Kayak Turtle Tour from Palm Cove: An Exciting Adventure with Aquatic Life at Double Island

Embark on an exciting Kayak Turtle Tour from Palm Cove to Double Island. Explore mangroves, paddle over coral reefs, and spot turtles, rays, and possibly dolphins or whales. Book now!

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 73 Williams Esplanade - Departing from Palm Cove, we paddle our way over to the coral reefs that fringe Double Island and Haycock Island (Scouts Hat).\nThe first stop is our turtle spot. This is the place where the green turtle and the hawksbill turtle can be seen basking in the ocean. More often than not we have numerous turtle sightings. This is…
What's Included
  • Expert local guide
  • Includes all necessary equipment
What's Not Included
  • Hotel Pick Up Fees - $20 per person (if requested)
Additional Information

Ready for the experience of a lifetime? Come on our Kayak Turtle Tour. Tours operate daily from the south end of Palm Cove and paddle out to Double Island from there. Once we are at Double Island, it’s an incredible experience. There are mangroves to explore, coral reefs to paddle over and even a cave to explore if the conditions are right. More often…

Location
73 Williams Esplanade
Williams Esplanade
Please ensure you arrive at 73 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove at 6:40 to check in and get ready. We depart at 7:00am. Please bring sun protection, plenty of water and some snacks. Environmental Management Fee - $7 per person is compulsory and payable on the day.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(286 Ratings)
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Nytrydr
Jul 14, 2025
Turtley worth it - So my son and I had tried to take this tour about 3 years ago, but the weather had not been good on the day we booked. the team apologised and cheerfully re-arranged our tour to go through the Daintree rainforest down the river, which was really enjoyable. This time, once again the weather was bad, and that offer was on the table but luckily we had some wiggle room and could wait until the last day of our trip when the weather was better. Luke communicated clearly and was very friendly throughout. On the day our other guide was Noel, who was very knowledgeable also. It was beautiful, the islands and the sea are lovely. There were even some turtles but (as with unpredictable wild creatures) you don't always get close enough to take a pic. We saw quite a number poke their heads out of the water but they do so very briefly and we weren't able to get pictures. Wear reef shoes on the trip. I opted not to bring mine but I wish I had. walking on those islands or on the sand bar kills the feet. I wore sandals but the shells get in between sandal and foot and that hurts. The kayak back was actually quite hard work to be honest, the trip had been planned well and out return course plotted but the wind picked up more than I think Luke had expected (he definitely tried not to make us have to exert ourselves) but I was pretty much done by the time we struggled ashore (I'm a 50 year old guy who is too heavy and not real fit, so judge your own ability), but I am sure if my son had also been struggling Luke and Noel would have assisted. I'm confident you will very much enjoy this tour. I know we did. Just don't bank on getting up close and personal with wild turtles. They's wild.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Neville_brasco
Jul 10, 2025
A beautiful kayaking experience to relax the mind body and soul - We had a fantastic experience. The guide Luke ( Turtle Man ) was really knowledgeable. He knew exactly where to take us to find the turtles. The double kayaks were easy to paddle for my wife and I and The stop on the beach for a relaxing swim was a bit special. Would definitely recommend for all ages.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Inspire473216
Apr 26, 2025
Sensational sunrise on the water - We thoroughly enjoyed the Sunrise Kayak Tour from Palm Cove around Double Island. It was a highlight of our trip to Cairns. We had beautiful weather, and our guide Andy was informative and fun. The paddle was a perfect balance of relaxing and energetic, and a delightful way to start the day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Irinakt6896bv
Apr 25, 2025
Awesome way to start the day - Starting your day by witnessing the sunrise over the water and encountering turtles, exploring Double Island is truly a delightful experience. Great organization. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
944marlizes
Apr 19, 2025
Amazing adventure in Palm Cove - Amazing experience. We had so much fun. Great experience for a family with teenage kids. Highly recommend the trip. Luke was a great tour guide. Thank you for memories that will last a lifetime.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
653seldac
Feb 17, 2025
AMAZING EXPERIENCE, HIGHLY RECOMMEND - Absolutely amazing experience! We loved it, and it was so much more enjoyable and easy then we thought it would be as beginners. Our tour guide was great, he was so welcoming, great knowledge and really made the complete process smooth and easy. Would highly recommend. Saw so many turtles! Super cute!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sammyl501
Jan 6, 2025
10/10 would recommend. - Amazing tour with super knowledgable guides. Stunning location and a great way to spend the morning. Andy made us feel very welcome and had lots of advice and facts to share.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Raisingexplorers
Dec 27, 2024
Sunrise kayak a great way to start the day - Beautiful sunrise kayak to spot turtles. Saw a couple but the best part was being out on the water in the calm of morning and visiting Double Island. Andy was a knowledgeable and friendly guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Coloradostephanie1
Dec 27, 2024
Highly recommend! - Its was a great experience! Luke and Andy were incredibly knowledgeable, the other people on our tour were fun and we saw Turtles! This trip exceeded our expectations. We also enjoyed spending a little time in Palm Cove, it has a different feel from Cairnes.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laura_m
Jul 10, 2025
Lively half day trip to explore the Palm Cove area - Lovely trip and easy activity for all abilities. Staff are friendly and helpful. Highly recommend. It mentioned fruit and juice snack as part of the trip booking blurb but it was not provided on the day.
Review provided by Viator
From $78
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).