Tours and Tickets
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour
5

Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour

By Adventure Kayaking SA
Recommended by 96% of travellers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
About
Skip sightseeing for an outdoor experience on the water on this kayaking adventure. After a brief kayaking lesson set out for a dolphin sanctuary and ship graveyard on the Port River. Travel with a small group through mangrove-lined waterways and get a chance to kayak alongside dolphins. You also see scuttled ships and learn about local wildlife from your guide.
from
AU$75.00
per adult
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 8-90, max of 12 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Features animals
Live guide: English
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Highlights
  • Value: tour includes kayak, vest, paddle, paddling jacket, and a waterproof container for valuables
  • Travel with a guide: don’t get lost while kayaking through one of Adelaide’s most beautiful “secret” spots
  • Kayak alongside dolphins if possible and past the wrecks of scuttled ships
  • A great way to get exercise outdoors while on vacation

  • Kayak, life vest, paddle, paddling jacket(if required)
  • Waterproof container for camera or valuables.
  • Professional guide
What's not included
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Your dolphin sanctuary and ship graveyard kayak adventure starts at the Garden Island boat ramp. Meet your guide there, and receive a brief safety lesson and introduction to kayaking. The tour welcomes both experts and beginners. Take a kayak journey to a dolphin sanctuary and the Ships Graveyard Heritage Trail. Explore one of Adelaide’s beautiful “secret” spots, with mangrove-lined creeks that are home to Port River dolphins. Kayak past more than 20 scuttled ships and close to resident dolphins, who sometimes rise to the surface to “play.” Kayak at an easy pace, with plenty of time to snap photos and listen to your guide tell stories. Make your way back to the boat ramp and drop off your kayak.

Departure details
  • Adventure Kayaking SA| Port River Dolphins, LOT 204 Garden Island Rd, Port Adelaide SA 5015, Australia We meet you at Lot 204 Garden Island Road, Gillman for the kayaking tours. This is a public reserve. We are a mobile business and have no office at this location. Look for the Adventure Kayaking vehicles, lots of kayaks/SUP's and happy people!
Return details
  • Returns to original departure point

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 13177P1

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Minimum age is 8 years
  • Please bring: Insect repellent, drinks, snacks, shoes that can get wet, sunscreen, and your camera
  • Not recommended for travellers with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

How much is Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour?
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour price starts from AU$76.32. Discover and book Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour on Tripadvisor
What is the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour cancellation policy?
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour on Tripadvisor
Which company provides Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour?
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour is hosted by Adventure Kayaking SA. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Adventure Kayaking SA on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour on Tripadvisor
How much time do I need for Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour?

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 13177P1

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About the operator
Adventure Kayaking SA
1,186
Australia
Joined in November 2012

