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The Fleurieu Peninsula is the totally chilled out part of South Australia. In fact, we reckon it’s the most chilled out part of the whole of Australia! But it’s also got its adventurous side!
With boat trips, ocean tours, river tours, boat rides, jet skis, swimming with Tuna, canoeing, kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and fishing charters, there really is an adventure waiting for everyone on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Where is the Fleurieu Peninsula?
Fleurieu Peninsula, located just 45 minutes south of Adelaide is a popular holiday destination for South Australians, and it’s not hard to see why.
With so much ocean surrounding the peninsula, we really are spoilt for choice when it comes to getting out on the water! With so many things to do, boat trips, water sports and ways to just enjoy the outdoors, the hardest part will be deciding what to do.
Here’s our Top 10 Fleurieu Peninsula Boat Trips and Water Sports:
1. Big Duck Tours
Big Duck Tours is one of the popular boat tours, not just in the Fleurieu Peninsula, but in South Australia. It is located in the holiday destination of Victor Harbor.
This all year-round operation shows off the gorgeous scenery around Victor Harbour and the peninsula, its remote islands and the wildlife that calls it home.
The Seal Island Tour lasts for 45 minutes, taking in views of Seal Island and Wright Island.
The Southern Ocean Adventure is for those wanting more from the tour, lasting 90 minutes. This ultimate boat trip in the Fleurieu Peninsula explores the local area including The Bluff, West Island, Waitpinga Cliffs as well as other islands. You will see an abundance of wildlife on this tour including seals, sea lions, dolphins and whales when they are in season (May-October).
They also offer a shorter Calm Sea Experience for those not wanting to go out into the open ocean waters. This is a great way to still see Victor Harbour from a different perspective!
With an informative guide, their 11.3-metre Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) handles the ocean waves like a dream. Especially when it picks up a bit of speed! With its full sun protection and being able to carry up to 27 passengers, it makes for a great family adventure. And because it is a smaller boat, it means you can get closer to the islands and wildlife for even better views and photo opportunities.
Find out more on their website, including their whale sighting logs. Also, why not explore the opportunity for arranging transport from Adelaide to Victor Harbour for you as part of the tour.
2. Spirit of the Coorong Cruises
Explore the tranquillity and solitude of The Coorong, the Fleurieu Peninsula’s hidden gem. With its calm waters and vast wetland ecosystem of ocean, beaches, lakes, estuaries, lagoons and the Mighty Murray river mouth, there is plenty to see.
Spirit of the Coorong Cruise is a well-loved local tour company. Departing from the Main Wharf in Goolwa, they will keep you entertained whichever cruise you may choose. Onboard their vessel, you can enjoy the views from seats inside, or head to the open-air upper deck with seating to really take it all in.
For those who are Storm Boy fans, this is the region both the original and latest film were made. Cruise past the 2 boats used as stage props and take a moment to yourself to visualise the beauty and adventure of this popular, award-winning movie.
The Coorong Adventure Cruise is their signature tour, lasting 6 hours. It takes you into the heart of the Coorong National Park. With guided walks, lunch and afternoon tea, there is plenty of time for exploring and relaxing.
The Discovery Tour is 3.5 hours, also takes you into Coorong National Park. With a guided walk across the peninsula, lunch and afternoon tea, there are plenty of scenic opportunities to relax as you cruise along the peaceful waters.
For a shorter cruise experience, the 2 hour Murray Mouth Cruise takes you along the Coorong sand dunes, where you can hop off at the Murray Mouth for a wander before cruising back to Goolwa.
Selected Spirit of the Coorong cruises run all year round – find out more on their website and book online.
3. Cruise The Coorong
The Coorong is a popular area to explore in the Fleurieu Peninsula and Cruise The Coorong offers its Ultimate Cruise for everyone to enjoy. They depart during the week and weekends from the Main Wharf in Goolwa.
Relax on this 6.5-hour cruise that allows you to experience the Coorong National Park, take guided bush tucker walks, dig for cockles, take in views of the Coorong seal colony and visit an Aboriginal midden site. This tour really is about taking in everything the Coorong has to offer.
This smaller tour with just 14 passengers, with morning/afternoon tea, lunch and drinks provided, is an intimate experience, with expert commentary throughout.
Cruise The Coorong operates most of the year (excluding June, July and August). Find out more and book online at their website.
4. Oceanic Victor
Swim with Tuna in South Australia’s in-sea aquarium at Victor Harbor. This amazing experience moved down from Port Lincoln in 2017 and is definitely one to tick off the bucket list for all the family.
