15 Best Tours & Experiences In Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is a natural wonderland of rugged coastlines, stunning rock formations, and abundant wildlife. Unlike many other destinations, this island offers a rich variety of hands-on experiences—whether you want to spot koalas in the wild, cruise alongside dolphins, or explore remote sand dunes. We particularly love the Kangaroo Island 75-Minute Coastal Safari for its lively marine wildlife sightings and the Small-Group Buggy Tour at Little Sahara for its pulse-racing adventure through untouched landscapes. Both tours showcase the island’s wild side and promise a memorable connection with nature. For a truly comprehensive day, the Kangaroo Island Scenic Nature and Wildlife Day Tour offers a perfect overview of key highlights, including seals, Remarkable Rocks, and Admirals Arch.

Below, you’ll find a curated list of the 15 best tours and experiences on Kangaroo Island, covering everything from wildlife encounters to scenic explorations and outdoor adventures. Each offers a unique way to see this extraordinary place—helping you choose what’s best for your interests, fitness level, and time constraints.

1. Kangaroo Island 75-Minute Coastal Safari

This 75-minute cruise departs from Christmas Cove, offering an engaging glimpse of Kangaroo Island’s stunning coastline. As you cruise, your guide provides live commentary about local marine wildlife, including dolphins, seals, and sea eagles. The boat ride is well-suited for busy travelers, fitting easily into a half-day itinerary. Life vests, spray jackets, sunscreen, and baby harnesses are provided, making it accessible and comfortable for most.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on wildlife viewing from the water—you’ll see dolphins and seals in their natural environment, all while enjoying informative narration. Many visitors mention how they loved spotting dolphins and sea lions, with one saying, “The ocean tour was great. We saw dolphins, sea lions and had a thoroughly nice time.” It’s perfect for families or anyone wanting a relaxed marine adventure with a good chance of seeing sea eagles and seabirds overhead.

Bottom Line: A short, friendly tour that offers excellent wildlife sightings, educational commentary, and a chance to enjoy Kangaroo Island’s coast without breaking the bank.

2. Small-Group Buggy Tour at Little Sahara with Guide

For around $105, the Small-Group Buggy Tour at Little Sahara delivers an adventurous ride through some of Kangaroo Island’s most inaccessible landscapes. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll cruise over 500-year-old gum forests, sand dunes, and rugged cliffs. Helmet and goggles are provided, and the tour guarantees sightings of koalas, with many reviews mentioning multiple koala sightings plus kangaroos and other wildlife.

This tour not only offers adrenaline-pumping fun but also educational insights—your guide shares stories about the area’s natural history and ecology. Many reviewers appreciated how personalized the experience was, with one saying, “Candice was a fun guide and we learned a lot about koalas and the dunes.” The ride covers inland forests, beaches, and cliff-tops, giving a rare look at Kangaroo Island’s wild interior.

Bottom Line: Perfect for outdoor lovers who want an off-road thrill combined with wildlife spotting and insights into the island’s natural past.

3. Kangaroo Island Scenic Nature and Wildlife Day Tour

At just under $300 per person, this full-day guided tour provides a rundown of Kangaroo Island’s highlights. It includes visits to Seal Bay, where you can walk on the beach among Australian Sea Lions, and the iconic Remarkable Rocks. The tour also explores Vivonne Bay, a scenic and less crowded spot perfect for photos, with lunch at Flinders Chase included.

While it’s a full itinerary, what makes this tour special is the expert guide who navigates the island’s rugged terrain, ensuring you don’t miss the best wildlife and scenery. Reviewers highlight the ease of a guided experience, with one stating, “Darren was an excellent guide—thoughtful, engaging, and made our trip a delight.” This tour suits travelers wanting a hassle-free, all-in-one day that combines wildlife, geology, and coastal beauty.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those short on time but wanting a rich experience with expert commentary and a well-organized schedule.

4. Small Group Kangaroo Island Tour – Best of KI

For around $305, the Small Group Kangaroo Island Tour offers a personalized full-day experience. It includes visits to Seal Bay, Vivonne Bay, Remarkable Rocks, and Admirals Arch—a true sampler of the island’s top sights. The tour emphasizes wildlife viewing with close encounters of sea lions at Seal Bay and koalas in their natural habitat.

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, noting how they spot wild kangaroos, koalas, and fur seals with ease. One reviewer mentioned, “Nikki was an excellent, friendly guide who pointed out many native animals.” The small group size ensures plenty of interaction, making it suitable for travelers who prefer a more intimate, educational experience.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for wildlife enthusiasts wanting a relaxed, guided exploration of KI’s most iconic spots.