#1 of 19 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Adelaide
  • benjaminbZ3841FJ
    benjaminbZ3841FJ
    0
    0
    Amazing experience for all!
    Our group came as two couples on this experience, and we all had an amazing time. Angus provided a great experience for us, giving plenty of knowledge on the Dolphin sanctuary and the history of the local shipwrecks. He was also very good with teaching all those new to kayaking, and getting everyone involved. We would love to come back one day, and have also opened a new perspective on our appreciation for dolphins! :)
  • Ninjabeaver
    Ninjabeaver
    0
    0
    Excellent trip
    Excellent trip, hosts were very knowledgeable and friendly. Saw a couple of dolphins, one a mother and baby . The trip into the mangrove swamps was really good as were the wrecks. Would definitely recommend.
  • 375leahj
    375leahj
    0
    0
    Mangrove kayaking is so much fun and so relaxing.
    My 8 year old nephew and I did this during the school holidays and we had so much fun! Jas was our guide and she was absolutely fantastic. Paddling through the Mangroves was so tranquil and it was also very interesting to hear about the history as well as what is being done to protect them and the dolphins. Probably could have gotten a better day that wasn’t so windy, but after I got my head around the rudder it made it so much easier. My nephew enjoyed it so much that he now thinks we should buy a kayak! Apparently, I am now the best auntie ever!
  • pokemonm874
    pokemonm874
    0
    0
    Beautiful and peaceful mangroves.
    Very tranquil and beautiful mangroves. Got the hang of the kayaks well enough, though a little tricky to manage the open waters on what was a very windy day, but staff helped. The mangroves were very sheltered and calm. Nice staff who gave a little background info too.
  • sarahbarrett44
    sarahbarrett44
    0
    0
    Exploring mangroves with the family
    A really relaxing kayaking experience with the family exploring the mangroves and surrounds. Well organised. We followed the map that was provided - easy to understand and really enjoyable.
  • traceypZ1542AO
    traceypZ1542AO
    0
    0
    Amazing and our guide Heather is brilliant
    Fantastic fun and we have not laughed this hard in a long time. Our guide Heather was amazing and very knowledgeable. She made it very easy to learn how to kayak and was very patient with our dysfunctional family. We had a blast - thank you.
  • Helen R
    Helen R
    0
    0
    Fabulous kayaking experience with dolphin sightings
    My husband and I loved this experience. The guides were friendly and informative and the tour through the mangroves was fun and interesting. We were so lucky to see a dolphin and calf up close frolicking in the water. We would definitely recommend this experience
  • G8955RFlesleym
    G8955RFlesleym
    0
    0
    Always coming back for more
    We love this experience - this was our 4th time. The process is easy (the team provide everything you need), the kayaking is fun in a really interesting areas and it's so accessible that my 72 yr old mum and 11 yr old daughter could do it too in a double-kayak. It is so peaceful out on the water. There is loads of birdlife, interesting mangroves to navigate and if you're lucky you'll see the Port River dolphins which are truly spectacular. We will be back again for sure.
  • teacher_from_Iowa
    teacher_from_Iowa
    0
    0
    A fun excursion!
    We had two guides (Tom and Mal) who were helpful, professional, and friendly. They did a nice job of dealing kindly with a wide range of skill and stamina levels of the participants. We started off heading towards the shipwrecks, and on the way there, dolphins fins were spotted, so we all took our paddles out of the water, as we had been instructed on how to be respectful of the wildlife. How thrilling to have a mother with her calf swim right between our kayaks for a close-up look!! The shipwrecks were interesting to see, and we enjoyed hearing some of the history surrounding the vessels scuttled in this area. Next we went to the mangrove tunnel, which was also very cool. The equipment was all good - kayaks, paddles, life vests, and (semi)waterproof flotation containers for our valuables. There was quite a crowd of us all waiting to get out of the water since two groups ended at the same time, but that wasn't a big deal. It was a fun and interesting excursion!
  • LizzieLou2259
    LizzieLou2259
    0
    0
    Excellent in every way.
    The 4 of us really enjoyed our kayak tour Tom and Mal were excellent tour guides giving us instruction,guidance and of course a wealth of experience of the area.beautiful day for a kayak adventure and we saw dolphins including a baby.
  • J7744BNpeters
    J7744BNpeters
    0
    0
    Go kayaking at Garden Island for something a bit different.
    Kayaking at Garden Island and into a narrow mangrove creek was a great experience. Our guide was quietly proficient, well informed and patient with newcomers. And what a wonderful habitat to experience. Peter
  • martinwX9696YX
    martinwX9696YX
    0
    0
    Great day out
    Beautiful weather and a perfect way to experience a hidden gem in Adelaide Great guided tour, of the river and mango canal, pity the dolphins where hiding today, but still a great day out. Will definitely do again.
  • sarahaI8348VF
    sarahaI8348VF
    0
    0
    Fun way to spend 3 hours in a hidden part of Adelaide
    Lovely weather offset the interesting kayaking tour. Not at all hurried or stressful or requiring a high level of fitness. Saw a few dolphins and learnt about mangrove colonies— fascinating. Ships’ graveyard an interesting addendum.
  • kayb83
    kayb83
    0
    0
    Beautiful trip
    Great morning paddling around to the ship graveyard and then a lovely paddle through the mangroves. Felt very safe as Phil and Andrew told us exactly where to paddle to avoid the strong current and gave us interesting facts about what we saw. Highly recommend.
  • neilw007
    neilw007
    0
    0
    Very disappointed
    We booked this tour based on previous reviews. We turned up 30 min prior as instructed and @10am still no one had arrived. We eventually got speaking to someone on the telephone who told us the tour had been cancelled. No cancellation email or any kind of communication to say the tour was not going ahead. We asked to be booked back on and were told nothing available for 2 weeks. They told us it was cancelled because of weather conditions? Every other kayak tour in the area was going ahead?? There did not seem to be anyone else around waiting like us so I can only assume they were low in numbers that day and decided not to turn up for 2 customers. As I said, we booked this tour based on previous reviews which were good but we were left extremely disappointed after a 40 minute drive. If you value your time I would suggest booking with another company.
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5.0
184 reviews
Excellent
166
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12
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2
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Terrible
2

