Boat Tours in Adelaide: 15 Ranked on What Lands in the Price

1.River Torrens Popeye Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 949 reviews · 45 min · from $19Our pick

Board the heritage Popeye at Elder Park for a 45-minute return cruise along the River Torrens. Your English-speaking captain, possibly Sam or James, points out Adelaide Festival Centre, SAHMRI, Adelaide Gaol, bridges, gardens, wildlife, and local history. Buy drinks aboard, or disembark near Adelaide Zoo and Botanic Garden.

“started at Skycity then down the river and then up the stream and back. You can leave the boat at the northen end of the trip and walk back to the city center which we did. there is a bar/coffee station on the boat. Torrens river is calm so the cruise is very relaxing.”

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2.Torrens River Cruise in Adelaide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 624 reviews · from $19

Board Popeye at Elder Park for a 40 to 50 minute Torrens River cruise with live commentary from skippers such as Tony, Sam, or Tom. You’ll pass Adelaide Oval, the Festival Centre, Adelaide Gaol, the zoo, and St Peter’s Cathedral. Seats are first come, first served, and food and drinks cost extra.

“Nice shortish trip on Torrens River in central Adelaide. Boarding point easy to find. Informative commentary from ship's captain as we cruised along.”

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3.Dolphin and Ships Graveyard Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 375 reviews · 1h 30m · from $62

Spend 90 minutes cruising Port Adelaide with a skipper-guide such as Jim, Chris, Jason or Alex. Expect stories about working docks, old vessels and the Ships Graveyard, plus a search for wild dolphins and birds near the International Bird Sanctuary. Sightings are never promised, but the port’s industrial scenery gives the trip plenty to see.

“Absolutely loved it...highlight of trip to Adelaide. Saw dolphins... Young crew best ever...so confident so informative. Interacted with kids on board...just brilliant over all experience. Thanks for making this trip so memorable. Keep it up guys thanks”

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4.Adelaide Hills Tour with River Murray Lunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 374 reviews · from $135

Spend about 8.5 hours seeing Mount Lofty, Bridgewater, the Murray River, and Hahndorf. Your air-conditioned coach includes hotel pickup, a two-course lunch aboard Captain Proud, and live river commentary. Guides such as Paul, Phil, Roy, and Karen are praised for local stories and humor, though time in Hahndorf is limited.

“A fun day out. The food was fantastic. The captain was very entertaining. The views are amazing. A great way to see the river.”

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5.4-Hour Guaranteed Wild Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 349 reviews · 3h 30m · from $63

Join Temptation Sailing at Glenelg’s Marina Pier for a 3.5-hour catamaran cruise among Adelaide’s wild bottlenose and common dolphins. Expect close views from the bow, coastal scenery, and lively commentary from the crew. Guides such as Elle and Quinn have earned praise for their warm, clear explanations. Bring sunscreen, food, drinks, and a warm layer.

“This is just the most amazing trip to do and the best thing we’ve done in Adelaide. So many dolphins. Knowledgable crew. 11/10 recommend”

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6.90 Minute Port River Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 321 reviews · from $63

Spend 90 minutes cruising Adelaide’s Port River with a skipper such as Alex, Jim, Naomi, or Jacob. Search for wild bottlenose dolphins, pass the Ships’ Graveyard’s rusting wrecks, and glide near the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary. The boat has a bathroom, but no food service, so bring snacks.

“Long way out of Adelaide. Def Uber or bus, but well worth it! Great commentator and lots of interesting stuff to see”

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7.River Torrens Popeye Devonshire Tea Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 207 reviews · 45 min · from $28

Board the heritage Popeye at Elder Park for a 45-minute River Torrens cruise with a friendly English-speaking skipper, 30 minutes of local history commentary, and two fresh scones with jam and whipped cream. Pass the Festival Centre, SAHMRI, Adelaide Gaol, and Torrens Weir, with the option to disembark near Adelaide Zoo.

“Loved the tour along the river with all the historical details and sports information. I chose to get off at the Adelaide zoo turn on return trip as I intended visiting and it saved me a long walk. The scones and tea were a treat. Well worth it. I saved one for having g at the zoo as they were large with lots of cream and jam. Yum”

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8.Glenelg Twilight Catamaran Cruise with Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 155 reviews · 1h 30m · from $44

Sail from Glenelg’s Marina Pier for 90 minutes along Adelaide’s coast. You’ll watch the sunset over the gulf with one included drink, while crew members such as Jerry, Will, Zak, and Quinn have helped create a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Dolphins may appear, but the real draw is a simple evening on the water.

