The Big Duck Boat Tours
Highlights
- Experience breathtaking views of dramatic cliffs and secluded beaches while cruising the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula coastline.
- Encounter Southern Right Whales and dolphins in their natural habitat during peak whale season from June to September.
- Embrace the thrill of open-ocean adventures or enjoy a calm cruise along sheltered waters departing from Victor Harbor.
- Connect with nature on eco-certified tours that highlight the rich biodiversity of Encounter Marine Park.
Join The Big Duck Boat Tours for an unforgettable ocean adventure on South Australia’s wild southern coast. Cruise past spectacular cliffs, offshore islands, and secluded beaches aboard a 12.5-metre expedition-style RIB (rigid inflatable boat), and encounter Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, dolphins, endangered sea lions, and long-nosed fur seals in their natural environment.
Just an hour from Adelaide, The Big Duck is the Fleurieu Peninsula’s leading marine wildlife tour operator, offering eco-certified, family-friendly boat tours that connect visitors with the rich biodiversity of Encounter Marine Park. Whale sightings peak from June to September, making winter the perfect time to explore the region by sea.
Departing from Victor Harbor and seasonally from Wirrina Cove, tours cater to both thrill-seekers and those after a calm, scenic cruise. Victor Harbor departures offer exhilarating open-ocean experiences, while Wirrina Cove provides sheltered cruising along the stunning north-western Fleurieu coast.
Founded in 2010 and proudly family-owned, The Big Duck Boat Tours has earned multiple tourism accolades, including Gold in Ecotourism at the 2023 and 2024 South Australian Tourism Awards, and continues to lead in sustainable, nature-based marine tourism.
Whether you’re a wildlife lover, adventurer, or visiting with family, The Big Duck offers an unmatched winter experience along South Australia’s coastline.
Images and Video
Tour/s
Seal Island Tour
Embrace the crisp coastal air and quieter crowds of Victor Harbor in winter with The Big Duck’s 45-minute Seal Island wildlife tour. Departing from the Granite Island Causeway, this short but exhilarating cruise explores the spectacular offshore islands and rugged cliffs of the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Get up close to Australian Sea Lions as they haul out on Seal Island’s rocky shores, and witness the playful behaviour of Long-nosed Fur Seals in the cool southern waters. Cruise past Wright Island, known for regular sightings of Bottlenose Dolphins gliding through the surf.
This eco-certified marine tour is the perfect winter escape for nature lovers, families, and photographers seeking authentic, up-close encounters with local marine life. Just an hour from Adelaide, it’s a must-do for anyone exploring the region in the cooler months.
Southern Ocean Adventure
Discover the wild beauty of the Fleurieu Peninsula this winter on The Big Duck’s 90-minute Southern Ocean Adventure Tour, departing from Victor Harbor. Cruise through the breathtaking Encounter Marine Park, where dramatic cliffs, remote beaches, and offshore islands set the scene for an unforgettable wildlife experience.
This exhilarating open-ocean journey offers the chance to spot Bottle-nose Dolphins, endangered Australian Sea Lions, and Long-nosed Fur Seals in their natural habitat. During winter, there’s also the possibility of sighting migrating Southern Right or Humpback Whales as they pass through the region’s coastal waters.
Aboard our 12.5-metre expedition-style rigid inflatable boat, you’ll explore areas inaccessible by land while learning about the marine environment from passionate local guides. With crisp air, quieter seas, and vibrant marine life, winter is the ideal time to explore Victor Harbor from the water.
Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, just an hour from Adelaide.
Sea Wirrina Tour
Experience the beauty of the Fleurieu Peninsula with Big Duck Boat Tours on a captivating 75-minute cruise along its stunning coastline. Witness dramatic cliffs meeting vibrant turquoise waters as you journey past picturesque beach spots like Second Valley and Rapid Bay.
Discover the charm of the historic Rapid Bay Jetty before venturing to Rapid Head, a haven for wildlife. Here, encounter endangered Australian Sea Lions and playful Long-nosed Fur Seals in their natural habitat, making for an unforgettable close-up with nature.
This scenic adventure offers breathtaking views, fascinating wildlife encounters, and an appreciation of the diverse ecosystems that make this coastline so unique. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike!
Operates: 12pm on Saturday, Sunday, and Thursday (subject to availability).
Accreditations
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ECO Certified (Advanced Ecotourism) by Ecotourism Australia
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ECO Certified (Ecotourism) by Ecotourism Australia
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EcoStar Accreditation
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Quality Tourism Accreditation
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Sustainable Tourism Accreditation by ATIC
Memberships
- Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
- Tourism Industry Council of SA
- Visitor Information Centre
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