Port River Cruises

Pro

Capacity: 100 guestsPricing: From $600 per hourCategory: Boats

Highlights

Three covered vessels for private hire, seating 16, 32 or up to 100 guests
Charters pass the Ships Graveyard, mangrove forest and the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
Licensed vessels with drinks for sale and BYO catering welcome

About Port River Cruises

Port River Cruises is a family-owned operator based on McLaren Wharf in Port Adelaide, next to the historic lighthouse. As well as its scheduled sightseeing trips, it hires out whole vessels to private groups, so your guests have the boat to themselves for the length of the charter. There are three boats to choose from. The 16-seater has indoor seating, a small forward deck and wheelchair access. The 32-seater has a covered lower deck and an open top deck. The flagship is a two-deck catamaran for up to 100, with a licensed bar, tables on both levels and a skipper, deckhand and bar server included. Every vessel is undercover and has toilets on board. Charters run for 90 minutes, two hours or three hours, and the route covers the working port, the 10,000-year-old mangroves, the Ships Graveyard and the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, with commentary from the crew if you want it. Dolphins are wild, so sightings are likely but never promised. The operator takes bookings for birthdays and milestone celebrations, anniversaries and family reunions, weddings, Christmas parties and corporate functions. You can bring your own catering and your own music, while drinks are bought on board because the vessels are licensed. Departure time and length are set around your group, subject to availability.

Inclusions & amenities

Budget

$$ (Average)

Vessel Type

CatamaranCruiser

Features

Relaxed VibeBanquet/Sit-Down

Location

Port River

Food & Drinks

BYO FoodPay-As-You-Go Drinks

Facilities

Sound SystemMicrophoneWheelchair Accessible

Pricing

Private charter prices: 16-seat vessel $975 for 90 minutes, $1,200 for two hours or $1,950 for three hours; 32-seat vessel $1,450, $1,750 or $2,800; 100-seat catamaran $2,350, $3,200 or $4,500. A private Kaurna cultural cruise of about two hours is $2,500 for up to 15, $3,500 for up to 31 or $5,000 for up to 95 guests. Availability is confirmed at booking.

Food

Groups may bring their own catering on board, and the crew ask to be told what is coming so they can set up the vessel to suit. The catamaran includes basic seating and tables on both decks for serving food.

Beverages

Every boat holds a liquor licence and sells beer, wine and soft drinks during the cruise, and the catamaran has its own staffed bar. BYO alcohol is not permitted, although wine corkage may be possible for a fee by arrangement, and bar packages can be discussed.

Wharfs & Availability

Charters board at 1 McLaren Wharf, Port Adelaide, by the lighthouse, and cruise the Port River past the working port, the Ships Graveyard, the mangroves and the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. Private charters run 90 minutes, two hours or three hours, with the start time chosen to suit your group.

Frequently asked questions

How many guests can Port River Cruises take on a private charter?

There are three vessel sizes: a 16-seater, a 32-seater and a two-deck catamaran for up to 100 passengers. The team helps match the boat to your numbers, and larger groups can book more than one vessel.

Can we bring our own food and drinks?

Food, yes: BYO catering is welcome, and the crew like to know what you are bringing so the right set-up is ready. Alcohol cannot be brought on board as the boats are licensed, though wine corkage may be arranged beforehand for a fee.

Where do charters depart from?

All cruises leave from 1 McLaren Wharf in Port Adelaide, close to the red and white lighthouse. The boarding area has ramp access and there is parking nearby in the Port Adelaide streets.

Is there a wheelchair-accessible boat?

The 16-seat vessel takes non-mechanical wheelchairs with no steps to board, and a manual chair can be arranged. The 100-seat catamaran cannot fit a wheelchair through its side gates, so mention mobility needs when booking.

Can we play our own music or give speeches on board?

Yes. Groups are welcome to play their own music, and the larger vessels have speaker systems and microphones that suit speeches, toasts and festive entertainment during the cruise.

Suitable occasions

Anniversary Party Birthday Party Christmas Party Corporate Event Reunion Wedding Reception

Reviews

See all reviews for Port River Cruises on Google

Katie Jean

5 months ago

Went on the dolphin/shipwreck cruise with my 4 year old and partner and we absolutely loved it. The skipper made it a truly memorable experience and would definitely recommend to anyone thinking about it.

Kristen Nielsen

6 months ago

Nice boat cruise from the Port, heads inland around the dolphins, bird Sanctuaries and ships graveyard. Very interesting and professional commentary by guide Alex. Skipper Jim is always scanning for dolphins and manoeuvr…

Ruidz

6 months ago

Absolutely lovely cruise down the port. Plenty of dolphins seen. The staff were great. There is a toilet on board and a bar too allowing you to enjoy a drink while the sun goes down.

Barbara M

7 months ago

We thoroughly enjoyed our ships graveyard & dolphin spotting cruise. We saw a good number of dolphins. Mouse & Pinky are my favorites. The ships graveyard was really interesting. The information on the screens with photo…

Enquire about Port River Cruises