Adelaide’s dolphin tours deliver memorable encounters without the tourist traps. Three stand-out options shine: The Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tours pack a lot into their 3-hour trips, letting you quietly glide through mangrove-lined waters where dolphins frequently surface. We love the Swimming With Dolphins Experience aboard a spacious catamaran – it’s perfect for families and guarantees sightings. The Eco Kayaking Tour gets our vote for its excellent guides who share meaningful insights about local marine conservation.
Let’s explore the best dolphin watching experiences in Adelaide.
Key Points
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The Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tours offer a 2.5-3 hour guided tour with opportunities to spot dolphins and other wildlife in a small group setting.
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The Swimming With Dolphins Experience provides a 3.5-hour tour on a 58-foot sailing catamaran with guaranteed dolphin sightings and opportunities to observe their playful behaviors.
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The Dolphin Sanctuary Eco Kayaking Tour is a 3-hour guided tour focusing on dolphin conservation and local ecosystems, with small group sizes for a safe and informative experience.
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The Port Adelaide Dolphin and Ships Graveyard Cruise is a 1.5-hour tour with knowledgeable crew and opportunities to spot wild dolphins, especially in warmer months.
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The Dolphin Sanctuary Mangroves Kayak Tour is a 90-minute guided tour offering the chance to observe Port River dolphins, seals, and sea lions while learning about local culture and ecology.
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour
Although the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is home to a thriving population of wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, the best way to spot them is by joining the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour.
This 2.5-3 hour guided tour allows visitors to paddle through mangrove-lined waterways and the Garden Island Ships’ Graveyard, offering opportunities to observe native wildlife and historic shipwrecks.
The tour caters to both beginners and experienced kayakers, with lessons provided as needed. With a maximum of 14 participants, the tour promises an intimate and informative experience.
Reviewers rave about the knowledgeable guides and the high likelihood of spotting the resident dolphins, making this a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting Adelaide.
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Adelaide: 3.5-Hour Swimming With Dolphins Experience
For those seeking a more immersive dolphin experience, the 3.5-hour Swimming with Dolphins tour off the Adelaide coast provides an unforgettable opportunity. Priced from $96.97 per person, this excursion allows you to swim alongside wild dolphins in their natural habitat.
Departing from Holdfast Shores Marina in Glenelg, you’ll board the 58-foot sailing catamaran, Temptation, and cruise along the southern Australian coastline. With guaranteed dolphin sightings and the chance to observe their playful behaviors, this tour offers a unique and memorable adventure.
Wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and refreshments are included, making it a hassle-free experience. While not suitable for those with heart problems or mobility issues, the tour boasts an impressive 4.7/5 rating based on 246 reviews.
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Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tour Adelaide
Nestled within the tranquil mangrove forests of Adelaide’s Garden Island, the Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tour offers an immersive encounter with the region’s captivating marine life.
Praised by 96% of travelers, this 3-hour tour allows participants to paddle through the serene waters while spotting dolphins, seabirds, and other wildlife.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour includes all necessary equipment and highlights the importance of dolphin conservation.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for moderately fit individuals.
With a maximum group size of 16, the Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tour promises an intimate and memorable outdoor experience in the heart of Adelaide.
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Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary 1 or 2-Person Kayak Rental
Kayakers seeking a serene and wildlife-rich adventure can embark on a self-guided tour of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary.
The 2-hour kayak rental offers a choice between 1-person or 2-person kayaks, providing the freedom to navigate the mangrove creeks and search for dolphins and other marine life.
The experience includes a safety briefing, paddles, life vests, and a map to guide exploration.
While the Ship Graveyard is off-limits for safety reasons, kayakers can enjoy the tranquility of the protected marine area.
With a cancellation policy allowing free changes up to 24 hours in advance and an overall rating of 4.3/5, this affordable activity is a popular choice for couples, families, and solo travelers.
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Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour
Setting out on a 3-hour guided kayak tour, visitors explore the tranquil waters of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and the nearby Ships Graveyard.
Priced from Kč 1,166 per person, the tour is limited to 10 participants and conducted in English. Equipped with all necessary gear, guests have the opportunity to spot local dolphins, sunken shipwrecks, and diverse marine life.
The environmentally friendly excursion caters to adults and children aged 8+, with a moderate fitness requirement. Knowledgeable guides, positive customer reviews, and complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off make this tour a popular choice for those seeking an immersive dolphin-watching experience in Adelaide.
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Port Adelaide: Dolphin and Ships Graveyard Cruise
The Port Adelaide: Dolphin and Ships Graveyard Cruise offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich maritime history and witness the natural wonders of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary.
This 1.5-hour cruise takes passengers through the International Bird Sanctuary, the Ships Graveyard, and the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, where they can spot wild dolphins, including newborn calves during warmer months.
The knowledgeable crew provides live commentary on the area’s maritime history and local sights, enhancing the experience.
With wheelchair accessibility, onboard toilet facilities, and a reserve now & pay later option, the cruise caters to diverse needs and preferences.
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Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Eco Kayaking Tour
Exploring the tranquil waters of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is a captivating experience offered by the Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Eco Kayaking Tour.
This 3-hour guided kayak tour takes adventurers through the mangrove-lined creeks, offering opportunities to spot dolphins, birds, and other marine life. The small group setting with knowledgeable guides ensures a safe and informative experience, even for those with no prior kayaking experience.
Paddling past shipwrecks and exploring the 10,000-year-old ecosystem, the tour provides an immersive connection with the local environment.
With free cancellation, hotel pickup, and a range of amenities, this tour is a must-try for nature enthusiasts visiting Adelaide.
Read our full review: Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Eco Kayaking Tour Review
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Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Mangroves Kayak Tour
Paddling through the tranquil waters of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, adventurers can enjoy a 90-minute guided kayak tour that offers unparalleled opportunities to spot the iconic Port River dolphins.
Priced at just $35.79 per person, this family-friendly and environmentally sustainable activity is one of the top four must-do experiences in Adelaide.
Along the way, kayakers can observe local wildlife, including long-nosed fur seals and Australian sea lions, while engaging with the rich local culture through stories shared by the guide.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, hotel pickup and drop-off, and adheres to COVID-19 safety protocols, making it a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the stunning Dolphin Sanctuary.
Read our full review: Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Mangroves Kayak Tour Review
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Adelaide: 3.5-Hour Guaranteed Wild Dolphin Watching Cruise
Setting sail from the Marina Pier in Glenelg, a 3.5-hour guaranteed wild dolphin watching cruise offers adventurous travelers a unique opportunity to spot the iconic bottlenose and common dolphins of the Adelaide coastline.
With a money-back guarantee if no dolphins are spotted, the cruise departs aboard the 58-foot Temptation catamaran, providing scenic coastal views and live commentary from knowledgeable crew.
Boasting a 4.8/5 rating from 219 reviews, the experience is highly recommended, with travelers praising the abundance of dolphins and the crew’s expertise.
While not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues, the cruise provides an unforgettable chance to witness these magnificent marine creatures in their natural habitat.
Read our full review: Adelaide: 3.5-Hour Guaranteed Wild Dolphin Watching Cruise Review
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Sum Up
Adelaide offers a variety of dolphin watching tours, from swimming with the dolphins to kayaking through the Dolphin Sanctuary. Whether you’re after a thrilling experience or a more relaxed eco-tour, there are plenty of options to choose from. With the chance to spot these incredible marine mammals in their natural habitat, these tours provide a unique and unforgettable way to explore the city’s coastal wonders.