Port River Cruises
Highlights
- Experience the thrill of spotting Port River Dolphins, one of the few wild dolphin pods in an urban setting.
- Explore the haunting beauty of the Ships Graveyard, learning about historic vessels like the Santiago and Dorothy H Stirling.
- Admire the ancient mangrove forests, some of the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere, while cruising the tranquil waters.
- Join immersive cultural experiences guided by Kaurna Elder Allan Sumner, connecting with local history and heritage.
Port River Cruises provides exceptional marine cruises from Port Adelaide.
Ttours are immersive maritime experiences, highlighting the rich culture, history and abundance of wildlife only 20 minutes from Adelaide CBD. Board comfortable, under cover vessels, to view the Port River Dolphins – one of the only wild dolphin pods living within a city precinct in the world. The Port River is home to 40 resident bottlenose dolphins, with another 400 transient dolphins that visit at various times.
Visit the Ships Graveyard and delve into the histories of the ships scattered there. You will learn the history of ships such as the ‘Santiago’ the oldest iron hulled ship in existence, and the Dorothy H Stirling the largest abandoned ship within the graveyard.
An abundance of birdlife lives within the Port River and adjacent International Bird Sanctuary. Admire the 10,000-year-old mangrove forests along the way, some of the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere!
Port River Cruises departs from the heart of the Inner Harbour at Port Adelaide, located next to Port Adelaide’s iconic lighthouse and is only a short 20-minute drive from Adelaide CBD.
We provide daily marine tours, private functions, Cultural Cruises, and live-music events from our comfortable 16-seater and 32-seater covered vessels. Our vessels are safe, comfortable, with onboard toilet facilities, as well as custom-made mobility ramps to ensure all customers are catered for.
Images and Video
Tour/s
90 Minute Dolphin and Ships Graveyard Cruise
This is a must do activity when visiting Adelaide! See the iconic Ships Graveyard, the unique Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, the wonderful International Bird Sanctuary and so much more.
A Guided Tour
Sit back, relax and enjoy the views as your guide talks you through the local history, famous ships and iconic locations you are cruising through.
A Rich Maritime History
The Port Adelaide River is steeped in a rich maritime history that you will discover as you cruise along its length, seeing famous ships and locations.
The Ships Graveyard
Don’t miss out! For the first time you are able to enter Port Adelaide’s completely unique Ships Graveyard on a guided cruise. Be amazed as you cruise past giant wrecks, half-submerged in the hidden backwaters of the Port River and learn their history.
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
Enjoy cruising through the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary searching for local dolphins, one of the only wild dolphin populations living within a city. Keep an eye out for some of the famous local residents and, during the warmer months, newborn calves!
International Bird Sanctuary
Travel towards the bird sanctuary where there’s an opportunity to see migratory shorebirds, including threatened species such as Curlew sandpiper.
Port River Cultural Cruise
“Immersive Kaurna Cultural Experiences.”
Enjoy an experience out on the water learning about Kuarna Cultural History, a Cultural Awareness Workshop or Corporate Group Training with Port River Cruises.
AN ABORIGINAL ELDER GUIDE
Kaurna-Ngarringjeri-Yankunytjatjara Elder Allan Sumner will be your guide on a cruise incorporating On Country and boat-based experiences. Allan has a passionate interest in dreaming stories and is also a world-renowned artist and musician.
Customise your Cultural Tour to suit the needs of your group. If you want to discuss your options before making the booking please contact 0473 806 045 or email info@portrivercruises.com.au
HIGHLIGHTS CAN INCLUDE
• Traditional Indigenous Ceremonies
• Cultural History of the Region
• Ochre Body Art
• Live Didgeridoo Performance
• Platters of Indigenous Food
• Customisable for bespoke events, cultural awareness workshops or corporate group training.
2-Hour Dolphin and Maritime Cruise
Learn about Port Adelaide’s fascinating maritime history and its present-day rejuvenation as well as visiting the unique Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary on a guided 2-houre cruise of the Port Adelaide River.
A Rich Maritime History
The Port Adelaide River is steeped in a rich maritime history that you will discover as you cruise along its length, seeing famous ships and locations.
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
Established in 2005 the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is home to 30 residential Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins and approximately 400 transient dolphins that visit at various times.
On your cruise your guide delves into both the history of the sanctuary, the residential population, and the types of behaviours you might observe on your cruise.
Unique Ecosystems
The Port River is home to several unique ecosystems that you will pass through on your cruise including Shellfish Reefs, Intertidal Zones, Samphire Flats, Mudflats and the renowned 10,000-year-old mangrove forests.
Submarine’s Ahoy
Port Adelaide is home to Australia’s Naval Group Submarine dry dock where you can get a glimpse of these 2-billion-dollar attack class submarine’s being built and hear a little about the work that goes into constructing them.
Port River Cruises Private Charter
Port River Cruises would love to host your next function or event. Get a group together and cruise the Port River taking in all the local sights. 16-seater, 32-seater and 100-seater vessels, and drink packages available.
Current offers
Winter Discounts On A Port River Cruise
Amazing Winter Wonders with Port River Cruises
Don’t let the cooler months keep you from a fun day out! Port River Cruises is offering a 10% discount on public cruises from June 1st to August 31st 2026. Book on the website and use the promo code 10WINTER26.
Their two fantastic cruises run daily and on weekends, exploring the local marine life, maritime history and unique experiences like the Ships Graveyard.
Book now and remember to use the promo code!
Accreditations
-
ECO Certified (Nature Tourism) by Ecotourism Australia
Memberships
- Tourism Industry Council of SA
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