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Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard
Guided kayak tours , kayak hire and gift vouchers available.
Just 30 min. from Adelaide CBD! Easy to catch a train to Port Adelaide and get our free transfer to the launch site.
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The Dolphin Sanctuary is a "wetland of national significance" and one of Adelaide's "secret spots" and an area of incredible beauty. Its 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 adventure and kayaking is the most environmentally sensitive way to explore and interact with the dolphins. If you have been thinking of trying kayaking there is the best experience for a first trial...be aware you will want to come back for more!
Join a guided tour or hire kayaks; either way its great fun and safe. We operate Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. 1,2, and 3 person kayaks are available. For session times see the tours calendar. If the date you want is not available please enquire about a PRIVATE TOUR. See the menu for KAYAK HIRE in the left menu. The Origins of "The Dolphin Sanctuary".Some 20 years ago the photo opposite of a young dolphin swimming with a race horse at Port Adelaide appeared in a local paper. The photo drew much 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 many. He recognised this as something special. Mike's continues to study these dolphins and campaigns to see them and their environment given protection. With the efforts of Mike and many local volunteers lobbying the government the area was proclaimed a sanctuary for dolphins in 2006. |
Wave's famous "tail walk" acrobatics
Billie and horse. (©Mike Bossley) The young dolphin became known as "Billie" and was a much loved character in the area known for her "tail walking" acrobatics. Read the full story: WDCS-Billie's Story |
| Come kayaking with us and you may just see these amazing dolphins and their incredible antics! |
Our guided tours are suitable for all ages and levels of experience and a great way to explore the Dolphin Sanctuary, meet the Port River Dolphins, see some ship wrecks while learning about this amazing part of Adelaide. Tours are easy paced with plenty of stops along the way for sight seeing, photos and story telling by your guide. We include a briefing on basic kayaking skills and safety and launch from a boat ramp covered with non-slip matting so with care you wont even get your feet wet! Guided tours depart mid morning with times calculated for the best chance to see dolphins and for easy paddling.
We offer the following tour options :
THE ADVENTURE TOUR is three hours of fun with your guide; designed for adults and older children(12 yrs+). The tour explores stunning mangroves creeks, the Ships Graveyard & searches for dolphins.
THE FAMILY TOUR is two hours of fun with your guide; designed for families with younger children(4-12yrs), even the grandparents. This tour explores sheltered mangrove creeks & searches for dolphins.
PRIVATE AND GROUP TOURS for those who want to design their own special adventure. Talk to us about your ideas and aims and we will provide and experience just for your group. We regularly conduct tours for family, business, social and school groups.
"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 thought the Dolphin Adventure Tour today was first class. Andrew and Tom were great guides who offered a wealth of information and some engaging anecdotes. The pace and duration of the tour was just right although I am sure we would have enjoyed more paddling! Thank you so much for a great experience and we will definitely recommend this tour to others." Sharon, Tess and Lachlan Robinson.(Jan.’13) |
"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) "Thank you! My partner and I did the Dolphin sanctuary tour on Sunday morning. We had such a lovely time. We were lucky enough to see the 2 week old dolphin - it was so tiny. Our guide Dave was brilliant, he made us feel at ease and shared some of his knowledge & history of the area to make the trip have more meaning. We have never done kayaking before but will certainly be back for more!!! We loved it." Genevieve (April’12) |
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| TOUR FEES | Tour fees include all kayaking and safety equipment & are GST inclusive. | ||
| The Adventure Tour | The Family Tour | ||
| Adult |
$70.00 |
Adult | $50.00 |
| Child (10-16yrs) | $40.00 | Child (4-16yrs) | $25.00 |
| Family (2a+2c) | $180.00 | Family (4 people) | $130.00 |
| Students & Concession | $60.00 | Students & Concession | $50.00 |
Private Tours from $200-00. This can include a short video of your adventure! Please enquire for this option. |
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BOOK NOW BY PHONE BOOK NOW ONLINE WITH CREDIT CARD |
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| You will need to bring | Launch site | ||
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The meeting/launch site is the Garden Island public boat ramp, Garden Island Road, Gillman. The meeting/launch site is the blue bubble top right. The meeting/launch site can be hard to find so please take the time to review and print this map. Don't be put off by the "industrial landscape" on the way...it gets better...a lot better...at the end of the road! Look for the "Dolphin Logo" and kayaks on arrival.
The green bubble at the bottom is the Port Adelaide Visitor Centre.
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Tour Dates
See Tour Calendar for dates/times/availability. If the date that best suits you is not shown we may be able to offer you a private tour. Please enquire.
For groups/corporate/schools we can negotiate tours on any day. Departure time will be confirmed by email or phone when a booking is made.
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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 1/1 /13 and may change without notification. |