Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
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. Small-groups of no more than 8 people make this a personal experience. Perfect for the whole family, enjoy an up close look at the native wildlife and wrecked ships as your guide tells you tales of this mysterious area.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum age is 8 years
Children 12 and under will need to be accompanied in a kayak by an adult
Please bring: Insect repellent, drinks, snacks, shoes that can get wet, sunscreen, and your camera
As we use sit-in kayaks, we find that people 140kgs+ can have trouble fitting in the kayaks. Please call us with any concerns
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
The Kayak Tour is up to three hours of fun exploring the Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Maritime Heritage Trail. One of Adelaide's "secret spots" the tour is located just 30 minutes from the Adelaide CBD and is an area of surpassing 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 spectacular relics from the past which have been abandoned in the river. All of which make for an amazing adventure, and best of all, kayaking is the most environmentally sensitive way to explore and interact with the dolphins. When the Port River Dolphins come to play it is a memory you will treasure forever. "Paddling with the Dolphins" has been voted one of the top FOUR MUST DO activities in Adelaide!
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Kayak, life vest, paddle, paddling jacket(if required)
Waterproof container for camera or valuables.
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour
Reviews
287 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun kayak tour backwaters of Adelaide
Connector440870,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great trip with our friendly knowledgeable guide Lydia. Shipwrecks were interesting to see, and really enjoyed the mangrove paddle.
Dolphin and Ship Wreck Experience
Rodney H,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We saw dolphins before the tour began so things looked promising before we entered the water. Once we got away we paddled into the wind which surprising it didn’t slow us down. First off we paddled to the shipwrecks which was interesting of the history of how they managed to get there. Only suggestion would be that break the groups to smaller groups up so it’s easier to hear the history explained. Then we headed to the narrow mangroves which was just a little challenging ducking and weaving between the branches. Quite easy to do though. On the way back we saw dolphins playing not far from were we were paddling which was a great experience All in all a good experience and would recommend if you wanted to do something a bit different and have a chance of seeing dolphins in the wild
Thrilling
H5039ICannem,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed this well organised kayaking adventure. The information and demonstrations prior to us setting out was well thought out and prepared us for the experience. Despite it being quite a windy day the two-man kayak was stable and comfortably manageable on the water. Seeing dolphins is not always guaranteed but we saw a number which came close to our kayaks - we had to stop paddling when they were in close proximity (50 - 100m) and they chose to frolic around us. The ships graveyard exploration was exciting as we had quite a strong wind against tide but it made it all the more thrilling. Most enjoyable.
Great fun kayaking experience
Dreams64,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was a fantastic experience. Beautiful scenery and shipwrecks to paddle through. Lydia was a wonderful guide and is very knowledgeable about the shipwrecks and the general area.
Recommended morning adventure
Taylor F,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great way to spend the morning. We saw multiple dolphins and the water was very calm and cool. We got to go through the mangroves which was very cool. I would recommend. It is doable even without a car. We were abel to get an Uber easily.
Delightful day kayaking with Luke
Mike H,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fun easy day of kayaking in the Dolphin Sanctuary. We did see dolphins and many birds as well as shipwrecks up close. Our guide Luke gave us boat loads of information on the area, the wildlife and the shipwrecks. Just a delightful adventure!
Lovely tour. Nice balance...
Jenn M,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lovely tour. Nice balance of being guided and sharing knowledge as well as being given some space to explore at your own speed and interest. The group size we had seemed to be an advantage to other tours in the area.
Very enjoyable
Deb E,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were very lucky with such beautiful weather this morning., which enhanced the experience itself which was fantastic. Very relaxed, 2 great guides, visiting a couple of old ships then through the mangroves. Then spotted some dolphins so just floated along watching them and the pelicans. Beautiful spit at Garden Island that I didn’t know existed. Doing a tour in your own back yard was so much fun.
Kayak Experience Adventure Kyaking SA
276supers,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic 3 hours kayaking around old shipwreck and mangroves and enjoyed a great show from the resident dolphins. Guides where excellent and well informed. Would highly recommend to anyone.
Definitely recommend
Sarah K,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience. The kids loved it. Great tour guides, very friendly, and knowledgeable. Will definitely do it again.
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Operated by Adventure Kayaking SA