Top Water Adventures and Experiences Around Adelaide

Some say Adelaide does water better than anywhere else, and they might just be right. This is a city surrounded by the stuff in every direction. It’s part of what makes the city so special. Read on for ideas to make the most of Adelaide’s water adventures, from fishing and diving to paddleboarding and much more.

Adelaide: Where Water Leads the Way

Water has a way of shaping life in Adelaide. And it’s never far, no matter where you are.

In the heart of the city, the River Torrens winds past parklands and cafés, perfect for an easy paddle or a stroll by the water. To the west, the Gulf St Vincent stretches out in shades of blue, lined with long, golden beaches. Glenelg, Henley, Semaphore and everything in between are ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or a sunset swim.

Head south and the SA coast turns wilder, with crashing surf, rugged headlands, and whales cruising past Victor Harbor in winter.

But there’s more. Venture inland from the city and the Murray River takes over, carving through red cliffs and quiet wetlands alive with birdlife. Stretching more than 650 kilometres through South Australia, it’s the country’s longest river and a lifeline for countless towns and wildlife along its banks.

Adelaide’s connection to the water runs deep, and the following experiences show it best.

Where to stay

• Nestled just steps from the sand, The George Hotel, Glenelg blends coastal charm and modern design in Adelaide’s most famous coastal suburb, making it a perfect base from which to launch aquatic adventures.

• In contrast, Mantra Tonsley Adelaide, located near Flinders University and the southern beaches, offers sleek, contemporary comfort and easy transit access to both city and coastal spots.

Book now and enjoy 25% off* at select hotels across Australia, including Melbourne, the Barossa Valley, the Sunshine Coast and more.

Water Adventures and Experiences Around Adelaide

Swimming at Never-Ending Beaches

Starting simple yet strong; swimming. Adelaide is one of those Australian cities where you’re entirely spoilt for choice when it comes to ‘where to swim’. One thing is for sure though, wherever you go, it will be outstandingly beautiful.

Glenelg is the classic, easy to reach by tram, with calm water and plenty of cafés for a post-swim drink (and optional ice cream). Henley Beach has a laid-back charm and a jetty made for sunset fishing, while Semaphore stretches wide and quiet, perfect for families or long walks.

Further south, Brighton and Seacliff are treasured favourites for early morning swims, weekend picnics and simply anything you enjoy doing at the beach. If you’re after something a little wilder, the trick is to head further south. Port Willunga and Sellicks Beach on the Fleurieu Peninsula offer turquoise shallows and dramatic cliffs, certainly close enough for a day trip, but far enough to feel like a mini escape.

Chasing Breaks Near the City

South Australia flies under the radar for surfing. That’s not to say you have to go far to find just about every wave you could dream of. Adelaide’s coastline hides more than a few gems.

Moana Beach is the go-to for beginners, with gentle waves and an easygoing crowd, then a little further south, Southport offers more power and clean breaks when the swell’s right.

Middleton Beach near Port Elliot is one of South Australia’s most reliable surf spots, great for long rides and some awesome surf schools. For something much wilder, Waitpinga Beach delivers bigger waves and a rugged, untamed backdrop, though it’s best left to experienced surfers.

But don’t limit your surfing adventures to only these beaches, there are many in between which serve up just as good an experience, and the best part is, you’ll often have the place to yourself.

Exploring Adelaide Underwater

You don’t need to travel far from your favourite Adelaide cafe to dive into a whole different world. Adelaide’s coastline hides some of the best snorkelling and diving in South Australia. Dare to venture beneath the surface and you will be rewarded!

For easy-to-reach snorkelling spots, Port Noarlunga Reef is the best place to start. Just a short swim from the jetty, you’ll find bright corals, sponges, and schools of fish darting through the clear water. In fact, the Port Noarlunga Reef Underwater Trail makes it even more interesting here, guiding snorkellers and divers along a series of underwater markers that highlight the area’s marine life.

Further south, Second Valley is a local winner; calm, sheltered, and full of rocky coves that are perfect for an afternoon snorkel between beachside picnics. You definitely don’t have to be a diver here. Even in the shallows, there’s plenty to see.

For divers, Rapid Bay Jetty is the real star, famous for its crystal-clear water and the chance to spot the elusive leafy seadragon, a delicate, camouflaged species found only in South Australia. Meanwhile, Aldinga Reef further south reveals dramatic drop-offs and colourful sponges for those with more experience.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding Along the Coast

Rather glide than dive? We understand. Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to get out on Adelaide’s water. The calm bays of Seacliff, Glenelg, and Port Noarlunga are ideal for beginners, with smooth conditions and plenty of hire spots right by the beach.

