Ships Graveyard and dolphin sanctuary tour

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Meet at the Garden Island Dolphin Sanctuary

The best way to visit the Garden Island Ships’ Graveyard is by kayak. Take a tour with Seven Senses Adventures to get the story behind the wrecks and to guide you safely around, over and on the shipwrecks.

Each tour date is selected to see the shipwrecks at low tide for the best viewing and to safely negotiate the creek with minimal tidal movement. 

The 26 vessels known to have been abandoned in the North Arm section are a varied group of steamers, sailing ships, paddle steamers, dredges, barges, pontoons and ferries. They represent a significant chapter in SA’s maritime history and provide valuable insights into Port Adelaide and its maritime past. 

The Garden Island area is also a Dolphin Sanctuary, so there is a very high chance of spotting some of the 30 resident Port River Bottlenose Dolphins, or pods of the 400 transient dolphins. Your guide will take you to secluded and very peaceful creeks covered by a 10,000 year old mangrove forest, where you will see schools of fish swimming past your kayaks.

Unfold your adventure by assisting to assemble the amazing Oru folding kayaks before embarking on an adventure that will activate all seven senses. Before departing, you will receive a kayaking brief and tips to prepare you for the shipwrecks, dolphins and 10,000 year old mangrove creek paddle.

The tour duration is between 4 to 5 hours depending on kayaking skill level of the group. 

There will be stops to stretch your legs.

Maximum 10 clients

Minimum number required for trip to proceed

Kayaks have a maximum height and weight limit (please check FAQs) 

Children aged 12 to 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult (3 spots available per tour)

Inclusions: 

• Guided kayaking tour by a qualified and experienced kayaking instructor and former TAFE Outdoor Educator with extensive knowledge of the area
• Very stable double or single Oru folding kayaks  
• Multifit lifejackets (PFD) 
• Adjustable paddles, left and right handed 
• Drybags for personal equipment
• Cool drinks and homemade nutritious snacks
• Commentary on the history of the shipwrecks 
• Secluded 10,000 year old mangrove creek kayak adventure 
• Instructor will carry spare water, first aid kit, safety and communication equipment

Exclusions: 

• Travel Insurance
• Food and drinks not listed in inclusions

What to bring:

• Kayaking clothes to suit the weather: shorts or leggings and quick-drying nylon or polyester type shirt or thermals (no jeans) 
• Light rain jacket/spray jacket 
• Enclosed shoes: wetsuit boots, old sandals, old sandshoes (no thongs as muddy banks)
• Broad brimmed hat
• Sunglasses (with strap)
• Sunscreen/lip balm
• Beach towel 
• Spare clothes/shoes to change into afterwards
• Water bottle

Optional:

• Camera / GoPro
• Plenty of energy and prepared to have fun

Weather policy

• We check the weather frequently before the tour. If the weather conditions are unsafe to kayak and we have to cancel the tour, we will contact you as soon as possible. You can transfer to another date or choose to receive a refund minus Rezdy credit card charges if paid by card.