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Kayak Adventure Beneath the Three Capes: Tasmania’s Hidden Shores

The Three Capes might steal the spotlight from the tracks above, but at sea level, the Tasman Peninsula tells a wilder story. Over five days in sea kayaks, we’ll glide at nature’s pace, slipping between rugged headlands and secret coves only the water can reveal. Every morning, we’ll let the weather decide: Cape Huoy’s towering spires or Pirate Bay’s hidden gems? Evenings bring well-earned comfort at a cozy lodge with hot showers, cold drinks, and no rush. Tassie’s waters have a way of pulling you in—come see where they’ll take you.

Adventure highlights

  • Full coastal access

    Discover Tasmania’s most dramatic cliffs from sea level and paddle beneath the towering Cape Huoy

  • Marine life safari

    Spot fur seals, sea eagles, and stingrays in their natural habitats

  • History break

    Visit Port Arthur’s historic site and explore the preserved convict coal mines

Itinerary

The Tasman Peninsula hides Tasmania's most dramatic coastline, where soaring dolerite cliffs plunge into crystal waters. Over four full days of paddling, we'll explore this stunning seascape from water level, gliding past towering formations at Cape Hauy, discovering hidden coves in Fortescue Bay, and sharing waters with seals and sea eagles. Two experienced guides will lead us to the perfect locations based on conditions. Our five-day journey includes a night in Hobart before moving to our peninsula base with lodge accommodation and a full board of tasty Tasmanian meals. All paddling equipment is provided so you can focus purely on the incredible coast unfolding before you!

  • The following itinerary serves as a general guide. Due to the unique nature of this area and changing weather conditions, there is no fixed route or schedule. Please note that our day-to-day activities will be determined by the weather, logistical conditions and group preferences. The listed paddling times should be seen as an approximate guide only.

  • Welcome to Hobart! Make your way to the hotel and check in from 3pm. From your centrally located hotel, you can explore galleries, cafes, restaurants, and wine bars. If you want to catch some fresh air, consider heading up to Kunanyi/Mount Wellington for spectacular vistas over Greater Hobart, Bruny Island, and down towards the South West Wilderness area.

    Accommodation: Vibe Hotel Hobart or similar

    Dock in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, with Mount Wellington in the background
  • We start the day with breakfast at the hotel followed by an early morning 2-hour group transfer to Stewarts Bay Coastal Reserve. Before launching, we’ll run through a full kayak safety briefing. Then, we’ll paddle to the Port Arthur historic site, where we’ll enjoy a very scenic and unique view from our kayaks. We’ll continue south and pass dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches before finishing at Safety Cove. Then, we’ll transfer by vehicle to the lodge which will be our base for the next three nights. For dinner, our guides will prepare a gourmet meal with a focus on local produce.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Paddling: 3-4 hours
    Accommodation: Lodge

    People kayaking with a sandy beach and eucalyptus trees in the background
  • After a hearty breakfast prepared by your guides, we’ll transfer a short distance to Fortescue Bay, located in the heart of the Tasman National Park. This morning’s paddle is towards Cape Hauy, one of the highlights of the Three Capes Track.

    If the weather allows, we’ll make our way to the base of the Candlestick, a mecca for rock climbers located beside a seal haul-out. We will pause here while Australian fur seals play in the water around us. Depending on sea conditions, we may paddle underneath the Candlestick to the open sea beyond. As we return to the shelter of the bay, we’ll explore hidden coves and enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to our lodge. We may even stop for a quick swim on the way!

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Paddling: approx. 4 hours
    Accommodation: Lodge

    Kayakers in front of the Candlestick, Tasmania
  • This morning we’ll drive to Lime Bay Coastal Reserve for more kayak exploration. We’ll take a break from paddling and visit the Convict ruins at the Coal Mines historic site. Continuing north, we’ll paddle past delicate sandstone cliffs and sandy beaches, spotting stingrays and sea eagles before finishing at Lime Bay. We’ll meet our vehicle and transfer to our accommodation.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Paddling: approx. 4 hours
    Accommodation: Lodge

    Lime Bay beach on the Tasman Peninsula
  • For our final day on the Tasman Peninsula, we’ll launch from the shelter of Pirates Bay and experience true ocean kayaking as we paddle south past the Tasman Arch and Blowhole. Towering sea cliffs, deep sea caves and abundant marine life are the highlights of today’s adventure. We’ll enjoy lunch back at Pirates Bay, stretch our legs with a short walk, and transfer back to Hobart. Our adventure ends with a drop-off at your Hobart accommodation (not included) between 5-5.30pm.

    Meals: Breakfast and lunch
    Paddling: 3-4 hours

    Kayaker in front of the Tasman Arch
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Meet your guide

Southern Sea Ventures
5.00
Southern Sea Ventures
Southern Sea Ventures began conducting sea kayak trips in 1988. The founder and fellow adventurer, Al Bakker, set out to discover new and untouched destinations best explored by sea kayak. The company’s guides, both new and existing, have many decades of experience leading sea kayak trips all over the world. Southern Sea Ventures work with a select group of partners to provide local expertise in culture, language and history of the regions they paddle through.
5.00 (3 reviews)
Southern Sea Ventures Three Capes kayak, Tasmania
John B (source: TripAdvisor)

I was one of six guests undertaking a four day kayak around the base of the Three Capes in south-east Tasmania. We were ably supported, on and off the water, by our two tour guides, Elijah and Danika. With daily briefings and good selection of routes, emphasis was on maximising our experience on the water, panoramic views and viewing wildlife, whilst keeping safety foremost. The whole experience was magnificent. Very comfortable lodgings, great meals and good company.

