Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary & Shipwreck Kayak Tour Small Group

Summary

Kayak the Port River dolphins’ home, drift past old shipwrecks and tangled mangroves

You’ll paddle through Adelaide’s Dolphin Sanctuary with a small group, spotting wild dolphins up close and gliding past eerie shipwrecks hidden among ancient mangroves. With a local guide sharing stories and laughter (plus all gear included), you’ll get wet hands, salty air in your nose, and memories that stick long after you’re back on dry land.

What’s the experience like?

We were already drifting under the low branches when I realized how quiet it was out here — just the sound of our paddles dipping in the water and some distant gulls. Our guide, Sarah, pointed at a ripple ahead and whispered, “That’s them.” And yeah, a couple of dolphins surfaced right by the kayak. I didn’t expect to be that close. The air smelled kind of salty-sweet, mixed with mud from the mangroves. My hands were already wet from splashing myself trying to keep up with everyone — not my smoothest moment.

The whole area is only about half an hour from Adelaide CBD but feels like another world. We followed Sarah along these narrow creeks lined with twisted mangroves (she said they’re hundreds of years old). She told us stories about the Port River dolphins — apparently some have been coming here for decades. There’s this weird hush between the trees, except when you hear a dolphin breathe or see a cormorant flap away. At one point I tried to take a photo and nearly dropped my phone in; Sarah handed me a waterproof container and just grinned.

Then we reached the Ships Graveyard — rusted hulls poking out of the water like bones. It’s strange, seeing all these abandoned ships so close together, some half-swallowed by green algae. Sarah knew every wreck by name and date; she even pointed out one where local kids used to dare each other to climb aboard (not recommended). The sun kept ducking behind clouds but when it came out everything went gold for a second. We paddled around for almost three hours but honestly it felt both longer and shorter than that — time gets weird on the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak tour of dolphin sanctuary and wrecks

• Travel 30 minutes from Adelaide CBD
• Explore mangrove lined creeks
• Observe marine life and birds
• Kayak through Port River Dolphins habitat
• Visit Ships Graveyard and view wrecks
• Listen to guide's tales of the area

Top questions

How long is the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary kayak tour?

The kayak tour lasts up to three hours exploring the sanctuary and ships graveyard.

Is kayaking at Dolphin Sanctuary suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for most fitness levels; guides provide instruction and support throughout.

Are children allowed on this kayak tour?

Children aged 8+ can join; those 12 or under must share a kayak with an adult.

What wildlife can I see during the tour?

You may see Port River dolphins, marine life, birds like cormorants, and more along the creeks.

Is hotel pickup included in this Adelaide kayak tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at the starting point near Adelaide CBD.

Are kayaks and safety equipment provided?

Yes, kayaks, life vests, paddles, jackets if needed, and waterproof containers are provided.

Can I bring my camera or phone on the kayak?

Yes; waterproof containers are available for valuables like cameras or phones.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible including all areas and surfaces at launch site.

What’s included

Your day includes all kayaking equipment—kayak, paddle, life vest—and a paddling jacket if you need one. There’s also a waterproof container for your camera or phone so you don’t have to worry about splashes. A professional local guide leads your small group through Adelaide’s Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Maritime Heritage Trail before heading back after about three hours on the water.