Dolphin Explorer Cruises

Went on the cruise for a work function. We departed at 11:30am and arrived back at 1:50pm. So a good way to waste a few hours.
On board we were treated to a meal and desert with tea, coffee, oj and some soft drink.
They had quite a few choices including reg faves such as fish n chips and beef or chicken schnitzel. Vego spring rolls for the vegetarians. Cake, cheesecake or pavlova for desert options.
I chose the chicken schnitzel and pavlova. The main meal was a decent size and filled me up nicely but I couldn’t not eat my desert right? A perfect little individual pavlova. The food was pretty good but the main thing very filling. Dont think ill need dinner.
On board bar that serves alcohol and cans of drink. I chose a coke because I was working boooo!
Although we didn’t see any dolphins (pretty choppy out there) the cruise was pleasent and I only felt it rock a few times. We did see a group of jellyfish however when getting off the boat onto dry land. I stood there for 5 mins watching them.
The captain said they weren’t poisonous but I wasnt game enough to test his word.
Had a great time plus got paid for being there.
#winning!

Went on a lunch cruise today for a 92 year old birthday (my nana’s!) After reading the other reviews was a bit scared of what would end upwith for lunch. No fear though–
it was really good and excellent value for money. I had the battered fish with chips and salad. Fish was best have had for ages, crunchy and yummy. Other meals
all looked OK too For $ 18 for the cruise and lunch you can’t really go wrong.
We didn’t actually see many dolphin’s. The weather may have been to blame as it was wet and windy but still a pleasant way to spend 2 hours and catch up with the relatives.

I took this cruise with a few friends just for something to do. I have to say, I had a pretty good time. It wasn’t anything amazing, but it was a decent trip.
The cruise is pretty smooth, the food is a bit average but the atmosphere was what it was all about. Being surrounded by the water and excited dolphin watchers. It’s not really my thing, but when you’re in the middle of it you can’t help but get drawn in.
We saw a few of them when we got fairly far out along the river. Even if you’re not interested you just can’t look away from them. They’re pretty fascinating creatures.
Would I have enjoyed this cruise if I didn’t have all of those other people around me? Well, like I said, dolphins really aren’t my thing so I would have to say no.
The moral of the story is, take some mates or your family. Especially the kids. They’ll love it!

I had family from overseas who came to visit me and we spontaneously decided to head to Port Adelaide. I had never been there before myself and now I know why. A Dolphin Cruise is pretty much the only thing you can do in this ghost town but even that was a bit of a let down. I knew in advance that there wasn’t too much to see on the river and apart from some containers and ships, that was as exciting as it got. It’s probably not the worst cruise route you can find, especially if you’re interested in all that stuff but don’t think you will see any nice sights. Also, I thought with 2h duration it was a bit of a drag.
The ship itself was fine though, heaps of space spread over 3 decks, clean toilets, friendly staff and a dining area downstairs. They sell all sorts of drinks (inc. beer and wine) and fast food like battered or grilled fish and chips. Most dishes cost $ 10, which is quite good but don’t expect anything of high quality.
We also saw a couple of dolphins on the way, something that I — personally — don’t find that exciting but at least it fulfilled the promise of the ‘dolphin cruise’.
I’d recommend this cruise for families because I saw a lot of kids being very excited. Other than that, head elsewhere than Port Adelaide. I don’t think it’s worth the detour.

I went on a Port Princess dolphin cruise and did not see one single dolphin in the two hours I spent on the boat.
But the trip was only eight bucks per adult a $ 6 per kid — and it’s not the company’s fault if the dolphins don’t fancy swimming up to say hello.
COMMENTARY
However, the trip was not spent in silence. The skipper gave a running commentary on landmarks we passed. Unfortunately the speaker sound was a little distorted.
It was a hot, sticky day with little wind in the first hour of our trip and the best place to hear the commentary was just in front of the skipper on the sun deck at the front of the boat.
I’d move to the front to hear him better only for him to stop talking, so I’d move to the air-​conditioned comfort inside the top deck, only for him to speak again.
Once the wind got up I stayed on the sun deck and was able to enjoy the skipper’s commentary for the rest of the trip.
He was also very good with the little kids aboard and let them have a turn on the mic.
BOAT LAYOUT
The top deck is opened but air-​conditioned, with the exception of the sun decks.
There are benches all around the sides of the deck and white plastic seats scattered around, as well as stacked green seats.
There are dining tables downstairs and a meals hatch where the staff sell alcoholic and non-​alcoholic drinks and snacks and more substantial meals.
LOCATION
The boat leaves from outside markets to near the lighthouse.
TOUR TIMES
Tour times tend to run from 11am and 1.30pm, but contact Port Princess, or check online, or at the kiosk or tourist information centre to confirm because there are sometimes cruises outside of these hours.

Situated just across the Fishermen’s Wharf, the Port Princess cruise is a great way to view the historic Port River. Adults pay $ 10 ($ 16 for main course lunch) and kids only $ 6 ($ 14 for main course lunch).
The captains guides you through the tour and points out old buildings, old quarantine stations, ships and nearby sights as you cruise along the river.
Apart from lunches, they also do afternoon tea and dinner. The vessel has a main dining room deck and a covered upper sun deck to spot dolphins and take in the fresh sea air.
They do corporate events, weddings and other functions here especially during Christmas, New Year and Easter. Check out their website or Facebook for current updates.