PALM BEACH WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Paddling Out to the Seals: A Palm Beach Kayak Picnic Across Pittwater
A 3.5-hour sit-inside kayak outing from Palm Beach that paddles to a wild seal colony, includes a gourmet picnic and swim, and explores Pittwater with guided instruction.
Paddling Out to the Seals: A Palm Beach Kayak Picnic Across Pittwater.
From the Pittwater side of Governor Phillip Park, this 3.5-hour guided sit-inside kayak trip leads small groups across calm Pittwater to a resident seal colony, pauses for a secluded-gorge picnic and a swim, then returns to Palm Beach — a compact, wildlife-focused paddle that balances close encounters with clear safety boundaries.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Seal-colony encounters, responsibly close
A short paddle from Palm Beach brings you to a wild seal colony where guides spend about 10–20 minutes observing at or beyond the legal minimum distance; seals are usually relaxed and the trip offers reliable viewing and photo opportunities.
Gourmet picnic on a sheltered beach
After viewing the seals the group paddles to a secluded beach (choice varies with weather) for a gourmet picnic lunch and an optional swim before the return leg.
A tailored paddle through Pittwater
The route through Pittwater is paced to the group's speed and fitness, combining a brief open-water crossing with sheltered exploring and a flexible return to the Palm Beach launch point.
What the day feels like
What the paddle feels like
You launch from the north end of the Palm Beach car park (Pittwater side) in comfortable sit-inside kayaks and make a roughly 20-minute paddle to the seal haul-out. Time at the colony is measured and respectful; once the group has seen enough, you head to a wind-sheltered beach for a relaxed gourmet lunch and the option of a swim, then paddle back while guides tailor the pace to the party.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing is best for — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Total experience is 3.5 hours with around 2.5 hours paddling.
Bring plenty of water, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable quick-drying clothes (no cotton), suitable footwear and a change of clothes for the trip home; dress for sun and possible chill as clothing can get wet.
The operator supplies a sit-inside kayak, paddle, PFD (life jacket), spray deck, paddling instruction and sunscreen; a gourmet picnic lunch is included.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The Seal Experience Paddle is a 3.5-hour outing, with approximately 2.5 hours of paddling.
What is the minimum age?
The trip is suitable for people aged 8 years and older; children 8–14 must be accompanied by an adult, and each child or teen requires one adult per double kayak.
Is the trip wheelchair accessible?
No — the experience is not wheelchair accessible.
What happens if we don’t see seals?
There is a SEAL GUARANTEE: if you do not get at least two minutes with two or more seals in a good view, you can return on this paddle at half price until you get quality time with the seals.
Are there size or fit limits for the kayaks?
Yes — kayaks are comfortable sit-inside types; participants should be less than 2 m tall and able to fit in a 40 cm-wide seat.
What is included in the price?
The trip includes a gourmet picnic lunch, a sit-inside kayak, paddle, PFD, spray deck, paddling instruction and sunscreen.