Southern Ocean Adventure (Victor Harbor)
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SOUTHERN OCEAN ADVENTURE – Victor Harbor
Breathtaking 90-minute tour departing from the iconic Granite Island Causeway, Victor Harbor. Board our specially designed ocean craft ‘Kondoli’ – 12.5m NAIAD Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat & cruise between the mainland and the northern side of Granite Island, affording spectacular views of both the Victor Harbor shoreline and boulder stacked Granite Island.
Seal Rock/Island is our first stop, where Long Nosed Fur Seals and Australian Sea Lions bask between rocky outcrops in the sun or can be found pondering around fishing and swimming about.
We continue our Southern Ocean journey; on past the huge granite boulders of Wright Island and the Bluff, keeping a careful eye through Shark Alley – where your knowledgeable Skipper & Guide interpret local whaling history & cultural dreaming landmarks of the area.
Pushing on past the western side of the Bluff, you begin to get a scope for the rugged coastal landscape inspiring to observe from the water. West Island Conservation Park, complete with a lonely stone research hut and another colony of seals and sea lions can be found basking on the rocks and swimming in the shallows. Seabirds abound in this remote area and often pods of Common and Bottlenose Dolphins can be spotted playing or feeding.
The Big Duck heads further west past the darkly, spectacular, towering sea cliffs of Kings Beach and Waitpinga before turning around and heading back to the Granite Island Causeway. Cruising throughout the Encounter Marine Park, the scenery, marine wildlife, and exhilarating ride aboard ‘The Big Duck’ RHIB is a journey to remember!
Throughout the cooler wintery months (July – September) we are blessed with the yearly migration of Southern Right & Humpback Whales. Humpbacks are regularly seen in the beginning and conclusion of the season; where Southern Rights court, mate, birth and nurse their calves in the bay! Making our winter season an additional delight, despite the cooler conditions. We alter our itinerary through the Whale season to search in known locations and take in whale watching as these majestic mammals bask in our relatively warm waters of Encounter Bay.
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A must to do from Victor Harbour in SA.
The 2 crew members were really nice and informative. We did in fact get to see seals/sea-lions, 2 different dolphins pods and just had a great time in general, as the weather was fantastic.
The tour length was good, we got to pause/slow down in a few areas to get a good look at the wildlife from a respectful distance. The crew seemed to really understand the routines of the wildlife, so we really got the best chance for sightings 😊.
The rest of the review will be a bit of a guide as to how I got there without a car from Adelaide Station, as that was something that was a bit obscure when I looked it up, and since this was such a great day out for me, I hope it helps get some other people out that way too 😊.
I caught a train on the Seaford line all the way to Seaford (approx $AUD4.40 one way), where the Seaford Interchange is immediately next to the platform, so there was no stressful running about. From the Seaford Interchange, LinkSA has limited regional coaches going out that way (I caught route 1253 to Victor Harbor and 1252 coming back to Seaford) which were about $AUD24 for a full adult fare one way (Seaford to Victor Harbor). Do check the LinkSA timetables before you go, but the times to transfer from the train to LinkSA coaches worked pretty well.
Included the transportation bit since Google Maps decided a $200 one-way rideshare was the only way to get there- it isn't, and I can't say I'd be brave enough to try that- I have no clue how many rideshares go that far nor whether you can easily source one outside the city.
10 out of 10
The wet weather protective gear that they supplied us all with kept us extremely dry in wet and windy conditions.
The gentleman and his crew were very accommodating to those who were not as mobile as others. It was a great tour. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Thankyou for a great time.
Heartily recommend both trips. Totally professional. Felt very safe while enjoying the exciting ride, wonderful views & close ups with seals, birds & dolphins.????????
The staff were knowledgable and entertaining, the views amazing.
Find some time to do this you won't regret it
I informed the company of some unique accessibility needs prior to our tour, to ensure the safety of my client and those around her. Despite the uniqueness of our requests they were absolutely fabulous and met every need to the best of their ability. I will 100% return and would recommend this to anyone, not only was it beautiful and fun but they allowed us to make it safe for my client to enjoy.
A great experience for the whole family with plenty of dolphin and seals to see.
We travelled around 4 islands and we even saw a couple of abseilers
A perfect 90 minute 'taster' of Victor Harbour's wildlife.
We were initially booked in for a Monday tour. Whilst originally disappointed that this was postponed on Sunday due to predicted bad weather, we were ultimately grateful. Monday's weather was atrocious. Windy, choppy conditions would have made the tour really unpleasant. So, take heed those that complain about a cancelled tour it's done for good reason!
Happily, we were re-booked on a Wednesday tour and blessed with calm seas and sunny skies.
Within two minutes we were amongst the action, a big pod of dolphins who had no qualms swimming up to, and beside the boat. Great start.
We moved on to a few more little islands around Victor Harbour spotting seals and some different types of smaller dolphin playfully tracking the boat, darting back and forth in close proximity.
We then made our way along the base of Waitpinga Cliffs. Amazing. We'd walked atop them the day before (pack Aerogard!!), though to view them from the base and on the water gave a completely different perspective.
Thank you to the crew and their commentary. Informed, yet informal. Just what you hope for.
(Pro tip for those who choose the front two seats of the boat: Brilliant unobstructed views though as the boat comes to a stand-still to view the wildlife water will ebb in around your toes. So, pack a spare pair of socks or wear thongs!)
Overall, a wonderful way to spend 90 minutes in a little gem of a Harbour. Victor Harbour.
Comfortable and we sat shaded on a perfect warm day! Highly recommended!! Even my 86 yo mother loved it!
Thanks for a wonderful afternoon out.
Would 100% recommend any trip with this company
Loved the speed of the boat.
So much wonderful scenery.
Dolphins, seals and birds.






























