Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour
Tours · Australia

Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour

★ 4.8 · 300 reviews⏱ 3 hours📍 Australia

About this tour

Paddle through Adelaide's Port River to spot dolphins in their natural habitat and navigate past a haunting fleet of abandoned ships. This 3-hour guided kayak tour, 30 minutes from the city centre, takes groups of up to 8 people through sheltered mangrove creeks teeming with birdlife and marine species. Glide silently past over 20 shipwrecks whilst learning the area's maritime history—a low-impact way to experience local wildlife up close.

Highlights

  • Encounter Port River dolphins in open water
  • Paddle past 20+ decommissioned vessels
  • Mangrove-lined creeks rich with birdlife
  • Intimate groups of eight paddlers maximum
  • Guide shares wreck histories and local stories
  • Suitable for families with children from age 8

What to expect

You'll launch into sheltered waterways where kayaks are the quietest way to move through dolphin territory. Expect paddling across calm to gently rippled water as your guide points out where pods frequent and explains what you're seeing. The Ships Graveyard section is atmospheric—rusted hulls, broken masts and tilted decks create an eerie maritime museum. Your guide narrates the stories behind these vessels. Bring binoculars for birdwatching; the creeks host herons, egrets and other waders. The pace is leisurely, with frequent stops to observe wildlife and absorb the surroundings.

Good to know

Pack insect repellent, sunscreen, a camera in the waterproof container provided, and shoes that can get wet. Bring water and snacks. Children under 12 share a kayak with an adult. Minimum fitness level required; not suitable for spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. People over 140kg should contact the operator beforehand about kayak fit.

Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.