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Kangaroo Island Reef Resilience Project Survey
Highlights
- Explore Kangaroo Island's vibrant marine ecosystems while contributing to vital research on reef resilience and recovery.
- Document resilient species during guided snorkel surveys, gaining hands-on experience in marine ecology and conservation efforts.
- Savour a gourmet lunch amidst stunning coastal views, enhancing your adventure with local flavours and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Enjoy hassle-free access with provided snorkelling gear, towels, and sunscreen, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable day on the water.
The Kangaroo Island Reef Resilience Project is a hands-on citizen science experience exploring Kangaroo Island’s marine environments in response to the harmful algal bloom affecting South Australia’s Great Southern Reef.
This large-scale event has impacted more than 20,000 km² of reef and seagrass habitat, with long-term ecological effects still unknown.
Guests are invited to take part in documenting what remains within these ecosystems. Rather than focusing only on loss, the project highlights what persists – identifying resilient species, observing ecological change, and tracking early signs of recovery.
Supported by RAD KI’s five-year pre-disturbance dataset, this experience offers a rare opportunity to compare marine life before, during and after the bloom.
Through guided snorkel surveys, species identification and photographic records, participants actively contribute to real-world data collection, supporting ongoing research and future ecosystem management.
No prior experience is needed – we walk you through the methods we use in the field, combining real data collection with practical insight into local marine ecology.
This tour includes : gourmet lunch, water bottles, snorkelling equipment, towels, spray jackets, sunscreen.
Itinerary highlights
Snug Cove
Snug Cove sits along the rugged north-west coastline of Kangaroo Island, where towering sea cliffs meet deep, clear water. These cliffs—among the highest in South Australia—expose layers of ancient geology shaped by constant Southern Ocean swell.
On the right day, the cove offers a rare pocket of shelter along an otherwise exposed coast. The steep cliffs provide ideal habitat for coastal raptors, with white-bellied sea eagles often seen soaring overhead and eastern ospreys nesting on narrow ledges.
Seabirds are constant here—cormorants, gulls and terns moving between cliff and sea. Below, reefs and drop-offs support a rich marine environment. Dolphins regularly pass through, and both long-nosed fur seals and Australian sea lions can be found nearby.
Remote and inaccessible by land, Snug Cove remains one of the island’s more untouched coastal pockets, where geology and wildlife come together in a way that feels distinctly Kangaroo Island.
Tour details
- On demand
Features
Service facilities
This business does not currently offer accessible facilities.
Operation information
Research and Discovery Coastal Tours, Kangaroo Island (RAD KI)
Based at Stokes Bay, Research and Discovery Coastal Tours, Kangaroo Island (RAD KI) offers personalised and authentic marine and land tours on Kangaroo Island, providing a unique blend of adventure, wildlife and volunteer research tourism.
Owned and operated by local, experienced eco-guides Ro and Phil, RAD KI is driven by a deep knowledge of the natural environment and its inhabitants.
Blending citizen science and nature exploration, RAD KI focuses on engaging and educating visitors, facilitating hands-on data collection in rarely explored, ecologically sensitive areas and fostering a deep connection to environment and country.
RAD KI holds a South Australian Marine Mammals Interaction Permit, allowing guests to get up close and personal with sea-lions, seals and dolphins, and even enter the water with them under the right conditions.
Activities
Tags
Accreditations
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ECO Certified (Ecotourism) by Ecotourism Australia
- Marine Tourism Accreditation
Memberships
- Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
- SA – Tourism Kangaroo Island
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