Southern Bluefin Tuna are one of the fastest fish in the ocean. Grab the opportunity to experience being amongst them, seeing how fast they feed from your hand, getting up close and personal! And it’s not just Tuna – there are over 40 species of marine life including Snapper, Salmon and Starfish.
Taking the boat from Granite Island to the aquarium platform is a great experience in itself. And if you don’t fancy getting wet, you can enjoy the underwater observatory instead. No fishing allowed!
Check out more on their website and start planning your ultimate Oceanic experience!
5. Goolwa Jetski
Jetski hire in South Australia is a rare find so don’t miss this opportunity if you are in the Fleurieu Peninsula.
With a dedicated area to ski in, the best bit is that a boat licence isn’t required if you stay within this area. Being about the size of an oval footy field, it’s big enough to still have some serious fun! If you want to carry a passenger, you will need a boat licence.
If you want a bit more adventure and do have a boat licence, why not hire one for the day or half a day and go exploring! This is a new service offered and with 3 seaters, 2 seaters and single freestyle skis available. This is a perfect way to spend a day on the water.
If you do have a boat licence, we recommend hiring and taking one out at your own leisure. Whilst this is a great experience for those who haven’t done it before, you are restricted to going around in laps.
Jet ski lessons are available as well as dinky rides for the kids and canoe hire.
Jet skis are available to hire all year round. Find out more on their website. And don’t forget to give the FAQs a glance before booking.
6. Canoe The Coorong
As well as the above-mentioned cruises, kayaking in the Coorong National Park allows you to get even closer to its hidden delights.
Canoe The Coorong offer a number of different tours for all abilities, departing from Hindmarsh Island, near Goolwa. They offer a Coorong Tour, a 3-hour Sunset Tour, an Overnight Tour as well as a Winter Kayak Adventure! With over 140 km of wetlands, it is unlikely you’ll see the same thing twice as you explore the spectacular saltwater lagoons, in its protected waters.
Canoe The Coorong also offer a range of kayaking equipment for hire, by the hour or the day. And if you really want to make an adventure of it, they hire tents and camping accessories to really allow you to soak in the Coorong.
Read more at this Weekend Notes article with some great photos of one of their tours.
For more information, check out their website.
7. NB Scuba
Situated in the gorgeous McLaren Vale, close to Port Noarlunga, NB Scuba offer PADI courses and tours to some of the best diving sites in South Australia. As a small company, they can offer a personalised service, making sure your experience is the best one.
Find out more on their website.
8. EMS Snorkelling
Experience Marine Sanctuaries (EMS) offer professional snorkel instructors on guided snorkelling tours, many in the Fleurieu Peninsula.
These tours are a great opportunity to learn more about the amazing South Australian marine life.
Not only is it a great experience to improve or advance your snorkelling skills, but also to learn about how to help protect marine environments and marine park sanctuary zones. For those new to snorkelling, they also offer lessons within a safe pool environment to build confidence.
Tours and experiences are held throughout the summer months across South Australia, as well as special tours such as the Cuttlefest tour near Whyalla in June/July.
If you enjoy snorkelling with the safety of others around and learning about new marine environments, this is an ideal experience for you.
Find out more about their upcoming tours and what to expect on their website or Facebook page.
9. Surf & Sun
Surf & Sun is a popular name throughout South Australia. Their main regular locations in the Fleurieu Peninsula are Middleton Beach, which is a perfect place to learn to surf. And Moana Beach, which is ideal for learner waves.
Surf & Sun take pride in offering a learn to surf experience, not just a lesson. And they aren’t just an award-winning surf school. They also offer e-books, videos, photos, new equipment and expert surf instruction to get you being a pro in no time!
Surf hire equipment is also available if you want to go it alone. Surfboards, stand-up paddleboards, wetsuits, snorkel equipment and even bikes are available to help you get around and explore.
For even more adventure, they hold a number of surf camps, retreats and day tours from Adelaide so you really can enjoy the whole of your visit to South Australia.
For more information, check out their website or Facebook page.
10. Fishing Charters
Fleurieu Charters
Fleurieu Charters depart from Cape Jervis, at the Southerly tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula. They have over 30 years worth of experience fishing in these waters. If you’ve never heard of the Backstairs Passage, it is a popular spot for fishermen and women between the mainland and Kangaroo Island. Known for its Snapper, King George Whiting, Southern Bluefin Tuna, Salmon, Trevally, Squid and Yellowtail Kingfish, it’s a perfect day out for that perfect catch!
Find out more on their website and details on how to book.
Where to find them?
What’s your favourite adventure on the Fleurieu Peninsula? What are you planning next? We’d love to hear about your experiences and share with others all the best bits!
Let us know in the comments below.
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