Thirteen crews entered in two heats on July 30, but one withdrew. The top three finishers from each of the heats advanced directly to the final while the remaining six teams were relegated to the semifinal.
Wallechinsky, David and Jaime Loucky (2008). "Canoeing: Women's Kayak Pairs 500 Meters". In The Complete Book of the Olympics: 2008 Edition. London: Aurum Press Limited. p. 493.