Granite Island Nature Park South Australia Australia

Granite Island Nature Park operate sea based whale watching tours during the whale season and dolphin, seal and Granite Island cruises at other times, guided penguin tours and a fully interpreted and guided tour of the Below Decks Oceanarium.

Touring Options

Guided Penguin Tour – GINP03

The ever-popular Guided Penguin Walks continue to be a favourite with visitors to this area. The tour commences at dusk every night, and begins with a viewing of the Penguin Centre. Participants then form small groups and accompany a professionally trained guide to view the penguins as they come ashore after a days fishing. The penguins make their way to their burrows where they can be seen displaying various behaviours, depending on the time of year. These behaviours may include feeding chicks, nest building, courting and mating. Guides will interpret the biology, ecology, behaviours and adaptations of these charismatic creatures.

. Operates:
. Daily at dusk.

Sea Based Whale Watching Tour – GINP02

Come aboard and experience the magnificent Southern Right Whales up close. These wonderful creatures are as interested in us as we are with them and will often come over to the boat to investigate. Our cruise vessel Seafarer II is capable of carrying 34 passengers and we depart from the Granite Island Jetty daily. The tour takes you along the beautiful scenic coastlines of Encounter Bay. We visit West Island where you will view New Zealand Fur Seals playing in the water and basking in the sun. As we cruise back to Granite Island, a dozen or so playful dolphins will swim with the boat. The tour lasts for approximately two hours and is one you will have memories of forever. Whale watching season is from approximately June until October. When it is not whale season, we still offer the Dolphin, Seal and Island Cruise. This tour is slightly shorter and is a great way to see Encounter Bay’s magnificent marine life in warmer weather.

. Operates:
. Daily, 1100 and 1400.

Below Decks Oceanarium Tour – GINP01

This is South Australia’s only under sea real life look at sharks, rays and our own southern seas fish species. Professionally trained guides identify the different species, interpret behaviour and adaptations, discuss biology, and look at the importance of aquaculture and the local fishing industry. Strategically moored off Screwpile Jetty, it allows a short but fun trip on our boat Just Cruisin. Watching the sharks feeding and fish swimming about is an experience not to be missed by visitors to this area. It is an opportunity to come up close and personal with some of the most amazing creatures of the ocean. Some of the species you may see include – Eagle Rays, Elephant Fish, Port Jackson Shark, Wobbegongs, Giant Eleven Armed Starfish, Melbourne Skates and the list goes on.

. Operates:
. Hourly tours depart Monday to Friday from 1200 and from 1100 on weekends and public holidays for approximately 50 minutes.