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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before cruising the Port River with us.

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01

Before Booking

Is the cruise suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes. Our cruises are a great way to discover Port Adelaide, the Port River, local wildlife and maritime history. Our 90-minute Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise includes the Ships Graveyard, mangroves, wildlife and local stories. Our 2-hour Dolphin & Maritime Cruise offers more time on the river and focuses more deeply on Port Adelaide's maritime history, working port and river environment.
Is the cruise suitable for locals?
Yes. Many locals discover parts of the Port River and Port Adelaide they have never seen before. The 90-minute cruise is a great option for discovering the Ships Graveyard, dolphins, mangroves and local stories, while the 2-hour cruise explores more of the area's maritime history and working port.
Which cruise should I choose?
Choose the 90-minute Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise if seeing the Ships Graveyard is important to you. Choose the 2-hour Dolphin & Maritime Cruise if you prefer a longer cruise with more focus on Port Adelaide's maritime history, ships and working-port environment.
How long should I allow for the experience?
Allow the full cruise duration plus approximately 15 minutes before departure for check-in and boarding.
Are cruises suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. Solo travellers are welcome on all scheduled public cruises.
Can I book for a large group?
Yes. Group bookings and private charters are available depending on vessel capacity and availability.
Can I purchase gift vouchers?
Yes. Gift cards and vouchers are available through the Port River Cruises website.
Can I reschedule my booking?
Bookings can generally be rescheduled when more than 48 hours' notice is provided. Call 08 7082 9608 or email info@portrivercruises.com.au.
What if the cruise I want is full?
Choose another available departure or contact our team to ask whether a waitlist is available.
Are you open every day?
Port River Cruises operates throughout the year except Christmas Day, subject to scheduled departures and availability.
02

Cruise Operations

Why do departures sometimes not proceed?
Departures may occasionally be affected by minimum passenger requirements, weather, vessel availability or operational conditions.
How many guests fit on the boat?
Capacity depends on the vessel. Port River Cruises operates vessel options ranging from smaller boats through to a vessel accommodating up to 100 passengers.
Can I choose which vessel I travel on?
Vessel selection is normally determined by passenger numbers and operational requirements. Private charter customers may be able to select a vessel.
Are cruises narrated?
Yes. Cruises include live commentary about the Port River, wildlife, ships, local history and the surrounding environment.
03

Booking Platforms & Policies

Can I book over the phone?
Yes. You can book online or call our team on 08 7082 9608.
Do third-party booking sites have different conditions?
Yes. Third-party booking platforms may have their own cancellation policies, currencies, conditions and support processes.
What happens if I do not show up?
No refund is normally provided for non-attendance at the scheduled tour time.
04

Private Charters

Can I book a private charter?
Yes. Private charters are available for celebrations, functions, corporate events, weddings and other group experiences.
Can we play our own music?
Absolutely, yes. You are welcome to play your own music onboard. If you have any specific setup requirements, please let our team know before your charter so we can help you plan everything properly.
Can we bring catering?
Yes! You are welcome to bring your own catering onboard. Please let our team know what you are planning to bring before your charter so we can confirm the most suitable setup for your vessel and group.
Can we bring our own drinks / alcohol on board?
You cannot bring your own alcohol onboard because our vessels are fully licensed. If you would like to bring wine, corkage may be available for a fee by prior arrangement. Wine, beer, soft drinks and other beverages are available to purchase onboard.
05

Group Programs and Charters

Do you take school groups?
Yes. School and educational group enquiries are welcome.
Do you offer senior group cruises?
Yes. Contact our team to discuss suitable cruise options and group arrangements.
Do you take disability and community groups?
Yes. Contact our team so we can discuss group size, accessibility needs and the most suitable vessel.
06

Onboard Facilities

Are toilets available onboard?
Yes. Toilets are available onboard our vessels.
Can I buy drinks and alcohol onboard?
Yes. Our vessels are fully licensed, with wine, beer, soft drinks and other beverages available to purchase onboard. Availability may vary by vessel and cruise, so please check with our team if you have a specific requirement.
Can we bring our own drinks / alcohol on board?
You cannot bring your own alcohol onboard because our vessels are fully licensed. If you would like to bring wine, corkage may be available for a fee by prior arrangement. Wine, beer, soft drinks and other beverages are available to purchase onboard.
Can I charge my phone onboard?
Charging facilities are not guaranteed, so we recommend arriving with your device charged.
07

Parking, Transport & Arrivals

Where does the cruise depart from?
Cruises depart from 1 McLaren Wharf, Port Adelaide, near the red and white lighthouse.
How early should I arrive?
Please arrive approximately 15 minutes before departure.
Is parking available nearby?
Parking is available around Port Adelaide. Always check local signs and restrictions when you arrive.
08

Accessibility & Mobility

Are wheelchair-accessible options available?
Yes. Contact our team before booking so we can recommend the most suitable vessel and boarding arrangements.
Can I bring a walker?
Yes. Please let us know about your mobility requirements before travelling.
Can staff assist with boarding?
Yes. Our team can assist guests during boarding and disembarking where appropriate.
09

Pets & Assistance Animals

Can I bring my dog onboard?
Pets are not normally permitted onboard.
Are assistance animals allowed?
Yes. Assistance and service animals are permitted.
10

Age Groups & Families

Are children and kids welcome?
Yes. Children and kids of all ages are welcome on our public cruises, making them a relaxed and enjoyable experience for families.
Can babies join?
Yes. Infants can join and must still be included in the booking for vessel-capacity purposes.
Is the cruise safe for pregnant guests?
Yes. Pregnant guests are very welcome onboard. Our cruises operate on the smooth, sheltered waters of the Port River, so the experience is generally comfortable for pregnant guests. If you have any personal concerns or would like to check anything before your cruise, our friendly team is always happy to help.
Are cruises suitable for seniors?
Yes. Senior ticket and group options are available.
11

Weather & Comfort

Is the boat undercover?
Yes. Our vessels provide covered seating areas.
What happens if it rains?
Rain alone does not necessarily stop a cruise. Safety conditions are assessed by our team.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing, flat footwear and weather-appropriate layers.
12

Promos & Deals

What promotions are currently available?
Current public offers are listed on our Promotions & Deals page.
How do I enter a promotion code?
Enter the promotion code during the online booking checkout process.
Can promo codes be used through third-party booking sites?
Port River Cruises promotional codes are intended for eligible direct bookings.
13

Gift Cards & Vouchers

How do I redeem a gift voucher?
Enter the voucher number during the payment section of the online booking process.
How long are vouchers valid?
Check the expiry date shown on your voucher.
Can vouchers be exchanged for cash?
No. Gift cards and vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash.
14

Local History

Why is Port Adelaide historically important?
Port Adelaide has a rich maritime and industrial history closely connected with South Australia's development.
Is local cultural history included?
Our cruise commentary includes stories about the local area, environment, maritime heritage and cultural history.
15

Dolphins & Wildlife

Will I see dolphins?
Dolphins are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.
What other wildlife may I see?
Guests may see dolphins, pelicans, cormorants, shorebirds and other wildlife around the Port River.
Can I feed or swim with dolphins?
No. Port River Cruises provides responsible wildlife-viewing experiences.
16

Ships Graveyard

What is the Ships Graveyard?
The Ships Graveyard is an area of the Port River containing historic vessels that were deliberately sunk, scuttled or abandoned.
Which cruise visits the Ships Graveyard?
The 90-minute Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise includes this area.
Does tide affect how much of the wrecks I can see?
Yes. Water level can change how much of the wreck structures are visible.
17

Contact and Support

How can I contact Port River Cruises?

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