Adelaide Port River Dolphin Cruise & Ships Graveyard Tour

Summary

Port Adelaide’s river secrets dolphins shipwrecks and birdlife

You’ll ride along Adelaide’s Port River with a local guide, spotting wild dolphins swimming near your boat and drifting past eerie shipwrecks tangled in mangroves. Listen to stories about lost vessels and catch glimpses of rare birds in their sanctuary—sometimes all in one glance. It’s equal parts peaceful and surprising, leaving you with that salty air feeling long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the boat at Port Adelaide, not really sure what to expect. The air smelled a bit briny, like old ropes and mangroves, and our guide—Dave, I think—was already cracking jokes about “finding treasure” in the Ships Graveyard. He had this way of pointing out rusty hulls half-swallowed by green water, rattling off names and dates like he’d known these ships personally. I leaned over the rail as we drifted by one that looked like it might crumble if you sneezed too close. There was something oddly peaceful about it all—quiet except for the low hum of the engine and a couple of gulls squabbling overhead.

The main reason I’d booked this Port River dolphin cruise was for the dolphins (obviously), but honestly? The first time I spotted a fin breaking the surface, I almost missed it because I was so busy staring at an old paddle steamer wreck tangled in mangrove roots. Dave called out, “There’s Billie!”—apparently that’s one of their regulars—and everyone shuffled to one side to watch her glide alongside us. She had this silvery back that caught the sun just right. A couple minutes later, two more popped up behind her, and someone’s kid squealed so loud even Billie seemed to notice. For a second everything went quiet except for water lapping against the hull.

I didn’t expect much from the bird sanctuary part—I’m not really a bird person—but there was this moment when we passed through a patch of reeds and suddenly dozens of tiny shorebirds lifted up all at once. It felt like we’d stumbled into their secret morning routine or something. Dave mentioned the Kaurna name for this stretch (I definitely can’t pronounce it), which made me realize how much history is layered into these muddy banks. Sunlight kept flickering through clouds; sometimes it felt warmer than it should’ve been for autumn.

Ninety minutes went by weirdly fast. By the end, my hands smelled faintly of salt and metal from gripping the rail so much. We waved goodbye to Dave (he gave us a thumbs up) and walked back toward town feeling kind of lucky—like we’d seen bits of Adelaide most people barely notice. I still think about Billie gliding past those old ship bones.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Port River dolphin and ships cruise

• Board the cruise in Port Adelaide
• Cruise through the Port River
• Visit the Ships Graveyard
• Learn maritime history from guide
• Explore Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
• Spot wild bottlenose dolphins
• Pass by the International Bird Sanctuary
• Enjoy views and local stories

Top questions

How long does the Port River dolphin cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes from departure to return.

Are dolphins guaranteed on every cruise?

Dolphins are wild so sightings aren’t guaranteed, but they’re commonly seen in the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary area.

Is there commentary during the tour?

Yes, your skipper provides informative live commentary throughout the cruise.

Can children join this cruise?

Yes, children—including infants in prams or strollers—are welcome on board.

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Port Adelaide on the iconic Port River.

What will we see besides dolphins?

You’ll also see historic shipwrecks in the Ships Graveyard and visit parts of an international bird sanctuary.

Is public transport available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the departure point.

Are there toilet facilities on board?

Yes, toilet facilities are available during your cruise.

What’s included

Your day includes a 90-minute guided boat tour along Port Adelaide’s Port River with live commentary from your skipper-guide, dolphin viewing opportunities within Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, sights of historic shipwrecks in the Ships Graveyard, glimpses into an international bird sanctuary area, onboard toilet facilities for comfort throughout—and no need to worry about fitness levels or bringing special gear; just show up ready for river air and maybe some surprises along the way.