Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari - 2 hour SWIM with dolphin OR seal / coastal snorkelling
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An Unforgettable Marine Adventure on Kangaroo Island
Immerse yourself in the pristine waters of South Australia and experience the ultimate wildlife encounter. This premium safari offers you the rare opportunity to swim alongside wild dolphins or playful seals, and snorkel along Kangaroo Island’s spectacular coastline. 🐬
Why You Will Love This Experience
- Exclusive Seal Swims: We are the only operator in South Australia offering the chance to swim with wild Long-nosed Seals. 🦭
- Wild Dolphin Encounters: Connect with nature as you swim alongside resident dolphin pods in their natural habitat.
- Stunning Coastal Snorkelling: Explore vibrant marine life along the breathtaking cliffs and beaches of Kangaroo Island. 🌊
- Fully Equipped: We provide everything you need for a comfortable swim, including high-quality wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and fins.
Your Journey at a Glance
Your adventure begins at the Kangaroo Island Information Stop in Penneshaw (Howard Drive), where you will be fitted with your gear and receive a comprehensive safety briefing. From there, step aboard our comfortable 28-seater vessel to explore the rugged coastline. Spot cheeky seals basking on the rocks before diving into the refreshing waters for an interactive, playful snorkelling experience guided by our expert team.
Please note: These are wild animals. This tour offers a swim with dolphins OR seals, depending on wildlife behaviour on the day. We always strive to provide swims with both, but experiences may be limited to dolphins only, seals only, or coastal snorkelling only.
Important Tour Information
- Age Guidelines: Infant rates apply to children 2 years and under (not permitted to swim). Child rates apply to ages 3–12 (must be 9 years or older to swim with dolphins, or 8 years or older for coastal snorkelling). Adult rates apply to ages 13 and over.
- Concessions: Seniors, concession holders, and students must present valid ID before boarding.
- Onboard Policy: Food is not permitted on board the vessel unless prior approval is granted.
- Water Temperature: The water is a refreshing 14–15°C. Wetsuits are compulsory and provided. We recommend two wetsuits for children under 14.
- What to Bring: Please bring a warm jacket to wear after your swim. Waterproof jackets are also available on board.
- Physical Requirements: A swimmer line with buoys is used for the dolphin swim. You may need to hold onto this line while the vessel is moving, requiring reasonable upper-body strength and swimming ability. This activity is not suitable for pregnant guests or those with pacemakers due to electronic devices used in the water.
- Wildlife Interactions: These are wild animals and experiences change daily. Wildlife Interactions are NOT guaranteed. The team will do their best on the day to give you the best experience possible. If you get in the water at any stage for coastal snorkeling, seals swim or dolphin swim you do not get any money refunded.
- Seasonal Variations: Seal numbers peak in winter and are lowest from November to January. Swims will not occur if a dolphin pod has neonates (babies) present, though onboard viewing is welcome.
- Arrival Time: Please arrive at the Kangaroo Island Information Stop (43 Howard Drive, Penneshaw) 30 minutes prior to departure.
- Accessibility: There is no wheelchair access on board the vessel.
- Cruise Ship Guests: If your cruise ship tender cannot dock at Penneshaw on the day, your tour can be cancelled (to claim via travel insurance) or held as a credit for up to 3 years.
- Cancellations: Tours may be cancelled due to weather, unforeseen circumstances, or if minimum numbers are not met.
Cancellation Policy
- A FULL refund is provided to guests if the tour is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, unforeseen circumstances or minimum numbers not being reached and an alternative time is not established to undertake the tour.
- NO refund is provided to guests for non-attendance at scheduled tour time.
- Guests can reschedule tour if required, however need to ensure that more than 48 hours’ notice is provided to Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari.
- All bookings cancelled within 7 days of scheduled departure will incur a 50% charge of tour costs. Alternatively a credit can be held for you to use within a 24-month time frame.
- All bookings cancelled within 48 hours scheduled departure will not receive a refund but a credit can be held for you to use within a 24-month time frame.
- If you arrive on a cruise ship and cannot get into Penneshaw on your tender on the day, your tour can be cancelled (and you claim costs through travel insurance), or we can hold it for you to use within a 3-year time frame.
Thank you for your booking. Please note that Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari may need to change your booking if the weather is not suitable. A staff member will contact you on the mobile number provided if rescheduling is required.
Please ensure you arrive at The Kangaroo Island Information Stop, 43 Howard Drive, Penneshaw, 30 minutes prior to departure time. You will be fitted into wetsuits, flippers, snorkels, masks and provided with a safety brief before departing.
PLEASE NOTE IT IS ESSENTIAL TO ARRIVE 30 minutes PRIOR.
Please note the following:
- A swimmer line with buoys is often used at the back of the vessel for the dolphin swim. You may be required to hold onto this line at times with the vessel moving which will require upper body strength.
- These are wild animals and experiences change daily. It’s all up to the animals as to how interactive they become.
- If wildlife does not permit you to go into the water on your tour and you are unable to participate in coastal snorkelling, we will provide a refund back to the viewing price.
- This activity is not suitable for those with a pacemaker or those who are pregnant due to the electronic device used in the water during the time of your swim.
- Children MUST be 9 years or older to participate in the swim.
- Please note that this swim takes place in open water, therefore it is recommended you have reasonable swimming ability.
Looking to get the most out of your Kangaroo Island trip?
