13 December 2022

Make a splash! 6 best water adventures in South Australia

From bucket list dolphin experiences to swimming with the chameleons of the sea, South Australia’s marine wildlife is mind-blowing, and easily reached from Adelaide...

4 mins

1. Swim with giant cuttlefish

Australian giant cuttlefish (Shutterstock)

Australian giant cuttlefish (Shutterstock)

Known as the chameleons of the sea, the Australian giant cuttlefish — the largest species of cuttlefish in the world — uses colour-changing cells called chromatophores to switch their patterns and colours in a fraction of a second, and it really is a sight to behold.
The annual migration of the giant cuttlefish is among the world’s most spectacular subaquatic events, and it is unique to the waters of South Australia. Between May and August, tens of thousands of giant cuttlefish gather around the Eyre Peninsula, a short 45-minute flight from Adelaide, to mate and spawn. The Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park in Whyalla is the only known place in the world where this mass congregation occurs, making it the perfect spot to engage in this incredible experience.
Although they primarily use their chromatophores to camouflage themselves in seaweed, against rock, or even among other cuttlefish, at this time of year the male puts on shapeshifting, kaleidoscopic displays to attract a mate… and dazzle snorkellers lucky enough to be in the water with them.

2. Swim with sealions

Swim with sea lions (Shutterstock)

Swim with sea lions (Shutterstock)

Enjoy the privilege of swimming with Australian sea lions in their natural environment in safe haven waters. These curious creatures, known as ‘puppy dogs’ of the sea will swim up to you and entice you to come and play as they perform summersaults and swirls, gliding effortlessly past. You can dive and play with them – that's the best way to keep them entertained.  Chasing them doesn't work. Swim away and they'll follow you. It’s a unique and memorable experience in nature’s aquatic playground of the Eyre Peninsula. This full-day adventure from Port Lincoln is suitable for all ages with snorkel and wetsuit provided.

3. Brave cage shark diving

Swim with sharks (Shutterstock)

Swim with sharks (Shutterstock)

Push yourself to the limit on an adventurous shark cage diving expedition off the coast of Port Lincoln – the only place in Australia where you can (safely) come face-to-face with Great Whites in their natural environment. The most iconic shark species in the world, Great White Sharks can grow up to seven metres long, weigh more than 3,000 kilograms and reach speeds of up to 32kph, making for unforgettable encounters from the safety of an impenetrable steel cage. Jump on board a full day boat charter from Port Lincoln with Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions or Calypso Star Charters, both eco-certified operators, and explore locations otherwise inaccessible, where Great Whites are abundant.

4. Dive with leafy sea dragons

See leafy sea dragons (Shutterstock)

See leafy sea dragons (Shutterstock)

The Leafy Sea Dragon is the marine emblem of South Australia for a good reason and they’re every bit as spectacular as their name suggests.
Australia’s southern waters represent the only place on Earth where you can reliably dive with leafy sea dragons, and one of the very best spots to see them is at Rapid Bay on the Fleurieu Peninsula, about 90 minutes’ drive from Adelaide. Sheltered from currents, the visibility here is excellent — often up to 20 metres. Seeing these green and yellow-brown fragile creatures in the wild makes for an incredible experience.

5. Swim with dolphins

Swim with dolphins (Shutterstock)

Swim with dolphins (Shutterstock)

Always dreamt of swimming with wild dolphins? A bucket list item for many wildlife lovers, joining these curious and incredibly intelligent mammals in their natural environment is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Slip into the clear, calm, protected waters of Emu Bay on a marine adventure tour from Kangaroo Island and pods of wild bottlenose dolphins residing in the area will swim right up to you to say hello.

6. Watch whales

Go whale watching (Shutterstock)

Go whale watching (Shutterstock)

From May to September each year, South Australia’s waters offer some of the best whale viewing opportunities in the world, and some of the most unique experiences to get up close with these gentle giants of the deep. On the Eyre Peninsula, take a boat tour through a whale nursery with EP Cruises and spot newly born calves learn how to swim and breach or take to the sky for a bird’s eye view of these majestic marine mammals with Chinta Air. At the Head of Bight, a protected marine park, these waters are a safe haven for over a hundred Southern Right Whales to give birth and raise their calves every year. Stroll along the purpose-built boardwalk to get so close you’ll hear their blowhole take deep breaths. The waters along the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island welcome whales on their annual migration, and Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari and Big Duck Boat Tours have your front row seats to the show.

Make it happen

 

Qatar Airways

Fly to Adelaide with Qatar Airways, named World’s Best Airline at the 2022 Skytrax Awards. Stretch out in comfort, onboard one of the youngest fleets. While you dine, sleep or watch some of the 4,000-plus entertainment options, you’re sure to enjoy the inflight experience. 

Trailfinders

A 12-night holiday to Australia with Trailfinders including flights, 3-days car hire and 4-star hotels in Adelaide, Barossa, Port Lincoln and Sydney costs from £4,029 per person (based on two sharing). Includes 3-night 4WD tour with local guide, most meals and wildlife experiences. Call Trailfinders on 020 7368 1354.

 

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