Marine Marvels: Adventures in Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
- Best Time to Go
- How to Get to the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
- Things to Know
- Top Things to Do
- Watch dolphins
- Try kayaking
- Go snorkeling or diving
- Do stand-up paddleboarding
- Join guided eco-tours
- Relax and go bird-watching
- Cycle or walk along the coastline
- Indulge in seaside picnics
- Go fishing
- Volunteer in their wildlife preservation program
Nestled in one of Adelaide’s coastal retreats is a haven of wildlife and other natural wonders—the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. Within this sun-kissed destination, playful and friendly creatures like dolphins and seabirds are at home!
Our team ventured to this picturesque location to witness firsthand the thriving wildlife it nurtures. For those who want to visit, our article below can give you a sneak peek of the marvels awaiting you in this spot!
Best Time to Go
Spring is the best time to visit the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary for several reasons. During this season, bottlenose dolphins and southern right whales become more active.
Moreover, spring weather is pleasant, and you’ll also enjoy the presence of various bird species as you wait for the dolphins to show up.
How to Get to the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
By Car: The sanctuary is approximately a 20-minute drive from the CBD. Take Port Road and follow the signs toward Port Adelaide.
Once you reach the Port Adelaide area, follow the signs to the sanctuary. There are designated parking areas available.
By Public Transport: You can take a train from the Adelaide Railway Station in the CBD to the Port Adelaide Railway Station.
From there, it’s a short walk to the sanctuary. Alternatively, you can catch a bus from various locations in the CBD to Port Adelaide and then walk to the sanctuary.
By Boat: For a unique experience, you can also reach the sanctuary by boat. Several tour operators offer boat cruises from the Port Adelaide area, providing a scenic journey along the river to the sanctuary.
Things to Know
Address: Garden Island Rd, Garden Island SA 5015
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hours
Contact Details: (08) 8405 6560
Website
Top Things to Do
Watch dolphins
The ocean’s friendly flippers take center stage in this wildlife oasis! Our team saw a wondrous sea show—dolphins gracefully leaping through the sparkling waves.
If you’re worried about getting wet, you can sit on the benches along the sandy-white shorelines. These vantage points are cozy. Just bring binoculars!
Pro Tip: Timing is key! Dolphins are often more active during the morning and late afternoon hours. Plan your visit during these times for a higher chance of witnessing their playful antics.
Try kayaking
With hearts brimming with excitement, we went on a remarkable kayaking journey through the mangrove creeks and shipwrecks of the sanctuary! As we glided through crystal-clear waters where tiny fish blitzed through, we saw hidden spots.
Our favorite is an upturned fishing vessel encrusted with barnacles and starfish. Part of its underwater, rusty remains is now the home of kelp, corals, and herrings!
Pro Tips:
Paddle along the quieter mangrove creeks and estuaries. These serene and secluded channels are known foraging spots for dolphins and other marine animals like turtles and whiting!
Keep your movements gentle and avoid sudden noises to increase the likelihood of close and undisturbed interactions with these magnificent creatures.
Go snorkeling or diving
As bold wanderers ready to discover nature’s well-kept treasures, our team decided to go scuba diving! When we delved into the depths, we saw vibrant coral reefs teeming with an array of colorful fish like clownfish and angelfish.
We were also fortunate to observe species like the majestic manta rays and elegant eagle rays. The beauty of underwater flora made up of swaying seagrass meadows and intricate kelp forests blew us away, too!
Pro Tips:
We advise planning your dives around tidal currents. By understanding the tide patterns, you can optimize your underwater experience, enjoying better visibility and encountering a greater variety of marine life.
Additionally, make sure to dive with a knowledgeable local guide familiar with the area, as they can provide valuable insights, point out hidden gems, and ensure your safety.
Do stand-up paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding was a new thing for us, but it certainly gave us a whirlwind of excitement. Mastering the art of balancing on the board proved challenging initially, especially when the current was a teeny-bit strong.
However, once we learned it, we discovered why the staff highly recommended this activity. It was a truly unique way to explore the sanctuary!
Pro Tips:
Make sure to take advantage of the early morning or late afternoon hours for calmer waters and smaller crowds. Paddleboarding during these quieter times allows for a more serene experience.
