Discover the Tropics by Sea Kayak: Costa Rica, Indonesia & Borneo
Discover the rhythm of the tropics by kayak as you paddle through the warm, wildlife-rich waters of Costa Rica, Indonesia and Borneo. Navigate hidden lagoons, explore lush coastlines, and glide beneath jungle canopies alive with birdsong. With calm seas and rich biodiversity, these regions offer the perfect setting for immersive, small-group kayaking adventures.
Travel aboard our purpose-built expedition ships with dedicated kayak gear areas and expert guides, ensuring a seamless experience from ship to sea.
What's Involved
Our Kayaking Program was created by kayakers for kayakers! Our program style offers the chance to develop and enhance your skills, connect with our expert guides and your fellow Expeditioners.
‘Getting out amongst it’ is our philosophy, and that is exactly what we do. Weather permitting, the sea kayaking activity is normally available anytime the other expeditioners go out. Rather than travelling large distances, our aim is to ensure you see as much as possible. We paddle between 5 to 15 kilometres (2 to 4 hours) per outing, often offering a combination of both kayaking and onshore landings so you won’t miss out.
Small groups of kayakers (maximum 10 per guide) embark on intimate journeys exploring secluded bays and coastlines that larger boats can’t access. Plus, there’s plenty of time to enjoy your own shore excursions and observe wildlife up close.
The elements play an important role in our sea kayaking program. An adventurous spirit is essential, and it’s important to understand that weather conditions can affect kayaking opportunities.
Please note:
- Kayakers must be 14 years or over. A Parent or Guardian’s signature is required for participants between 14 and 18 years old.
- There is upper size limit in the drysuits we provide onboard. If you cannot find a suitable size within our range and you would like to bring your own, please contact our Activity Specialist to discuss in more detail.
- Travel Insurance is mandatory on all Aurora Expeditions voyages. An additional policy or premium may be required to ensure you have adequate coverage for this activity.
What You'll See
All of our Expert Guides are professional kayak instructors with extensive experience leading trips around the world, particularly in tropical and coastal regions. Each has been carefully selected for their deep passion for paddling and exploration.
Sea kayaking offers one of the most immersive and rewarding ways to discover the vibrant coastlines we visit, allowing you to connect more deeply with the natural beauty, wildlife, and culture of these extraordinary destinations.
Required Experience & Fitness
The level of experience required differs slightly depending on the region you are visiting. For all trips, a basic level of sea kayak experience is required, equivalent to that gained in a half day Paddle Australia “Intro Sea Skills” course. You do not need to be an expert or know how to roll; however, it is encouraged that you are comfortable in a sea kayak in the ocean, and are required to be able to swim, have a moderate level of physical fitness, and no medical conditions that prevent you from safely participating. We are happy to assist you with any preparation you may need or want prior to your voyage.
Our guides do not offer instructional classes for beginners. Therefore, the sea kayaking option is unsuitable for complete novices. If your experience is limited, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your suitability. There is often ample time to gain the required experience before you depart.
You should be fit enough to paddle for 15 minutes without stopping at a moderate pace, for up to three hours at a time with breaks. We encourage a moderate level of fitness and recent kayaking experience as much as possible.
Your guide will assess your ability on the initial paddle, and if you have insufficient experience, they reserves the right to restrict your participation in rougher conditions.
Weather Conditions
In Costa Rica and Panama, April is the end of the dry season. The shoulder season begins in May, bringing increased humidity. Afternoon rain showers are possible in May with temperatures ranging from 26–36 °C (80–96 °F). Winds are generally light at this time of year. The water temperature ranges from 27–29 °C. Surf landings are not likely, but be prepared to paddle in a small swell or wind chop, with winds up to 15 knots.
In Indonesia and Borneo, October and November mark the shoulder period between the dry and wet seasons. You can expect warm, humid conditions with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 27–33 °C (80–91 °F) and occasional rain showers, especially in the afternoons. Sea conditions are generally calm with light to moderate winds, making it suitable for paddling. Water temperatures remain warm, usually between 28–30 °C.
