Three Capes 4-Day Sea Kayak, Hike and Whale Watch Escape

Tasmania is an island state of Australia located 240 km south of the mainland and separated by Bass Strait. With an area of 68,401 square km, Tasmania is the 26th largest island in the world. Protected National Parks and World Heritage Sites cover almost half of the land area. Known as the "natural state", Tasmania is an ideal destination for hikers and paddlers. Tassie's windswept coastline is dominated by towering dolerite cliffs interspersed with hidden sea caves, sea kelp forests, secluded coves, sheltered lagoons, and beautiful long sandy beaches.

The Bruny Island 4-Day Paddle and the more challenging 4-day Three Capes Paddle feature these highlights and more! Consider joining both trips with a night in Hobart city in between. The Tasman Peninsula 4-day Sea Kayak and Whale Watch Escape is a very special trip combining world-class paddling, cliff-top hiking and whale watching! All three trips are based at private, comfortable waterfront lodges. 

After a day of paddling and hiking, enjoy a gourmet meal featuring local produce, fresh seafood and a complimentary selection of wine, beer and cider each evening at our exclusive waterfront base, The Bolthole.

Whale Breaching
Package Components

Includes

  • Private transfers between Hobart city and the Three Capes.
  • 4 nights twin share accommodation. Vibe Hotel Hobart (1st night); The Bolthole, Coles Bay (2nd, 3rd & 4th nights).
  • Carefully curated meals featuring local produce from Breakfast on Day 2 to Lunch on Day 5.
  • Complimentary selection of local wine, beer and cider each evening from Day 2.
  • Double expedition kayaks, paddles, pfds, spray skirts.
  • One 20L dry bag.
  • A paddling cag (waterproof jacket).
  • Pogies (paddling mittens).
  • Wildlife watching boat excursion
  • Two professional local guides.
  • Expert lectures
  • Comprehensive first aid kit and emergency safety equipment.

Excludes

  • Flights
  • Meals and beverages in Hobart on Day 1
  • Travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature
Itinerary Overview

Due to the unique nature of this area and the variable weather, there is no fixed route or schedule. The following itinerary is a sample only. Please note that weather, logistical conditions and group preference will determine the day-to-day activities. Paddling distances should be seen as an approximate guide only.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Day 1: 

Make your way to the Vibe Hotel Hobart, Room check-in is 3pm.

Enjoy staying in the centre of Hobart with galleries, cafes, restaurants and wine bars at your doorstep. Head up to Kunanyi/Mount Wellington for spectacular views over Greater Hobart, Bruny Island and down towards the south west wilderness area.

NO MEALS INCLUDED / VIBE HOTEL HOBART (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)

Day 2:

Start the day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel followed by a group pick up (around 8am) for the drive to Fortescue Bay, located in the heart of the Tasman National Park.Prior to launching, your guides will run through a full kayak safety briefing.  We then launch the kayaks and head towards Cape Huoy, one of the highlights of the Three Capes Track. If the weather allows, we can make our way to the base of the Candle Stick, a mecca for rock climbers from around the world and conveniently located beside a seal haul-out. We will pause here while Australian fur seals play in the water around us. Depending on conditions, we can paddle underneath the Candle Stick to the open sea beyond where we'll keep a look out for whale activity. Returning to the shelter of the bay, we’ll explore hidden coves and enjoy a picnic lunch before a vehicle transfer to our lodge accommodation, The Bolthole Pirates Bay. After settling in and exploring the surrounds, the guides will prepare a gourmet dinner with a focus on local produce. Our resident biologist will present the first of a series of informative lectures with an emphasis on whales of the Southern Ocean. Paddling distance today is approximately 12-15 km.

B • L • D /  THE BOLTHOLE (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)

Day 3:

This morning, provided the weather allows, we launch the kayaks from the shelter of Pirates Bay and experience true ocean paddling as we paddle south past the Tasman Arch and Blowhole. Towering sea cliffs, deep sea caves and abundant marine life are highlights of today’s paddle. This excursion is perhaps our best opportunity to view whales from our kayaks as the coastline is a favourite resting spot for migrating humpbacks. Lunch is enjoyed at Bivouac Bay where we can stretch our legs on a hike with great views over the sea cliffs. We meet our vehicle and transfer back to the The Bolthole with time to relax on the large deck looking out to Pirates Bay, Clyde Island and Cape Hauy before dinner and our evening whale tales. Paddling distance today is approximately 15 km.
B • L • D / THE BOLTHOLE (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)

Day 4:

Our third day on the Tasman Peninsula begins with a hearty breakfast before heading to Port Arthur. Launching from a nearby cove, we have a unique opportunity to experience the Port Arthur site by kayak before paddling south to sheltered Safety Cove for lunch. After a rest and a swim for the bold, we will round out the afternoon with a return hike towards Mt Brown and Crescent Bay. The hike provides exceptional views southwards over the Tasman Sea and provides fabulous opportunities to witness the annual humpback migration. Your resident marine biologist will accompany the group and provide an in- depth knowledge of whale behaviour. Transfer back to the lodge. Paddling distance today is around 8 kms.

B • L • D / THE BOLTHOLE (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)

Day 5:

On our last day on the Peninsula, we leave the kayaks behind for our morning boat trip and an afternoon hike. After a short transfer to Eaglehawk Neck, we join the crew at Wild Ocean Tasmania (WOT) for a 3 to 4-hour whale spotting trip. Our aim is to travel to the Hippolyte rocks, located 5kms from shore, just a little out of reach of our kayaks, to experience the myriad of wildlife. Our charter boat is a rigid hull inflatable (RIB) with a toilet and comfortable seating. RIB’s are perfect for those worried about motion sickness as they are incredibly stable, due to their low centre of gravity and air-filled pontoons. They are fully open, so you get to breathe fresh air at all times and the view is not obstructed. We hope to spot not only whales on our trip, but also dolphins, seals and albatross. After returning to land, we’ll have lunch and then stretch our legs with a spectacular cliff-top hike. The trip ends with a transfer back to Hobart and a drop off at your hotel at around 5:30pm.

B • L / END OF TRIP ARRANGEMENTS

At a Glance
  • Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania, Australia
  • 5-day package, 4 days kayaking
  • Whale watching
  • Snorkelling
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in central Hobart city
  • 3 nights private lodge accommodation at Coles Bay
  • Grade: Easy - Moderate. This trip is suitable for active travellers of all abilities
Cost

2025:

From AU$ 3,230.00 per person (+AU $450 single supplement)


Trip costs are listed in Australian dollars per person and based on twin share or double rooms.

Private trip costs on request.

Please read our flexible booking policy and booking how-to for more information

Departure Dates

2025

  • 12 Oct - 16 Oct

Enquire for additional dates for private groups.

Accommodation

The first night will be at the Vibe Hotel in central Hobart city. The following 3 nights will be at The Bolthole, a large private house set on a secluded 5.8-acre bush block in Coles Bay with coastal forefront and direct access to Pirates Bay. The lodge has five bedrooms: one king bed with ensuite, two rooms with queen beds, one twin bedded room and a bunk room with four single beds. Your trip cost depends on room selection. The lodge has one private ensuite, one full bathroom and two separate toilets (one outside) and an outdoor shower. Linen and bath towels are provided. There’s a fully equipped kitchen where your guides will whip up fabulous meals for the group. Single travellers may be asked to share a room. Rooms will be allocated according to preference, group makeup and time of booking.