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South Australia Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended South Australia Cruises & boat tours

Goolwa: Murray River Cruise

1. Goolwa: Murray River Cruise

The Murray Mouth cruise is roughly 90 minutes in duration. Departing from the Main Wharf in Goolwa at 10:30 AM, cruise downstream to the Goolwa Barrage and through the lock where you will get to view the resident seal colony and drop down to sea level. Learn about the history of the lock and it's importance to the health of the river before continuing down toward the mouth of the Murray River. Take in the ambiance of the region that inspired the book, Storm Boy on your way there. On your return cruise to Goolwa, you will pass sand dunes supporting native vegetation and see an abundance wetland birdlife.

Adelaide: River Torrens Popeye Sightseeing Cruise

2. Adelaide: River Torrens Popeye Sightseeing Cruise

After boarding at Elder Park Landing there will be an opportunity to purchase food and beverages from the deckhand. The captain will take time to deliver a safety talk and introduce the crew before beginning commentary of the local area and wider South Australia.   Once seated, the cruise will commence by heading toward the Torrens River Weir Gate while passing the Adelaide Festival Centre, SAHMRI, and Adelaide Gaol. Enjoy 30 minutes of commentary before arriving at Adelaide Zoo where you will have the option to disembark and explore the zoo, Botanic Garden its and surrounds. The last 15 minutes of the tour will be relaxed, allowing you a great chance to ask questions, take photos with the crew, and get some advice on what to see and do once you disembark.

Coffin Bay: Oyster Farm Boat Tour, Wade In The Farm, Taste

3. Coffin Bay: Oyster Farm Boat Tour, Wade In The Farm, Taste

Cruise 16km to an oyster farm surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters. With the help of a local oyster farmer as your guide, you'll experience all the beauty of the Coffin Bay coastline, spot sealife like dolphins and seals, and wade amongst the oyster beds. The tour meets at the Coffin Bay Yacht Club, where you’ll set off on the CB01 boat across the calm turquoise waters of the bay. Admire the tranquil views of the coast and look out for pods of playful dolphins who reside in the waters. Once you arrive at the world-famous oyster region, you’ll have the opportunity to get involved by wading into the oyster beds. Immerse yourself in the oyster farm and discover it up close at your own leisure. If the weather permits you can even take a swim in the waters. Back on the boat, savor some freshly shucked oysters straight from the source, learn from your guide about how premium oysters are produced, and hear some tips on how to shuck them like a pro. Before heading back to the marina, the tour will cruise past Brother's Island, infamous for its herds of seals. Catch a glimpse of the seals lazing on the rocks and swimming on the shores, before cruising back to disembark at the Yacht Club.

From Victor Harbor: Seal Island Cruise

4. From Victor Harbor: Seal Island Cruise

Embark on a scenic cruise along the north coast of Granite Island. Victor Harbour is located on the south coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia, about 90 minutes and 80 km south of the center of Adelaide. Pass the route of the old horse-drawn tramway and see the historic Screwpile Jetty as you venture around the breakwater and into the open ocean. Continue for 5 minutes to arrive at Seal Island (also known as "Seal Rock"), where New Zealand fur seals and Australian sea lions can be seen basking in the sun. Delight to the sight of the seals that often swim to the stationary boat for a good look at the passengers!  Keep a lookout for other wildlife, including petrels, shearwaters and cormorants, on or around Seal Island. You might even spot some common or bottlenose dolphins that are often in the vicinity and sometimes race the boat. After 15 minutes of wildlife viewing at Seal Island and around Wright Island, cruise back to the Granite Island Causeway at Victor Harbour and disembark.

Adelaide: 3.5-Hour Swimming with Dolphins Experience

5. Adelaide: 3.5-Hour Swimming with Dolphins Experience

Spend your vacation doing something unique and unforgettable on an excursion that takes you out into the waters, and swim alongside wild dolphins. On this 3.5-hour tour, you are guaranteed to see dolphins, which are one of the Earth’s most fascinating and curious creatures. Meet at the Holdfast Shores Marina in Glenelg, a mere 15 minutes outside of Adelaide. From there, board the 'Temptation', a 58-foot colossal sailing catamaran. As the boat cruises, experience the beauty of Australia's southern coastline. Eventually, come to rest in the waters where the wild dolphins will come to greet you and play in the waters. Don your wetsuit, mask, and snorkel, and take the plunge into the waters. Experience the breathtaking moment when you see dolphins underwater for the first time. Watch and listen; their grace and playfulness is stunning and the sounds of their whistles and echo location noises are mesmerizing. Once your adventure comes to an end, you will be taken back to the marina. Spend some time checking out the many restaurants and shops that grace the shoreline.

