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ADS = Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary

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Kayaking in The Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard

Surprising Beauty. A real "secret spot!" Best explored by kayak!
Just 30 minutes from Adelaide CBD! Easy to catch the bus or train down to Port Adelaide and get our free transfer service to the launch site.

Guided tours and Kayak hire available.

Gift vouchers make a unique present for any occasion.

The Adelaide 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 no better experience for a first trial...be aware you may want to come back for more!

You can join a guided tour or hire kayaks; either way its great fun and safe. Tours and hire generally operate  Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and most public holidays.  Tours are conducted in double kayaks which are very stable, comfortable and easy to paddle.  Single kayaks are available for hire. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL! To see dates of future tours see: tours calendar. If the date you want is not available please enquire about a PRIVATE TOUR.

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The Origins of "The Dolphin Sanctuary".

  Some 20 years ago 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.

Come kayaking with us and you may just see these amazing dolphins and their incredible antics! Look below for your kayaking options.

Tail Walking Dolphin

Wave has learnt to "tail walk" 
Photo by Barbara Saberton. 
  

Dolphin swimming with horse

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, click here: WDCS-Billie's Story

YOUR KAYAKING OPTIONS

GUIDED TOURS

HIRE/Self Guided Tour
The Adventure Tour
  • 3 hours of adventure lead by our friendly guides.
  • Designed for adults and children over 12 yrs.
  • Maximum chance of seeing dolphins!
  • mangrove creeks, ships graveyard and dolphin spotting
  • participant paced
  • informative commentary given by your guide
  • plenty of time for photos and sightseeing
  • 2 person kayaks
  • Morning departure time when conditions are calmest
  • Start time generally mid-morning to get best conditions
The Family Tour
  • Designed for family groups with younger children(4-12yrs)
  • truly an activity everyone in the family can enjoy!
  • 2 hours of adventure lead by our friendly guides..great chance of seeing dolphins
  • mangrove creeks and dolphin spotting
  • easy paced for the young or young at heart!
  • story telling
  • 2 person/3 person kayaks
  • morning departures when conditions are calmest
  • We are the only provider in Adelaide to supply kayaks ready to go at the water's edge!!
  • This area is the best location for kayaking in Adelaide
  • suitable for all levels-novice to expert!
  • meet us at the launch site
  • we have the kayaks ready
  • we provide a trail map, some friendly advice, help you set up and launch
  • you create your own unique adventure
  • 1 person kayaks can be requested  (if available)
  • you can go further and explore more than on guided tours or just float around.

 

"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)

Kayaks and dolphins

"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

The Adventure Tour The Family Tour Self Guided Tour  (Prices given for 3 hours hire)
Adult

$70.00

Adult $50.00  Adult $45.00
Child (10-16yrs) $40.00 Child (4-16yrs) $25.00 Child $30.00  
Family (2a+2c) $190.00 Family (4 people) $130.00 Family (2a+2c)  $40/hour
Students & Concession $60.00 Students & Concession $50.00 Students & Concession

$30.00

 Departure 10-00am but may vary with tides and demand.    Departure 1030am but may vary with tides and demand  

Sessions begin at 9am and 1pm  but may vary with tides and demand. We now have sit on top craft fitted out for fishing. If you want to try kayak fishing please call to book one of these...numbers limited.

 

 Private Tours  from $200-00. This can include a short video of your adventure!

 Tour fees include all kayaking and safety equipment.All fees are GST inclusive. Bookings essential. 

You will need to bring Launch site
  • Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing to suit the temperature of the day
  • be sun smart, a shady hat and sunscreen
  • shoes/sandals that may get wet
  • insect repellent
  • drink and snack
  • A CAMERA! We can supply a waterproof container
   Tours depart from Garden Island public boat ramp, Garden Island Road, Gillman: see map below. The meeting point is the 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.
 

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.  

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 1/10/10 and may change without notification.