Emu Bay Dolphin Snorkel Tour
LOCATION Emu Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
DEPTH 2-5 Meters
WATER TEMP 14-18 Degrees
DIFFICULTY Easy
Snorkel from the back of the boat in sheltered Kangaroo Island bays.
FEATURE
Google Map data © 2024 Imagery © Airbus, CNES / Airbus, Maxar Technologies
Emu Bay Dolphin Tour
LOCATION Emu Bay, Kangaroo Island South Australia
DEPTH 2-5 Meters
WATER TEMP 14-18 Degrees
DIFFICULTY Easy
Snorkel from the back of the boat in sheltered Kangaroo Island bays.
FEATURE
Emu Bay Dolphin Snorkel Tour
Swimming with dolphins in Emu Bay on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, is a magical experience. The clear water and stunning scenery provide an ideal setting to encounter playful dolphins up close. Guided tours ensure safe and respectful interactions, making this a memorable adventure for all.
What Can I See?
- Dolphins
- Seals
- Sea Lions
- Sea Eagles
- The main goal of this tour is to swim with Kangaroos Island’s local bottlenose dolphins but you might also come across an Australian sea lion or fur seal along the way.
Getting There
Dolphin tours leave from both Emu Bay and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. Penneshaw is where the main island ferry terminal is. Emu bay is a 60 minute drive from Penneshaw – which is why it is good to have a car if you visit KI as it is a big place.
The ferry to Kangaroo Island departs from Cape Jervis which is 1 hour 40 minutes south of Adelaide.
Where & How do you get in?
This is a boat tour so entry into the water is from the boat.
Best Season
The dolphins can be seen at Kangaroo Island year round. Just be aware that it can get pretty cold during winter but your tour operator will provide wetsuits. The tours are on the north coast of the island which is protected from swells and wind most of the year.
Recommended Gear
- Tours include thick wetsuits, masks and snorkels
Parking
- Plenty of parking is available at the Emu Bay Jetty
The information for each snorkel spot is provided by people who have snorkelled there. However, snorkelling conditions change daily. Please be aware that wind, swell, tides and cloud cover can all affect visibility and your experience in the water.
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Kangaroo Island Tours
KI Marine Adventures which departs from Emu Bay. You can also try Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari that departs from Penneshaw.
Best Conditions
The dolphin swim takes place on the protected north coast of Kangaroo Island. If you feel the cold, maybe avoid going out in the water because both the air and water will be chilly. Local tour operators will check conditions and let you know if the tour is not running.
Windy Map Instructions – Click on the wind icon in the top right to see other conditions such as swell, temperature, rain. To clear the four day forecast click and close the wind icon.
Facilities at Emu Bay Jetty
Facilities on the boat will vary depending on the tour operator. The facilities below are available at the Emu Bay Jetty where you meet the tour boat.
Toilets
Picnic Tables
Parking
BBQ’s
Shade
Boat Ramp
About the Snorkel
Kangaroo Island is bursting with wildlife and that doesn’t end at the water’s edge. Not only is KI a great place to see endangered Australian sea lions, but it is also a fantastic spot to swim with the resident bottlenose dolphins.
What we loved about the dolphin snorkel on Kangaroo Island is that you go to one of their resting areas on the north coast of the island where they are in a much more chilled out mood.
We left from Emu Bay and took in some of the island’s coastal scenery and spotted some seals and eagles. We also did a couple of drops in front of cruising dolphins and got a good look at them as they swam past, but the best was still to come.
We made it to a bay called the dolphin relaxation area where there were a couple of dozen dolphins resting in shallow, crystal clear water. We quietly slid into the water and had one of the best dolphin snorkels ever.
There were so many dolphins we could easily swim near them, and they would also swim around us. We could hear their clicks and squeaks as they ‘talked’ to one another. Even though dolphins tend not to engage you like sea lions will, being able to get so close to so many of them was a magic experience.
Often the dolphins were in arms reach and it reminded us just how big they are when you see them up close. Even if you are not a snorkeller, you will get a great view of the dolphins form the boat. If you make to Kangaroo Island, this year round activity is worth putting on your list.
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