5. Kangaroo Island Luxury Small Group ‘Island Life’ Full Day Tour

For those seeking comfort and a touch of luxury, the ‘Island Life’ Full Day Tour for about $453 offers a refined experience. It’s a small-group tour, with a focus on secluded beaches, natural lagoons, and rare wildlife sightings. Highlights include walking through Stokes Bay, where a natural rock tunnel opens onto a pristine beach, and observing koalas at Duck Lagoon.

The tour includes a delicious picnic lunch in a bush setting, making it ideal for travelers who want a relaxing yet immersive day. Reviewers note how the personal attention and expert guiding make the experience memorable, with one saying, “Enjoyed the day away from the hustle and bustle, seeing wildlife in their natural environment.” This tour suits travelers who want comfort, exclusivity, and a deeper connection with nature.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those preferring a more intimate, upscale experience with excellent wildlife viewing and scenic stops.

6. Small Group Kangaroo Island Evening and Night Tour

Costing around $93, this evening tour offers a different perspective—spotting nocturnal animals like kangaroos, possums, and owls in their natural habitat. Departing at dusk, the small-group 4WD safari is well-rated, with visitors frequently seeing wallabies, koalas, and even echidnas. It’s particularly popular with families and those curious about night-time wildlife behavior.

The guide’s enthusiasm and local knowledge shine, with a guest noting, “Luca was an excellent guide—friendly, knowledgeable, and great at spotting animals.” The tour provides an educational look at Australia’s native animals, especially those active after sunset. It’s a great option if you’re interested in wildlife at night and want a relaxed, small-group experience.

Bottom Line: A fantastic choice to see Kangaroo Island’s animals when they’re most active—ideal for nature lovers and families alike.

7. Kangaroo Island: 75-Minute Coastal Safari

This short but sweet 75-minute Coastal Safari from Penneshaw is perfect for cruise passengers or those with limited time. You’ll cruise along the coast, with a chance to see dolphins and seals playing in the water. The skipper offers an engaging commentary on the local marine life, including sea eagles and seabirds.

The tour’s quick pace and focus on marine mammals and birdlife make it a great introduction to Kangaroo Island’s oceanic environment. Reviewers praise the informative guides and spectacular scenery, with one noting, “A must-do experience suitable for all ages.” It’s an ideal add-on for travelers looking to combine scenic views with wildlife spotting.

Bottom Line: An accessible, fast-paced tour that offers a lively marine wildlife experience in a short time.

8. Kangaroo Island – Swim with Dolphins/Seals/Coastal Snorkel

For around $140, this snorkeling tour offers a water-based adventure—swimming alongside seals and dolphins. Departing from Christmas Cove Marina, the tour includes wetsuits, snorkeling gear, and live commentary about marine conservation. Many reviewers mention how comfortable the equipment is and how they loved seeing long-nosed seals and dolphins.

One reviewer said, “Phenomenal swim with seals—dolphins were nearby but shy,” emphasizing the unpredictability of wildlife encounters. The tour is suitable for average swimmers and those with some confidence in the water, aiming for an active but manageable experience. It’s a great choice if you want an intimate, hands-on wildlife encounter.

Bottom Line: Perfect for water lovers eager to snorkel with marine mammals in their natural habitat, with all necessary gear supplied.

9. Koala Walking Tour in Kangaroo Island

Priced at about $55, the Koala Walking Tour is a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts. It guarantees koala sightings in their natural environment at Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll explore over 500-year-old gum forests. The guide shares insights into local flora and fauna, making each stop educational.

Guests appreciate the small-group setting and the chance to see koalas, kangaroos, and other native animals in the wild. One reviewer praised the guide, saying, “We saw 18 koalas and learned about their behavior and environment.” It’s suitable for travelers interested in a relaxed walk with guaranteed wildlife sightings and some light hiking.

Bottom Line: An affordable, family-friendly option for guaranteed koala sightings and engaging nature walks.

10. Electric Fat Bike Tour in Kangaroo Island

This $127 tour uses electric fat bikes, allowing you to cover more ground effortlessly. You’ll ride over sand dunes and inland trails, enjoying scenic views and learning about the island’s flora and fauna. Many reviews highlight how the e-bikes make challenging terrain accessible, with koala sightings often included.

Guide Candis or Adam keeps the group informed and engaged, with one rider noting, “It’s harder than I thought but so much fun,” and another saying, “Great way to see the landscape without getting tired.” It’s a good fit for active travelers who want a hands-on outdoor adventure that’s suitable for beginners and seasoned cyclists alike.

Bottom Line: A fun, active way to explore Kangaroo Island’s varied terrain with comfortable e-bikes and expert guides.

11. Small Group Kangaroo Island Tour – Best of KI in 2 Days

For roughly $574, this two-day tour offers maximum flexibility and in-depth exploration. It includes visits to Seal Bay, Duck Lagoon, Stokes Bay, and Emu Bay, with detailed wildlife and scenery encounters each day. The tour is praised for its customizable itinerary and professional guide who makes sure you see difficult-to-spot animals like kangaroos and wallabies.

