Ships Graveyard Cruise, 1.5 Hours

Overview

The Port River, just out from Adelaide's port district, holds one of the stranger sights on the South Australian coast: a cluster of abandoned ship hulls sitting half-sunk in quiet backwater. This 1.5 hour cruise from Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari is built around those wrecks, and the listing states this is the first time the graveyard can be entered on a guided cruise. Your skipper doubles as the guide, talking through the history of the river, the famous vessels and the landmarks as you go, with a display on board carrying extra background detail.

The route also passes through the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, home to one of the few wild dolphin populations living within a city, and cruises along the edge of the International Bird Sanctuary, where migratory shorebirds, pelicans and cormorants turn up. Dolphins are wild animals, so sightings are never promised, though reviewers regularly report pods near the boat, sometimes with calves in the warmer months.

It suits travellers who want a short, easy water outing without a full-day commitment. Nothing strenuous is involved, there is a toilet on board, and drinks can be bought during the cruise. Food is not included, so eat beforehand if you will want it.

Itinerary

1. Meet at Port AdelaideMake your own way to 1 McLaren Parade, Port Adelaide, the departure point for the cruise. No pickup or transfer is included.
2. Cruise the Port RiverBoard and head out along the river with live commentary from your skipper on the port's maritime history, famous ships and landmarks.
3. Enter the Ships GraveyardCruise into the graveyard's backwaters to pass the giant half-submerged wrecks while the guide explains their history.
4. Search for dolphinsTravel through the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary looking for the resident wild dolphins, with a chance of newborn calves in warmer months.
5. Pass the bird sanctuaryContinue towards the International Bird Sanctuary, with opportunities to spot migratory shorebirds, Australian Pelicans and Pied Cormorants.
6. Return to portCruise back to the meeting point at McLaren Parade, with drinks available to purchase on board along the way.

Common Questions