Kangaroo Island: Swim with Dolphins & Seals Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.67 (280 reviews) 82% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pickLikely to sell out

1/8

Duration2h

GroupUp to 20

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Swim close to wild dolphins or seals on Kangaroo Island’s coast

You’ll suit up at Penneshaw’s marina before heading out by boat along Kangaroo Island’s coastline to swim near wild dolphins or playful long-nosed seals. With wetsuits and snorkel gear provided, plus local guides who know every cove and story, expect laughter, cold cheeks, and moments where you forget everything else but what’s right in front of you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Swim with dolphins or seals

Arrive at Visitor Information Centre
Get fitted with wetsuit and gear
Receive safety briefing
Board 28-seater vessel
Search for seals and dolphins
Swim and snorkel with wildlife
Listen to informative commentary

The Experience

I’ll admit, I was nervous pulling on that chilly wetsuit at Christmas Cove Marina in Penneshaw — you could smell the salt in the air and hear gulls arguing over something unseen. Our guide, Jamie, handed out masks and cracked a joke about how “no one looks cool in flippers,” which broke the ice. There were only about a dozen of us, all shuffling around, half excited, half wondering just how cold 15 degrees really feels when you’re actually in it.

Once we set off along Kangaroo Island’s coastline, I kept scanning the water for a fin or splash. Jamie pointed out a cluster of long-nosed seals sunbathing on the rocks — they looked so lazy until suddenly two slid into the water and zipped around like underwater dogs. When it was time to get in, my heart thumped (maybe from the cold, maybe nerves). The seals swam circles around us, curious but never too close. You could hear them breathing when they surfaced — this little huffing sound that made me laugh inside my snorkel.

I’d hoped for dolphins too (the tour is swim with dolphins or seals depending on what shows up), but honestly, floating there watching sunlight flicker through green water while these wild animals did their thing felt enough. Jamie shared stories about seal families and why some days you see more than others — apparently winter is peak season. Someone tried to say “hello” in dolphin-speak (don’t ask) and we all cracked up. My fingers went numb but I didn’t want to get out just yet.

Back on board, wrapped in a towel and jacket (bring your own if you run cold!), I realized how rare it is to feel both small and welcome at once. If you’re after a day trip from Penneshaw that’s more than just wildlife watching — something where you’re really part of it for a while — this Kangaroo Island swim with dolphins & seals tour sticks with you. I still think about those curious eyes under the water sometimes.

What’s included

Your day includes use of wetsuits (and double suits if needed), masks, snorkels, fins, towels, sunscreen, waterproof jackets for after your swim—and always an informative commentary from your local guide as you explore Kangaroo Island’s coastline by boat before returning to Penneshaw.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari