Stand up paddleboarding in Cairns

There are very few places on Earth that can match the natural beauty of Cairns in Australia. It’s home to the Great Barrier Reef, which is the planet’s largest coral reef system and one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

What better way to get acquainted with the local plant and animal life than by taking a relaxing stand up paddle board tour in Cairns along the rainforest river under the tropical sun? You’ll be able to hang out with friends, learn a new skill, relax on the beach, go for a swim, get a taste of local fruit, and make incredible vacation memories that are guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Here's all you need to know about stand up paddle, one of the most exciting outdoor activities in Cairns.

What are the different types of stand up paddle board activities in Cairns?

Stand up paddle through sacred lands

This incredible 6 hour nature adventure includes hiking, stand up paddle boarding, swimming, snorkeling, and even a delicious morning tea as you explore the vast Goldsborough Valley, Wooroonooran National Park, Kearneys Falls and the Mulgrave River.

This activity is suited for all levels of stand up paddle board experience and all the necessary safety gear will be provided. You’ll also get to pick and eat exotic fruits right from the trees of the rainforest, and to top it all off, you’ll be picked up and dropped off right at your hotel in Cairns!

Half day or full day self guided stand up paddle tour

If you’re a free spirit who has always dreamed of floating down a rainforest river on a stand up paddle board and stopping whenever you feel like to examine the local plant and animal life, then this self guided stand up paddle tour package may be just the vacation activity you’ve been looking for.

This package is pretty much a build your own adventure deal! There are both half day and full day packages available, and as long as you’re at the designated start and end points at the agreed upon time, you’ll be free as a bird to float down the Babinda Creek’s 9 kilometer stretch, have a swim, or enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch on a sandy beach.

Stand up paddle group lesson

If you’re looking to relax with friends and family in the tropical sun and maybe pick up a new skill at the same time, why not check out this stand up paddle group lesson package?

Start your day off right with a one hour lesson from an experienced stand up paddle board instructor that covers everything from set up, stance, safety, rescue all the way to paddle technique and turns. Once you’re ready to stand on your own legs both (literally and metaphorically), you’ll be guided on a wonderful adventure of Palm Cove in Cairns as you take in the beach, the trees, the wildlife, and all the vitamin D you could ask for!

Kuranda Rainforest 3 hour stand up paddle board tour

Get to know the beauty of the Kuranda Rainforest intimately as you stand up paddle board down a relaxing river and leave the stress and worry of the city behind you. Just like all the other stand up paddle board tour and lesson packages in Cairns, you’ll be provided with expert instruction from a seasoned expert before the tour starts, so absolutely no experience is necessary.

Enjoy the beach, the wildlife, the tropical sun, and some tasty refreshments as you bask in the glory of nature and wonder what took you so long to make the decision to book this incredible vacation package!

How much a stand up paddle tour in Cairns costs?

For AUD 50, you’ll be able to book a package that teaches you everything you need to know about stand up paddle boarding as well as provide all the necessary safety gear and equipment as you embark on a magical self guided tour down a calm and relaxing rainforest river.

For AUD 100, upgrade to a full-on rainforest tour package where you’ll be able to stand up paddle board through sacred lands rarely accessed by the general public and learn the incredible stories of the ancient Kuranda Rainforest from experienced local guides. To top it all off, you’ll be able to pick and eat local rainforest fruit right from the tree!

How long does stand up paddle boarding in Cairns last?

For a single stand up paddle board group lesson, expect to spend about 3 hours on the water from the start of the activity to the finish. That includes a 1 hour lesson as well as a short tour of Coral Cay with an expert guide.

For a stand up paddle board rainforest tour package, you have the option of a half day or a full day adventure, and in some cases you can even customize your own start time.

When is the best time to go stand up paddle boarding in Cairns?

The best time to go stand up paddle boarding in Cairns is between the months of May and September, which is the winter season in Australia. During this time, temperatures always hover between 60 and 80 degrees and never get too hot and sticky, which is key when you’re spending your entire day in a bathing suit on a rainforest river! It also rains far less often during this time than it does in the summer months.

The only downside to going during Australian winter is that it’s also high tourist season, so you’ll want to make sure you book your tour package well in advance and check in with your tour provider before you leave to guarantee your itinerary!

Travel Tips

• Stand up paddle board packages in Cairns have a low maximum accommodation, so if you’re planning on going during high tourist season, make sure you book well in advance so that you don’t miss your chance to reserve a spot.
• In some cases, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.