Duration:
3h
Our Kayak Turtle Tour is a special experience. We leave Palm Cove at sunrise and enjoy the powerful feeling of the sun rising as we approach Double Island Reef. This is an experience not to miss. Perfect experience for everybody.
Operated By:
Tour Structure
The Sunrise Kayak Turtle Tour is the perfect way to experience the Inner Great Barrier Reef Lagoon.
Our tours normally go for 3 hours. First off, we paddle over to Double Island Reef. This usually takes 20 – 30 minutes. First stop is our famous turtle sport, where most of the time green turtles and hawksbill turtles are there to greet us.
The Sunrise Kayak Turtle Tour is the perfect way to experience the Inner Great Barrier Reef Lagoon.
Our tours normally go for 3 hours. First off, we paddle over to Double Island Reef. This usually takes 20 – 30 minutes. First stop is our famous turtle sport, where most of the time green turtles and hawksbill turtles are there to greet us.
After this we explore the mangroves by kayak or head around to the north side of Double Island for more adventure. We then pull up on the Double Island, where we go swimming and explore the island
We finish off by paddling into Buchan’s Beach if the wind gets up, or if it’s calm we head back to Palm Cove.
Here is just some of the wildlife we most often see on the tour.
Eagle rays
Shovel nose sharks
Mangrove Rays
Sea Turtles
Bird Life
So join us for the wonderful Sunrise Kayak Turtle Tour.
Please make sure you bring water, a hat, sunnies and sunscreen with you. We are located in the middle of Palm Cove Esplanade opposite Petes Place. Look out for the big blue trailer by the beach.
Note – Our tour leaves at 6am sharp. Please arrive here at 5:45 for checkin so you don’t miss the tour.
GBRMPA FEES – $3.50
Effective July 1, 2023, all participants of our ocean activities are obliged to pay the Great Barrier Reef fees. Should these charges remain unpaid during online booking, we kindly request that you carry sufficient cash or a card for settlement on the tour day. The fee stands at $3.50 per individual. We appreciate your understanding. Sincerely, Pacific Watersports.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please note that our kayak tours are weather dependant and we may have to reschedule or cancel tours if weather conditions are unfavourable. All cancellations by Pacific Watersports are fully refundable. Additionally, if rescheduling the tour doesn’t suit your timetable we will refund you at your request.
Share:
We saw the sunrise & turtles
Can't wait to take my daughter there. Magical!
Cheers Max
read moreread less
Max
18 Sep 2025
read moreread less
mynameselle
10 Sep 2025
read moreread less
Franziska
03 Sep 2025
read moreread less
Culture792317
02 Sep 2025
The kayak is not too strenuous, and our guide set a friendly pace. I took my dad, who is in his 70s, in a tandem kayak and we had a great time.
read moreread less
Jesse
27 Aug 2025
I would highly recommend.
read moreread less
620hanna
11 Aug 2025
Great experience! We did the sunrise kayak tour, and the water was beautifully calm that morning. Watching the sunrise out on the water was stunning. We saw turtles and dolphins, and got to spend time on Double Island. Highly recommend this tour if you have a day to spend in Palm Cove
read moreread less
Claudia
16 Jul 2025
Rainforest Drift is a fabulous way to spend a morning especially when it’s too rough to do the ocean kayak tour. We felt safe. Luke was very supportive and helpful. We had a nice sunny day so the reflections were gorgeous and water was so clear. It’s a beautiful setting, lots birds and things to see. My 70 year old novice kayaker friend loved it even though she fell in. It’s a great activity for all ages.
read moreread less
Susan
18 Jun 2025
We did the Sunrise Turtle Tour while staying in Palm Cove and absolutely loved it! Luke was our guide – he was so knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and really looked after the group, always making sure everyone was safe and having a great time.
Both Luke and Andy are so lovely and welcoming – when I’m back, I’ll definitely be booking this and trying out their other tours and activities too!
Thanks so much, guys!
Lx
Both Luke and Andy are so lovely and welcoming – when I’m back, I’ll definitely be booking this and trying out their other tours and activities too!
Thanks so much, guys!
Lx
read moreread less
Leanne
27 Apr 2025
The second time we booked with Pacific Watersport. It is definitely the most trustworthy company. Even though the weather was quite tough, Andy and Luke were really accommodating while we were waiting for better weather. Unfortunately, the weather condition at the end was not good for Kayak, Andy and Luke were really nice and supported us with a full refund - didn’t push us or anything, they let us make a decision ourselves given we have some senior citizens in the tour group. Definitely book with confident! They are the best. We are surely coming back for another kayak ride with them very soon.
read moreread less
Linfeng
23 Apr 2025
We did the rainforest drift kayak tour on the last day of our holiday in Australia - and wow, what a fantastic way to end an epic trip. Andy and Luke were amazing hosts. And the tour was so peaceful, relaxing, fun and interesting. Andy led us on the river and really was great - so friendly, kind and a true gentleman. He always worked to ensure we were safe and guided us well through the water. In one particularly tricky area (because of a fallen tree and high water that day) he literally walked our kayaks through the rough patch. Wow. (Photo of him holding my kayak so I could get in during a tricky part.). What a genuinely nice guy. The tour was so relaxing and peaceful that we could feel our blood pressure dropping - and yet the parts with mini rapids was so incredibly fun and yet always safe. Thanks to Andy and Luke for a great morning - we are soooo happy we did this tour and only wish we did it sooner on our trip as we absolutely would have booked more tours with them.