Chelsea
1 contribution
Oct. 2022
Tour was overall OK- pretty average due to a few different reasons.
We were running significantly late due to one family arriving late which I know cannot be helped.
We had two family groups with young children in our group. We went to see the shipwrecks which was amazing however the current was very strong of which the instructors were aware.
They did not speak very loudly to give everyone directions and the families with the children were struggling quite a bit.
Some of the families were swept away and the rest of the group were left just floating for an hour waiting for the instructors to paddle back and rescue them.
Some group members were forced to paddle back to the starting point as they needed to use the bathroom! Thus, their tour was over as they didn't know what was going on!

At one point it was suggested that we scale a rocky cliff face carrying our heavy kayaks as a 'shortcut' since so much time was wasted. This dangerous idea was scrapped as there was not enough able-bodied people to carry the kayaks.

Finally, once the instructors and families made it back to the rest of the group - one of the instructors took 6 of us to the Mangroves as we were promised/paid for as part of the tour. He didn't speak very loudly so people at the back couldn't hear what he was saying about the history/fun facts.

The other instructor just took the remaining group members back to the starting point.

Overall, I believe that due to both instructor's inexperience and not taking into account the age and experience of some of the tour members it was a pretty average tour and could have been much improved.

They should not have taken them where the current was so strong as they were already struggling as it was their first time. This decision affected the whole tour and experience.

