Dolphins & Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour - Garden Island SA

The Kayak Tour explores the Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Maritime Heritage Trail…just 30 minutes from the Adelaide CBD. Here you find one of Adelaide’s “secret spots”, it is an area of surprising beauty. The sheltered mangrove lined creeks are home to a fascinating array of marine life, birds and the Port River Dolphins. The Ship’s Graveyard is a unique feature of the area with over 20 “wrecks” to view. All this makes for a sensational adventure and kayaking is the most environmentally sensitive way to explore and interact with the dolphins.

The kayak tour is three hours of fun with you guide who will lead you on an unforgettable adventure. The tour is easy paced with plenty of time for photos and storytelling by your guide. When the Port River Dolphins come to play it is a memory you will treasure forever! This tour is recommended for adults and children over the age of 10 years, although we have had younger children come out and have great fun!

If you are visiting South Australia paddling with the dolphins has been voted one of the top FOUR MUST DO activities in Adelaide!

Tours are conducted in stable, very comfortable one or two person sea kayaks which are are suitable for all levels of fitness and experience. If you have never kayaked before this is the best way to give it a try…you will want to come back for more! This experience includes basic tuition in safe kayaking. We launch from a boat ramp covered in non-slip matting; you will get into the kayak on “dry land” and we will slide you into the water, with care you will not even get your feet wet!

We prefer to supply 2-person kayaks for guided tours as these are easier to use for all paddlers, are virtually impossible to capsize and allow for a more social and engaging experience. If you are booking as a single a 1-person kayak will be supplied. If you are a novice or would prefer a real easy experience you may be able to paddle with the guide in a 2-person kayak; this would incur an extra fee and can only be arranged by phone bookings. If you are booking as a pair or group and prefer 1-person kayaks these can be booked as an “extra” during the booking process at a slightly higher fee. If you want to bring the family including children younger than 10 years on this experience we can supply 3-person kayaks which are ideal and you can ensure the kids are safe, please enquire about this option.

Private and small group tours are also available. Please call to discuss your group’s needs and preferred time. Discounts available for groups of 12 more more!

If the date you want is sold out you can go on the “waiting” list by completing all booking details, your credit card won’t be charged and we will get in touch if kayaks become available. If there are a lot of people on the waiting list we will put on another tour if possible.

Full details will be sent via email immediately once your booking is made. If you do not receive this please contact us straight away. Please review the details taking note of the starting time, location and transfer (if requested). Please check the terms and conditions also included. We will contact you by email the day prior to your tour if any of the details change due to weather or other conditions. Please contact us if you will not be checking your email or have any concerns about these details.

To the many international visitors we have please contact us 24 hours prior to your booking or when you arrive in Adelaide as we often have great difficulty with international numbers provided and may not be able to contact you with any changes.

Find us at:
Garden Island Boat Ramp and Reserve, Lot 204 Garden Island Road, Gillman. This is a public reserve; We are a mobile business and have no office at this location. Look for the Adventure Kayaking vehicles, lots of kayaks/SUP’s and happy people! The Port Adelaide Visitor Centre, 66 Commercial Road, Port Adelaide will also supply a map if you call in on the way to kayaking; you can also check out what else is happening in The Port and make a day of it!

Getting to Garden Island:
Most people drive out to Garden Island. Unfortunately public transport doesn’t travel to Garden Island. There are regular train and bus services to Port Adelaide and we can provide a transfer out to the kayaking and return for $10 per person…much cheaper than a taxi! We meet you at the Port Adelaide Visitor Centre, 66 Commercial Road, Port Adelaide (green flag bottom left of map) 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour. This location is about 10 minutes walk from the Port Adelaide train station; the bus stops very close to the Visitor Centre. This is a limited service, please be on time, some delay may occur after your tour before transfer back to Pt Adelaide. Train & Bus timetable can be accessed at : www.adelaidemetro.com.au or download the Moovit app on iPhone or android. Please indicate you need this service when booking.

You will need to bring:

– Clothing to suit the temperature of the day
– a shady hat and sunscreen
– shoes/sandals that may get wet(bare feet or thongs are not suitable)
– insect repellent
– drink and snack
– A CAMERA! We can supply a waterproof container

The following extras can also be added to your booking, follow the prompts during the booking process:

– Transfer from the Port Adelaide Visitor Centre to Garden Island…the only way to come kayaking if you are relying on public transport!
– A bottle of water
– HD still pictures of your adventure
– A quality paddling jacket- wind and waterproof; great for cooler days
– A spray deck- a device to keep you much warmer and drier on cool days.
– 1-person kayaks for partners and groups if you prefer to paddle individually.