read moreread less
Jennifer
08 Apr 2025
Had an amazing experience with Pacific Watersports. We did the sunrise turtle kayak tour and would highly recommend for anyone in the area. Saw a heap of marine life and the guides were incredibly friendly and informative.
read moreread less
Aaron
16 Feb 2025
What can I say ,
Was expecting a great tour ,
We got an amazing tour to double island ,
Luke is just phenomenal when it came to giving us a tour around double island ,
My son and my self thoroughly enjoy the morning canoeing the open sea with breath taking views ,
Thank you Luke for giving us an amazing tour and memories that will last a lifetime 💫💫💫💫💫
Was expecting a great tour ,
We got an amazing tour to double island ,
Luke is just phenomenal when it came to giving us a tour around double island ,
My son and my self thoroughly enjoy the morning canoeing the open sea with breath taking views ,
Thank you Luke for giving us an amazing tour and memories that will last a lifetime 💫💫💫💫💫
read moreread less
carlos
22 Jan 2025
We went on the kayak turtle tour. Loved the experience. Our guide Andy was amazing. We did capsized our kayak but thankfully Andy helped us out so no dramas haha. Snorkeled in a few spots and saw some fishes and coral. Saw 2 turtles pop up from the water as well as a sting ray by the beach. I loved the little stories and info regarding the different things on our tour. Overall great experience. Highly recommend!
read moreread less
Jane
25 Oct 2024
read moreread less
Gillian
22 Oct 2024
The sunrise tour is a beautiful and easy kayak and a great way to start the day. We had perfect conditions and it was great that Andy took us out even though it was only the two of us. We saw a few turtles- too quick to take photos - and it was lovely to be on the water. A great thing to do when you are up in this beautiful part of the world.
read moreread less
Louise
21 Oct 2024
read moreread less
Emily
19 Oct 2024
I should mention I’m the wrong side of 75 so don’t let age put you off
read moreread less
Brian
12 Oct 2024
read moreread less
Jennifer
11 Sep 2024
We didn't see much wildlife, but that's not the company's fault. Still enjoyed what we did see.
read moreread less
richardlL2873FN
05 Aug 2024
It can be a bit tricky as you go as a group, so if you have someone who isn’t as capable/quick on the water, you do spend a bit of time waiting. I feel like our trip was cut short because of this - we ended up back at the shore an hour before we were initially told the tour would finish and didn’t go as far as we initially planned.
read moreread less
bethmB2875QT
29 Jun 2024
We did the rainforest drift with Andy and it was amazing!!!.. Andy is a great guy and is passionate about making sure we had a wonderful experience. Highly recommended.
read moreread less
Gypsyduo
14 May 2024
We booked the sunrise turtle tour and had an absolutely amazing experience! The sunrise was stunning and we saw a turtle on our paddle out. The kayaking was not hard and we had enough resting time to enjoy the scenery and take in the serenity. Andy was an amazing guide and knew a lot!!! I would 100% recommend this to anyone 👌 I will definitely be doing more with these guys!
read moreread less
Jaime
08 May 2024
We booked the sunrise turtle kayak tour and it was nothing short of an amazing experience being out on the water in a kayak seeing the sun rise. Luke was an awesome bloke and tour guide with an extensive knowledge of the area and its marine life. We would highly recommend this experience to all our friends and family travelling to Far North Queensland
read moreread less
Colin
05 Mar 2024
My partner and I loved so much the Kayak Turtle Sunrise tour. Andy, our guide, was so friendly and patient. We could see dolphins, stingrays and turtles.
Andy also took us to the Double Island and he told us a lot of local stories.
Andy also took us to the Double Island and he told us a lot of local stories.
read moreread less
Amanda
05 Feb 2024
read moreread less
Traci
06 Dec 2023
The sunrise turtle kayaking tour is a fabulous way to start the day. The coral is amazing and we saw turtles, rays and giant clams. Luke and Andy shared lots of knowledge about the local area and about the ocean. They made the tour really easy. We can't wait to come back.
read moreread less
Deb
15 Nov 2023
As a local I have done this trip a few times with visitors, each one a little different: the conversation , wildlife, the sea, the weather, this time a sandbar to land on. It’s a satisfying feeling get to the island you see from the shore and the unique view back towards land is always pleasing. You will be well looked after and informed on this relaxed tour - highly recommended ????
read moreread less
Sascha
04 Nov 2023
read moreread less
439kaylenep
20 Oct 2023
read moreread less
Melissa
16 Oct 2023
read moreread less
Kelly
06 Oct 2023
read moreread less
Sightsee33153050563
29 Sep 2023
We booked a kayaking tour out to an island at Palm Cove but because of the rough weather, Andy suggested going up the creek on the kayaks. We travelled with my 4 and 6 year old and they had a ball. There were mini rapids and deep pools and it was a lovely experience for the family. Andy was fun, friendly and kind and we would definitely do another tour with him when we’re back in Cairns. Five stars Andy!!
read moreread less
Stella
28 Sep 2023
read moreread less
Ian
07 Sep 2023
read moreread less
Veronica
04 Sep 2023
read moreread less
Ian
03 Sep 2023
My partner and I had such a great time on the Rainforest tour this afternoon with Andy as our guide. Its a magical part of the world that we're lucky enough to call home. We'll definitely be recommending Pacific Watersports to friends and family.
read moreread less
Rachel
02 Sep 2023
Not a high adrenaline activity so very suitable for families.
