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
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: Three Capes & Tasman Lodge
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: Three Capes & Tasman Lodge
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: Three Capes & Tasman Lodge
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
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
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
Optional items
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season and activity.
We’ll spend the first night of our Three Capes kayak adventure at the Vibe Hotel Hobart, a contemporary 4-star hotel in the heart of the city. Our home for the next three nights of our trip will be the Three Capes & Tasman Lodge. Set atop a hill on 45 acres (18 hectares) of bushland on the Tasman Peninsula, the lodge offers breathtaking views of the Tasman Coast. We’ll stay in comfortable twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms (single supplement available for an additional fee). We’ll also have access to a fully equipped kitchen and a shared living area. After days full of adventure, we can relax on the wraparound deck and enjoy the views of the surrounding landscape.
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
A Three Capes kayak adventure can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
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!