There’s no better way to beat the heat during a toasty Perth summer than finding a nice cool body of water to dip or dive into.

Sure, you can keep cool by sitting inside with the aircon running full blast, but doing this all summer long can get a little boring. Even if you’re lucky enough to have a pool out the back, there’s still so many other ways to enjoy the summer months in the Perth area - and we’re not just talking about grabbing your towel and bathers and heading out to your nearest beach.

We’ve come up with a list of awesome water-based activities to keep you busy throughout summer - even if you’ve tried a few, there’s still plenty more options to dip your toe in!

Adventure

Lying on the beach with a good book can be relaxing - and we could all use a bit more time to relax these days - but there’s only so many times you can do that before it starts to get a little bit boring. Why not change things up and get the blood pumping with some more adventurous activities out on the water?

Ultimate Watersports is a great place to start, offering a range of watersports equipment, activities and tours including jet skiing, flyboarding, jet packing, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, tubing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, skiing, wakefoiling and even more! They also offer lessons for newbies, but there’s something for all skill levels. Over summer, Ultimate Watersports can be found at Geraldton, Hillarys and South Perth beaches.

If you really want to take the adventure levels up a notch, then check out Jetpack Perth. Based in Rockingham, Jetpack Perth’s instructors will give you a hydroflight training course so you’ll know all the tips and tricks for how to use their water jetpacks, flyboards, hoverboards and jetbikes - no matter which one you choose, you’ll feel like you’re flying!

For an even more thrilling experience, strap into one of Westcoast Jet’s adrenaline pumping jet boat thrill rides! Described as a combination of a roller-coaster with white water rafting, you’ll be experiencing high speed 270 degree spins, fish tails, wave surfing and slide outs while on board - wear your bathers because yes, you’ll get wet! 

For something a little more traditional, why not make 2022 the year you finally learn how to surf? Perth Go Surf’s friendly team of surfing instructors will guide you through everything you need to know, so you can go from practicing on the beach to catching some killer waves.  

If you’re looking to take a dive under the surface, Blue Destiny Boat Charters will pick you up from Fremantle and take you out to the stunning waters surrounding Rottnest Island where you’ll be able to scuba dive and snorkel for the day. If you don’t yet have your dive ticket, an instructor can accompany you as you explore the soft corals and diverse marine life under the sea. 

For even more underwater adventures, check out our list of top diving and snorkelling spots throughout Perth.

Nature-Based

Of course, you don’t need to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy being out on the water - there’s plenty of ways to slow down a bit and explore nature at the same time!

One example is through Salt and Bush Eco Tours, who offer kayak tours (and guided nature walks) in Mandurah and the Peel region. You’ll be able to explore the extraordinary natural wonders of the Peel region like the protected wetlands and the diverse flora and fauna throughout this area.

Water Wanderers Kayaking offers a similar experience, but closer to the city. Paddle down the serene Swan River on a kayak and see Perth City from a completely unique perspective! It’s a great way to get out on the water but relax and recharge while doing so. Head out on your own, or you can book a guided tour to get even more out of the experience.

If you’re keen to see some aquatic wildlife, then Perth Wildlife Encounters has you covered. They run ferries out to Penguin Island where you can see the world’s smallest penguins getting fed, or you can hop on a cruise to see wild dolphins and rare Australian sea lions too! In fact, you even have the chance to swim with the dolphins, with 200 local bottlenose dolphins living in the sheltered waters of the nearby bays and islands. How cool is that?

A bit further inland, visit Serpentine Falls where the white waters of the Serpentine River cascade into a swirling rock-rimmed pool 15 metres below. Depending on the time of year (and water conditions), you can jump in for a quick dip before having a picnic in full view of the waterfall. There’s also plenty of walking trails and hiking spots here too.

Over in Dwellingup, Lane Poole Reserve features the Nanga Brook flowing into the Murray River, offering rapids, small waterfalls and deep still pools. While in winter the torrential rain causes conditions that are great for white-water rafting, in summer the gentle stream offers perfect conditions for swimming, canoeing and fishing! 

