2-Hour Dolphin & Maritime Cruise
Enjoy cruising the Port River learning about the rich maritime history. This tour has something for everyone and is a must do experience in Adelaide.
Highlights
- Guided two-hour cruise through Port Adelaide's historic waterways
- Explore the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and look for wild dolphins
- Discover Port Adelaide's rich maritime history
- See the everyday activity of a fully functioning commercial port
- Cruise past shellfish reefs, mudflats, samphire flats and mangrove forests
- View major shipbuilding and naval infrastructure from the water
A Guided Tour
Your Skipper on the day will also be your cruise guide. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views as your guide talks you through the local history, famous ships and iconic locations you are cruising through.
A Rich Maritime History
The Port Adelaide River is steeped in a rich maritime history that you will discover as you cruise along its length, seeing famous ships and locations.
Your cruise guide will point out interesting landmarks and vessels, and we provide a PowerPoint display with additional information for the duration of the cruise.
A Fully Functioning Port
Port Adelaide is still a functioning Port. On your cruise you will pass by many interesting sights of the Port's daily life and the ships that work within, all of which will be explained by your tour guide.
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
Established in 2005, the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is home to 30 residential Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins and approximately 400 transient dolphins that visit at various times.
On your cruise keep an eye out for these amazing marine mammals as your guide delves into both the history of the sanctuary, the residential population and the types of behaviours you might observe on your cruise.
Unique Ecosystems
The Port River is home to several unique ecosystems that you will pass through on your cruise including Shellfish Reefs, Intertidal Zones, Samphire Flats, Mudflats and the renowned 10,000-year-old mangrove forests.
Submarine's Ahoy
Port Adelaide is home to Australia's Naval Group Submarine dry dock where you can get a glimpse of these 2-billion-dollar attack class submarines being built and hear a little about the work that goes into constructing them.
Duration
Approximately 2 hours.
Location
Port Adelaide, SA.
Product Code
PUBQJ0
Dolphin Sightings
We cannot guarantee you will see dolphins while within the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. These are wild animals and are not always present.
Mobility Assistance
If you have mobility issues please contact Port River Cruises on 08 7082 9608. We are able to provide a mobility aid to make boarding the vessel easier.
Wheelchair Access
Wheelchair access is available on our 16-seater and 100-seater vessel. Please call to book on 08 7082 9608. Unfortunately we are unable to cater for mechanical or electric wheelchairs.
Food & Drinks
Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase onboard the 100-seater vessel. No BYO food or alcoholic drinks allowed.
Important Notes
- Infant rates apply to children 2 years and under.
- Child rates apply for children aged 3–12 years.
- All children from the age of 12–17 are to be charged at student prices.
- Adult rates apply for anyone over the age of 13 years.
- Seniors, Concessions and Students must provide ID proof before boarding vessel.
- We cannot guarantee you will see dolphins while within the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. These are wild animals and are not always present.
- There is a toilet located onboard.
- If you have mobility issues please contact Port River Cruises on 08 7082 9608. We are able to provide a mobility aid to make boarding the vessel easier.
- Wheelchair access is available on our 16-seater and 100-seater vessel. Please call to book on 08 7082 9608. Unfortunately we are unable to cater for mechanical/electric wheelchairs.
- Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase onboard the 100-seater vessel. No BYO food or alcoholic drinks allowed.
Cancellation Policy
- A FULL refund is provided to guests if the tour is cancelled due to poor weather conditions and an alternative time is not established to undertake the tour.
- NO refund is provided to guests for non-attendance at scheduled tour time.
- Guests can reschedule tour if required, however need to ensure that more than 48 hours’ notice is provided to Port River Cruises via telephone confirmation on +61 8 7082 9608.
- All bookings cancelled within 48-hours of tour departure will receive no refund.
- All bookings cancelled between 7 days-48 hours before scheduled departure will incur a 50% charge of tour costs.
- Guests that provide more than 7 days’ notice of tour cancellation via telephone confirmation will receive a FULL refund.
Cruise Gallery
Your Route On The Port River
Follow the 2-Hour Dolphin & Maritime Cruise from McLaren Wharf north through the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, past Torrens Island and the Adelaide Submarine Corporation, to Pelican Point before turning for the return journey.
Indicative route only. The route shown is an estimate of the usual cruise path and is provided as a guide. The exact course, turnaround point and areas visited may vary on the day depending on port traffic, shipping movements, weather, tides, wildlife activity and operational requirements. Your skipper will always choose the safest and most suitable route for the conditions.
Depart — McLaren Wharf
Start your two-hour cruise from 1 McLaren Parade in Port Adelaide. Listen to informative commentary along the way about the maritime history, birdlife & dolphins.
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
Travel north through the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and watch for wild dolphins in their natural habitat.
Cruise Past Torrens Island
This important natural area supports mangroves, samphire and coastal dunes, which provide important habitat for a range of native fauna species, and bird species of conservation significance.
Adelaide Submarine Corporation
Cruise past the shipbuilding and submarine construction facilities along the western side of the river.
Pelican Point
Reach Pelican Point near Outer Harbour at the northern end of the route before turning for the return journey. Informative commentary to continue on the return journey.
Ready For Your Dolphin & Maritime Cruise?
Spend two hours discovering Port Adelaide's dolphins, maritime history, working harbour and unique natural environment.
Book This Cruise