In addition, remember to bring sunscreen, and wear a rash guard or lightweight clothing to protect yourself from the sun.
Join guided eco-tours
With wildlife experts on the lead, we were treated to an enchanting voyage through the sanctuary’s rich biodiversity.
In our opinion, this is the best way to go dolphin-watching, as the guides know the usual and secret spots where these enticing marine marvels frolic!
The guides led us to a pool where tiny crabs and sea turtles were having a shellaxing time!
Interested? You can book their services here.
Pro Tips:
Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for outdoor activities to ensure maximum comfort during the tour. And hey, if your camera or smartphone isn’t waterproof, make sure to place them snugly in a water-safe case.
Trust us, you’ll be splashed aplenty, and you wouldn’t want your precious gadgets to take an unexpected dive!
Lastly, don’t forget to bring a refillable water bottle and some snacks to keep yourself hydrated and energized throughout the tour, as it usually takes 60–90 minutes to finish!
Relax and go bird-watching
Bird-watching at the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is a moment of pure bliss and stillness. The dolphin sanctuary shares a significant part of its northern coastal zones with the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary.
As we basked in the afternoon sunlight, we saw several pelicans and seagulls gracefully gliding in the air—some swooping down into the water to catch mulloways and breams. Rainbow lorikeets and pied cormorants rested on the shoreline’s jetty and treetops, too!
Pro Tips:
Binoculars magnify nature’s wonders, so bring a pair to enhance your bird-watching experience.
Bringing a camera or smartphone is also a no-brainer. The exquisite birds are frame-worthy! Additionally, it’s helpful to have a field guide or bird identification app to help you identify and learn more about the different species you encounter.
Oh, and don’t make too much noise!
Cycle or walk along the coastline
Walking or cycling along the scenic coastline of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is a must-try.
Some of us strolled along the pristine shores—a slow and steady method assuring a deeper appreciation of the striking scenery.
A few of our teammates who prefer a faster pace chose to pedal along the scenic trails during sunset.
Quick and breezy, this method offers the advantage of covering more ground and exploring a larger area in a shorter time.
Pro Tip: Plan your cycling adventure during low tide. This is when the sandy beaches are wider, providing a smoother and more enjoyable ride.
Additionally, low tide exposes fascinating rock formations and tidal pools, giving you a chance to explore and discover hidden treasures along the way.
Indulge in seaside picnics
Slow down and savor the moment with a seaside picnic! We had one during a starry and silent night.
Barbecuing and bonfires are permitted here. So imagine the fun you and your loved ones can have while relaxing by the shore and feasting on succulent sausages, grilled seafood, and juicy meat.
Pair these with wine, cocktails, or beers, and you’ll be off to Chillville!
Pro Tips:
A seaside picnic without a comfy blanket or beach mat can be a bummer, so keep in mind to bring one or more if you’re with a group. Remember, even Darth Vader said, “I don’t like sand. It’s coarse, rough, and gets everywhere!”
Furthermore, packing some trusty insect repellants is highly encouraged. The great outdoors offers a lot of things—gnats and mosquitos included.
Go fishing
Fishing enthusiasts will have a grand ol’ time at the sanctuary, as its fishing spots are full of mulloways, whiting, breams, and many more! The scenery provided by the fishing jetties is also top-notch.
Also, if you’re up for an extra challenge or a higher dose of thrill, you can go boating and fish in deeper waters where the likelihood of a bountiful catch increases.
Pro Tips:
Be mindful of the fishing regulations and seasons of the sanctuary. We recommend going to the sanctuary’s website to check the fishing limits, permitted gear/bait, and area closures.
To improve your fishing haul, research the feeding habits and preferences of your targeted fish beforehand! Here’s a quick overview of the bait that common fishes here love!
- Mulloway – squid or pilchard
- Bream – prawn and yabbies
- Whiting – beach worms and bloodworms
Volunteer in their wildlife preservation program
Beyond going on exciting adventures and discovering stunning panoramas, you can also help preserve some of nature’s jewels here by volunteering.
The Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary Action Group is a dedicated community organization working tirelessly to protect and manage the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and all of its inhabitants.
You may contact their Facebook page if you’re planning to sign up.
Pro Tip: Volunteering isn’t a walk in the park. Come prepared with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a genuine passion for marine conservation.
