Kayaking at Penguin Island

This weekend Steve wanted to have a go at Sea Kayaking. His hairdresser (at Kennedy's - where men go to talk about manly things) recommended going to Penguin Island. This is part of Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, off the coast of Rockingham, about an hour south of Fremantle.

We arrived early yesterday to meet the kayaking instructors. We were allocated a tandem kayak (also known as 'the divorce kayak') and some very attractive kit, including personal flotation devices and a weird hat cape thing. The kayaks were taken down to the beach, and we had a brief lesson before launching into the water.

Steve was in charge of steering (a no-brainer with Rupan's past track record!) and both of us were armed with paddles. We first paddled to Seal Island where there were 6 big male seals on land and a smaller female that came and swam near our kayaks. Next we paddled to Penguin Island where we spent the next few hours. We went for a walk around the island which is the most North-Westerly colony for Little Penguins. They are the smallest penguin species in the world and are currently they are moulting. During this time, the Little Penguins are not able to go and fish as their feathers are not waterproof. They are very shy and spend their days hidden in various spots around the island.

There are a few Little Penguins that have been injured and rescued and are not suitable for return to the wild. These ones have become a bit pampered and one of the guides told us that they can't feed them live fish anymore as they are scared of them and end up being chased round the pool by whitebait!!

After a picnic lunch, we had a snorkel in the slightly chilly water. Steve was hoping to see a weedy sea dragon, but we saw mostly a lot of seaweed! Finally we paddled back to the mainland and headed home.

Feeling a bit sore today!

Having a kayak lesson in all the gear

Moulting Little Penguin hiding under the boardwalk

The sand bar from Penguin Island

Action Shot!