In Airlie Beach we booked a half day tour with Salty Dog Sea Kayaking but weren’t sure if it was going to go ahead as the weather had been getting quite windy. In the end, it did happen which I’m really glad of as it was a great trip!

(I didn’t take my camera just in case it got wet/sandy. We did have dry bags in our kayaks but I decided to play it safe and just enjoy the day. Therefore any pics below are from the Salty Dog website.)

We were picked up at 8:30am and drove down the coast to Shute Harbour where Salty Dog Sea Kayaking is located. There we were kitted out with spray skirts, life vests and given a quick paddling lesson. Then we headed out into the bay and after a short practise session we were off!

Mark and I were in a double with him at the back controlling the rudder and me at the front setting the stroke rate (or that was the plan anyway!). We paddled round several of the inlets of the mainland and some of the closest islands, landing on Canecockie Beach mid-morning for cheese and biscuits, and a chance to explore the beach or go for a swim.

After relaxing and chatting for a while we headed back the way we had come, getting a little sprayed by the increasing choppiness of the waves. I was very salty by the end! It was great fun though and Mark and I did pretend sprints back in the bay as we were waiting to come in, just to see how fast we could go!

Our guides were really friendly and knowledgeable telling us heaps of information about the islands and wildlife. We were really hoping to see a humpback whale as between July and September they migrate north to give birth to their calves, before returning to the Antarctic waters. No such luck, but the scenery itself was beautiful.

The kayaks were incredibly stable so even though the wind was picking up I didn’t feel unsafe at any point. I would have loved to do one of the longer trips but I think my shoulders might have complained- definitely a good workout, I’d highly recommend! 🙂

Beki x