Highly recommend this half day activity.
read moreread less
janeknev
26 Aug 2023
read moreread less
richathome1
22 Aug 2023
read moreread less
Julie
19 Aug 2023
read moreread less
Debbie
02 Jul 2023
We went on a kayak trip through a rainforest. Andy and Luke were really friendly and helpful guides. It was a great way to see the forest and there were lots of little rapids that were fun to explore. Would definitely recommend :)
read moreread less
Andrea
26 Jun 2023
We went for a kayak through freshwater creek. The guides were everything you could hope for: friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced. The creek was very nice, very peaceful, kind of magical when we weren't splashing around with the kayaks! We saw fish and a monitor lizard, heard a few drop turtles (dropping off branches!), and ate a few green ants - surprisingly nice zing ????. Highly recommend
read moreread less
Daniel
26 Jun 2023
We booked the turtle tour but the wind was too strong. Andy and Luke did a fabulous job of turning around our disappointment and giving us a special kayak tour down through the rainforest - beautiful scenery, some fun short rapids and a swim for those keen to brave the cool inviting water. Thanks so much guys, highly recommended!
read moreread less
Lyn
26 Jun 2023
We did the river trip with Luke and Andy. Its a lot of fun, very safe. They do a great job of guiding and it goes for a good length of time, just over a couple of hours with a couple of interesting breaks sampling bush tucker and a swim. The quiet of the river and the light through the trees is quite spectacular. Highly recommend. Hope to do the sea kayaking trip next time.
Karl
Karl
read moreread less
Karl
26 Jun 2023
read moreread less
827lennyv
11 May 2023
Lots of information about the island and even introduced us to the caretaker who then allowed is to take a look around tge old resort.
read moreread less
mandiegower
18 Apr 2023
read moreread less
Velvet1966
17 Apr 2023
This was a fantastic tour and the absolute best thing we did in Palm Cove. We saw turtles, rays, fish, birds and plenty of coral. Luke was a brilliant guide who was very knowledgeable about the sea life, tides, and the environment. It was magical kayaking over the reef on beautifully clean and clear water, watching out for turtles as they popped their heads above water or
looking for them swimming below. Several times we stopped to just float on the water and look for turtles. It was such a privilege to sit in silence and hear birds, ripples in water and the sounds of turtles coming up for air. The swim at the island beach was beautiful. I highly recommend the tour.
looking for them swimming below. Several times we stopped to just float on the water and look for turtles. It was such a privilege to sit in silence and hear birds, ripples in water and the sounds of turtles coming up for air. The swim at the island beach was beautiful. I highly recommend the tour.
read moreread less
Queen
03 Apr 2023
read moreread less
kirstyp872
12 Mar 2023
Double island was fascinating. The guides were great and we had many opportunities to see turtles.
We would highly recommend this tour.
read moreread less
D4745QBcathyb
10 Feb 2023
read moreread less
V2614TTmichelley
30 Jan 2023
Pacific Watersports kayaking in ???? Palm Cove ???????? is absolutely spectacular and breathtaking experience and our adventure guide Andy made the Double Island tour even more special! ????????♀️???? The best of the best!!!
read moreread less
Katarina
25 Jan 2023
read moreread less
319tegang
24 Dec 2022
read moreread less
S7193YIjohnn
22 Dec 2022
Absolutely loved doing the half day kayak turtle tour with my partner. Lost count of the amount of turtles we spotted. We even saw some rays, a shark & a pod of dolphins. Guides were very knowledgeable of the area and its wildlife. Loved exploring double island. Highly recommend the guided tours vs. just hiring the kayak on its own. Well worth the $.
read moreread less
Zarli
14 Dec 2022
Absolutely loved doing the half day kayak turtle tour with my partner. Lost count of the amount of turtles we spotted. We even saw some rays, a shark & a pod of dolphins. Guides were very knowledgeable of the area and its wildlife. Loved exploring double island. Highly recommend the guided tours vs. just hiring the kayak on its own. Well worth the $.
read moreread less
Zarli
14 Dec 2022
read moreread less
273princessp
05 Dec 2022
We wore suits to protect us from stingers, and life jackets. We paddled all the way around and island, saw turtles along the way, and stopped twice for walks and a swim. The guys helped us spot Rays and Shovel nose sharks. 4 hour experience, well worth the price. Almost drifting back to the shore with the wind and current was delightful! Would definitely do this again.
read moreread less
PatsySydney
10 Nov 2022
read moreread less
katietW7396KJ
03 Nov 2022













