Family Friendly

Just because the summer school holidays are over, doesn’t mean that all the family fun needs to end. There’s plenty of water-based activities for the whole family to check out each weekend.

Perth’s Outback Splash is just 30 minutes from Perth’s CBD (over in Bullsbrook) and offers a tonne of waterslides and water-based attractions for the whole family to experience. There’s also heaps more to do (mini golf, mazes, a kids playground, Aussie animal experiences, onsite food and drink outlets), but it’s summer so getting in the water is really what you’re after!

Adventure World is Perth’s only theme park/water park located in Bibra Lake (about a 25 minute drive from Fremantle). Alongside a vast range of rollercoasters, rides and attractions, you can chill out in the Lagoon, get splashed in Kingdom Falls, or even have a go on the Kraken - the longest, tallest and steepest funnel water slide on the planet! 

If you’re looking for a family day trip - or even an overnight camping getaway - then you should really visit Lake Leschenaultia in Chidlow (a little village tucked away in the Perth Hills). The calm lake is perfect for swimming and paddling, and it’s easily accessible too. You can really set up shop with a picnic on the nearby lawns and use the free BBQ facilities too!  

Cruising In Style

Of course, you don’t need to get in the water to enjoy it.

Swan Valley Cruises will pick you up from Elizabeth Quay in the city and transport you to Sandalford Wines where you’ll be treated to a private, behind-the-scenes tour of the winery, a 2 course lunch and wine tastings, before departing back to Perth. The best part? The experience starts the second you step on board, with morning tea and local produce and wine tastings happening on the way there!

Speaking of an on-board dining experience, nothing pairs better with being on the water than seafood! Rottnest Cruises offers the Luxe Island Seafood Cruise, an indulgent dining experience on board a 69-foot charter boat, featuring fresh, local seafood and ingredients. Sip on a welcome cocktail and enjoy premium wines and craft beers throughout the 4 hour cruise. 

You don’t need to go on a cruise to enjoy being on the water though - why not try something a little more intimate with Nauti Picnics? Their 8 seater boats all feature a central picnic table and are easy to navigate - you don’t even need a skipper’s ticket! Just hop on board with 7 friends or family members and have a picnic as you explore the Swan River however you want to.

Eco BBQ Boats offers a similar experience - their donut-shaped, electric boats all feature a BBQ on board, so you can BYO food and grill up a storm! You can choose from a 6 or 10 seater boat depending on the size of your group, so you can all cruise the Mandurah Marina and Venetian Canals in style and comfort.

Waterfront Accommodation

If you’re looking for a summer staycation, then why not find a place close to the water?

The Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough is an iconic beachfront hotel that overlooks Scarborough Beach and the sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean, making it the perfect place to stay during the hot Perth summer! Of course there’s plenty of restaurants, bars and shops within walking distance too, and even a spa and lagoon-style pool at the hotel if you’re looking to relax and unwind.

If you’re looking for a really fancy place to stay, then nothing beats The Ritz-Carlton Perth. Located at Elizabeth Quay, this stunning building overlooks the Swan River to offer amazing views from your room or suite. With plenty of luxury amenities and dining experiences within, the Ritz Carlton Perth is the coolest place to be this summer (or even this Valentine’s Day…).

Of course, we can’t talk about the water without mentioning Fremantle! Be. Fremantle offers a diverse range of studio, 1, 2 or 3 bedroom accommodations, where you’ll be able to overlook the marina. Be. Fremantle puts you right in the heart of Freo itself - just a few minutes walk from Bather’s Beach, historical attractions and plenty of restaurants and bars to try out.

Last but certainly not least, try a unique waterfront accommodation style with Mandurah Houseboats! Hire a fully equipped houseboat (no skippers ticket needed) and explore the waterways of the Peel Inlet, Harvey Estuary and Murray River, before dropping anchor for the night (or before you dismount to visit one of the many restaurants, pubs, cafes or nearby islands). 

We’re absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying the water here in Perth, so make the absolute most of the hot summer days and balmy summer nights and get out and dive into all of these amazing opportunities while you can!

For even more ways to make the most of (or beat) the heat, check out our Summer in Perth page - you’ll be glad you did!