Sustainability
Saving our planet one coffee cup at a time!
Eco-Conscious Kayaking
Kayaking is an extremely eco-friendly way to experience Sydney Harbour with little to no impact physically, ecologically or culturally on the harbour.
Powered by people, there are no pollutants to find their way into the water, no noisy motors to disturb our neighbours (both the animal and the human kind) and being light and slow (compared to a boat), marine life are unlikely to sustain any injuries from us.
Despite our low environmental footprint, we are always working towards reducing our impact. Big believers in reduce, reuse and recycle, here are some of our favourite initiatives.
Coffee Cups
Thanks to our reusable coffee cups (that also float, just in case…) we have saved 45,676 cups (to the end of June 2024) from landfill. Our guides also use reusable water bottles and we encourage you to do the same.
Water Conservation
Sydney By Kayak continues to save 6,570 litres of council water per year by using harbour water daily to clean kayaks and equipment.
Fashionistas
Always the fashionistas, our guides sport the latest uniforms made from recycled plastic bottles. Our kayak seats are also made from recycled plastic bottles.
Litter-Prevention
Leading by example, our guides have made a commitment to Take 3 for the Sea—collecting at least three pieces of rubbish on every tour and we love it when our paddlers do the same. Our funded initiatives, Bruce and our Darling Harbour Seabin, as well as our Clean-up paddles, collectively removed 6,038kg of rubbish from Sydney Harbour last year (2023-24).
Conservation Fund
Since 2018, SBK has contributed $15 from every Clean-up Paddle and Eco seat sold to local Conservation Projects, raising $58,980 (to the end of June 2024).
Green Thumb
The Sydney By Kayak team and corporate paddlers have personally planted 985 mangroves, which is one for ever Clean-up and Eco-tour paddler in 2023-24!
Frequently Asked Questions
View the entire FAQWhat if I haven’t kayaked before?
Our kayak tours and Sydney Harbour Highlights Tour are a great way to experience kayaking for the first time. Kayak Guides will brief you on safety and demonstrate the best paddling techniques, ensuring you have a great time out on the harbour. Let us know if you are a ‘newbie’ on the paddle questionnaire, so we can give you all the pro tips before you hit the water.
What do I need to bring?
Just like a trip to the beach you will need sunscreen, water, hat, sunglasses and comfortable kayaking clothes that you don’t mind getting a little wet from paddle splash.
Thongs/flip flops are ok in the kayak, but water shoes are highly recommended to protect you from oyster shells on the beach.
Do you have double kayaks?
We use single kayaks which are extremely stable, comfortable and great for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
Never fear, if you fall behind or get tired, our guides will happily give you a rest by towing you along behind their kayaks. (This option is great for kids, although adults have been known to take us up on the offer too!).
