About Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
The Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is a protected marine area covering 118.75 sq km of the Port River and Barker Inlet estuary in Port Adelaide, South Australia. Established in 2005, it protects a resident population of around 30 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, along with mangroves, seagrass beds, saltmarsh and tidal flats. It is one of few sanctuaries in the world located within a major city and working port environment.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a sheltered estuarine waterway surrounded by mangroves, tidal creeks, mudflats and port infrastructure. The main experience is observing wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins from the water or shore. Visitors can explore via guided kayak tours, dolphin-watching cruises, or from lookouts and boat ramps at Garden Island and Port Adelaide. The area also offers birdwatching, photography and interpretation of the estuarine ecosystem. There are no captive dolphins; all sightings are of wild animals and are not guaranteed.
Key highlights
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Resident population of wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in Port River and Barker Inlet
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Extensive mangrove forests and estuarine ecosystem with seagrass and saltmarsh habitats
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Guided kayak tours and dolphin-watching cruises departing from Port Adelaide and Garden Island
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