Watch Only, No Swim
About 3.5 hours · Temptation Sailing
from USD 62 per person Check availability →
1 Hour 15 Min Dolphin Watch
Kangaroo Island Dolphin Watch
from USD 61.74 per person
Check Price & Availability →Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site.
- Duration
- About 1 hour 15 minutes
- Meeting point
- Penneshaw
- Run by
- Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari
Overview
This is a 75-minute coastal safari run by Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari, departing from Christmas Cove Marina in Penneshaw. The boat heads out along the island's coastline with the crew looking for wild dolphins, seals and seabirds, and passengers can watch from inside the cabin or from the bow. Reviews repeatedly describe dolphins swimming alongside the boat and seals resting on the rocks.
The crew provide commentary throughout on the animals, the island's history and its geography, and reviewers often single out the guides as friendly and well informed. Life jackets, spray jackets, a baby harness and sunscreen are all provided, so the basics are covered on board.
It suits most travellers, including families with children, though kids must be accompanied by an adult and at least two people are needed per booking. The boat takes a maximum of 38 travellers. Sightings cannot be guaranteed since the animals are wild.
FromUSD 61.74 per person
DurationAbout 1 hour 15 minutes
Rating4.8 from 640 reviews
What's Included
Included
- Life jackets
- Spray jackets
- Baby harness
Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Sunscreen
Run byKangaroo Island Ocean Safari
Itinerary
- Meet at Christmas CoveMeet at Christmas Cove Marina on Christmas Street in Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island.
- Board the safari boatCheck in with the Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari crew and gear up. Spray jackets, life jackets and sunscreen are provided.
- Coastal wildlife safariThe boat passes the coastline for about 1 hour 15 minutes, with the crew looking for dolphins, seals and seabirds. The crew give commentary on the wildlife and the island along the way.
- Return to Christmas CoveThe trip ends back at the same Christmas Cove meeting point.
What To Expect From The Tour
A few practical points will help you get the most out of this trip, based on the listing and what travellers report.
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- Dress warmly. One reviewer warns that it can be cold out on the water, so warm clothes are a good idea. Spray jackets are provided on board.
- Wildlife is wild. The listing states plainly that sightings cannot be guaranteed and the animals decide how interactive the day will be. Several reviews describe both dolphins and seals, while others mention only one or the other, so go in expecting variety.
- Watch from the bow. Reviewers mention good views both inside the boat and on the bow, where dolphins sometimes swim alongside it.
- Bring nothing to eat. Food and drinks are not included and there is no mention of them being sold on board. Eat before you go or bring your own water.
- Getting there. The meeting point is Christmas Cove Marina in Penneshaw, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. One reviewer said directions to the safari boat could be clearer, so allow a little extra time to find it.
- Weather matters. The trip runs subject to favourable conditions. Reviewers describe everything from perfect calm to rough seas, and the listing offers an alternative date or a full refund if weather forces a cancellation.
Common issues. The main limitation is that wildlife sightings vary: the listing makes clear the animals are wild, and some reviewers saw dolphins but no seals, or the reverse. The safari needs a minimum of two travellers per booking and can be cancelled if minimum numbers are not met, in which case a different date or a full refund is offered. It is not wheelchair accessible, and bad weather can cancel departures.
Common Questions
What Is Included In The Price?
Life jackets, spray jackets, a baby harness and sunscreen are included. Food, drinks and hotel pickup and drop-off are not. The trip lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Where Does The Tour Start?
At Christmas Cove Marina on Christmas Street in Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island. The tour ends back at the same point. Hotel transfers are not included, so you need to make your own way there.
Is It Suitable For Children?
Yes. Most travellers can participate and a baby harness is provided, but children must be accompanied by an adult. One reviewer specifically recommends it for families with kids.
Will We Definitely See Dolphins And Seals?
No. The listing states that the animals are wild and sightings or how interactive they become cannot be guaranteed. Many reviewers report seeing dolphins, seals or both, but experiences change daily.
What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?
The safari requires good weather. If it is cancelled due to poor conditions, you are offered an alternative date or a full refund. The same applies if minimum traveller numbers are not met.
What Should I Bring And Wear?
Warm clothing is the top tip from one reviewer, since it can be cold on the water even on a fine day. Bring your own food and drink if you want them. Spray jackets and sunscreen are supplied on board.
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