Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour
By Adventure Kayaking SA
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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.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 8-90, max of 12 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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.
- Start:
- Adventure Kayaking SA | Dolphin Sanctuary Tours, LOT 204 Garden Island Rd, Port Adelaide SA 5015, AustraliaWe 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!
End:This activity ends back at the meeting 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.
- 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
From
AU$75.00
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Passenger058025663820 contributionsRelaxing kyaking tour.Had a great time. So relaxing and informative. Unfortunately didn't see any dolphins but had a really good experience.Written 9 February 2025
- Vacation6011590 contributionsA nice afternoon on the waterA great afternoon. It was nice to have a small group. Our guide was really friendly and knowledgeable. Whilst we did not see any dolphins it was still an enjoyable experience. Would recommend.Written 20 January 2025
- cjseaborn0 contributionsAdventure kayaking in the mangroves on the Port River in Adelaide.The kayak adventure tour on the Port River (Adelaide) and into the Torrens Island mangroves via a navigable creek was a perfect activity to share with my teenage granddaughters and some other participants under the guidance of our friendly and informative tour guide Cain. Very well organised, and a lot of fun for all concerned.Written 14 January 2025
- christospY5046FN0 contributionsAdelaide mangrove kayakinggood experience we have a lovely few hours kayaking thru the mangroves recommend to nature and outdoor lovers the tour operators was lovely and pleasantWritten 11 January 2025
- louploo0 contributionsAdventure Kayaking6 of us went out for the 90minute tour and we had a great time. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly and if anything we would have liked a bit longer.Written 10 January 2025
- TravelingGlobally0 contributionsGreat experience!We had a great time kayaking through the mangroves. We didn’t get to see a dolphin, but it was a great experience and has encouraged us to kayak more in the future! Our guide, Isaac, was great at talking us through how to work together in the kayak, making it quick for us to build confidence once in the water. Thank you Isaac for a fantastic session, and we recommend this to anyone in the area.Written 13 December 2024
- 945shameemt0 contributionsMust do/ Must SeeThis was a BD gift from my nephew and nieces. I really enjoyed it. One of the must sees in Adelaide (SA) .... Buy a gift voucher for ur loved ones to have the same experience as mine.... Just one thing you need to know that the Kayak is too heavy and you need to take it to water yourself so make sure you do not have any injuries...Written 8 December 2024
- Y2855WIjacquir0 contributionsBeautiful experience but also disappointedI had a great time Kayaking through the mangroves on the 29th September. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience! Although, our tour guide offered to take some photos of myself and my friend and said he would email them through the next day. I was so thankful! Unfortunately, I have now followed up twice via email over the few past weeks to have these photos sent through with no response yet. Quite disappointed.Written 28 October 2024
- susanoG5999SL0 contributionsAdelaide dolphin Sanctuary Mangroves Kayaking TourAngus was a brilliant guide and tutor. All but one of our group had never kayaked before; however, Angus' instructions were very clear. Unfortunately, we did not see any dolphins, but the mangroves were amazing! The information Angus supplied about the mangroves was fascinating- especially about the sacrificial leaves. I will definitely kayak again! Cheers SusanWritten 20 October 2024
- janeinserra0 contributionsSensational experienceThis was so much fun, we had never kayaked before, but that was no issue. Our guide was great and very knowledgeable. We had such a great time. Thank you so much!Written 6 July 2024
- 149j_yj0 contributionsMangroves Kayaking tourOur team-building experience was fantastic. Despite most of us being unfamiliar with kayaking, it turned out to be easy and enjoyable. Exploring the Mangroves was especially fun! I highly recommend this activity. Our tour guide, although not from this country, was both knowledgeable and fun. The clean, high-quality equipment made gliding on the water a truly pleasant experience.Written 23 June 2024
- sbensons0 contributionsKayaking with the dolphinsFantastic experience . Safe excellent funny guide . Beautiful to see the dolphins and they were clearly comfortable with us as hung around for agesWritten 25 April 2024
- B7425QQalanl0 contributionsSuperb kayaking amongst the mangrovesWe loved our 10am trip amongst the mangroves of the Dolphin Sanctuary. Tom was a wonderful guide and his enthusiasm for the area was obvious. We would definitely recommend this trip to others and come again for another tour.Written 20 March 2024
- C8772PGlaurens0 contributionsFantastic day and experience!!Loved it and learnt a lot of interesting facts about the area and its wildlife. Our guides were great. Did not see any dolphins unfortunately but enjoyed paddling through the mangroves, which were calm and peaceful, and seeing the shipwrecks. The kayaking was suitable for all ages (kids were in our group) and did not need a high level of fitness to enjoy.Written 18 March 2024
- Travel160560519260 contributionsMangrove cruisingA lovely relaxed kayak with friendly and knowledgeable guides. Would thoroughly recommend for beginners. Was a real bonus to see dolphins close up.Written 17 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members 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.
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5.0
220 reviews
Excellent
197
Very good
15
Average
3
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Bill H
Calgary, Canada65 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
Yesterday we completed a tour with Adventure Kayaking. They are a small operation and the group size was perfect, 4 double kayaks plus the guide. They did a great job fitting everyone with their life jackets and adjusting their footrests in the kayak and a quick overview of paddling basics before heading out. Our guide was very personable and interacted well with the entire group. Seemed very knowledgeable about the area and was upfront when he didn't. Pace was good and everyone was able to keep up as a group. We were actually able to see a dolphin up close. I would definitely book with them again. Minor improvement would be a sign indicating their site but that was not a big deal.
