Port Adelaide Dolphin and Ships Graveyard Cruise
Mon, Oct 19, 2026 07:00 AM - Sun, Oct 31, 2027 15:00 PM
McLaren Wharf, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, 5015
Port Adelaide Dolphin and Ships Graveyard Cruise
Mon, Oct 19, 2026 07:00 AM - Sun, Oct 31, 2027 15:00 PM
Overview
About this Event
Experience a different side of Adelaide on a guided cruise through Port Adelaide's historic waterways. Combining maritime heritage, scenic landscapes, and wildlife viewing, this journey offers an opportunity to discover some of South Australia's most distinctive river attractions.
Your skipper will also serve as your cruise guide, providing informative commentary as you travel through the Port River and its surrounding waterways. Sit back, relax, and learn about the area's history, famous vessels, and significant natural landmarks.
Explore the Ships Graveyard
Visit Port Adelaide's unique Ships Graveyard, where the remains of at least 40 abandoned vessels lie partially submerged in the river's backwaters. Some wrecks are embedded in silt and partly concealed by mangroves, creating a striking reminder of the region's maritime past.
See the remains of a diverse collection of vessels, including sailing ships, steamships, motor vessels, barges, pontoons, and dredges. As you cruise past these historic wrecks, your guide will share stories about their history and significance.
Discover the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
Continue through the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, a remarkable marine environment located close to metropolitan Adelaide. The sanctuary is home to resident bottlenose dolphins, with additional dolphins visiting the area throughout the year.
Keep watch for dolphins swimming, feeding, playing, or socialising in the wild. During the warmer months, you may even spot newborn calves. Although sightings are not guaranteed, the cruise offers an opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat.
View the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary
Enjoy views of the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary, which stretches along more than 60 kilometres of coastline north of Adelaide. The sanctuary protects important coastal habitats and supports a variety of birdlife.
The area includes Winaityinaityi Pangkara, the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park, whose name in the language of the Kaurna people means a country for all birds and the country that surrounds them.
Together, these locations provide a memorable combination of maritime history, wildlife, and coastal scenery.
Highlights
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Explore Port Adelaide's historic Port River on a guided cruise.
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Visit the unique Ships Graveyard and see the remains of abandoned vessels.
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Learn about the history of historic sailing ships, steamships, barges, and other vessels.
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Cruise through the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary in search of wild bottlenose dolphins.
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Look out for resident dolphins and, during warmer months, potentially newborn calves.
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Enjoy views of the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary.
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Hear informative commentary from your skipper and cruise guide.
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Experience Adelaide's maritime and natural heritage in approximately 90 minutes.
What's Included
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Dolphin viewing opportunity
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Informative onboard commentary
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Toilet facilities
Points of Interest
Port Adelaide, South Australia
Cruise along the historic Port River and discover the Ships Graveyard, where at least 40 abandoned vessels remain in the river's backwaters, partly hidden by mangroves and silt.
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, 66 Commercial Road, Port Adelaide
Explore the marine sanctuary and look for wild bottlenose dolphins as they move through their natural habitat.
Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary, Whiting Road, St Kilda, South Australia
Enjoy views of the coastal region and learn about the importance of its bird habitats and conservation areas.
Tour Details
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Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
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Departure point: Port River Cruises booth in Port Adelaide
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Return point: Port River Cruises booth in Port Adelaide
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Language: English-speaking guide
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Tour type: Guided sightseeing and wildlife cruise
Departure and Return Information
Arrive at the blue Port River Cruises booth to check in. From there, staff will guide you to the wharf gate to board the vessel.
Your ticket will be scanned when you arrive at the vessel.
Important Information
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Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller.
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Public transport options are available nearby.
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The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
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Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
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Mobile and paper vouchers are accepted.
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This offer is not eligible for promotional codes.
Booking Information
This tour is offered through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by Port River Cruises in connection with this deal. For inquiries about the promotion, contact Groupon customer service; inquiries submitted to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.
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