Adventure Kayaking SA
ProHighlights
- Guided kayak tours through the mangrove creeks of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, where Port River dolphins often surface
- A longer paddle past the wrecks of the Ships Graveyard heritage trail, with stops for photos and stories
- Team building and social paddling sessions for business groups, with private group times arranged on request
About Adventure Kayaking SA
Adventure Kayaking SA has guided paddling trips around Adelaide since 1998, and its home base is the Garden Island boat ramp and reserve near Port Adelaide. From there, tours head into the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, a protected wetland of mangrove creeks that the Port River dolphins call home. The shorter Dolphin Sanctuary Mangroves Tour runs for about 90 minutes through the sheltered channels. The longer tour lasts up to three hours and adds the Ships Graveyard heritage trail, where old vessels lie abandoned along the river. Tours are led by qualified kayaking instructors and start with a briefing on paddling skills and safety. The pace is relaxed, with regular stops for photos, wildlife spotting and the guide's stories about the area. Alongside the public tours, the team runs team building and social sessions for business and other groups. Private group times can be negotiated, and there are guided stand-up paddleboard sessions, kayaking lessons and equipment hire. Double kayaks are standard because they are stable and easy to steer. Children from eight can join some tours, sharing a double kayak with an adult until they turn 12. Tours run in most weather, including rain, but are postponed for extreme heat, storms or high fire danger, with a new time offered. Bookings are paid in advance, and guests arrive 15 minutes early after signing an emailed waiver.
Inclusions & amenities
Activity type
Price range (per person)
Setting
Ages
Pricing
Single kayaks carry an extra charge. Team building, private groups, lessons and hire are priced on request, and all bookings are paid in advance.
Availability
What's Included
Frequently asked questions
How much do the kayak tours cost?
The 90-minute Dolphin Sanctuary Mangroves Tour starts from $35 per person, and the three-hour tour that adds the Ships Graveyard starts from $45 per person. Private group sessions are priced when the booking is arranged.
Where do tours start?
Tours, hire and SUP sessions set off at the boat ramp and reserve on Garden Island Road. Free parking is available on site, there is no nearby public transport, and public toilets are at the start point.
Do we need kayaking experience?
No. The tours are designed at beginner level and suit all fitness levels, with a skills and safety briefing before setting off. Most guests paddle double kayaks, which are stable and very hard to capsize.
What should we bring and wear?
Wear closed-toe shoes, sun-smart outdoor clothes you do not mind getting splashed, and a hat. A towel is handy, and a dry bag is recommended for phones and cameras. Nobody can paddle after drinking alcohol.
Can children come on a tour?
Depending on the tour, children from eight years old can take part. Those aged eight to 11 must share a double kayak with an adult, and everyone under 18 needs an adult with them.
Where we are
Suitable occasions
Brooke F
a month ago
Kane was an exceptional tour guide. We did the 3hr shipwreck tour. Kane kept an easy pace that suited everyone, and you could also paddle out a bit ahead if you wanted. There were a couple of people on our tour that had…
Rhys Dale
3 months ago
My wife and I did this kayaking tour for our one year wedding anniversary. It was absolutely amazing. We were so lucky to see dolphins and got to learn a lot about the history of the shipwreck whilst also kayaking throug…
Leanne Foote
3 months ago
An amazing experience. Loved our kayak tour with Kane. So informative and fun. We did get to see some dolphins which was fantastic. Even though the day was cold we absolutely enjoyed it and would definitely recommend.
Adrian Powell
8 months ago
My wife and I really enjoyed our dolphin sanctuary kayak tour and would recommend it to anyone. The tour was well organised and our tour leader, Lydia, was fantastic. Lydia made sure that everyone was provided with the e…
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