⚓ WINTER SPECIAL — USE PROMO CODE 10WINTER26 FOR 10% OFF PUBLIC TOURS · UNTIL AUG 30 »

Private Charter – 90-Minute Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise

★★★★★ Award-Winning 2023 SA Tourism Awards
Duration: 90 Minutes Location: Port Adelaide, South Australia Private Group: Up To 32 Guests

Book your own Private Dolphin and Shipwrecks Tour! Explore the dolphin sanctuary, the ships graveyard and Garden Island Bird Sanctuary. This tour has something for everyone and is a must do experience in Adelaide.

Private Port River cruise with a wild dolphin and cruise vessel

Highlights

  • Private 90-minute guided cruise for your own group
  • Search for wild bottlenose dolphins in the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
  • Cruise past giant wrecks in the historic Ships Graveyard
  • Live commentary from your skipper throughout the cruise
  • Travel toward the International Bird Sanctuary and mangrove habitat
  • Choose a private group option for up to 15 or up to 32 guests
Your Route FAQS

Your Own Private Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Tour

Enjoy this must-do Adelaide experience with your own private group. See the iconic Ships Graveyard, the unique Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, the wonderful International Bird Sanctuary and so much more.

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 additional historical information is provided throughout the cruise.

The Ships Graveyard

Enter Port Adelaide's unique Ships Graveyard on a guided cruise. Cruise past giant wrecks, half-submerged in the hidden backwaters of the Port River, while learning about their history.

Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary

Cruise through the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary searching for local dolphins, one of the few wild dolphin populations living within a city.

Keep watch for some of the local residents and, during warmer months, newborn calves. Dolphins are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

International Bird Sanctuary

Travel toward the bird sanctuary where there is an opportunity to see migratory shorebirds as well as familiar Australian species including pelicans and cormorants.

🛥️
Private Vessel
🎙️
Informative Commentary
🐬
Dolphin Viewing
Ships Graveyard
🐦
Bird Sanctuary
🚻
Toilet Facilities

Duration

Approximately 90 minutes.

Departure Point

1 McLaren Parade, Port Adelaide SA 5015.

Booking Type

This private charter is an on-request booking. Port River Cruises will confirm availability after receiving your booking request.

Private Charter Pricing

Group up to 15 pax $975.00
Group up to 32 pax $1,450.00

Select the appropriate group option in the live Rezdy booking calendar.

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. A ramp can be provided to make boarding the vessel easier.

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair access is available on the 16-seater vessel. Please call 08 7082 9608 to book. Unfortunately mechanical/electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.

Important Notes

  • 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. A ramp can be provided to make boarding the vessel easier.
  • Wheelchair access is available on the 16-seater vessel. Please call 08 7082 9608 to book. Unfortunately mechanical/electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.
  • Food is not permitted to be eaten onboard the vessel unless given prior approval.
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.
Your Private Cruise Route

Your Route On The Port River

Follow Route 1 from McLaren Wharf along the Port River past the City of Adelaide Clipper Ship and STV ‘One and All’, through the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Garden Island Ships Graveyard, before turning around and returning to McLaren Parade, Port Adelaide.

Route 1 cruise map from McLaren Wharf past the City of Adelaide Clipper Ship and One & All, through the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Garden Island Ships Graveyard to the turnaround point

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 depending on river traffic, shipping movements, weather, tides, wildlife activity and operational requirements. Your skipper will choose the safest and most suitable route for conditions on the day.

1

Depart — McLaren Wharf

Board beside the Port Adelaide Lighthouse at 1 McLaren Parade, Port Adelaide.

2

City of Adelaide Clipper Ship

Cruise past the historic City of Adelaide Clipper Ship as you travel north along the Port River.

3

One & All

Cruise past the STV ‘One and All’ – a magnificent ship, owned by the SA Government for and on behalf of the people of SA

4

Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary

Look for wild dolphins while cruising through the Port River and Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary.

5

Ship’s Graveyard & Garden Island

Cruise through the Garden Island waterways and the historic Ships Graveyard area, including Dorothy H. Stirling and Santiago.

6

Turnaround

Turn around, returning to McLaren Parade, Port Adelaide whilst listening to informative commentary along the way about the maritime history, birdlife & dolphins

Your Own Port River Experience

Book Your Private Cruise

Explore dolphins, wildlife, maritime history and the unique Ships Graveyard with your own private group.

Book This Private Cruise