Name: Guided Manly Kayak Tour to Reef Beach - 90 Minutes
Price: 65.00 AUD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.6 (68 reviews)

Highlights

90 Minute Kayaking adventure perfect for first time paddlers
Kayak to beautiful Reef Beach and head in for a refreshing dip
Enjoy a short bushwalk to the historic lookout for sweeping views of the harbour

Head out for a fun filled kayaking adventure around North Harbour in Manly. Whether you are an experienced paddler or a beginner, this is a perfect 90 minute activity to soak up stunning views and enjoy some time on the water with friends or family.

What's included?

Kayak hire and all safety equipment
Full safety briefing & paddling instruction
Experienced and friendly local guide
Basic skills lesson
Scenic walk up Dobroyd Head

Step into one of Manly’s most beautiful hidden worlds on this guided 90-minute North Harbour kayak adventure a gentle, joy filled experience perfect for first time paddlers and anyone wanting to see Sydney from a completely different perspective. You’ll meet your friendly guide at the Manly Kayak Centre /Manly Lifestyle Club at Manly Wharf, right beside Felons Brewing Co., where the harbour energy already sets the tone for the journey ahead. After a relaxed introduction and safety briefing, you’ll ease onto the protected waters of North Harbour a place where time seems to slow down and the city fades behind you. Paddle past the quiet beauty of Fairlight, the leafy shoreline of North Harbour Reserve, and the stunning curves of Reef Beach. Keep an eye on the water as you go — local marine life often makes an appearance here, including the occasional sea turtle drifting through the clear shallows.

After around 30 minutes on the water, you’ll arrive at the secluded sands of Reef Beach. From here, a short bushwalk leads you up to Arabanoo Lookout at Dobroyd Head, where the world opens up in every direction. From this breathtaking vantage point, take in sweeping views across Sydney Heads, watch the Manly Ferry glide through the harbour, and feel the raw coastal beauty of the Northern Beaches all around you. Back at Reef Beach, there’s time to pause, swim, or simply lie back on the sand and soak it all in before you paddle gently home. The return journey brings a quiet sense of ease — golden light on the water, coastal cliffs beside you, and that calm satisfaction of having experienced something truly special.

Important information

Session Length

Available Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 10:30am for 90 minutes.

Guidelines

Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian
Maximum weight is 120kg
Participants must be able to swim at least 150 metres
Please note: Tour routes may vary on the day depending on weather, water, and safety conditions to ensure the best possible experience for all guests.

Cancellation

Change your booking up to 48 hours before the start time of your experience
Changes are not permitted within 48 hours of your experience
Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience

Numbers on the Day

Private tours require a minimum of four people and are available seven days a week depending on guide availability. Public group tours run Saturdays and Sundays and require a minimum of four participants.

Weather

In the event of rain or inclement weather your experience will still go ahead unless contacted by the experience provider. If your experience is cancelled you will be rescheduled by the provider.

Dress Code

You will be getting wet in the kayaks so swimwear and rash shirts are recommended.

Other Info

If you are driving, we recommend the Wentworth Street Carpark, which is just a 1-minute walk towards Manly Wharf. Best Contact number is 0412 622 662

Location

This experience takes place in Manly, NSW.

Reviews

4.6

68 reviews

5 stars 44

4 stars 22

3 stars 2

2 stars 0

1 star 0

NOT HAPPY.....

JOHN 8 April 2025

AN ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE BUT A STRESSFUL, AWFUL,BUILD UP! All your literature / web site and other material had us going to reef beach and a meeting point on the western end of Manly Cove at the kayak center outside the old aquarium. We gave ourselves plenty of time to get there...... Just as well because we could not find the acquarium and locals told us that it had been demolished some years ago and we could not find the anything about canoeing from that point. Finally, and running out of time we were directed to the other end of the beach and beyond the ferry wharfs where we found the site!....going on a kilometer from where we were told to meet. Then......!!!! to be told that the "tour" had been cancelled because we were the only starters didn't make for happy Chappies! What the!!!! and having travelled from the mountains suffice it to say we were FAR FROM happy! We finally convinced them to let us have a kayak and being told we were not permitted to take it to Reef Beach ended up sticking to the eastern side of the harbour and visiting the Quarantine Centre beach. We cannot say that we didn't enjoy the day because once we had sorted out the disastrous beginning we had a great time. Please update your information and directions on your website and other literature.

BEST Experience

Lina 31 December 2024

It was sooo much and. the best experience. I would definitely booked it again and go in a big group next time!

Customer Experience

Hi Lina, we're so pleased to hear you enjoyed your experience. We appreciate you taking the time to leave such positive feedback!

2 January 2025

Beautiful day out on the water

Hannah 18 September 2023

We hired 2 single kayaks with Manly Kayak Hire through Red Balloon. We got a $10 discount from going through Red Balloon and had an absolute blast. The staff were super friendly, the day was beautiful and we had an all round awesome day. Definitely will be going again.

Amazing kayaking on the harbour

Louise 6 May 2021

Thank you Redballoon for this amazing morning experience, I booked this kayaking for the birthday of my boyfriend as a surprise and we both loved it, it was a very sunny day so it helps! We went to this remote beach called Store beach it's so beautiful. I highly recommend to do it!!

Kayaking Manly 4 hours

Samantha 29 March 2021

We had a great time, 4 hours gives you enough time to stop off and relax at the beaches along the way. We Kayaked as far as Quarantine Station and stopped for coffee at the cafe. Highly recommend this experience

Kayaking was fantastic

Samia 6 October 2020

Service was great had plenty of time to go around it was a wonderful day lots of fun

Unforgettable experience!

Steve 5 October 2020

I can’t wait to do it again, kayaking to those beautiful beaches was amazing. Fantastic day out!

Such a great experience - highly recommend

Sonia 18 September 2020

My partner and I did this together and it was such an amazing experience. We were running slightly late but Manly Kayak Centre was great about it and gave us as much time as we needed. The weather was great and as first-time kayakers, we had so much fun exploring the secluded beaches. Finished off with a swim in one of the beaches and kayaked back to the wharf. Highly recommend - great value and spectacular experience.

Kayaking in Manly

Michelle 30 December 2019

Kayaking in Manly was absolutely breathtaking! You have the opportunity to explore multiple beaches, cliff jump, snorkel, and check out a cute Cafe at Q station. The employees at Manly Kayak Centre were amazing to work with. We are definitely going to go again!

Fantastic way to explore some of Sydney Harbour

Julianne 3 November 2019

If you want to explore beautiful Sydney Harbour then this is the way to do it! Our first stop was in Little Manly Cove at Little Manly Beach. We then explored Store Beach before traveling to Q Station. Staff were extremely helpful and very friendly. A great morning indeed. You do get wet so be prepared!!