Excellent all-round experience
Isabelle H (source: TripAdvisor)

We did the Three Capes Paddle in southern Tassie with Southern Sea Ventures over Easter this year and it was one of the best trips I’ve ever been on. Our guides, Toby and Sean, were excellent kayaking guides, chauffeurs and even chefs! Not to mention the breathtaking views and local wildlife they showed us! We also had a beautiful house to come back to each evening, after exploring Tassie by sea, with its own beach access and beautiful views. I recommend Southern Sea Ventures to anyone and everyone looking for an adventure!

Amazing and inspirational trip.
Chris S (source: TripAdvisor)

This was such an amazing trip. The weather was perfect. Our guides were fantastic and very knowledgeable on the local area. I was a little nervous starting but he guides did a great job of making us all comfortable. We paddled through some breath-taking areas including the Candlestick/Totem Pole and Tasman Arch. The accommodation was beautiful and we were 2 minutes’ walk to the tessellated pavement and snorkelling. My wife was a kayaking novice and now she is very keen to get out on more trips 🙂

Things to know

  • Included:

      • Two experienced sea kayak guides with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 5-day Three Capes kayak adventure
      • Accommodations
        • Hotel accommodation for one night in Hobart (twin share)
        • Shared lodge accommodation for three nights on the Tasman Peninsula
      • All meals from breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 5
      • A glass of wine, beer or cider with dinner
      • Return transfers between Hobart city and the Tasman Peninsula
      • Double and single expedition kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and spray skirts
      • One 20L dry bag
      • A paddling cag (waterproof jacket)
      • Pogies (paddling mittens)
      • Comprehensive first aid kit and emergency safety equipment

    Not included:

      • Flights to Tasmania
      • Airport transfers
      • Meals in Hobart (except breakfast at the hotel on Day 2)
      • Accommodation on Day 5
      • Single supplement
      • Guide gratuities — optional
      • Travel and medical insurance — optional
  • For this Three Capes kayak adventure, you’ll need a solid fitness level and a sense of adventure. Sea kayaking is an activity that any reasonably fit person can participate in and it could be compared to brisk walking or cycling. While previous kayaking experience is not necessary, you should be confident in swimming. The degree of difficulty of the trip will depend on the weather.

    To get the most out of your Three Capes kayak tour, consider starting some regular exercise like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming well before the trip. If you’re new to paddling, consider taking some lessons beforehand to help you feel more comfortable on the water. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy paddling.

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

    Essentials

      • Lightweight thermal long sleeve top for paddling
      • Lightweight thermal long underwear for paddling
      • Lightweight fleece for paddling
      • Quick drying shorts for paddling (like board shorts)
      • Long sleeved quick drying shirt for sun protection
      • Two to three lightweight quick drying t-shirts
      • Warm fleece or down jacket
      • Quality, breathable rain jacket with hood for hiking
      • Quality, breathable rain pants for walking or shorts and gaiters
      • Sleepwear
      • Shoes for paddling that can get wet (sandals, wetsuit boots, Crocs)
      • Trail walking shoes/runners or lightweight hiking boots for hiking
      • Dry shoes for the lodge
      • Comfortable casual evening wear for the lodge
      • Sunglasses with a cord to prevent them from falling into the water
      • Sunhat with a stiff brim
      • Pair of lightweight gloves.
      • Wool or fleece beanie
      • One pair of warm socks
      • One pair of hiking socks
      • Underwear for the duration of the adventure
      • Headlamp with spare batteries
      • Water bottle or hydration system (minimum 1L capacity)
      • Personal toiletries and medications
      • Beach towel
      • Sunscreen (waterproof and at least SPF 30)
      • Lip balm
      • Insect repellent

    Optional items

      • Short or long sleeved rash guard
      • Wetsuit if you’d like to try snorkeling
      • Paddling gloves (pogies are provided by your guide)
      • Swimsuit
      • Camera
      • Book
      • Small daypack
      • Swimming goggles or mask and snorkel
      • Plastic bags for wet gear
      • Wine or liquor

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season and activity.

  • On this Three Capes kayak adventure, you’ll use Wilderness Systems Tsunami singles and Mission Eco Niizh doubles, all sit-in with rudders. The paddles supplied are Werner Skagit at 220cm length and split for easy adjustment to suit every style. The kayaks are stable, easy to navigate, and perfect for both first-timers and experienced kayakers.

    Other essential gear is included as well: life jackets, a set of paddling mittens, a 20L dry bag, and a cagoule (over-the-head jacket with seals on the waist, wrist, and neck for protection from wind and rain).

    Don’t worry if you’re new to sea kayaking—Day 2 of this Three Capes kayak adventure has a thorough but relaxed briefing, giving you plenty of time to get comfortable with the equipment before heading out to explore.

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this Three Capes kayak adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
      • Two guides will accompany you on this adventure.
      • It takes a minimum of 6 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.

    A Three Capes kayak adventure can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 16 may be permitted to join this Three Capes kayak adventure on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has kayakers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • The starting point of your Three Capes kayak adventure is Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. To get there, most people fly into Hobart Airport (HBA). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach the Vibe Hotel Hobart, your accommodation for the first night of the adventure. You can check in at the hotel from 3pm.

    You will meet your guide in the morning of Day 2 between 7:30am and 8am at your hotel in Hobart for a group transfer to Stewarts Bay Coastal Reserve, where your kayak adventure begins. You will receive specific details about the meeting time before your departure.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

    Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

    Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • Deposits
    You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

    Cancellations
    Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

    Basic

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Super Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
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