I felt sorry for the tour members who paid full price and did not get to see anything beyond the shipwreck. They should be offered a refund.
Written 16 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventure K
Thank you for your review Chelsea, disappointed to hear you didn't have a great experience. Unfortunately the level of experience of participants is out of our control and our guides do try their best to make the tour suitable for all as our tours are also beginner friendly. The strong current is also out of our control and our guides did the best they could given the situation, while also ensuring participants got to go see all the places they had paid for. We trust you understand the decisions made and we hope you enjoyed being on the water nevertheless. Regards, Adventure Kayaking SA
Written 13 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sarina P
3 contributions
I went kayaking with my brother for our birthdays this year, never kayaked before, first time . It was very enjoyable and the guides were very informative even about the mangroves where we went through. I am proud to say I never tipped out once! It pays to have good communication with whomever you’re in the kayak with and that you paddle in sync so that the kayak remains stable.
Highly recommend this kayak tour and it is great value for money as well and creates great memories and another experience added to your life. Happy kayaking! 😊
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Shelley5015
Adelaide, Australia1 contribution
Jun. 2020
The weather was a delightful sunny Winter day so I booked on the day with no difficulty. Everything I needed was supplied and I had the knowledgable guidance of the owner of the company. We saw a dolphin as we launched the kayaks but they were more elusive when we were on the water. We explored the mangrove creeks and then some of the scuttled ships in the ship's graveyard. Birdlife was plentiful - egrets, herons, pied and black cormorants, sooty oystercatchers, pelicans and silver gulls. The dolphin sanctuary on Garden Island is very accessible and a great place to explore this very interesting part of the river. Highly recommended, and I will be visiting again to hire kayaks to explore more myself.
Written 22 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Eddie Machinski
Greater Adelaide, Australia11 contributions
Dec. 2020
This was a great experience, I took my teen daughter along for her first kayaking experience and she loved it. From the first moment our guide Phil made everyone feel at ease. The mini lesson was sufficient for beginners as they learnt how to sit in the kayak, paddle and turn. The instructions on where we could and could not go, and in what sequence was clear, as was the supplied trail map.
I recommend this experience to everyone as it gives you the opportunity to see dolphins, the mangroves, and wild life.
My daughter and I will certainly do some more kayaking with Adventure Kayaking SA before purchasing our own kayak/s.
Cheers, Eddie
Written 4 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks weddiemac for your extensive review. We have refined our products over the years of operation and now believe we have terrific options for everyone. Your comments certainly point to this!
Written 9 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Natalie P
1 contribution
Jan. 2021
It was an absolutely gorgeous day and the experience was enjoyed by the whole family. There were lots of dolphins about to relax and watch. We especially loved being in the creek and paddling about and visiting the ships graveyard. Our family of 8 went out for the morning with our guide Holly who made all of us feel very welcome, Holly was very informative and very easy to get on with. I highly recommend Adventure Kayaking SA.
Written 10 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your comments nataliep319 I'll pass these onto Holly who will be thrilled she made your day!
Written 11 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Maui F
Australia66 contributions
COVID19 compelled me to research local activities for the kids to do in the school holidays. This was the highlight of their holidays and we definitely plan to do it next holidays. Saw lots of dolphins and the paddle through the mangroves was so relaxing and peaceful. Helpful to go with a guide first time as he added lots of interesting facts and helpful tips such as where it was too shallow for the rudder and sandbar hazards. Next time we might hire kayaks through Adventure Kayaking, take their map and explore ourselves. Felt safe at all times with guide and life jackets and kayaks in good condition. Our children are 7 and 10 and each parent went with a child in 2 person kayaks and it worked well. Highly recommended!
Written 18 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks MauiF88 for your extensive review. So glad to hear your want to come out again and just hire the kayaks and create your own new adventure!!
Written 20 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Katherine
Adelaide, Australia1 contribution
Jan. 2020
Would highly recommend the kayak hire to both locals and visitors. A fabulous experience - very peaceful, interesting, and a great way to be active & connect with nature. We had never kayaked before so took the mini lesson beforehand which was excellent and gave us the confidence we needed to enjoy the day. Thankyou very much, we will definitely be booking in again.
Written 16 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks katherinepZ658QS for your comments and feedback about out "mini lessons" So glad you found this aspect useful as we have only introduced the idea recently!
Written 22 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Andrew M
Wantirna, Australia3 contributions
Great tour and good tour guides.
We were lucky to see a few dolphins. One area of improvement are the kayaks themselves they are in new of replacement and repair. The toe pegs were adjusted by the instructors but kept sliding in our boat making it hard to stay comfortable
Written 14 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventure K
Good to here you had a great time on your tour. Thank you for your review Andrew.
Written 1 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ricky
Manchester, UK7 contributions
Mar. 2021 • Couples
I highly recommend the Dolphin Sanctuary kayak tour to all visitors and locals. It was an amazing experience seeing the Port River Dolphins in their habitat and kayaking through the ecologically important mangrove forest. I will be going again!
Written 24 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks 801rickyw we look forward to sharing another great paddling adventure with you!
Written 5 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

John H
Tanunda, Australia2 contributions
May 2021
Great experience on a lovely day weather wise. Given basic instructions for kayaking and sufficient information about the area and what to expect.Didn’t see any dolphins, but really did not detract from the overall day’s activity. Our instructor and guide Phil was very pleasant in his handling of the group of interested kayakers.
Would I do the tour again? Most definitely!
Written 27 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks johnhA3735IA for your comments and so glad you enjoyed your paddling...you will have to come out again to see those dolphins! They are wild and free the way dolphins should be and go their own way. 9 1/2 days out of 10 we will see them!
Written 7 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour provided by Adventure Kayaking SA