Schools & Educational Group Charters
Fun, immersive learning experiences on the Port River, designed for school and educational groups.
Bring Learning to Life
Looking for a way to engage and entice your students, encouraging learning in a fun and immersive environment outside of the classroom? Port River Cruises maritime education cruises are exactly what you are looking for.
Depending on your cruise, students have the opportunity to:
- Learn about the history of Port Adelaide, its river and the unique Ships Graveyard.
- Travel past 10,000-year-old mangrove forests.
- Search the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and International Bird Sanctuary for marine life.
- Visit Australia's Naval Group submarine dry dock and learn about the submarines being constructed.
Endless discoveries await you and your students!
Two Great Cruises on Offer
Dolphin and Ships Graveyard Maritime Education Cruise
Based on our famous Dolphin and Ships Graveyard Cruise and tailored to suit the age groups of students attending.
- Guided cruise through the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, Ships Graveyard and International Bird Sanctuary.
- 90-minute cruise with up to 32 passengers.
- 16-seat and 32-seat vessel options available.
32-seat charter: $1,200
Dolphin and Maritime Education Cruise
Based on our Dolphin and Maritime Cruise, this 90-minute version is perfect for students of all ages.
- Guided cruise of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, Port Adelaide's port and the Australian Naval Group submarine dock.
- 90-minute cruise with up to 90 passengers.
- 16-seat, 32-seat and 100-seat vessel options available.
32-seat charter: $1,200
100-seat charter: $1,950
Why Not Book a Port River Cultural Cruise?
Enjoy an experience on the water learning about Kaurna Cultural History with an Aboriginal Guide.
Includes:
- Traditional Indigenous ceremonies, including a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country.
- Cultural history of the region, tailored to meet school requirements.
- Ochre body art.
Group up to 31 pax: $3,000
Group up to 95 pax: $4,500
Interested? Download Our Maritime Education Cruise Flyer
Download FlyerWhy Choose Port River Cruises?
Educational & Fun
Students learn about local marine life, environment, maritime history and vessels in an engaging and enjoyable way.
Indigenous Culture
Our Indigenous-owned company incorporates Cultural History, with Cultural Cruises suitable for Aboriginal Studies requirements.
Multiple Group Options
Vessels accommodate 16 to 100 passengers, with multiple vessels and back-to-back cruises available.
Safe and Secure
Vessels follow Australian Maritime Safety Authority guidelines and undergo regular checks and servicing.
DECD Accredited
Staff hold Working With Children accreditations, and additional safety information is available on request.
Risk Assessments
All vessels are covered by comprehensive risk assessments that can be supplied to schools.
Undercover Seating
All vessels provide undercover areas, comfortable seating and onboard toilets.
Mobility
Our ramp-access dock is near parking, and mobility step aids plus a secondary dock are available when required.
MMIP Compliant
We follow safe dolphin-viewing practices, speed limits and no-follow requirements on every tour.
Nearby Attractions
Our central Port Adelaide location is close to the Visitor Information Centre and many nearby attractions.
School Charter FAQs
Helpful information for teachers, coordinators and education groups planning a Port River cruise.
What school and education cruises are available?
Schools can choose the Dolphin and Ships Graveyard Maritime Education Cruise, the Dolphin and Maritime Education Cruise, or a Port River Cultural Cruise with an Aboriginal Guide.
Can the cruise content be tailored to our students?
Yes. Education cruises are adapted to the age group attending, and Cultural Cruise content can be tailored to support your school's learning requirements.
How long are the maritime education cruises?
Both maritime education cruise options run for approximately 90 minutes.
What group sizes can you accommodate?
Depending on the selected cruise, vessel options are available for groups of up to 16, 32 or 100 passengers. Multiple vessels and back-to-back cruises may also be arranged.
How much does a school charter cost?
Current listed prices are $750 for a 16-seat charter, $1,200 for a 32-seat charter and $1,950 for a 100-seat charter where that vessel option is available.
Do you provide risk assessments for schools?
Yes. Port River Cruises maintains comprehensive vessel risk assessments that can be supplied to schools on request.
Do your staff hold Working With Children accreditations?
Yes. Staff members hold Working With Children accreditations, and additional information about safety procedures can be provided on request.
Are the vessels comfortable and weather-protected?
Yes. The vessels provide undercover seating, comfortable seats and onboard toilets.
Can students or staff with mobility requirements join the cruise?
The main dock is accessed by a concrete ramp close to parking. Mobility step aids and an alternative dock location may be available; please discuss your group's requirements before booking.
How do we book a school group cruise?
Select the most suitable cruise above and submit a booking request through Rezdy. The Port River Cruises team will then help confirm the vessel, availability and arrangements for your group.
Still Have a Question?
Speak with the Port River Cruises team about learning outcomes, accessibility, safety documents, group capacity or the best cruise for your students.