Private Snorkelling Charter - Swim with Seals/Dolphins/Coastal Snorkel
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Want to design a tour to suit your own needs and itinerary – look no further!
Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari can provide guests with private charters to experience the ultimate wildlife adventure in privacy and comfort.
Our 28-seater snorkelling vessel, Sea Dragon, offers an intimate private snorkelling experience with wild dolphins and seals, as well as amazing coastal views and the chance to see other marine and bird life.
Private Snorkelling Charters come in 1-, 2-, or 3-hour options with bus transfers available on request.
THE EXPERIENCE
Have the opportunity to swim with wild dolphins OR among seals and snorkel some of Kangaroo Island’s stunning coastline. It’s an amazing wildlife encounter! We provide wetsuits, mask, snorkel & fins.
Arrive at the Kangaroo Island Information Stop in Penneshaw (Howard drive) where you will be fitted into a wetsuit, mask, snorkel and flippers and provided with a safety brief. Then jump on board our 28 seater vessels in search of the marine life that inhabits the incredible coastline.
Spot the cheeky seals lounging on the rocks and playing in the water. Then it’s time to dive in! These curious seals can be quite interactive and playful and provide a fun snorkelling experience. Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari is the only operator in South Australia that provides the opportunity to swim with the Long-nosed Seals.
Search for the dolphin pods that reside in these coastal waters and take the opportunity to swim alongside them in the wild. A truly unforgettable wildlife encounter. Your friendly guide will also provide informative commentary along the way.
- Food is not permitted to be eaten onboard the vessel unless given prior approval.
- Water temperature is between 14-15 degrees. Expect it to be refreshing. We provide you with wetsuits and it’s compulsory to wear these whilst in the water. We recommend kids under 14 get fitted with 2 wetsuits.
- Please bring a warm jacket!! We will have waterproof jackets on board but you can put your warm jacket over the top when getting out the water.
- 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.
- Seal numbers vary throughout the different seasons. Numbers peak in winter and are at their lowest from Nov – Jan.
- You need to arrive at the Kangaroo Island Information Stop, 43 Howard Drive, Penneshaw, 30 minutes prior to departure. The
Information Stop is located directly opposite Christmas Cove Marina, Penneshaw, where you will depart from. - This activity is not suitable for those with a pacemaker or those who are pregnant due to the electronic devices being used in the water whilst participating in the swim.
- Children MUST be 9 years or older to participate in the swim with dolphins but children 8 years and over can participate in coastal snorkelling.
- Please note that this swim takes place in open water, therefore it is recommended you have reasonable swimming ability.
- No wheelchair access on board vessel
- 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 timeline.
Reserve your private charter using our online booking form and one of our team will be in touch shortly to go over your charter requirements. Alternatively call our offices between 8am to 6pm on 08 7082 9608 or email on bookings@kioceansafari.com.au.
PLEASE NOTE: PRIVATE CHARTERS MUST BE BOOKED A MINIMUM OF 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE
CANCELLATION POLICY
- A FULL refund is provided to guests if the tour is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances or poor weather conditions 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 via telephone confirmation on 08 7082 9607
- 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.
Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari may be required to alter your booking if weather does not permit the tour. If rescheduling is required, Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari will ring you direct to discuss.
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 & Private Charters.
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
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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.
























































