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The Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
Suprising Beauty. A real "secret spot!" Best explored by kayak!
Just 30 minutes from Adelaide CBD! Guided tours and hire.
Free transfer service from the Port Adelaide Visitor Information Centre on request.
Gift vouchers available...a unique present for any occasion.
Click HERE to read more.
About The Tour
| The Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is a "wetland of national significance" and one of Adelaide's "secret spots", an area of incredible beauty and ecological importance. The mangrove forests and sheltered creeks are home to a fascinating array of marine life, birds and the Port River Dolphins.The Ship's Graveyard is a unique feature of the area with over 20 "wrecks" to view. All of these make for a sensational kayaking adventure and kayaking is the most environmentally sensitive way to explore the area and interact with the animals that call it home. You can join a guided tour or hire kayaks and explore by yourself; either way its great fun and safe. Tours are conducted in double sea kayaks which are very stable, comfortable and easy to paddle. Single kayaks are available for hire. The Origins of "The Dolphin Sanctuary". 23 years ago a photo of a young dolphin swimming with a race horse at Port Adelaide appeared in the "Advertiser." The photo drew worldwide interest. Mike Bossley, a lecturer in environmental studies, was one drawn to "The Port" to check out the facts. To his surprise he didn't find just one dolphin but over the a few years many. He recognised this as something special. Mike has spent the last 23 years studying these dolphins and working to see them and their environment given protection. His studies have drawn others to the area including The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. With the efforts of Mike, the WDCS and many local volunteers lobbying the government the area was proclaimed a sanctuary for dolphins in 2006. The dolphin that was in the photo became known as "Billie" and became well known to locals and visitors to the area for her "tail walking" acrobatics. Billie it thought to have learnt this "trick" from trained dolphins in a local marine park. Billie became ill, was captured and nursed back to health in the park before being release to the wild again. It saddened many when Billie died in 2009 but she has left an incredible legacy as there is another dolphin that has learnt tail walking from her. There is some evidence that more will soon start performing this amazing behaviour. Read the full Billie story, click here: WDCS-Billie's Story |
Wave has learnt to "tail walk"
Billie and horse. (©Mike Bossley) Come kayaking with us and you may just see these amazing wild dolphins and their fascinating antics! |
YOUR KAYAKING OPTIONS
GUIDED TOURS |
HIRE |
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The Adventure Tour
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The Family Tour
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Self Guided Tour
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"This activity went over and beyond our expectations. From friendly staff to an unforgettable experience it was a day of lasting memories. To have the dolphins come right up to our kayak was a once in a lifetime kodak moment! I will recommend this activity to others of all ages visiting Adelaide." Leisl, Jun 2008 |
 "We had a great day! The water was smooth and the weather great! We have already recommended this to others! We got some great photos on our holiday but these were the favorites for us! We saw a baby dolphin with its mum, small jumping fish and big crabs walking on the bottom! A great day! 10/10" (Chris, Jan 2010) |
"I had a great time out in the kayaks, especially when the dolphins swam right underneath the kayak. That was a rush!! Thanks again and hopefully see you again at the next adventure." Fran, Jan 2008 |
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| The Adventure Tour | The Family Tour | Self Guided Tour | |||
| Adult |
$70.00 |
Adult | $50.00 | Adult |
$35 2hrs $50 4hrs |
| Child (10-16yrs) | $40.00 | Child (4-16yrs) | $25.00 | Child | $20 2hrs $40 4hrs |
| Family (2a+2c) | $180.00 | Family (2a+2c) | $130.00 | Family (2a+2c) | $40/hour |
| Students & Concession | $50.00 | Students & Concession | $40.00 | Students & Concession |
$30 2hrs |
| Tour fees include all kayaking and safety equipment.All fees are GST inclusive. | |||||
| You will need to bring | Launch site | ||||
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Tours depart from Garden Island public boat ramp, Grand Trunkway Gillman: see map below. To travel to the meeting point (blue bubble top right)from Port Adelaide take St. Vincent Street to east end and turn left onto Perkins Drive. Follow signs to North Arm/Torrens Island. Travel over 2 rail crossings and Garden Island bridge. Turn to right and follow to end of road where you will find large car park and picnic area. Don't be put off by the "industrial landscape...it gets better...a lot better...at the end of the road! Look for the "Dolphin Logo" and kayaks on arrival. NB: new roads in the area will not be on street directories or gps navigators. Its worth exploring this map....you can zoom in/out using the scale on the left and click and hold to drag map to new area. The red shapes are notes of importance...click to read. |
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Tour Dates
This week's tours are shown on the menu to the left. For groups/corporate/schools we can negotiate tours on any day. Departure time varies to get the best tide to see the dolphins and explore the mangrove creeks. Departure time will be confirmed when a booking is made. Kayaks can be hired from 9-00am.To see dates of future tours see: tours calendar
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Come along and meet the Port River Dolphins with us! |
| Full details will be forwarded on booking. The tour is weather dependant. Should the weather be unsuitable on the day you may transfer your booking to a subsequent tour; pre-paid bookings can also accept a gift voucher or receive a refund minus booking fee .Tour fees are as of 1/10/09 and may change without notification. |