Adelaide: 3.5-Hour Guaranteed Wild Dolphin Watching Cruise

6. Adelaide: 3.5-Hour Guaranteed Wild Dolphin Watching Cruise

Enjoy a half-day cruise looking for some of the world’s most delightful creatures, departing from Marina Pier, Holdfast Shores, Glenelg. Dolphins are among the earth’s most curious mammals and you will get up-close-and-personal with the beautiful beasts from the decks of the Temptation catamaran. You will be welcomed on board the 58-foot sailing vessel by an enthusiastic crew. Sometimes you will see your first dolphins within minutes of cruising. They seem to come out of nowhere to play around Temptation’s hulls. But be assured they are not coaxed in any way. These are wild dolphins that simply know the vessel, and know that they are not in any danger. As the gulf is home to over 1,000 common and bottlenose dolphins, the cruise comes with a money-back guarantee of sightings. The dolphins are only just out of reaching distance from the deck, enabling you to capture their playful displays on film. Back on dry land, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the faculties at Holdfast Shores Marina, or wander down Jetty Road in Glenelg, enjoying the dozens of restaurants and shops.

Adelaide: River Torrens Popeye Devonshire Tea Cruise

7. Adelaide: River Torrens Popeye Devonshire Tea Cruise

Take a boat cruise tour in the heart of the city with live commentary from a friendly skipper and see why Adelaide is ranked one of the most livable cities in the world.  Begin by boarding at Elder Park Landing. Be served a delightful Devonshire tea consisting of fresh scones with jam and whipped cream. Hear a safety talk and introduction from the captain before your exclusive commentary on the local area and wider South Australia begins.  Float towards the Torrens River Weir Gate while passing sites including the Adelaide Festival Centre, SAHMRI, and Adelaide Gaol.  Enjoy 30-minutes of insightful commentary before arriving at Adelaide Zoo. Have the option to disembark and explore the zoo, Botanic Garden, and its surroundings.  Relax in the last 15-minutes and have the chance to ask questions, take photos with the crew, and get tips on what to see and do once you disembark. There will be an opportunity to purchase extra food and beverages from the deckhand serving from our licensed bar.

Adelaide: Port River Dolphin and Ships' Graveyard Cruise

8. Adelaide: Port River Dolphin and Ships' Graveyard Cruise

Embark on a cruise along the Port River in Adelaide and benefit from the knowledge of your skipper and guide. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views as your guide talks you through the local history, famous ships, and iconic locations you'll pass along the way. Learn about the Port Adelaide River and its rich maritime history. See famous ships and locations and listen as your cruise guide points out interesting landmarks and vessels. Enter Port Adelaide’s completely unique Ships' Graveyard and be amazed as you cruise past giant wrecks, half-submerged in the hidden backwaters of the Port River, and learn their history. Enjoy cruising through the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary searching for local dolphins, one of the only wild dolphin populations living within a city. Keep an eye out for some of the famous local residents and, during the warmer months, newborn calves. Travel towards the International Bird Sanctuary where there's an opportunity to see migra­to­ry shore­birds, includ­ing threat­ened species such as Curlew sand­piper as well as well-known Aussie favorites like the Australian Pelican and Pied Cormorant.

Coorong Discovery Cruise

9. Coorong Discovery Cruise

Discover the Coorong National Park on a 3.5-hour experience with lunch included. Cruise past the Murray Mouth and into the park for 1-hour guided walk. Tour departs from the old river port town of Goolwa, located 70 minutes south of Adelaide’s center.  A Ploughmans lunch is served on board as you cruise to the Goolwa Barrage and through the lock. Continue down to the Murray Mouth and into the Coorong National Park. Stop for a guided walk across the peninsula through dune vegetation to a beach on the Southern Ocean. Enjoy afternoon tea on the return journey to Goolwa.

Murray River Highlights and Luncheon Cruise

10. Murray River Highlights and Luncheon Cruise

The Murray River Highlights tour departs Adelaide and travels to the mighty Murray River. On your arrival, board the Proud Mary and relax as you cruise the historic river enjoying the wildlife and surrounding scenery. Enjoy lunch on board the Proud Mary as you continue your journey along the river and gain insight into the river system and unique landscapes of the region. Upon disembarking, there will be free time to explore Mannum, before joining your tour along the river bank of the Murray River taking in spectacular views and stopping regularly for great photo opportunities, including the Mannum Lookout. Travel back to Adelaide via the delightful Adelaide Hills, stopping at Melba’s Chocolate Factory for afternoon tea (own expense), or wander through Woodside Cheese Wrights and pick up some treats to take home.

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What people are saying about South Australia

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 61 reviews

What a wonderful experience on the Catamaran and to see all of the beautiful Dolphins. All staff on board were very friendly and interacted with all on board. An adventure on everyones bucket list to experience .

Easy to locate, value for money. An hour out of our busy day, to relax and take in the city sites along the river. With easy listening cometary from our captain

Had such an awesome time, we had a group ranging from 11-47 and we all enjoyed ourselves. Definitely recommend to anyone.

It was informative and just what we needed at the end of a busy touring day.

superbe matinée!!! comme promis nous avons vu beaucoup de dauphins !!!