
Prices start at $13.19 per group, with a lowest price guarantee and flexible cancellation policy.
Read our full review: 1 Hour Single or Double Kayak Rental to the Nth Bribie Island Review
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Full-Day Guided Noosa Everglades Kayak Tour
Embarking on a full-day guided kayak adventure through the Noosa Everglades, travelers can enjoy the region’s magnificent wetlands, mangrove forests, and diverse wildlife.
This 99% recommended tour offers a chance to explore the Upper Noosa River, including Lake Cootharaba, Lake of Lillies, and Fig Tree Lake. Wildlife enthusiasts can expect to spot kangaroos, black swans, and cockatoos.
The tour includes a picnic lunch on the banks of Fig Tree Lake, with fresh fruit, baked bread, and drinks. Led by a professional guide, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all necessary equipment.
With a maximum group size of 8, this moderate-level kayaking experience is suitable for travelers aged 4 and above.
Read our full review: Full-Day Guided Noosa Everglades Kayak Tour Review
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Noosa Stand Up Paddle Group Lesson
For those seeking a different water-based adventure on the Sunshine Coast, the Noosa Stand Up Paddle Group Lesson offers an engaging and accessible experience.
With a 4.9-star rating from 18 reviews, this activity is recommended by 100% of travelers and boasts a Badge of Excellence. Priced from $49.48 per person, the lesson includes a local guide, transportation, and all necessary equipment.
Suitable for most travelers, the lesson accommodates children and infants. Participants can enjoy the beautiful Noosa waterways while learning the basics of stand-up paddleboarding.
This activity provides a fun and unique way to explore the stunning Noosa coastline.
Read our full review: Noosa Stand Up Paddle Group Lesson Review
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Self-Guided Noosa Everglades Kayak Tour
The Self-Guided Noosa Everglades Kayak Tour offers adventurous travelers a unique opportunity to explore the pristine Noosa Everglades at their own pace.
Boasting a 97% recommendation rate and an impressive 4.8-star rating from 129 reviews, this tour provides the freedom to paddle through native Australian flora and fauna.
Kayak rentals and orientation are included, and pickup/drop-off services are available for a fee.
With a maximum group size of 20, the tour caters to a moderate fitness level and minimum age of 4 years.
Guests are advised to bring suitable attire and supplies for an unforgettable self-guided adventure in the Noosa Everglades.
Read our full review: Self-Guided Noosa Everglades Kayak Tour Review
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Stand up Paddle on the Beautiful Noosa River With Hourly Board Hire
Amidst the picturesque Noosa River, adventurous travelers can take to the water on a stand-up paddleboarding experience. Offered by Eco Noosa River Adventures, the hourly board hire allows visitors to explore the tranquil river at their own pace.
With prices starting from €12.56 per person, the activity can accommodate up to 8 participants. Life jackets are provided, and the experience is suitable for those with a moderate fitness level, though not recommended for travelers with certain medical conditions.
Located at the Eco Noosa River Adventures jetty, the activity includes a convenient meeting point and ends back at the same location. Reviews indicate a 5-star rating, praising the great experience and helpful staff.
Read our full review: Stand up Paddle on the Beautiful Noosa River With Hourly Board Hire Review
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Stand Up Paddle Private Tour
Take to the serene Noosa River on a private stand-up paddleboard tour. Enjoy personalized attention from a professional photographer guide as you explore the stunning natural scenery.
This 5-star rated experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a local guide, and GST. The tour starts and ends at the Eco Noosa Jetty, and is accessible for wheelchair users, strollers, and those with service animals.
With no serious medical conditions required, most travelers can participate, though children must be accompanied by an adult. Secure your spot with a reserve now, pay later option, and take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Priced from $168.24 per person, this private tour ensures your group has the waterways to themselves.
Read our full review: Stand Up Paddle Private Tour Review
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Noosa Sight Seeing – Explore Noosa by Ebike and Kayak .. New!
Set out on a captivating journey through Noosa’s natural wonders with this new eBike and kayak experience.
Explore Noosa by eBike and kayak over 3 to 4 hours each. This guided tour accommodates a maximum of 8 travelers and departs from 187 Lake Weyba Dr, Noosaville, returning to the same point.
Included are kayaks, eBikes, snacks, and all fees. Lunch is available at a local eatery, but not included.
This activity isn’t recommended for those with medical conditions or low fitness levels. However, with a 5-star rating, it promises an unparalleled way to discover Noosa’s stunning natural landscape.
Read our full review: Noosa Sight Seeing – Explore Noosa by Ebike and Kayak .. New! Review
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Recap
Noosa and the Sunshine Coast offer a range of exceptional canoe and kayak experiences. From exploring the Noosa Everglades and spotting wildlife to stand-up paddleboarding on the Noosa River, there’s something for all. Whether you prefer guided tours or self-guided adventures, you can enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and active outdoor experiences in this picturesque coastal region.