Southern Ocean Wildlife Ride, 1.5 Hours

Victor Harbor: Southern Ocean Adventure Cruise with Guide

★ 4.7 162 reviews

from $58 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates and availability. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Meeting point: Granite Island Causeway, Victor Harbor
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Run by: Big Duck Boat Tours

Overview

This 90-minute ride leaves from the Granite Island Causeway at Victor Harbor and covers a long stretch of the Encounter Marine Park coastline. The boat is Pungari, a 12.5 metre rigid-hulled inflatable operated by Big Duck Boat Tours and described as a specially designed ocean craft. The route first crosses between the mainland and the northern side of Granite Island, then stops at Seal Rock, where long-nosed fur seals and Australian sea lions rest between the rocks or swim nearby.

From there the boat passes Wright Island and the Bluff, travels through Shark Alley, and continues to West Island Conservation Park, where a stone research hut sits near another seal and sea lion colony. Dolphins are sometimes seen in this area, and seabirds gather around the remote sections of coast. The turnaround point comes after the dark cliffs of Kings Beach and Waitpinga, after which the boat returns to the causeway. A skipper and guide provide live commentary throughout, covering whaling history and cultural dreaming landmarks of the area.

In whale season the operator shifts the itinerary to look for southern right and humpback whales in Encounter Bay, so winter departures carry a different focus. The tour suits travellers who want a fast, exposed ocean ride with regular seal sightings, and who are comfortable on the water. It runs in English, year round.

Granite Island and its long timber causeway seen from the mainland shore at Victor Harbor, pink-orange granite boulders in the foreground, calm sea

What's Included

Included

1.5-hour ocean adventure
Live commentary
Spray jacket and life jacket
Onboard bathroom

Not Included

Food and drinks

Itinerary

Meet at Granite Island CausewayCheck in at the Big Duck Boat Tours base on the Granite Island Causeway in Victor Harbor.
Board the RHIB PungariCrew hand out spray jackets and life jackets before departure. The boat has an onboard bathroom.
Cruise Granite Island shorelineThe boat travels between the mainland and the northern side of Granite Island, with views of the Victor Harbor shoreline and the island's stacked boulders.
Stop at Seal RockLong-nosed fur seals and Australian sea lions bask on the rocky outcrops or swim in the surrounding water.
Pass Wright Island and the BluffThe route continues past the granite boulders of Wright Island and the Bluff, and through Shark Alley, where the guide covers whaling history and cultural dreaming landmarks.
West Island Conservation ParkAnother colony of seals and sea lions lives here beside a lonely stone research hut, with seabirds and often dolphins in the shallows.
Kings Beach and Waitpinga cliffsThe boat heads west past towering dark sea cliffs before turning around for the return run to the causeway. In whale season the itinerary may be altered to search known whale locations.
Return to the causewayThe tour finishes back at the Granite Island Causeway meeting point, 1.5 hours after departure.

$58 from, per person

1.5 hours duration

4.7 across 162 guest reviews

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this trip, from what to wear to how the boat is arranged.

Warm layers. The ride is exposed to Southern Ocean air, and one reviewer found it windy and chilly enough to recommend a jumper at that time of year. A warm layer is sensible even in milder months.
Seating for kids. The minimum age is 2 years. One reviewer noted that small children cannot access the first four rows of the boat, so families should plan seating with the crew on arrival.
Wildlife odds. Seals are the usual sighting, and many reviewers describe seals sunning themselves. Dolphins are possible but not promised. Whales are a different matter: sightings are not guaranteed and numbers vary a lot from year to year.

Small boat off Granite Island at Victor Harbor with seals on the rocks.

No food or drink. Food and drinks are not included and are not provided. Eat before you go, since the trip is only 1.5 hours.
Camera ready. Dolphins, seals, sea cliffs and seabirds pass close to the boat, and reviewers repeatedly mention the scenery. A camera or phone you can grab quickly, ideally with something to shield it from spray, will earn its keep.
Commentary and crew. Live commentary runs throughout the trip. Reviewers often mention knowledgeable, friendly guides and a skipper described as professional and good at handling the boat, with a little comedy along the way.

Ready To BookCheck availability →

Common issues. This is not a gentle harbour cruise. Sea conditions can be rough, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, and it is not wheelchair accessible. Wildlife sightings, especially whales, are never guaranteed, and one reviewer was disappointed to miss whales while still enjoying plenty of dolphins and sea lions. Some travellers have also flagged that clearer information on card transaction fees would help, so check payment details on the booking page. Pets are not allowed.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The price covers the 1.5-hour ocean cruise, live commentary from the skipper and guide, a spray jacket and a life jacket, and access to an onboard bathroom. Food and drinks are not included.

Where Does The Tour Depart From?

The meeting point is the Big Duck Boat Tours base at the Granite Island Causeway, Victor Harbor. Hotel pickup is not stated, so check the booking page if you need transport.

Will We See Whales?

Possibly, but not certainly. Southern right and humpback whales visit Encounter Bay during the winter migration, and the operator alters the itinerary during whale season to search known locations. Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed and numbers vary considerably from year to year, and one reviewer reported a trip with no whales but plenty of dolphins and sea lions.

Is The Tour Suitable For Children?

The minimum age is 2 years. One reviewer noted that small children cannot access the first four rows of the boat, so ask the crew about seating when you board. Note also that the tour is not suitable for pregnant women because sea conditions can sometimes be rough.

Can I Cancel Or Change My Booking?

Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Further terms, if any, are shown on the live booking page.

What Should I Bring?

Warm clothing is the main thing, since the open boat is exposed to wind and spray, and one reviewer recommended a jumper. A camera or phone for wildlife and coastal photos is worthwhile. Food and drinks are not included, and pets are not allowed on board.