Watch Only, No Swim
About 3.5 hours · Temptation Sailing
from USD 62 per person Check availability →
Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak
Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tour
from USD 54.72 per person
Check Price & Availability →Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Meeting point
- Port Adelaide
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Run by
- Adventure Kayaking SA
Overview
This three-hour paddle with Adventure Kayaking SA starts at a public reserve on Garden Island Road in Gillman, near Port Adelaide, and spends its time in the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and the neighbouring Ships Graveyard. Groups are capped at 12 travellers, and a professional guide leads the way in sit-in kayaks. All the gear you need is supplied: kayak, paddle, life vest, a paddling jacket if the weather calls for it, and a waterproof container so a camera can come along.
The route combines three things that reviewers consistently single out. Dolphins are the headline, and plenty of travellers report them surfacing close to the kayaks. The mangrove creeks come up almost as often, with reviewers describing still water and dense birdlife among the mangroves. Then there are the wrecks, the abandoned vessels that give the Ships Graveyard its name, plus guides who reviewers say share lots of knowledge about the area along the way.
It suits families and first-timers as much as confident paddlers. The minimum age is 8, children 12 and under share a kayak with an adult, and one reviewer mentioned that guides show you how to kayak before setting off. The listing asks for a moderate level of physical fitness. Note that dolphins are wild, and some groups do miss them.
FromUSD 54.72 per person
Duration3 hours
Rating4.8 from 300 reviews
What's Included
Included
- Kayak, life vest, paddle, paddling jacket (if required)
- Waterproof container for camera or valuables
- Professional guide
Not Included
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Run byAdventure Kayaking SA
Itinerary
- Meet at Garden Island RoadMeet at Lot 204 Garden Island Road, Gillman, a public reserve near Port Adelaide. There is no office on site, so look for the Adventure Kayaking vehicles and kayaks. The tour ends back at this same point.
- Gear upThe guide fits everyone with a kayak, paddle, life vest and, if needed, a paddling jacket. One reviewer mentioned that guides show newcomers how to kayak before the group sets off.
- Paddle the sanctuaryThe group sets out on the water of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and the Ships Graveyard. Reviewers report dolphins, birdlife and shipwrecks along the way.
- Return to the meeting pointThe activity ends back at Lot 204 Garden Island Road.
What To Expect From The Tour
A few practical points will help the paddle go more smoothly, from what to wear to how likely a dolphin sighting really is.
- Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak (this tour)USD 54.72
- Ships Graveyard Cruise, 1.5 HoursUSD 60
- 1 Hour 15 Min Dolphin WatchUSD 61.74
- Watch Only, No SwimUSD 62
- What to bring. The listing asks you to bring insect repellent, drinks, snacks, shoes that can get wet, sunscreen and a camera. A waterproof container for valuables is provided. Souvenir photos are not included but can be purchased.
- First-time paddlers. One reviewer mentioned that guides show you how to kayak before setting off, which suggests beginners are catered for. Reviewers also describe guides who made everyone feel safe and comfortable on the water.
- Dolphins are wild. Many travellers report dolphins close up, though others saw none at all on their day. The mangroves, wrecks and birdlife carry the tour when the dolphins stay away.
- Group feel. The tour runs with a maximum of 12 travellers, and reviewers repeatedly describe friendly guides who made everyone feel safe and comfortable. One reviewer called it a great family activity that everyone enjoyed.
- Getting there. The meeting point is a public reserve at Lot 204 Garden Island Road, Gillman, with no office on site. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the tour, so you need to make your own way there.
- Weather matters. The experience requires good weather, and the listing states that weather cancellations come with a different date or a full refund.
Common issues. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, and a few reviewers saw none on their day, though some in earlier groups did. The listing flags that the sit-in kayaks can be a tight fit for people over 140 kilograms and asks travellers to call ahead with concerns, and it is not recommended for those with back problems or who are pregnant. Hotel transport is not provided, so you make your own way to Gillman. The listing also asks you to bring insect repellent, so it is worth packing.
Common Questions
What Is Included In The Tour?
The price covers the kayak, paddle, life vest, a paddling jacket if required, a waterproof container for your camera or valuables, and a professional guide. The tour lasts three hours and groups are limited to 12 travellers. Souvenir photos are extra and can be purchased separately.
Is Hotel Pickup Included?
Hotel pickup and drop-off are listed as not included. You meet the operator at Lot 204 Garden Island Road, Gillman, near Port Adelaide, which is a public reserve with no office. Look for the Adventure Kayaking vehicles and kayaks on arrival.
Is It Suitable For Kids?
Yes, with limits. The minimum age is 8, children must be accompanied by an adult, and children 12 and under ride in a kayak with an adult. Reviewers describe it as a family activity.
Can Beginners Do This Tour?
Yes. One reviewer mentioned that guides show you how to kayak before the group sets off, and reviewers describe guides who made everyone feel safe. The listing asks for a moderate level of physical fitness.
What Is The Cancellation Policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside 24 hours, no refund is given and changes are not accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
Will We Definitely See Dolphins?
No. Dolphins are wild and many reviewers did see them, sometimes very close, but others on the day saw none. The tour also takes in the mangrove creeks, the Ships Graveyard wrecks and plenty of birdlife, which most reviewers enjoyed even without a sighting.
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