Experience Sydney Harbour with Sydney by Kayak
In this guide, we'll share our beautiful experience kayaking in Sydney Harbour with the fantastic team at Sydney by Kayak.
Sydney Harbour, adorned by the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, has always been a hotspot for globetrotters attracting more than 4 million visitors per year.
However, our journey with Sydney by Kayak promised a different perspective- kayaking under the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge led by fun, experienced guides.
In the following article, we'll share our experience, why we chose Sydney by Kayak, and what you can expect on kayak tours in Sydney.
Most Recommended Thing to Do
Sydney Opera House
Top Choice Hotel
Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel
Our Top Choice Restaurant
Quay
Our Top Choice Bar for Nightlife
Ivy
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn
Average Temperature
Mild climate with warm summers and mild winters
Transportation Options
Buses, trains, ferries, trams
Average Cost ($, $$, $$$)
$$$
My Top Recommendation
Sydney, Australia offers a wealth of exciting experiences for every traveler. Start your day by strolling along the stunning coastal pathway, Bondi to Coogee, where you can soak up the sun, breathe in the salty breeze, and take in breathtaking ocean vistas.
What You'll Need to Bring
- Passport
- Travel adapter
- Comfortable walking shoes
What Not to Miss
- Sydney Opera House
- Bondi Beach
- The Rocks historic district
What to Avoid
Don't forget your card. You'll need it on public transport.
Table of Contents
Booking our Sydney Kayaking Tour
Before diving into the waters, Amy and I kicked off our adventure by booking the Sydney Harbour Bridge tour with Sydney by Kayak. The process was simple, thanks to their user-friendly website.
We like this tour company because they are an independent, eco-friendly tour provider that prefers to work alone rather than with third parties.
Meeting and Getting Geared Up
The team at Sydney by Kayak provides a rundown of what to bring and wear in advance (hat, suncream, sunglasses, shoes you don't mind getting wet, and water).
On the day of the tour, you'll meet at the beautiful Lavender Bay, which is opposite Darling Harbour. This neighbourhood is definitely worth exploring pre or post-kayak.
Be sure to check out Loulou's bakery, a French patisserie serving delicious coffees and pastries.
What to Expect on the Sydney Harbour Bridge Tour
Our guide, Paul, ensured everyone was able to feel safe and comfortable out on the water, beginning with a quick demonstration that showed just how easy it is to paddle and navigate a kayak.
Whether you were a seasoned kayaker or a first-timer, Paul's guidance ensured everyone felt included and could fully appreciate the beauty of Sydney Harbour.
Then we were on the water! Whilst paddling to the bridge, Paul shared the history of the harbour, including the engineering marvels of the bridge, famous stories about key individuals, and the cultural significance of the Opera House.
We also found out that kayaking Sydney harbour means paddling over one of the area's most densely populated shark beds. The area is home to the social Port Jackson shark, which uses the area beneath the bridge to breed, and if you want, you can even Climb on Sydney Harbour Bridge. Pretty cool, right?
Don't worry, though. These sharks are known to be the puppy dogs of the sea for their calm and playful nature. So don't get jaws vibes!
Iconic Landmarks You'll see with Sydney Kayaking Tours
Sydney's skyline, adorned with modern architecture and the CBD (Central Business District), provided a stunning backdrop. It's a great way to discover the harbour area from the water, which charges cruise ships over $100,000 AUD per/hour to dock!
Despite the great views, it's paddling beneath the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge that remains the highlight of our kayaking experience.
The bridge, which features in several of the stories told by the guides, stands at an incredible 134m in height, with the road deck standing at 50m. It's clear to see its impressive size from the water below.
On this tour, you'll also get plenty of time to appreciate the Sydney Opera House, a masterpiece that dominates the harbor's landscape.
The perspective from the kayak offers a unique angle, allowing any group or family to appreciate the architectural nuances of this cultural icon.
Paul and Arnie shared interesting facts throughout, which made this more than a couple of hours in kayaks; it was an immersive tour experience.
Why we Chose Sydney by Kayak
As mentioned above, kayaking through Sydney Harbour with Sydney by Kayak wasn't just a sightseeing tour; it was an immersive experience that combined storytelling with some exercise in the sun.
Furthermore, the reviews online about Sydney by Kayak also stand out as positive, with 5 star reviews from over 1,800 visitors!
In addition, Sydney by Kayak offer a wide variety of tours, which include:
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Sunrise tour
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Social paddles
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Corporate groups
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Eco-tours
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Couples tours
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Tours for families
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Breakfast and champagne tours
It is also worth mentioning that the company is eco-friendly and the kayaks are made from recycled materials. This is great for sustainable travelers.
What Wildlife You Can Find in Sydney Harbour
Australia is obviously known for its wildlife.
Whilst you are unlikely to see a great deal or watch any specific animals on your tour, getting out on the water with Sydney by Kayak is a great way to learn about the marine life within the harbour and the number of shark types present in the water.
The harbour is home to more than 30 shark species in the waters around Sydney; besides seeing the Port Jackson shark, you're likely to come across its close relative, the crested horn shark; grey nurse sharks; wobbegongs; hammerhead sharks; bronze whalers; makos; and Dusky Whaler sharks.
Practical Information to Know
For those eager to embark on their own Sydney Harbour Bridge kayaking adventure, getting in touch with Sydney by Kayak is a breeze. You can reach them at:
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Email: info@sydneybykayak.com.au
Tips for Future Kayakers in Sydney Harbour
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Dress for Splashes: Wear clothing that can handle a bit of water, and don't forget the sunscreen!
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Listen to the Guides: The Sydney by Kayak team knows the harbor like the back of their hands. Pay attention to their guidance for a safe and enjoyable experience.
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Camera Ready: Bring a waterproof camera or a secure phone case to capture those Instagram-worthy moments. That said, the guides also take plenty of awesome photos for you.
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Stay Hydrated: Paddling can be surprisingly thirsty work, so bring a water bottle to stay refreshed!
Final Thoughts and Gratitude
We'd like to extend a massive shoutout to the incredible team at Sydney by Kayak and our guides, Paul and Arnie, for curating such a great experience.
Their storytelling made this more than a standard kayaking experience, and we'll be sure to recommend Sydney by Kayak to any future travelers heading to this awesome part of the country.
