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Whale Watching Ocean Kayaking – Rainbow Beach
Whale watching like never before by kayak!
No noise, no crowds, just you, your paddle and the whales. Every day is a surprise, and the experience is always on their terms as we head out from Rainbow Beach to Double Island Point.
This is a family-friendly and kid-friendly marine adventure suitable for nature lovers of all ages, offering a calm and respectful way to experience whales in their natural environment.
As a licensed whale watching provider, we offer both general group tours and private tours, giving you flexible ways to enjoy this unforgettable experience.
Activity Style
Group (Jun-Oct)
Tour Span
3-4 Hours
Price
$149
Inclusions
Whale Kayak Adventure, 4WD Beach Drive Experience, Equipment, National Park Entry fees, etc.
Whale Watching the Eco Way
This Eco Whale Watching Experience from Rainbow Beach to Double Island Point is truly unique. As we float in our kayaks, Humpback Whales are passing by, appearing relaxed and at ease. They feel secure because there’s no engine noise disturbing them. This eco-friendly approach is the best way to observe whales and other marine life in their natural habitat.
Some days, the whales might be very curious and come close to us, while other days, they may stay further away. Every day is different but it’s important that it’s always on their terms.
Double Island Point
Double Island Point is one of those hidden gems you can only reach by 4WD, driving across the sands for a true adventure. Once you’re there, you’re greeted with the pristine waters of Honeymoon Bay, stunning cliffs with layers of vibrant, ancient colours, and views across to K’Gari (Fraser Island).
It’s also a fantastic spot for whale watching—this year, around 40,000 humpbacks will be making their way north, and many mama whales love to hang out with their calves in the calm, peaceful waters nearby.
It’s like nature’s own little sanctuary.
Why Choose Whale Watching by Kayak?
Unlike standard whale watching boat tours, this experience is a full-day eco adventure into the remote Great Sandy National Park from Rainbow Beach.
Your tour includes:
- Scenic 4WD beach transport through the National Park
- Access to remote coastal locations unreachable by regular vehicles
- Small group guided ocean kayaking (no crowded boat)
- Quiet, low-impact whale encounters (no engine noise)
- A more personal and immersive wildlife experience
- Opportunities to encounter dolphins, turtles, rays and more
- Time spent in pristine natural surroundings far from crowded tourist vessels
Rather than viewing whales from a large boat amongst crowds, our tours focus on respectful encounters in nature, allowing wildlife experiences to happen naturally and on the whales’ terms.
This is more than just a short whale watching cruise — it’s a complete Great Sandy National Park adventure experience.
Hop in the 4WD at Rainbow Beach
Reaching Double Island Point
Safety Briefing & Equipment Setup
Eco-Friendly Whale Watching Kayaking
Other Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, Turtles, Rays
Leisure Time at the Beach
Head back to Rainbow Beach
- 4WD Beach Drive Experience
- Equipment (specialised softboards, wetshirt/ wetsuit)
- National Park Entry fees
- Rainbow Beach Coloured Sands
Which whales can I spot?
The stars of the show are the Humpback whales, but keep an eye out for Southern Right Whales—and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive False or Pilot Whales!
What should I bring along?
Make sure to pack your towel, swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, water, and some extra snacks to keep you going.
When do the Kayak Tours run?
Our tours are scheduled around low tide for the best beach access by 4×4. You can see the departure time for each day by initiating an online booking.
Where do I depart from?
This tour departs Rainbow Beach on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and is located 1.5 hours north of Brisbane. Please meet 15 minutes before departure at: BUS STOP RAINBOW BEACH – KIRCHNER ST (OPPOSITE THE DECK @ SEA SALT)
Will I definitely see whales?
While we can’t promise a whale sighting (because, well, nature’s a bit unpredictable), our tours do have frequent encounters with these majestic creatures. Every tour offers a unique experience, with whales, dolphins, turtles, rays, and seabirds all potentially making an appearance. We recommend coming with a sense of adventure, ready to discover all the wonders the National Park has to offer!
Is kayaking with humpback whales safe?
Yes, whale watching by kayak is safe and an extraordinary experience when done with an experienced guide. Safety is our highest priority and our whale watching tours are operated by experienced, qualified guides. We only operate in suitable conditions and follow strict wildlife interaction guidelines designed to protect both our guests and the whales. Our guides are trained to monitor whale behaviour closely and position groups appropriately to ensure a safe and respectful eco experience at all times.
Is this tour kid-friendly?
Absolutely! This tour is very kid-friendly and is a fantastic adventure for families. Children often love the wildlife encounters, beach driving experience, and time to enjoy a little play on the beach at Double Island Point.
For children under 7 years of age, we simply ask that you let us know when booking so we can ensure an appropriate car seat is available in our vehicles. It also helps us keep an eye on conditions leading up to your tour. If the ocean or weather conditions are expected to be a little rougher than usual, we may contact you beforehand to discuss the suitability of the tour for the kids and, if needed, arrange an alternative date to ensure everyone has the safest and most enjoyable experience possible.
If you have young children and would like advice on the best tour option, feel free to contact our team and we’ll be happy to help.
Our ADVENTURERS share their stories
Step into the experiences of adventurers who’ve journeyed with us, where thrilling adventures and tranquil moments with nature blend into unforgettable memories that stay with you long after the journey ends.
Grab your seat for a Whale of a time!
Spots fill up fast — lock in your adventure and come explore one of nature’s best-kept secrets!
“We had the most amazing morning with a wonderfully relaxed, informative guide in the most beautiful clear waters around Double Island. We saw whales, dolphins and sea turtles. Was the hIghlight of our week in Rainbow Bay.”
"We saw whales, dolphins and turtles! It’s the best tour I’ve ever done in Australia. The two guites are pretty nice and know a lot about the animals and the ocean. Definitely worth it!!!"
"Great trip, spectacular coastline and dolphins, whales and other marine life.. strongly recommend this for anybody interested in the area. - all led by a well informed tour leader. Really enjoyed the wildlife experience."
"This was an amazing experience! From the drive around the beach looking at the rainbow colours in the cliff face to the paddle out, spotting not only multiple pods dolphins on the dolphin tour but we also managed to see massive manta rays cruising under our kayaks, turtles chilling in the clear water, armies of soldier crabs marching along the beach. To top it off as this wasn’t enough, a couple of humpback whales breaching at the end!!!! What a trip! Being in the safe but also knowledgeable hands of Rainbow Beach local, Sean who was so passionate about the area it felt more like he was showing a group of mates around rather than a tour. Can definitely highly recommend it 5 stars thanks guys 👍 "