Dolphin Tours in Adelaide: The 12 We Would Pay For

1.Dolphin Sanctuary Eco Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 560 reviews · 3 hours · from $55Our pick

Set out from Angas Inlet Boat Club with guides such as Alex, Paddy, Mark, or Kendall for a gentle kayak trip through Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. You’ll receive a safety lesson, kayak through 10,000-year-old mangroves, look for dolphins and birds, and may reach historic shipwrecks. No kayaking experience is required, but children must be at least 10.

“Brayden and Paddy were amazing guides. 3hrs, multiple dolphin sightings, mangroves and some ship wrecks - all of our expectations were met if not exceeded. :)”

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2.4-Hour Swimming with Dolphins Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 439 reviews · 3h 30m · from $105

Meet at Glenelg’s Marina Pier for a 3.5-hour cruise aboard the 58-foot catamaran Temptation. Marine biologists guide you toward wild dolphin pods, explain their behavior, and organize time in the water using the front net or rear tow line. Wetsuits, masks, and snorkels are supplied, but bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, food, and drinks.

“The staff were friendly and knowledgeable and clearly enthusiastic and passionate about what they do. We got so lucky on our little voyage, seeing both species of local dolphins and even both species mingling and playing together/bullying each other. It was a fantastic experience and neither my partner or I have stopped talking about it and we look forward to doing it again.”

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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.Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tour Adelaide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 355 reviews · from $56

Kayak through Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary from Garden Island on a roughly three-hour small-group tour. Guides such as Alex, Paddy, Fiona, and Lewis lead beginners through mangroves, estuary water, bird habitat, and sometimes shipwrecks. Dolphins are wild and sightings are possible, not promised. Gear and a dry bag are included.

“Didn’t see any dolphins - they aren’t a guarantee. Would be great if the website gave the rough odds of seeing dolphins as it turned out to be an expensive kayaking tour. Otherwise was well organised and lovely views. Paddling was mostly eRead more”

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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.Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 275 reviews · from $55Top rated

From Garden Island, you’ll learn the basics before paddling through Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and the Ships’ Graveyard Maritime Heritage Trail. Guides such as Luke, Phil, Pippa, and Tim have led outings through the mangroves, where you may spot dolphins, birds, and abandoned vessels. The calm water suits first-time kayakers, though dolphin sightings depend on nature.

“We loved the mangrove part from the tour, it’s like being on an another planet! We haven’t seen dolphins but it’s the game!”

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8.Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 143 reviews · 3 hours · from $55

Paddle the sheltered Port River with an English-speaking guide, passing mangrove creeks and the remains of up to 20 ships. Guides such as Tom, Aaron, Oliver, and Kelahn have brought the area’s wildlife and maritime past to life. Dolphins are possible, not guaranteed. Bring water, sun protection, insect repellent, and shoes that can get wet.

“It was a great adventure & the guides have plenty of experience & knowledge of the area. I would highly recommend this to people travelling sole or in a group. Head to Port Adelaide after for a cold beverage and the Museums/ history of the area.”

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9.Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary Mangroves Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 59 reviews · from $39

Meet Adventure Kayaking SA on Garden Island Road, gear up with a kayak, paddle, life vest, and waterproof container, then follow your guide through the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. The easy-paced 90-minute trip focuses on mangroves, birds, local stories, and wild Port River dolphins. Guides such as Lydia help keep the group moving safely.

“It was a very interesting experience and the scenery was amazing. I would highly recommend doing this. We also saw a few dolphins along the way.”

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10.Wild Dolphin Swim Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 55 reviews

Join Temptation Sailing at Glenelg Marina for a four-hour wild dolphin cruise hosted by marine biologists. You may use the front net or hold the mermaid lines at the stern while dolphins swim nearby. Wetsuits, masks, and snorkels are supplied. The minimum age is 9.

“We were so incredibly lucky with the dolphins - we were in the middle of a school of dolphins and saw lots of babies. The organization was fantastic, the guides super friendly and knowledgeable.”

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11.Dolphin Sanctuary Mangroves Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 54 reviews · 1h 30m · from $38

Meet Adventure Kayaking SA on Garden Island for a 90-minute paddle through Adelaide’s sheltered mangrove creeks. Your guide provides a safety lesson, kayak, paddle, and life jacket, then leads you in search of Port River Dolphins, seals, sea lions, and birdlife. Guides including Keenan, Darla, Keilan, and Will have helped make this a friendly first kayaking outing.

“Great experience, great for kids and adults, Keenan and Darla were fantastic. Overall we would do it again - remember water bottles and a hat”

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12.Dolphin Sanctuary Single or Double Kayak Rental

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 51 reviews · 2 hours · from $27Best value

Meet Adventure Kayaking SA at the Garden Island Boat Ramp for a safety briefing, map, life vest, and a single or double kayak. Paddle through the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary at your own pace, watching for dolphins in the mangrove creeks. This is an independent rental, not a guided tour, and the ship graveyard is off-limits.

“good although i didn’t see any dolphins as there was only 13 in the whole lake”

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