Mornington Peninsula Kayak Tour — Paddle the Point Nepean Dolphin Sanctuary
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate aerobic fitness and basic core strength; you should be comfortable sitting and paddling for up to two hours with short breaks.
Overview
Paddle from Portsea into the protected waters around Point Nepean on a three-hour guided tour that prioritizes wildlife viewing and safety. Expect calm bays, limestone cliffs, and good chances to see dolphins, seals and little penguins while learning about local history and coastal ecology.
Mornington Peninsula Kayak Tour — Paddle the Point Nepean Dolphin Sanctuary
Select participants and date
You shove off from a narrow spit of sand at Portsea and the bay opens like a page you can read with your paddle. Salt dries on your lips, gulls chatter, and a guide gives a last check of spray skirts and life jackets. Within minutes the shoreline begins to change—rolling dune-backed beaches give way to craggy limestone shelves and the military scars of Point Nepean, where gun emplacements peer out over the meeting of Bass Strait and Port Phillip.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early for briefings
Be at the Bayplay shop in Portsea at least 15 minutes early to get fitted for a life jacket and receive safety instructions.
Protect your tech
Bring a small dry bag and secure straps—phones and cameras get wet from spray and close wildlife encounters.
Dress for sun and splash
Light, long-sleeve sun shirts and a wide-brim hat reduce UV exposure; reef shoes make beach landings easy.
Listen to the tide
Guides choose start points based on tides and wind—follow their route changes to avoid strong currents at the heads.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Australian fur seals
History
Point Nepean was both Boonwurrung country and later a strategic colonial defence site; Fort Nepean guarded the entrance to Port Phillip from the late 19th century onward.
Conservation
The route travels through a declared dolphin sanctuary—guides follow strict distancing rules and educate paddlers on minimizing disturbance to marine life.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Portsea
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reusable water bottle (1–1.5 L)
Hydration is critical in exposed coastal sun; refill after the tour at the shop.
Reef or water shoes
Protects feet during beach stops and when stepping on slippery limestone.
Dry bag (5–10L)
Keeps phone, wallet, and camera dry during paddling and splashy moments.
Lightweight sun shirt and wide-brim hat
Sun protection during long exposure on open water—packable and quick-drying.
summer specific