APOLLO BAY KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Paddle Out to Marengo Reef and Meet a Colony of Australian Fur Seals
A 90-minute guided kayak from Apollo Bay to the Marengo Reef Marine Sanctuary with instruction, all gear supplied, and guaranteed seal encounters — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Paddle Out to Marengo Reef and Meet a Colony of Australian Fur Seals.
From Apollo Bay, local guides lead a 90‑minute excursion to the protected Marengo Reef Marine Sanctuary where Australian Fur Seals gather; the trip combines hands‑on instruction, tandem sit‑on‑top kayaking, and close wildlife viewing for paddlers of varying experience.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Face-to-face with Australian Fur Seals
The tour paddles to Marengo Reef Marine Sanctuary to view the protected Australian Fur Seals up close — guides note there are well over a hundred animals in the colony, and sightings are guaranteed.
Local instruction and ocean awareness
Qualified local guides provide surf‑safety and ocean‑awareness briefings, step‑by‑step kayak instruction and lead the group throughout the tour — ideal for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
Catch waves back to shore
After visiting the seal colony, participants can paddle tandem kayaks and, for the adventurous, catch waves on the return toward shore — the program includes practice in shallow water before heading out.
What the day feels like
What the 90 minutes feel like
The outing begins with kit‑up and a safety talk, followed by paddling instruction in shallow water. Under guide supervision you cross to Marengo Reef Marine Sanctuary to watch and learn about the fur seals, then return — often by riding small waves back to the beach — all within a focused 90‑minute session.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing runs approximately 90 minutes from instruction through touring.
Meeting location is listed as Apollo Bay; the tour meets guests and fits wetsuits at Marengo Beach (about a 2 km drive from Apollo Bay).
Participants should come ready to paddle; sunscreen is applied during kit‑up. All paddling equipment is provided, including wetsuits, helmets and PFDs.
You must be able to swim; the activity is not recommended for children under 12. Guides provide surf safety and ocean awareness instruction before entering the water.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Seal View Kayaking tour?
The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, including instruction and the return paddle.
Where do we meet for the tour?
The meeting location is listed as Apollo Bay; participants are met and fitted with wetsuits at Marengo Beach (about a 2 km drive from Apollo Bay).
Is equipment provided or do I need to bring my own?
All equipment is provided: wetsuits, helmets, paddles and PFDs (life jackets). Sunscreen is applied during kit‑up.
Will I see seals on the trip?
Yes — the tour goes to the Marengo Reef Marine Sanctuary where guides report a large seal colony and sightings are guaranteed.
Are there age or health restrictions?
Participants must be able to swim; the activity is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
Can we feed or touch the seals?
No — as the tour operates within a marine sanctuary, feeding the animals is strictly prohibited.