
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 298 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour worth booking?
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour is a 3-hour experience in Adelaide, Australia, from $56 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 298 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (298)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $56 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Kayak, life vest, paddle, paddling jacket(if required)
- Waterproof container for camera or valuables.
Not included
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Adelaide
We meet you at Lot 204 Garden Island Road, Gillman for the kayaking tours. This is a public reserve. We are a mobile business and have no office at this location. Look for the Adventure Kayaking vehicles, lots of kayaks/SUP's and happy people!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We meet you at Lot 204 Garden Island Road, Gillman for the kayaking tours. This is a public reserve. We are a mobile business and have no office at this location. Look for the Adventure Kayaking vehicles, lots of kayaks/SUP's and happy people!
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Adventure Kayaking SA
Know before you go
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 298 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
298 verified traveler reviews for Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great experience
We 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.
Response from the operator: Thank you for such a great detailed review! We’re so pleased to hear you enjoyed the kayaking adventure and felt well prepared and comfortable out on the water, even with the windy conditions. It’s wonderful to hear you had some great dolphin encounters and enjoyed exploring the Ship’s Graveyard. Thanks for joining us, and we hope to see you back out on the water again soon! Kind regards, Adventure Kayaking SA
via Tripadvisor
Great day out
Our guide Keylan was great. Very calm and reassuring in demeanor - nothing seemed too hard or too much trouble. He inspired confidence. We enjoyed the kayaking too. It is such a beautiful location with clear water and interesting birdlife. Unfortunately, dolphins did not grace us with their presence on our trip.
Response from the operator: Thank you for such a lovely review! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed your time out on the water and that Kelahn helped make you feel comfortable and confident throughout the tour. It’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed the beautiful location and birdlife as well. Hopefully the dolphins make an appearance next time you join us! Kind regards, Adventure Kayaking SA
via Tripadvisor
Get Back To Nature
Great experience, so relaxing paddling out and about nature. Our guide had fantastic local knowledge especially about the shipwrecks and mangroves. Perfect for beginners. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you for such a great review! We’re so pleased to hear you enjoyed the relaxing paddle and that our guide’s local knowledge helped make the experience even more enjoyable. It’s great to hear that you found the tour suitable for beginners too. Thanks for recommending us, and we hope to see you out on the water again soon! Kind regards, Adventure Kayaking SA
via Tripadvisor
Great guide equals a great morning of kayaking
We had an incredible morning with a wonderful guide leading us through the ship graveyard and the mangroves getting to experience Adelaide in a way most people won't see and that is with birds and dolphins in their natural habitat. I cant thank our guide enough for not only all the details on the area he shared but really just the way he made everyone comfortable. I would totally do this again.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to leave a great detailed review! We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your tour and hopefully we will see you back out on the water soon!
via Viator
Adventure kayaking company didn’t even show up to the meeting spot
Booked trip through Viator, but the SA adventure kayaking company didn’t show and and said they didn’t run tours on that day. Very poorly organised we were looking forward to the experience, and communication was poor, had to call multiple times to get an explanation as to why no one was there to take us on our tour as we were waiting at the meeting spot and weren’t the only ones there waiting. Adventure kayaking company took little responsibility for their stuff up, trying to blame Viator for their miscommunication
Response from the operator: Hi Cate We are very sorry that your tour did not proceed and that you arrived at the meeting point expecting an experience we were not prepared to deliver. We understand how disappointing and frustrating that would have been. A technical failure between Viator’s booking platform and our reservation system meant that several confirmed bookings were not transferred into our operating schedule or sent to our team. The issue had only become apparent the previous day, and at that stage we believed it related to a single booking. We had not yet identified that it was affecting multiple future bookings. We responded through Viator shortly after receiving your message, spoke with you by phone and offered either an alternative date or a full refund. However, we recognise that this did not make up for the missed tour or the inconvenience caused. We were not seeking to avoid responsibility by explaining the booking system issue. We wanted to provide an honest explanation of what had occurred. We have since worked through every affected booking, corrected the system connection and introduced additional checks to help prevent this happening again. Please accept our sincere apology for your experience. Kind regards Adventure Kayaking SA
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $56 to $78
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 104
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Adelaide.
How much does Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour cost?
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Prices start at $56 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Adelaide usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Adelaide is not rushed.
Is Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 298 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Adelaide, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour?
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Around 104 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Adelaide can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Adelaide and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Adelaide within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Adelaide?
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On Outty we rank every Adelaide experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour, Premium Barossa Small Group Tour: Wine tasting, Lunch & Chocolate, Barossa Valley Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Adelaide?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Adelaide?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour?
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Included: Professional guide; Kayak, life vest, paddle, paddling jacket(if required); and Waterproof container for camera or valuables. Not included: Souvenir photos (available to purchase); and Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour?
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We meet you at Lot 204 Garden Island Road, Gillman for the kayaking tours. This is a public reserve. We are a mobile business and have no office at this location. Look for the Adventure Kayaking vehicles. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour?
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Across 298 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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