As always, kayaking activities will be assessed daily based on weather and sea conditions to ensure safety.
What to Bring
Gear Provided
Aurora Expeditions supplies everything you need for tropical kayaking, including:
Rudder and skeg kayak
Werner paddle
Safety gear & PFD (men’s and women’s)
15L dry bag
Neoprene boots (sizes 4–14)
What to Pack
To stay sun-safe and comfortable on the water, we recommend:
Long-sleeve lightweight synthetic shirt
Wide-brimmed hat and light scarf
Lightweight rain/spray jacket
Reef shoes or secure sandals
Sunglasses with a strap
Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm
1–2L water bottle
See the Tropical Kayaking Flyer for full gear recommendations.
How to Book
The Sea Kayaking activity is available for an additional surcharge and includes guided excursions and kayaking equipment. Fares for this activity start from US$590, AU$900, £460 or €550.
Prices are indicative only and are variable. They are calculated based on the days of voyage, ability to carry out the activity and exchange rates.
If you’d like to add kayaking to your expedition, contact us or speak with your preferred travel advisor. Please note, spaces are limited.
Top reasons to choose Sea Kayaking
Knowledgeable guides
Our expert sea kayak guides share their deep knowledge of tropical ecosystems, wildlife, and local culture-bringing every paddle stroke to life with insight and stories.
Better access
Paddle into jungle-fringed bays, hidden lagoons, and reef-lined coves unreachable by larger vessels, for a truly immersive experience in the tropics.
Stay fit on your holiday
Paddling warm tropical waters each day keeps you energised, so you can fully enjoy the delicious meals prepared by our expert chefs without a second thought!
Enhance your experience
Add another layer to your once-in-a-lifetime holiday and make the most out of your time in some of the most remote places on earth.
It's fun!
Experience the thrill of exploring lush coastlines, remote islands, and vibrant reefs, paddling through paradise has never been more fun!
Featured Sea Kayaking Itineraries
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Sea Kayaking FAQs
There are 20 paces available and our guide to paddler ratio is 1:10 and we provide an accompanying safety Zodiac.
Kayakers must be 14 or over. Parent or Guardian’s signature is required for participants between 14 and 18 years old.
How often should I expect to paddle?
Sea kayaking is offered in place of regular shore excursions. We aim to paddle as often as possible. Depending on the voyage, we generally aim to paddle twice per day.
Can I carry anything in the kayak?
We will give you a drybag for extra clothing, binoculars and anything that needs to be kept dry. You should also carry a water bottle. We recommend bringing a waterproof camera or phone, or ensuring you have a good quality waterproof case.
If the weather changes during our outing we will head back to the ship and perhaps join a shore excursion. The ship’s captain, expedition leader and kayak guide always maintain close contact to ensure a safe paddling experience. We do not attempt to paddle too far away from the ship. The emphasis is on experiencing the destination rather than travelling long distances.
The superb wildlife-viewing opportunities are endless in the astonishingly biodiverse nature reserves we visit. Kayaks offer a unique opportunity to view marine and land mammals, coral reefs, tropical fish, sea birds and an astonishing range of rainforest birds. We will bring our snorkelling gear with us during our paddles and take advantage of any opportunities to view marine life up close.
In the unlikely event of a capsize, your experienced guide will assist by righting the kayak, stabilising it then pumping it out. Paddlers will re-enter with the guide’s help, or with a support Zodiac. With drysuits and warm clothing underneath you will be comfortable in cold water for up to half an hour. Note that the kayaks have separate compartments with bulkheads, which means they will float after a capsize.
No. Each kayaking place is for one person only. We value a program style that maintains participants through trip to maximise skill progression, group bonding and dynamics, and minimise wasted time with briefings and equipment tryouts.