Visit the Hog Bay Saloon in Penneshaw for a fantastic range of wine and beers along with Kangaroo Island Oysters, SA prawns, antipasto’s and local tunes in Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island – www.hogbaysaloon.com.au
Got a large group and need a way to travel the island? Consider Kangaroo Island Coachlines! Kangaroo Island Coachlines runs chartered bus tours for both public and private groups all over Kangaroo Island. See all the must-visit places the island has to offer from the comfort of an air-conditioned coach with a local driver who will also be your tour guide! kangarooislandcoachlines.com.au
INDEMNITY STATEMENT – Accident Waiver and Release of Liability
I HEREBY ASSUME ALL OF THE RISKS OF PARTICIPATING OR ATTENDING THIS ACTIVITY OR EVENT, namely the Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari 75-minute coastal safari & 2 Hour Snorkelling Safari.
I acknowledge that this Accident Waiver and Release of Liability will be used by Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari, and that it will govern my actions and responsibilities at the booked activity or event. In confirmation of my booking, I am permitting to participate in this tour / event, I hereby take action for myself or those who are in my guardianship or I am the proposed adult supervisor of. I INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND WILL NOT TO SUE OR TAKE LEGAL ACTION against the entity and/or persons organizing this event and waive them from any and all liabilities or claims made as a result of participation in this activity or event, regardless of how the event or incident occurred. I understand I am responsible for my own actions whilst on tour and any participant who is under my supervision. I will act in a safe and responsible manner on tour. I will take care and supervise those under my supervision and those that I am responsible for. I take full responsibility for any harm caused, to myself or those who I am supervising. I will ensure that when I am a guardian of a participant I will provide control and supervision at all times. I am responsible for my own actions and acknowledge that this Accident Waiver and Release of Liability will be used by Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari and waive them from any and all liabilities or claims made as a result of participation in this activity or event. This ACCIDENT AND WAIVER & RELEASE FORM is confirmed upon confirmation of booking.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
INDEMNITY STATEMENT – Accident Waiver and Release of Liability
I HEREBY ASSUME ALL OF THE RISKS OF PARTICIPATING OR ATTENDING THIS ACTIVITY OR EVENT, namely the Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari 75-minute coastal safari & 2 Hour Snorkelling Safari.
I acknowledge that this Accident Waiver and Release of Liability will be used by Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari, and that it will govern my actions and responsibilities at the booked activity or event. In confirmation of my booking, I am permitting to participate in this tour / event, I hereby take action for myself or those who are in my guardianship or I am the proposed adult supervisor of. I INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND WILL NOT TO SUE OR TAKE LEGAL ACTION against the entity and/or persons organizing this event and waive them from any and all liabilities or claims made as a result of participation in this activity or event, regardless of how the event or incident occurred. I understand I am responsible for my own actions whilst on tour and any participant who is under my supervision. I will act in a safe and responsible manner on tour. I will take care and supervise those under my supervision and those that I am responsible for. I take full responsibility for any harm caused, to myself or those who I am supervising. I will ensure that when I am a guardian of a participant I will provide control and supervision at all times. I am responsible for my own actions and acknowledge that this Accident Waiver and Release of Liability will be used by Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari and waive them from any and all liabilities or claims made as a result of participation in this activity or event. This ACCIDENT AND WAIVER & RELEASE FORM is confirmed upon confirmation of booking.
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Ilija was an incredible guide, host and driver! Really knows what he is talking about with a great sense of humour.
We saw sea eagles, seals and dolphins (who gave us a incredible show) and learnt a-lot about the island
Kids had a ball and before we even got off the boat where asking to come back again
The boat was great too!
Thankyou so much!
The tour operators was great and provided lots of information. He did try to find dolphins but we didn’t see any.
Boat was modern and safety instructions provided.
We did see fur seals but there are way better seal experiences at Seal Bay and Flinders Chase NP.
Not long after departing Christmas Cove dolphins were sighted off the stern.
What a delight to watch the dolphins in their habitat close up. A highlight was seeing them catch a big fish.
Seals were also observed later in the cruise lazing on the rocks in the sun.
A wonderful experience. Thank you David and Thomas for you care and expert comments.
Although the dolphins wouldn't cooperate for a swim, the seals certainly did. They are now our favourite sea mammals
Great fun and great value for money.
Our group wasn't too big so it was quite a personal experience.
Have to say that we were pretty lucky as due bad weather, our boat trip of 75 mins was cancelled but on the day before we are to depart Kangaroo Island, they have a slot in the AM before we board the ferry back to mainland. It was great atmosphere and crowd size was decent, abt 8 participants on board. We got a great view of the Dolphins swimming around the boat a couple of times and also the pilot took us close to see the Seals lying on the rock. Have to say the Pilot knows his geographical position well to see these Dolphins.
We were blessed with calm waters and beautiful views, and before long we were surrounded by wildlife. Seeing dolphins play right alongside the boat was a true highlight, and the seals basking on the rocks were adorable. The whole tour felt relaxed yet full of adventure, and the crew went above and beyond to make sure everyone had the best possible time.
If you’re visiting Kangaroo Island, this is a must-do. It’s the perfect mix of scenery, wildlife, and genuine hospitality—an experience you’ll remember long after you’ve left the island. Highly recommended! 🐬🌊🦭
The pristine waters of Backstairs Passage and the rugged coastline seen from seaward make the two hour Ocean Safari well worthwhile, but the dolphins make it very special. Elijah and Bonnie make a great Skipper and Deckie respectively, apart from a minor 550 nautical mile navigational glitch confusing the SA mainland with Tasmania ..but we did make it back in the end.
Had such a great time and felt super lucky not just to have had the opportunity to swim with dolphins and seals but to also see a couple of whales.
We were super lucky and got to see dolphins, seals and very rare sea eagles.
Weather was cool and very windy. Beautiful coastline.



























































