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Visiting the Port River dolphins, such as Wave and Captain Hook and the other dolphins within our adopt a dolphin program is different to visiting dolphins in captivity. Although seeing dolphins held in aquariums allows you an opportunity to see dolphins up close, WDCS believes it is inherently cruel to imprison free ranging, sentient, sociable and intelligent species. A visit to the Port River will give you the opportunity to see and enjoy the natural behaviour of these dolphins in the wild. You can see the Port River dolphins by:
There are a number of land based spots that are generally good for viewing the Port River dolphins. Along the wharf front, Garden Island, the North Haven Marina and Snowden’s Beach all provide land based viewing spots. The Port Adelaide Visitor Information Centre has an excellent brochure with a dolphin trail map of the best spots. They are open daily from 9am – 5pm and located within one minute walk of the lighthouse. You can also visit the visitor centre online.
Although there are always dolphins within the sanctuary, you may not be successful in seeing them, as they roam freely within their range, and the time and day you visit may just not be the time and day they decide to be at the same place as you. As such, we encourage you to visit a few of the “dolphin hotspots” and bring a picnic, go for a bike ride, go fishing or participate in some other recreational activity so that if you don’t see our beloved dolphins, you can still look back on the day with fond memories. Because land based viewing of the dolphins has no impact on them whatsoever, WDCS favours this type of visit.
There are a number of tourist operators who launch boats from the wharf alongside the lighthouse. The Port Adelaide Visitor Information Centre has information on all tourist operators within the region. They are open daily from 9am – 5pm and located within one minute walk of the lighthouse.
Spirit of the Port offers a 5 hour cruise on Tuesdays and Saturdays. This cruise includes dolphin watching, Mangrove Interpretive Centre and views of the Ships graveyard. For booking information visit Spirit of the Port.
A WDCS presentation is held onboard the Dolphin Explorer cruise on most Sundays. This 20 minute talk with slideshow gives you a fascinating insight into the Port River dolphins.
If you have your own boat or are lucky enough to be the guest on somebody else’s boat, the chances are that you will see some of the resident Port River dolphins. The Port River area is part of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and it is important to minimise any disruption to their natural behaviours. Generally be careful in enclosed waters and avoid using excessive speed or sudden changes of speed or direction. Give dolphins space and enjoy seeing them in the wild. Make sure your special experience is not a negative one for the dolphin.
Specifically, operate at a no wake speed within the 150m caution zone and no approach should be made within 50m of the dolphins or within 150m if it is directly in front or behind them. Download the 2005 Australian National Guidelines. South Australian regulations also set minimum approach distances, and in particular prescribed vessels, which includes jet-skis, must not move to within 150m of a dolphin. Download the National Parks and Wildlife (Whales and Dolphins) Regulations 2000. If vessels incidentally move too close, the vessel should slow down, avoid the dolphin and move away from the animal at a no wake speed.
If you are also fishing, WDCS recommends you bring your line up if dolphins come in close to you, enjoy their company while they are there, and re-commence your fishing when they leave. Fishing debris is a serious threat to dolphins, so please make sure all your waste, including burley bags, fishing lines and hooks are all disposed of appropriately back on land. The Port River dolphins are adept at hunting for themselves, so please do not feed the dolphins. Feeding marine mammals is prohibited in South Australia (refer to National Parks and Wildlife Regulations above).
Kayaking is a great way to see the dolphins and will give you an opportunity to be with the dolphins in a relaxed environment. Explore the dolphin sanctuary as part of a small guided tour or set off on your own adventure by hiring a kayak. Most tourist operators have double kayaks, and some are even triples, allowing for parents with a young child or children to be accommodated. The operators will understand the tides and best viewing spots and will generally lead the tour in such a way that it is not too physically onerous. Most kayak expeditions launch from Garden Island. Adventure Kayaking SA offers tours.
If you have your own kayak you can launch from Garden Island and explore the estuary regions. The Port River area is part of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and the same legislation and regulations that apply to boat owners apply to kayaks. Please refer to the boat section for general information and to download the national guidelines and state regulations.
 The WDCS Adopt a dolphin program allows WDCS supporters a special link with the Port River dolphins.
(image © Mike Bossley)
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