Tours South Coast NSW

South Coast tours in NSW are mostly small-group paddles and boat trips, led by local guides, from Batemans Bay kayak tours through to river paddles near Bermagui, Bega and Pambula and wildlife cruises from Merimbula.

Batemans Bay kayak tours: sea, snorkel, oysters and pizza

Batemans Bay has the widest choice, and each tour has a different hook. The half day sea kayak tour uses stable double sea kayaks to paddle round headlands and into quiet coves inside the Batemans Bay Marine Park, with morning tea on a remote beach and the option to snorkel.

If the water is the main event, the Batemans Bay kayak and snorkel tour crosses shallow kelp forests, then lets you slip into the water from your kayak. Snorkel gear is provided.

The oyster tasting kayak tour paddles through rows of growing oysters with fourth-generation oyster farmers, and everyone gets a tasting plate. The paddle and pizza kayak tour runs at sunset through the mangroves of the Clyde River National Park, with one large pizza per kayak.

River kayak tours near Bermagui, Bega and Pambula

Navigate Expeditions runs three-hour guided paddles on the far South Coast, each with hot drinks, local treats, fruit and a swim stop. The Bermagui River kayak tour is a gentle paddle up a mangrove-lined river where herons and cormorants are regular sightings.

The Bega River to sea kayak tour moves from forest and lagoons out to the ocean in sit-on-top kayaks, with white-bellied sea eagles to look for. You're never more than 500 metres from a safe landing spot.

The Pambula River kayak tour runs through turquoise water near Beowa National Park.

Whale and wildlife cruises from Merimbula and Shell Cove

Humpback whale season decides which boat you want. The Shell Cove whale watching cruise runs from May to November and also passes seal and penguin colonies. From Merimbula, the two-hour Merimbula whale watching tour goes into open ocean on a 14 metre vessel limited to 40 passengers, daily from August to early November.

Outside those months, the Merimbula ocean and wildlife adventure tour operates from November to July. Dolphins, seals and seabirds turn up on most trips, though wild animals are never guaranteed. More boats are on the South Coast whale watching cruises page.

Which South Coast tour suits you

First time in a kayak? The Bega and Pambula river tours suit all experience levels, and the half-day sea kayak tour takes beginners through to experienced paddlers. Couples after a food-led evening will like the oyster tasting or the pizza paddle, which is also pitched at families visiting Batemans Bay. Snorkellers should book the kayak and snorkel tour.

Getting there and what to bring

Merimbula is a 3 hour drive from Canberra and a 6 hour drive from Sydney, and you can fly in from Sydney or Melbourne. The Bega and Pambula tours start at 8am, so staying nearby the night before helps.

Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, shoes that can get wet and a refillable water bottle for the river paddles, and swimmers for the Batemans Bay tours. Take seasickness tablets before the open-ocean cruises, because the operators don't supply them.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need kayaking experience for South Coast kayak tours?

No. The Bega River and Pambula River kayak tours suit all experience levels, and the Batemans Bay half day sea kayak tour takes first-timers through to experienced sea kayakers.

When is whale watching season on the South Coast?

The Shell Cove whale watching cruise runs from May to November, and the Merimbula whale watching tour runs daily from August to early November.

Where do the Batemans Bay kayak tours meet?

The oyster tasting and pizza paddle tours meet at the public beach on Wray Street, Batemans Bay. For the half day sea kayak and kayak and snorkel tours, the operator confirms the meeting point about 24 hours before.

Do the Batemans Bay oyster tasting and snorkel tours need a minimum group size?

Yes. Both the oyster tasting kayak tour and the kayak and snorkel tour need at least four guests to operate.

Local tip: The Merimbula whale watching tour crosses a sandbar, so departure times can shift with the tide. Check your voucher the day before and keep the morning flexible.

Pick a paddle, a cruise or both, and book your South Coast tours online. The oyster tasting kayak tour and the Merimbula whale watching tour are good places to start. All good days are waiting.