Written 25 November 2024
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.
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a wonderful 5 star review. We are so glad you enjoyed the tour!
Written 28 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarina P
Murray Bridge, Australia35 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! 😊
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.
canadakate_11
Cobourg, Canada178 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
This was an amazing experience to be out on the open channels in a kayak. We saw the sunken ships, traversed two mangrove swamps, a myriad of birds, and dolphins swimming right beside our kayak.
Alex and Mitchell were exceptional guides who had to give us the commentaries from their kayak. Their instructions and safety procedures were very clear and easily understood. This activity was enjoyed by us (two Seniors, our adult daughter-in-law and 19 year old granddaughter.)
Alex and Mitchell were exceptional guides who had to give us the commentaries from their kayak. Their instructions and safety procedures were very clear and easily understood. This activity was enjoyed by us (two Seniors, our adult daughter-in-law and 19 year old granddaughter.)
Written 19 February 2024
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 leaving such a great review! We are so glad you enjoyed the tour!!!
Written 2 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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.
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.
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.
Cruiser14062275868
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Family
Awesome Trip, was referred by a friend, and would definitely refer my friends now. Adventure Kayaking SA was a great friendly operator, made sure all the safety aspects were covered, and didn't make it feel like a rushed experience in any way.
Our kids 8+10 also had a great time. Turns out the double kayak isn't too difficult to be paddled by one person if the kiddies get tired...
Well done guys (Rob and Chelsea), great people and a great experience.
Our kids 8+10 also had a great time. Turns out the double kayak isn't too difficult to be paddled by one person if the kiddies get tired...
Well done guys (Rob and Chelsea), great people and a great experience.
Written 5 January 2024
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.
Thank you for taking the time to write such a great review. We are so glad you enjoyed it and would also recommend us. We will pass this positive feedback onto Chelsea and Rob!
Written 28 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian F
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Friends
I booked this tour in January and was really looking forward to it. Unfortunately the night before I became unwell so had to miss out (forfit cost) but my wife and her friend went and had the best day! It took about three hours but their guides Andrew and Lydia were professional, supportive and very knowledgeable. They saw two ship wrecks and heard about each of the vessels. They saw dolphins including a baby dolphin believed to be only a few months old. They told me the mangrove were amazing and such a nice part of the tour. They would absolutely recommend this tour and I am already excited to return to Adelaide and plan to rebook so I can have this experience.
Written 2 March 2024
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.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a wonderful review! We look forward to taking you on the tour next time you're in Adelaide. 🐬🐬
Written 12 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jen P
1 contribution
No dolphins (as the guides expected) and ONE shipwreck. The guide spent majority of the time talking to a single kayaker and for 1.5 hours the rest of us kayaked around aimlessly waiting for instruction or something to do. Then you’re literally taken into the mangroves, not an enjoyable experience.
Overall, sucked. Feels like the company and guides know full well chances of seeing dolphins is really low. So rename the activity to not call it “dolphin sanctuary”
Overall, sucked. Feels like the company and guides know full well chances of seeing dolphins is really low. So rename the activity to not call it “dolphin sanctuary”
Written 9 December 2024
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.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. It's disappointing to read that you didn't enjoy the tour. The area we conduct the kayak tours in (the same area you paddled through) is named Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, hence the name of the tour. Wild dolphins do live here, however being that they are wild we never guarantee that participants will see them. During some weeks our guides see them daily so it is definitely possible to see them. We will pass your feedback onto the guides regarding your experience as well. Hopefully you can join us again in the future on a day when the dolphins are more active.
Written 12 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Helen V
Melbourne, Australia4 contributions
May 2021
An absolutely beautiful autumn morning on the water. Phil was a friendly and helpful guide and taught us paddling techniques gradually - not overwhelmed at the start. Although we didn’t see dolphins this time it was great paddling around the shipwrecks and in the beautiful, peaceful creek. Kayaks are comfortable and easy to manoeuvre. A really memorable Adelaide experience.
Written 26 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 965helenv for your comments and it was really fun to share a paddling adventure with you!
Written 7 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James H
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
Staff were very friendly and knowledgeable of the local area, the history of the ships and the dolphin sanctuary which made for a great experience whilst paddling near native bird species and dolphins!
Our tour also went through the mangroves, which was a fun addition. Would highly recommend to either experienced kayakers or complete newbies
Our tour also went through the mangroves, which was a fun addition. Would highly recommend to either experienced kayakers or complete newbies
Written 16 November 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.
Great to hear all the positive feedback for our staff and we are so glad you enjoyed the tour!
Written 28 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Taleah
1 contribution
Oct 2020 • Family
Such an amazing experience seeing the ships graveyard! Not only did the dolphins swim under and around ours kayaks, our tour guide Elise really made the experience special. Such a friendly woman, treated us like friends throughout the whole experience. Also great to have someone with such extensive knowledge and could answer all of our questions.
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 Taleahalden for your kind words. I will forward these to Elise who will be thrilled she made your day!
Written 20 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.