On still mornings, the River Torrens also offers a surprisingly peaceful paddle through the heart of the city, with pelicans, parklands, and skyline views all included.

For something a little more out there, head south to the Myponga Reservoir or even venture to the Murray River, where glassy stretches of water wind through native bush and open countryside. Adelaide’s gentle mix of rivers and coastline means every paddle feels a little different. and always worth the dip.

Whale Watching from Victor Harbor

Winter might not be the season for swimming, but it’s the best time to spot some of South Australia’s hugest visitors. Between May and October, southern right whales migrate along the coast, often coming close enough to shore that you can watch them from clifftop lookouts.

The Fleurieu Peninsula is the prime viewing area. Victor Harbor, Port Elliot, and Middleton are all reliable spots to see mothers and calves rolling in the shallows, and on some days you might have multiple sightings.

For a closer look, boat tours like the Big Duck Boat Tours in Victor Harbor take you out onto the open water for a chance to see the whales up close (but within regulations), along with dolphins, seals, and sea birds.

And even if you prefer to stay on land, the elevated viewpoints around Encounter Bay and The Bluff offer sweeping views and the thrill of spotting a tail flick or spray in the distance. It’s one of those rare winter experiences that makes you embrace the cold wind and the spray.

Murray River Houseboating

There’s no better way to experience the true sounds, sites and atmosphere of the Murray River than by houseboat. This is slow travel at its best.

You can hire a houseboat from towns like Mannum, Renmark, Loxton, or Murray Bridge, all just a few hours from the city. Most boats come fully equipped with kitchens, bedrooms, and rooftop decks, some even have spas, and you don’t need a boat licence to captain one.

After a quick safety briefing, you’re free to cruise at your own pace, mooring wherever the view takes your fancy. Days drift by with swimming, fishing, and stargazing from the deck, surrounded by red cliffs, river gums, and the quiet rhythm of the water.

It’s the kind of trip that feels a world away, even though you’re not far from Adelaide itself.

Meeting Dolphins near Glenelg

A short cruise from Glenelg takes you into waters beautiful where wild dolphins are a daily sight. And to get there, Temptation Sailing is your best bet.

Based at Holdfast Shores Marina, Temptation Sailing runs catamaran tours that bring you close to these curious, playful animals in their natural environment. You can stay dry on deck and watch them weave through the waves, or join the swim experience and float alongside as they pass by. The crew keeps the encounters calm and respectful to the dolphins, making it a relaxed, memorable way to connect with Adelaide’s coastal wildlife.

Tours run from September to April, when the gulf is warm and the dolphins are most active (and when the weather is much more pleasant!).

Cruising the Murray River

A Murray river cruise is all about slowing down, drifting past red cliffs, quiet backwaters, and the easy rhythm of river life. You’ll want to head to Mannum for this, which is the main departure point, with everything from one-hour scenic trips to multi-day paddlewheeler journeys on offer.

The historic PS Marion offers short and overnight cruises aboard a beautifully restored steam vessel here, while the grand PS Murray Princess takes things up a notch with three to seven-night itineraries that include onboard dining and guided shore excursions.

If you’ve got work on Monday, Four Knots Murray River Cruises runs relaxed daytime trips that glide past ochre cliffs and quiet backwaters filled with birdlife.

The main point is, cruising the Murray isn’t about getting somewhere; it’s about watching the landscape unfold at its own pace.

Mangrove Kayaking

Not all of Adelaide’s paddling happens on open water. Just north of the city, the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Garden Island mangroves provide one of the most peaceful kayaking experiences around.

Narrow waterways wind through tangled roots and salt flats, home to pelicans, herons, and even the occasional stingray gliding beneath your kayak. The real highlight, though, is the chance to spot wild bottlenose dolphins, which often swim through the sanctuary’s calm channels.

Local operators like Adventure Kayaking SA run guided tours that explore the mangrove tunnels and nearby ship graveyard, where rusted hulls sit half-submerged in the shallows. It’s a gentle paddle; quiet, close to nature, and just 30 minutes from the city.

Fishing & Wildlife Watching

Adelaide is surrounded by some of the best fishing spots in South Australia, from ocean jetties to calm rivers and reservoirs.

Along the coast, Glenelg Jetty, Brighton Jetty, and Semaphore are popular for whiting, garfish, and squid, while further south, Sellicks Beach and Port Noarlunga offer excellent surf fishing.

Inland, the Murray River is popular with locals chasing carp, an introduced species that’s abundant and can be legally kept, while native fish like callop (golden perch) and Murray cod are strictly protected in SA’s section of the river.

Make sure you always check local rules before you go you’ll need a Recreational Fishing Licence for some inland waters, and there are strict limits on what you can catch, where, and when.

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