This exhilarating 5-day sea kayaking adventure explores the wild and beautiful Tasman Peninsula. This journey invites you to paddle through sheltered bays, past rugged sea cliffs, and into hidden coves. With no prior kayaking experience required, this tour offers a balance of challenge and relaxation, combined with supportive camaraderie and an appreciation of Tasmania’s breathtaking landscapes. Each day offers new scenes, from tranquil beaches to ancient forests, and each evening brings the chance to relax and unwind in a cosy lodge with fellow travellers, sharing stories and laughter over a hearty, delicious meal.
Nestled in south-east Tasmania, the Tasman Peninsula is bordered by the Tasman Sea, Storm Bay, and Norfolk Bay, creating a stunning backdrop of rugged dolerite cliffs, sandy beaches, and sheltered bays - perfect for a paddling adventure. With much of the coastline protected by national parks, we’ll experience a wealth of flora and fauna both on the water and during short scenic walks. Join us for a rewarding escape, uncovering the Peninsula’s rich marine and coastal landscapes together.
Key Details
- Tour Dates: 30 March - 3 April 2025
- Start Location: Hobart, Tasmania
- End Location: Hobart, Tasmania
- Airport: Fly into and out of Hobart Airport (HBA)
- Arrival: Arrive in Hobart and check in at the Vibe Hotel Hobart from 3pm
- Departure: The tour concludes in Hobart around 5-5.30pm
Important to Note
Because of the area's unique environment and variable weather, this itinerary is flexible and may change. The schedule provided is just a sample, as daily activities will depend on weather conditions, logistical needs, and group preferences. Please consider paddling times as rough estimates only.
Location
Please note map locations and route are approximate only Highlights
● Sea Kayaking on the Tasman Peninsula – No prior experience required for this adventure through scenic bays and dramatic coastlines.
● Cape Hauy and Candle Stick – Paddle beneath towering rock formations, encountering playful fur seals and unique geological wonders.
● Historic Port Arthur and Coal Mines Sites – Gain insights into Tasmania’s convict history as you visit these remarkable landmarks from the water.
● Lime Bay and Pirates Bay – Discover hidden coves, pristine beaches, and abundant marine life along the stunning Tasman coastline.
Itinerary
Make your way to Hobart and check into the Vibe Hotel - check in is from 3pm. With cafes, galleries, and parks nearby, there’s time to explore the city’s cultural hub or take in panoramic views from Kunanyi/Mount Wellington. In the evening, unwind and meet some of your fellow travellers before your upcoming adventure around the Tasman Peninsula.
Meals: None included
Accommodation: Vibe Hotel Hobart
After breakfast, we’ll depart Hobart for a scenic two-hour drive to Stewart’s Bay Coastal Reserve. On arrival, you’ll receive a kayaking safety briefing before we set off on our first paddle to the historic Port Arthur, where we’ll experience a very scenic and unique view from the water of this historic site. As we continue our paddles south, we’ll see dramatic cliffs, and secluded beaches before finishing at Safety Cove. Here we’ll meet our vehicle and be transferred to our lodge by late afternoon - our base for the next three nights. Settle in and relax while your guides prepare a gourmet dinner with a focus on local produce.
Paddling time: 3-4 hours with regular breaks
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Three Capes and Tasman Lodge
This morning, after a hearty breakfast, we transfer to Fortescue Bay, in the heart of the Tasman National Park, for an awe-inspiring paddle along the rugged coastline. We’ll head towards Cape Hauy - with its towering sea stacks and dramatic rock formations, it is one of the highlights of the Three Capes Track. If sea conditions allow, we may reach the base of the Candlestick and even paddle underneath to the open sea beyond. It’s also home to a lively fur seal colony, where we will pause and watch as the seals play in the water around us before we return to Fortescue Bay. Here we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and explore hidden coves, perhaps even having a quick swim on the way back to our accommodation. We return to the lodge for a delicious evening meal where we can chat about the day’s adventures.
Paddling time: Approximately 4 hours with regular breaks
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Three Capes and Tasman Lodge
Today we explore the Lime Bay Coastal Reserve. Paddle along beautiful sandstone cliffs and spot local marine life, including stingrays and sea eagles. Along the way, we’ll stop to stretch our legs at the Coal Mines Historic Site, once Tasmania’s first operational mine. Reflect on the past while bonding with your group, then continue paddling to Lime Bay where we meet our vehicle to transfer to our accommodation. Back at the lodge, we’ll share a hearty dinner and stories from the day.
Paddling time: Approximately 4 hours with regular breaks
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Three Capes and Tasman Lodge
Our last day on the water takes us to Pirates Bay, where we’ll experience true ocean kayaking in the Southern Ocean - there’s nothing between us and New Zealand, some 2000 kilometres away. Paddle past stunning rock formations, the Tasman Arch, and the Blowhole, marvelling at the towering cliffs, deep sea caves and abundant marine life. We’ll enjoy lunch at Pirates Bay then make our way back to Hobart, with a drop off at your hotel between 5-5.30pm. Here we say goodbye, leaving you with lasting memories and new friendships.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
REGISTER NOW Includes
Adventurous Women Tour Leader
Professional sea kayak guides
4 nights accommodation
Return transfers between Hobart city and the Tasman Peninsula
A glass of wine/beer/cider with dinner
Double and single expedition kayaks, paddles, pfd (life jacket), spray skirts
One 20L dry bag
A paddling cag (waterproof jacket)
Pogies (paddling mittens)
Cagoule (an over-the-head style jacket that has seals on the waist, wrist and neck offering protection from wind and rain)
Comprehensive first aid kit and emergency safety equipment
4 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
3 Dinners
Excludes
Flights
Airport transfers
Meals in Hobart (except breakfast at the hotel)
Travel insurance
Accommodation
We stay the first night in a central Hobart city hotel. This is followed by three nights at a private lodge with expansive water views. Bedrooms are a mix of double and twin share with ensuite bathrooms. Linen and bath towels are provided. There’s a fully equipped kitchen where your guides will whip up fabulous meals for the group.
What To Bring/Wear
- - Detailed Trip Notes will be provided well in advance of your departure, to help you plan & prepare.
More Information
Meals Meals are freshly prepared by the guides in the fully equipped kitchen of our accommodation. We take advantage of the seasonally available local produce including fresh seafood, local cheeses and berries. Breakfasts are a mix of hot and cold, with items such as muesli, fruit salad, scrambled eggs and pancakes on offer. Lunches are picnic-style, with a selection of wraps, crackers, cheese, cold meat and salad. Dinners are prepared with fresh ingredients and varied daily. They may start with fresh local oysters (perhaps with a glass of Tasmanian wine), followed by the main and a delicious dessert.
We are happy to cater for vegetarians and other special dietary requirements.
Please note that this tour has a higher than normal deposit value of $700 and cancellation terms are enforced by the local operator.
