Epic Ocean Adventures Turtle View SUP Tour

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A stand up paddle board tour on the calm waters of Pelican Bay at Rainbow Beach, spotting turtles in the mangroves.

Days

2 hours

Age

4 and over

Group size

Small group

Start / finish

Rainbow Beach / Rainbow Beach

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Bus transport to Pelican Bay, then stand up paddle boards

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Epic Ocean Adventures Turtle View SUP Tour

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Included experiences

Pelican Bay — guided stand up paddle on calm water
Mangroves — turtles, stingrays, seabirds and crabs

Epic Ocean Adventures Turtle View SUP Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

GETTING THERE: RAINBOW BEACH TO PELICAN BAY

Your paddle starts in Rainbow Beach with a short drive to the quiet side of town, all transport included. The open surf beach faces the Coral Sea, but Pelican Bay sits on the sheltered inlet behind it, inside the Great Sandy Marine Park, which reaches from here north around K'gari (Fraser Island). The tour is timed for high tide, when water floods in over the sand flats and fills the channels between the mangroves. Your guide hands out the boards and paddles and runs through the basics on the beach. The water here is flat and shallow, so first-timers find their feet quickly.

ON THE WATER: THE MANGROVES

Then you push off and glide along the edge of the mangroves. These trees live with their roots in salt water, and the tangle of roots below the surface is a nursery where young fish, prawns and crabs shelter until they are big enough for open water. Standing on a board puts you higher than a kayak would, so you look straight down into the clear water. Tired legs? You can kneel or sit on the board at any time, and many families paddle part of the way that way. Your guide sets an easy pace and picks the route around the tide.

WHAT YOU SEE: TURTLES, RAYS AND BIRDS

Turtles are the reason for the name. Green turtles come in on the rising tide to graze the seagrass, and a head popping up for a breath is often the first thing you notice. Look for the dark shape gliding under your board. Stingrays rest on the sand flats and lift off in a puff of sand as you pass. Along the shore, soldier crabs and fiddler crabs work the mud, and the bay lives up to its name with pelicans, egrets and other wading birds feeding in the shallows.

BACK TO RAINBOW BEACH

After about two hours you paddle back to the launch point, hand in your board and are driven back into Rainbow Beach. Bring a towel and a change of clothes, because most people end up in the water at least once.

Map

Good to know

Minimum age: 4 years.
Please note: Paddles run on the high tide.

What to bring

Towel
Sunscreen
Water
Camera
Change of clothes

What is included

All transport
Equipment
Guide

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.