Guests mention how Nikki, the guide, “lived on the island most of her life” and “pointed out things you’d never see on your own.” It’s ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive, tailored experience with a relaxed pace and expert attention.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers with time to spare who want a personalized, immersive experience over two days.

12. Kangaroo Island Luxury Small Group ‘Flinders Chase Focus’ Full Day Tour

At around $453, this luxury small-group tour emphasizes exclusive access to Flinders Chase National Park. It includes visits to Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, and the Cape du Couedic sea lion colony. The delicious picnic lunch and hassle-free pickup from Kingscote make it a seamless experience.

Guests love the intimate group size of six to eight, which allows for personalized attention and time to photograph iconic landmarks. Reviewers describe the experience as “a fantastic, well-organized, and memorable day,” with knowledgeable guides sharing detailed insights. Best suited for travelers wanting luxury, comfort, and top-tier wildlife and scenery.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking an upscale, intimate tour with expert guiding and exclusive access to KI’s highlights.

13. Guided Koala Walk and Bushfire Ecology Tour

For just $29, this guided walk offers a close-up look at koalas and other wildlife in Hanson Bay Sanctuary. The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who explains bushfire recovery, local ecology, and animal behaviors. It’s an educational experience suitable for all ages.

Guests report seeing multiple koalas, along with kangaroos and other native animals, with one reviewer saying, “We saw 18 koalas and learned about their environment.” It’s ideal for travelers interested in ecology and conservation combined with wildlife spotting in a small-group setting.

Bottom Line: An affordable, educational tour that combines wildlife viewing with ecological insights.

14. Kangaroo Island Shore Excursion Scenic Trail Tour

This 7-8 hour shore excursion costs about $164 and is tailored for cruise travelers. It visits Seal Bay, Remarkable Rocks, and Admirals Arch, with port pickup and drop-off included. The tour offers delicious Aussie-style lunch and a personalized service from a family-run company.

Reviewers highlight how the guide’s local knowledge and carefully planned stops make it an efficient way to see KI’s highlights in one day. One said, “The driver was enthusiastic and explained everything about the island’s wildlife and history.” It’s ideal for cruise passengers wanting a well-organized, comprehensive day ashore.

Bottom Line: Best for cruise travelers wanting a full, hassle-free tour with local flavor and scenic highlights.

15. Sunset Nocturnal Adventure Tour

This 1.5-hour evening tour for about $61 offers a chance to see nocturnal wildlife at Hanson Bay Sanctuary. You’ll spot animals like echidnas, bats, possums, and kangaroos as they become active at dusk. The small group of 10 ensures a personal approach, with guides sharing insights into native wildlife.

Guests consistently mention seeing a variety of animals, including wallabies, koalas, and even microbats. Many reviewers praise the friendly, knowledgeable guides, and the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular night sky. It’s best suited for nature lovers who want a relaxed, evening wildlife experience.

Bottom Line: A perfect way to end the day with a gentle walk and a focus on Kangaroo Island’s nocturnal animals.

How to Choose

When selecting a tour on Kangaroo Island, consider your budget, available time, and interests. For a quick taste of ocean life, the Kangaroo Island 75-Minute Coastal Safari offers a lively water adventure. If wildlife viewing is your priority, the Small Group Kangaroo Island Tour or the Full Day Nature and Wildlife Tour deliver comprehensive experiences with expert guides.

For those seeking something more exclusive, the [Luxury ‘Island Life’] tour or the [Flinders Chase Focus] tour are excellent choices. Budget travelers will appreciate the Koala Walking Tour, while adventure enthusiasts might prefer the buggy ride through Little Sahara. Consider the season—wildlife tours tend to be year-round, but marine activities like snorkeling or boat safaris are best during warmer months. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot.

Final Thoughts

Kangaroo Island is packed with diverse and authentic experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you’re after wildlife encounters, scenic highlights, or outdoor thrills, there’s an option that fits your style. For families, the nighttime and wildlife tours are engaging and educational. For adventure seekers, the buggy and e-bike tours provide a healthy dose of adrenaline. And if you want a relaxed, upscale day, the luxury tours deliver comfort with a view.

Two or three tours stand out for their uniqueness: the Kangaroo Island 75-Minute Coastal Safari for marine wildlife enthusiasts, the Small Group Buggy Tour at Little Sahara for thrill-seekers, and the Full-Day Nature and Wildlife Tour as a balanced introduction. Whatever you choose, booking early guarantees a spot and ensures you won’t miss out on Kangaroo Island’s unforgettable natural beauty.