The 9 Dolphin Watching in Adelaide That Earn Their Price

1.Dolphin Sanctuary Eco Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 560 reviews · 3 hours · from $55Our pick

Set out from Port Adelaide’s Angas Inlet Boat Club for a three-hour guided kayak trip through Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. Guides such as Alex, Paddy, Mark, and Kendall explain the mangroves, birds, dolphins, and old wrecks. No kayaking experience is needed, but you must be able to paddle. Dolphins and shipwrecks are not guaranteed.

“Fantastic experience - though we didn’t see dolphins we loved kayaking through the mangroves and seeing this unique ecosystem. I’m also happy the company don’t use bait or sounds to tempt the dolphins, as they should be free in their own habitats. Brayden was a great guide, friendly and informative.”

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2.4-Hour Swimming with Dolphins Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 439 reviews · 3h 30m · from $105

Meet Temptation Sailing at Glenelg’s Marina Pier for a 3.5-hour cruise aboard the 58-foot catamaran Temptation. Your marine biologist guides search for wild dolphins, then rotate groups through the front net and rear tow line. Wetsuits, masks, and snorkels are supplied. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, food, and drinks.

“It was very cold but the overall experience was still superb! The crew took great care of us and we got to see a lot of dolphins.”

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3.Port Adelaide: Dolphin and Ships Graveyard Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 375 reviews · 1h 30m · from $62

Cruise the Port River for 90 minutes with an English-speaking skipper-guide. You’ll enter the Ships Graveyard, pass the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and International Bird Sanctuary, and hear stories about old vessels, industry and local wildlife. Guides including Jim, Jason and Chris have earned praise for clear, friendly commentary. Dolphins are possible, not promised.

“Great few hours on the water. Although we only saw one dolphin, Skipper Jim did his utmost to try and find us other, sailing to their usual spots. He was very informative when it came to the vessels in the ship's graveyard, and made my daughter's day letting her sit up front on the Captain's seat!”

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4.Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tour Adelaide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 355 reviews · from $56

Meet at Angas Inlet Boat Club on Garden Island for a three-hour guided paddle through Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. Guides such as Alex, Paddy, Fiona, and Lewis provide safety help and nature information as you look for wild dolphins, birds, fish, mangroves, and shipwrecks. No kayaking experience is needed, but moderate fitness helps.

“Terrific kayaking experience! Paddy was a wonderful guide, very knowledgeable, yet knew when to allow quiet time to appreciate the dolphins and other wildlife/nature.”

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5.4-Hour Guaranteed Wild Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 349 reviews · 3h 30m · from $63

Cruise Adelaide’s Gulf St Vincent aboard Temptation, a 58-foot catamaran, and watch wild bottlenose and common dolphins near the hulls. The English-speaking crew shares information about dolphin behavior and habitat, with guides such as Elle and Quinn praised for their friendly approach. Bring sunscreen, a hat, food, and a warm layer. A separate swimming option is available.

“We had a fabulous trip. The water was glass making it easy to see the dolphins. We sat up the front talking to Quinn. He was a great host and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend. We will be back to try the swimming option.”

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6.Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 275 reviews · from $55Top rated

Paddle for up to three hours with Adventure Kayaking SA through Adelaide’s Dolphin Sanctuary and Garden Island Ships Graveyard. Guides such as Luke, Phil, Pippa, and Tim teach beginners, point out birds and mangroves, and help you spot Port River dolphins. The sheltered water suits families, though sightings are never guaranteed.

“Guide was great and shared lots of knowledge about the area and the things we saw along the way. Thank you.”

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7.Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 143 reviews · 3 hours · from $55

Paddle sheltered mangrove creeks and the Port River with an English-speaking guide, watching for wild dolphins and exploring the Ships Graveyard’s wrecks. Guides such as Tom, Oliver, Aaron, and Kelahn are praised for clear instruction and local stories. The $55 tour suits beginners, but you need moderate fitness and your own transport to Garden Island.

“Tom the kayak guide was great. He is very knowledgeable and explained the history of the abandoned ships. He is a great nature guide and pointed out various wildlife to us. The tour is good value and I would definitely recommend. I was a little apprehensive about kayaking for 3 hours but it was fine as you go at your own pace and there’s no pressure to keep up.”

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8.Dolphin Sanctuary Mangroves Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 54 reviews · 1h 30m · from $38

Meet Adventure Kayaking SA on Garden Island for a 90-minute, English-language kayak tour through Adelaide's Dolphin Sanctuary. After a safety lesson, paddle sheltered mangrove creeks in a single or double kayak, looking for Port River Dolphins, seals, sea lions, and birds. Guides such as Keenan, Darla, Keilan, and Will lead the outings.

“Will was very welcoming and friendly and gave us a really good understanding of the mangroves environment. unfortunately we didn't see any dolphins but that didn't really matter.”

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9.Dolphin Sanctuary Single or Double Kayak Rental

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 51 reviews · 2 hours · from $27Best value

Meet Adventure Kayaking SA at Garden Island Boat Ramp for a safety briefing, map, life vest, and two-hour kayak hire. Choose a single or double kayak, then paddle through mangrove creeks in the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. Dolphin sightings are possible but not guaranteed, and the ship graveyard is off-limits.

“good although i didn’t see any dolphins as there was only 13 in the whole lake”

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