Wild Dolphin Swim, 4 Hours

Wild Dolphin Swim From Glenelg With Temptation Sailing

★ 4.7 493 reviews

from USD 104 per person

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Duration: About 4 hours
Meeting point: Glenelg
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Temptation Sailing

Overview

This half-day trip puts you in the water with wild dolphins off the Adelaide coast, with a dolphin sighting guarantee from the operator. It runs from Holdfast Shores Marina in Glenelg, about 15 minutes from central Adelaide, aboard Temptation, a 58-foot sailing catamaran. After the coastal cruise out, you get into a wetsuit, mask and snorkel and take the plunge into the waters where the wild dolphins come to greet you and play. One reviewer described the method plainly: rather than free swimming, guests hold on to a rope net under the catamaran while the boat follows the dolphins.

The whole experience lasts about 4 hours. Gear is supplied, and commentary is provided during the swim. One reviewer noted the tour is run by marine biologists, and several others single out the crew's knowledge of the animals. Back at the marina, Glenelg's beachfront restaurants and shops are right there if you want to round out the day.

Reviewers who were nervous about the sea said the crew helped them through it, and one first-timer ticked it off as a long-held goal. It is less suited to people with mobility limitations, since getting in and out of the water involves climbing rope nets, a point one fit reviewer still found demanding.

FromUSD 104 per person

DurationAbout 4 hours

Rating4.7 from 493 reviews

What's Included

Included

Wetsuits, masks, and snorkels
3.5-hour coastal cruise
Encounters with wild dolphins
Swim commentary

Not Included

Refreshments

Run byTemptation Sailing

Itinerary

Meet at Glenelg marinaCheck in at Temptation Sailing, 10 Holdfast Promenade, Glenelg. Arrive with swimwear already on underneath your clothes.
Board the catamaranClimb aboard Temptation, a 58-foot sailing catamaran, and meet the crew. Wetsuits, masks and snorkels are provided on the tour.
Coastal cruise outSail along the southern Australian coastline toward the waters where the dolphin pods are found.
Swim with dolphinsDon your wetsuit, mask and snorkel and swim alongside the dolphins as they come to greet the boat and play in the waters. Sightings are guaranteed by the operator.
Return to the marinaCruise back to Holdfast Shores Marina. Restaurants and shops along the shoreline are nearby if you want to stay on afterwards.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape the day, from what you wear on arrival to how the swim actually works.

USD 104from, per person

4 hoursduration

4.7across 493 guest reviews

Wear swimwear first. The listing asks you to arrive with swimwear on under your clothes, which speeds up getting into a wetsuit on board. Bring a towel, hat and sunscreen as well.
Bring your own food. Refreshments are not included, so pack food and drinks for the trip. The listing's what-to-bring list covers both food and drinks.
It is a rope net. One reviewer was surprised that the swim involves holding on to a rope net under the catamaran rather than swimming freely. They still called it a thrilling experience and said they would go again, so read the description knowing the method may differ from the title.
Supportive crew. Reviewers repeatedly praise the crew for looking after nervous guests, from first-timers overwhelmed by the sea to someone facing a fear of open water. Several also describe the guides as knowledgeable about the dolphins.
Cameras and photos. The listing recommends bringing both a camera and a waterproof camera. Underwater encounters are the highlight, so a waterproof option or a housing is the one that matters in the water.
Allow the full time. The trip runs about 4 hours, and Glenelg sits about 15 minutes outside Adelaide, so plan travel to the marina on top of that. Treat it as a half-day commitment.

FromUSD 104 per person

Rating4.7 from 493 reviews

Check DatesCheck Price & Availability →

Common issues. The biggest gap between expectation and reality is the swim itself: one reviewer expected to swim alongside the dolphins but instead hung on to a rope net under the boat, and found climbing the nets hard work despite being quite fit. They would not recommend it for people with mobility issues. Refreshments are not included, so bring your own. The operator guarantees dolphin sightings on the tour. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Wetsuits, masks and snorkels are provided, along with the coastal cruise, encounters with wild dolphins and commentary during the swim. Refreshments are not included, so bring your own food and drink. Hotel pickup is not part of this tour.

Where Does The Tour Start?

Check-in is at Temptation Sailing, 10 Holdfast Promenade, Glenelg, about 15 minutes outside Adelaide. There is no hotel pickup, so you make your own way to the marina at Holdfast Shores.

How Long Is The Tour?

The experience lasts about 4 hours from the marina, including the cruise out, the swim and the return. Allow extra time for travel to Glenelg.

Is It Suitable For People With Limited Mobility?

Probably not. One reviewer, who described themselves as quite fit, found climbing up and down the rope nets hard work and said they would not recommend it for people with mobility issues. Check with the operator before booking if this concerns you.

Will I Actually See Dolphins?

Yes, the operator guarantees dolphin sightings on the cruise. Reviews describe multiple encounters and pods coming close, including a mother and calf swimming around swimmers.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Inside that window the listing does not state the terms, so check the booking page before you commit if your plans might shift.