Adelaide Kayaking Tours: the 7 Best to Book

1.Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Eco Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 560 reviews · 3 hours · from $55Our pick

Join a marine biologist guide at Port Adelaide for a gentle three-hour paddle through 10,000-year-old mangroves, tidal creeks, and past historic shipwrecks. You may see dolphins, pelicans, and other wildlife. No kayaking experience is needed, but children must be at least 10 and able to paddle.

“it was such a nice experience! we couldn't see many ship wrecks but saw many dolphins. loved that bit! highly recommend doing this if in Adelaide!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tour Adelaide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 355 reviews · from $56

Set out from Garden Island with guides such as Alex, Paddy, Fiona, or Lewis for a three-hour paddle through Adelaide’s Dolphin Sanctuary. Expect a safety briefing, supplied kayak gear, mangrove creeks, birdlife, shipwreck views, and a chance to see wild dolphins. No kayaking experience is needed, but you should be moderately fit.

“A great experience, Alex was a fab guide - really informative and fun! Sadly didn’t see any dolphins but obviously that is totally out of their control. Kayaking through the mangroves was enjoyable, just wish we had seen some more of the shipwrecks!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 275 reviews · from $55Top rated

Set out from Garden Island with Adventure Kayaking SA for a guided paddle through Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and the Ships Graveyard. You’ll receive a kayak lesson, then explore calm creeks, mangroves, wildlife, and abandoned vessels. Guides including Luke, Phil, Pippa, Tim, Oli, and Alannah are praised for clear instruction and friendly local insight.

“Great value for 2.5 hours on the water with kayaks and guides. Loved paddling through the mangroves and then back into more open passage and the shipwrecks. Would recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 143 reviews · 3 hours · from $55

Paddle sheltered mangrove creeks and the Port River with an English-speaking guide on this three-hour tour from Garden Island. You’ll learn about the Ships Graveyard, watch for Port River dolphins, and spot birds and marine life. Guides including Aaron, Tom, Oliver, and Kelahn are praised for clear instruction and lively local stories. Children from age 8 can join with an adult.

“Beautiful day, easy to use kayak. Tyler and James were kind, informative and helpful. We saw 6 dolphins and I loved the Amazon mangroves. Thankyou for a fantastic morning.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Mangroves Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 54 reviews · 1h 30m · from $38

Meet Adventure Kayaking SA on Garden Island for a 90-minute paddle through Adelaide’s Dolphin Sanctuary. Guides including Keenan, Darla, Keilan, and Will lead beginners in single or double kayaks through sheltered mangroves, sharing local stories and watching for dolphins, seals, sea lions, and birds.

“Keilan was a great guide. It was fun in the kayak as our first time. We saw dolphins which was excellent. The island was lovely.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Single or Double Kayak Rental

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 51 reviews · 2 hours · from $27Best value

At Garden Island, Adventure Kayaking SA fits you with a single or double kayak, paddle, life vest, map, and safety briefing. You get two hours to explore the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary’s mangrove creeks on your own. Dolphin sightings are possible but not guaranteed, and the permitted paddling area does not include the Ship Graveyard.

“Pleasant paddle up a mangrove creek. Arrived half hour early as requested only to be told to come back at start time. Intro, rules, and launch used half hour of 2 hour time. Limited area allowed to paddle coupled with short time means you are probably unlikely to see any dolphins. Next time will probably pay more for longer guided tour with different company that covers more area and gets to visit wrecks. OK for the price but was expecting more (maybe unrealistically).”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Adelaide: City Kayaking Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8 reviews · 1h 30m · from $55

Meet at Pinky Flat, beside the blue marquee and kayaks, for a 90-minute guided paddle on Adelaide’s River Torrens. Your English-speaking guide supplies the kayak, paddle, life jacket, and secure storage, then helps you get moving. No prior kayaking experience is required, though basic familiarity helps. Expect city views, fresh air, and the chance of getting a little wet.

“Equipment and explianion on how use it was good. Location was perfect. Guide was friendly but could have given more commentry and delivered so we could hear it.”

Check availability →Read our full review