Tour Overview
Join us for an unforgettable adventure on the 'Estuary Escapades: Paddling Stories & Dolphin Watching Adventure' kayak tour, where Mandurah's stunning waterways come alive!
As your Eco Certified Kayaking Guide and a trained Dolphin Watch volunteer, Chelle Fisher invites you to be part of a unique adventure that combines exploration with citizen science. This is your special invitation to participate in some dolphin watching as part of the Mandurah Dolphin Watch Project.
We kick off our journey with a safety briefing and a fun introduction to kayaking to ensure everyone feels confident and ready. Then, we dive into the fascinating world of the Dolphin Watch Project. You’ll discover how to identify the incredible dolphins that call these waters home and learn how your sightings contribute to vital research. Each participants will be able to browse the latest ‘Finn Guide’ to help identify our local dolphins, and will receive a digital copy for their personal use. There’s also the option to take online training to become a certified dolphin watcher—imagine being a citizen scientist right from your kayak!
With our newfound knowledge, we’ll slip into our kayaks and paddle beneath the iconic Mandurah Bridge, heading into the tranquil Mandurah Estuary. As we glide through the Mandurah Marina and Port Mandurah Canals, you’ll get an insider’s look at the luxurious canal-side living that makes this area so unique. Our adventure takes us across the channel and over to the heart of Mandurah's Venetian Canals, often compared to the famous Italian 'city of canals', Venice. Here, you’ll be in awe of the stunning million-dollar homes that line the water’s edge.
We’ll take a refreshing break at Dolphin Quay, where a delightful stroll will lead us from Keith Holmes Reserve to the charming Lily Paris, a French café and patisserie known for its mouthwatering macarons and croissants. Treat yourself to a delicious bite and drink, re-energizing for the next leg of our kayaking expedition.
As we head back, we'll navigate to Mandjar Bay via Stingray Point, keeping an eye out for the breathtaking beauty of ospreys, the elegance of black swans, and cheeky cormorants feasting on the iconic Blue Manna Crab. We’ll pause to admire the majestic Moreton Bay Fig Tree and keep our eyes peeled for Percy the Pelican, often seen mingling with local fishermen at Stingray Wharf. Other highlights on our return journey include the Kwillena Gabi Estuary Pool and the poignant Mandurah War Memorial, where we’ll take a moment to pay our respects to its significance.
This enriching experience connects you with the history, charm, and natural beauty of Mandurah. With every stroke of the paddle, you'll be contributing to important dolphin conservation efforts while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Come and explore with us—let's make waves together on this incredible adventure!
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Quick details
Tour length and difficulty: Moderate paddling experience approx 7km
We supply: Kayaks, paddles, life jackets, intro to kayaking tutorial, dolphin watch app and further training info, safety briefing and professional guide/s.
Meeting point: Please meet us at the Waterways Adventure Hub - Western Foreshore, Mandurah. The tour ends at the same point after approximately 3 hours.
Please note: A drop-off/pick-up service is not available and customers require their own transport to and from the meeting point.
Time: 8.15am start, 11.30am finish approx (Please allow extra time if possible)
Cost: $119 adults, $109 concession (senior or student), $99 child (8-16yrs)
Availability: Our Estuary Escapades: Paddling Stories & Dolphin Watching Adventure is available on selected dates with minimum of 2 people.
Tour Inclusions
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A 3hr guided kayaking tour with a certified Eco Guide.
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All kayaking equipment is provided including: kayak, paddle, safety gear and waterproof storage bag for your belongings.
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Full safety brief and basic paddling instructions before the tour commences.
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Carefully curated stories of history, local charm and natural beauty.
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Up close encounters with Mandurah's playful Bottlenose Dolphins and local birdlife.
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Opportunity to be a Citizen Scientist & Dolphin Watcher
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A digital copy of the Mandurah Dolphin FinBook to remember your contribution to Mandurah.
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Morning pitstop of coffee/tea and cake
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Photos of your adventure, which will be shared via a link to a Google Drive file. Some may be posted on our socials.
What to Bring
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Waterproof walking shoes, and weather appropriate clothing/protection.
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Bottle of Water.
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Extra cash in case you wish to purchase more at the cafe.
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Waterproof bag is handy to hold your items but not essential. We provide a small bag for keys/phone etc
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Change of clothing and towel for after the paddling experience, it is likely you will get a little wet.
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An adventurous mind.
Waterways Adventure Hub Location!
Nestled on the picturesque western foreshore, the Waterways Adventure Hub is ideally located to immerse you in Mandurah's vibrant natural and recreational offerings.
You'll find us directly in front of the iconic Mandurah Skate Park and the captivating Meeting Place artwork installation.
Getting here is a breeze, with convenient parking options nearby. Check out our locations page here for further instructions!
Please allow plenty of travel time getting to your destination as late arrivals risk less time on the water.
Additional Information
Can you guarantee we will see dolphins.
It is important to note that Mandurah’s dolphins are wild creatures viewed in their natural environment therefore while sighting them is likely, it may not occur on every kayaking tour. As we survey the local waters, all efforts become part of a crucial endeavor to support and protect the resident dolphin population whether we see dolphins or not, therefore refunds will not be offered in the case of not seeing any. Negative feedback in relation to this will also not be accepted. For guaranteed dolphin sightings we recommend jumping on board one of the many Dolphin Cruises with a Dolphin Guarantee policy.
Paddle length & difficulty
This is a moderate paddling experience approx 7kms, however its important to note that at times the current can be a little strong and may need a little bit of muscle to move in the direction we need to travel.
No paddling experience is needed. We provide you a safety briefing and show you how to paddle our very stable sit-on top kayaks.
Toilet & Parking facilities
Toilets are available at the start, middle and end of the paddling experience.
Parking is available at either the Mandurah Bridge Carpark or the Western Foreshore Carpark, both easy to find using Google or Apple maps. I have personally never had issues here but a reminder to never leave valuables in your car.
Is the tour child friendly
Children under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age for participation in a kayak tour is 8 years old. Younger can possibly be catered for in the double kayaks but please get in contact first.
Do the kayaks have weight limits?
Yes. Your safety is important to us therefore we must stick within our equipment carrying capabilities.
Our single Dream Kayaks have a weight limit of 130kg
Our double Dream Kayaks have a weight limit of 210kg
Are Double Kayaks easy to navigate?
Double kayaks can be a great way to share the paddling experience with a friend or family member. However, it is important to keep in mind that paddling a double kayak can be more challenging than a single kayak. When choosing a double kayak it's important to consider that it requires good coordination and communication between both paddlers to ensure smooth and efficient movement. If you and your partner are new to kayaking, a double kayak might be more difficult to handle, so it can be beneficial if at least one of you has some paddling experience. Double kayaks also require more effort, especially in windy or strong current conditions, so ensure both paddlers are physically prepared for the challenge. Maintaining balance and synchronizing your strokes are crucial for a stable and enjoyable ride. We provide a short video with tips for paddling a double kayak successfully prior to the tour to help you get the most out of your experience.
What happens if it is too windy?
If we need to cancel due to weather conditions (too windy), alternative dates will be offered. If you purchased your tour directly through Down Under Discoveries and there is no suitable alternative date available for a cancelled tour, we are more than happy to arrange a refund for you.
Terms & Conditions
A friendly reminder to please make sure you have read the Terms & Conditions prior to booking, especially in regards to my Cancellation Policy. These policies are made for a reason and negative feedback in regards to a dispute with my policies will not be tolerated.