Ships Graveyard Kayak, 3 Hours
3 hours · Adventure Kayaking SA
from $54.72 per person Check availability →
Mangroves Kayak, 1.5 Hours
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary Mangroves Kayaking Tour
from $38.59 per person
Check Price & Availability →Opens the live booking page with current dates and availability. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
- Duration
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Meeting point
- Garden Island, Port Adelaide
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Run by
- Adventure Kayaking SA
Overview
This tour puts you in a sit-in kayak on the quiet creeks of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, paddling through mangrove channels near Garden Island Road in Port Adelaide. Adventure Kayaking SA runs it, and the whole experience lasts about 1.5 hours from the meeting point, which doubles as the finish point.
The paddle itself goes at a relaxed pace. Reviews repeatedly describe narrow mangrove creeks, close-up birdlife and a peaceful time on the water rather than open water, and several travellers found it easy going. Some groups do see dolphins, but some reviewers saw no dolphins, so it is safer to book for the mangroves and birdlife and treat any dolphin appearance as a bonus.
It suits families with children aged eight and up, casual paddlers, and anyone staying in Adelaide who wants a short nature outing. The trade-off is that the session is short overall, and one reviewer felt the time on the water went quickly once everyone was ready to launch. Anyone after a long expedition should look elsewhere.
What's Included
Included
- Kayak, life vest, paddle, paddling jacket (if required)
- Professional guide
- Waterproof container for camera or valuables
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Itinerary
- Meet at Garden Island RoadMeet at Lot 204 Garden Island Road, Gillman, a public reserve in Port Adelaide. There is no office, so look for the Adventure Kayaking vehicles and kayaks.
- Gear upCollect a kayak, life vest, paddle and, if needed, a paddling jacket, then get ready to launch.
- Paddle the mangrove creeksFollow the guide through the sanctuary's mangrove channels, with commentary on the local plants and wildlife. A waterproof container is supplied for cameras or valuables.
- Return to the meeting pointThe tour finishes back at Lot 204 Garden Island Road, the same place it started.
What To Expect From The Tour
Here is what to know before booking, drawn from the tour details and from what travellers have said afterwards.
- Mangroves Kayak, 1.5 Hours (this tour)$38.59
- 3-Hour Eco Kayak$54
- Ships Graveyard Kayak, 3 Hours$54.72
- Getting there. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you make your own way to Lot 204 Garden Island Road in Gillman. The site is a public reserve with no office, so look for the operator's vehicles and kayaks. One reviewer found the drive from central Adelaide longer than expected, so allow travel time.
- What to bring. The operator asks you to bring insect repellent, drinks, snacks, sunscreen, shoes that can get wet and a camera. A waterproof container for the camera or valuables is provided. Souvenir photos are sold separately if you want them.
- Fitness and pace. The tour is short and relaxed, and reviewers have described it as easy. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended, and it is not recommended for travellers with back problems, heart conditions or pregnancy.
- Kids and ages. The minimum age is 8 years. Children 12 and under share a kayak with an adult, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Dolphin sightings. Dolphins are the sanctuary's drawcard and some reviewers saw them, but many others reported none on their paddle. Almost all of them still enjoyed the mangrove creeks and birdlife, so set expectations accordingly.
- Weather and numbers. The experience needs good weather and a minimum number of travellers to run. If it is cancelled for either reason, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
Common issues. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed. One reviewer felt that with a 1.5 hour tour, a chunk of time goes to getting ready and the on-water portion felt short. Sit-in kayaks can be a tight fit for people over 140kgs, so the operator suggests calling with any concerns. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.
Common Questions
What Is Included In The Price?
The price covers the kayak, life vest, paddle and a paddling jacket if required, a professional guide, and a waterproof container for your camera or valuables. Souvenir photos are not included but can be purchased. Hotel pickup and drop-off is also excluded.
Is Hotel Pickup Included?
No. Transport to and from the meeting point is not included. You meet at Lot 204 Garden Island Road, Gillman, a public reserve where the operator's vehicles and kayaks are parked.
How Long Is The Tour?
The tour runs about 1.5 hours, starting and finishing at the same meeting point in Port Adelaide. One reviewer noted that part of the time goes to getting ready before you get on the water.
Can Children Join The Kayaking Tour?
Yes, from age 8. Children 12 and under must share a kayak with an adult, and every child needs an accompanying adult overall.
What Is The Cancellation Policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Later cancellations receive no refund, and changes inside that window are not accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather or low numbers, you get a different date or a full refund.
Find And Book A Tour
Live dates, times and prices are on the booking page.
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