“we had the most amazing time. the birthday girl felt so spoilt and special. taking our photo was great. slowing down to see the dolphins amazing! thankyou so much.”

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9.Mandurah: Murray River Lunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 138 reviews · 4h 30m · from $112

Cruise from Mandurah Performing Arts Centre across Mandjar Bay, the Peel Inlet and the Murray River. Your English-speaking guide shares local history and wildlife facts while you enjoy a seasonal buffet, tea and coffee. The boat stops at Cooper’s Mill on Cooleenup Island, with time for an easy walk. Dolphins may appear, but sightings are not guaranteed.

“We have the most wonderful relaxing day, the food was amazing, and the staff went above and beyond. Was absolutely great and would recommend it to everyone!”

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10.Murray River Highlights and Luncheon Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 106 reviews · 8 hours · from $140

Spend eight hours travelling from Adelaide to the Murray River, with a two-hour Proud Mary cruise, a two-course lunch, time in Mannum, and a scenic return through the Adelaide Hills. Drivers such as Phil, Roger, and Peter are praised for lively local commentary. Choose Melba’s Chocolate Factory or Woodside Cheese Wrights on the way home.

“The food for lunch was very good but the lunch was too rushed. Staff were setting up for dinner before we had even left the tables.”

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11.Murray River Day Trip from Adelaide Including Lunch Cruise aboard the Proud Mary

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 105 reviews · from $142

Travel from Adelaide to Mannum by air-conditioned coach, then spend two hours cruising the Murray River aboard the Proud Mary with a buffet lunch. You’ll have free time in Mannum, stop at scenic lookouts, and visit Melba’s Chocolate Factory or Woodside Cheese Wrights before returning to Adelaide. Guides such as Roger, Phil, and Robin may lead the drive.

“A nice relaxing trip down the river. Unfortunately the sound system on the boat needs improvement so we couldn't hear all the commentary.”

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12.Adelaide Twilight Cruise from Glenelg

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 94 reviews · from $40

Spend 90 minutes aboard a catamaran from Glenelg’s Marina Pier, cruising Gulf St Vincent at sunset. You’ll get one alcoholic drink, coastal and city views, and a chance of seeing dolphins. Crew members including Zac, Elle, and Caitlin have been praised for warm service. Bring a jumper and your own snacks, since no food is sold onboard.

“Best memorable celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary it was awesome we enjoy it. Lovely day!! Staff are lovely”

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13.Adelaide Hills Tour with River Murray 3 Hour Lunch Cruise.

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 91 reviews · 8 hours · from $133

Spend eight hours with CP Tours and Charters, travelling from Adelaide through the Hills to Mt Lofty, Bridgewater Mill, Beerenberg, Murray Bridge, and Hahndorf. The centrepiece is a three-hour Captain Proud paddle boat cruise with a two-course lunch, river commentary, and views of red gums, birds, and possible kangaroos. Small groups range from 2 to 24 people.

“Fantastic outing. Highly recommend. Boat needed a bit of maintenance to smarten it up a bit, but was still very comfortable for lunch.”

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14.From Goolwa: Murray Mouth Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 79 reviews · 1h 30m · from $42

From Goolwa, cruise 14 kilometres through the barrage lock and along the Coorong to the Murray Mouth, where the Murray River meets the Southern Ocean. Your English-speaking guide explains the river’s story, local wildlife, and Storm Boy country. Expect comfortable seating, upper-deck views, birdlife, and possible fur seals.

“We had a party of 8 on the 90 minute cruise. We all found the cruise staff to be very helpful and informative. I would definitely recommend this to my friends.”

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15.4-Night Murray River Cruise on the classic Murray Princess

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 68 reviews · from $1,846

Spend four nights aboard the classic PS Murray Princess on the Murray River. You’ll cruise from Mannum, visit a riverside winery, Swan Reach Museum, a wildlife shelter, Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park, and a working woolshed, with meals, an Aussie barbecue, outside-cabin lodging, and Adelaide transfers included.

“I don't normally write a review but I felt that buyer beware! We found that it really was for older people ( we are 60). The first 24 hrs we did not get off the boat, there is not much to do.We did a wine tasting the next day in 40 degree heat, we Read more”

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