Kangaroo Island’s 6 Top Cruises And Boat Tours (With Prices)

Kangaroo Island is a treasure for anyone seeking memorable cruises and boat tours. Its rugged coastlines, abundant wildlife, and scenic waters make it a natural playground for boat-based adventures. Whether you want to swim with wild dolphins, explore the island’s marine life, or enjoy a wine tour with a sea view, there’s something here for every type of traveler. I personally love the Wildlife Tour for its close encounters with kangaroos, seals, and birds, or the Dolphin, Seal, and Swimming Boat Tour for an active, up-close marine experience. The variety of options means you can tailor your day to fit your interests, energy level, and budget.

If you’re arriving by cruise, you’ll find specific tours designed to fit into your port schedule, such as the Kangaroo Island Shore Excursion Tasting Tour, which combines local food, wine, and farm visits in a full-day itinerary. For those wanting wildlife without leaving the water, the Dolphin, Seal, and Swimming Boat Tour offers a chance to snorkel with marine mammals. And if a scenic coast drive suits your style, the Dudley Peninsula Tour showcases lighthouses, oyster farms, and sweeping ocean views.

1. Kangaroo Island Shore Excursion Tasting Tour – For Cruise Ship Passengers Only

At number 1 on our list, this full-day Kangaroo Island Shore Excursion Tasting Tour offers a deep dive into the island’s food and wine scene. It’s perfect for cruise passengers wanting to make the most of limited time. The tour hits six key stops, starting at Clifford’s Honey Farm, where you can sample local honey and learn about Ligurian bees. Next, you’ll visit Emu Ridge for eucalyptus oil and cider tastings, then wander through the tranquil Emu Bay Lavender farm with tea and lavender scones.

Leisure time in Kingscote allows you to browse local shops, or grab lunch at a cafe. The highlight for many is the Bay of Shoals Wines, where you can relax and enjoy wine overlooking the bay. The tour concludes with a visit to Kangaroo Island Spirits for gin and vodka tastings. Highly rated—74 reviews give it 4.5 stars, with travelers praising the friendly guide and interesting stops.

Bottom line: If you want a comprehensive taste of Kangaroo Island’s food, wine, and local industries in one day, this tour offers excellent value for around $164.25. It’s suited for travelers interested in gourmet experiences and local craftsmanship.

2. Kangaroo Island: Dolphin, Seal, and Swimming Boat Tour

For those looking for an active marine adventure, the Dolphin, Seal, and Swimming Boat Tour provides an exciting 2-hour window into Kangaroo Island’s waters. You can choose to snorkel alongside wild dolphins and seals or stay dry and enjoy the scenic ride. The boat’s informative commentary highlights the region’s marine life, including sightings of whales, sealions, and playful dolphins—this is a genuine chance to see these creatures in their natural habitat.

What makes this tour stand out is the flexibility to jump in the water or enjoy the views from the boat. The small group size and focus on marine animals make it ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers eager for a hands-on experience. While only 2 hours long, it’s packed with opportunities for wildlife photography and memorable moments. Reviews note the friendly crew and the chance to see dolphins close-up.

Bottom line: Perfect for water lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, expect a lively, fun-filled couple of hours that brings you face-to-face with Kangaroo Island’s marine life.

3. Cruise Ship Flinders Chase Tour

Number 3 is the Cruise Ship Flinders Chase Tour, a full-day trip offering a comprehensive look at Kangaroo Island’s iconic scenery. Starting with a visit to Emu Ridge, you’ll see how eucalyptus oil is processed—an interesting start for the eco-conscious. The tour then takes you to Seal Bay Conservation Park, where you can walk along the self-guided boardwalk among Australian sealions, an unforgettable wildlife sight.

Next, you’ll visit Vivonne Bay, known for its turquoise waters and great fishing. The highlight is the Remarkable Rocks, a rugged, colorful formation that’s perfect for photos. The tour’s small group size, around 9 hours, allows ample time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. Visitors rave about seeing seals, kangaroos, and even koalas during the trip, with some calling it “impeccable” and “highly recommended.”

Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want a full day of scenic, wildlife, and geological highlights, this tour combines comfort with in-depth exploration of the island’s natural beauty.

4. CRUISE SHIP Wildlife Tour

The CRUISE SHIP Wildlife Tour is a 7-hour journey tailored for cruise visitors eager to see Kangaroo Island’s animals. It covers three key spots: Seal Bay Conservation Park, where you walk among playful sealions; Raptor Domain, for birds of prey shows and close encounters with native birdlife; and Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, which houses kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes, and penguins.

This tour is highly rated for its flexibility and focus on wildlife. The local guides, with their deep knowledge and warmth, make it a trip that feels intimate despite the short duration. Reviews highlight the opportunity to feed kangaroos and hold birds, making it engaging for families and animal lovers.

Bottom line: If your main goal is to see a variety of Australian animals with minimal time, this tour provides a well-rounded, fun experience perfect for a port day.

5. CRUISE SHIP Dudley Wines & False Cape Wine Tour

For wine lovers, the Dudley Wines & False Cape Wine Tour offers a relaxing taste of Kangaroo Island’s vineyards. Lasting around 2 hours and 15 minutes, it includes visits to Dudley Wines and False Cape Wines, both with stunning vineyard views. The tour features guided tastings of local wines and a leisurely lunch at one of the vineyards.

This experience is less about sightseeing and more about savoring wines in atmospheric settings. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a gentle, social activity that combines wine education with scenic landscapes. The price, at $178.59, offers good value for a memorable afternoon amid rolling vineyards and panoramic views. Since there are no reviews listed, it’s wise to check availability early, especially during peak seasons.

Bottom line: Suited for those who prioritize wine tastings and scenic vineyard visits over rugged adventures, this is a mellow, indulgent experience.

6. Cruise Ship Dudley Peninsula Tour

Rounding out the list, the Cruise Ship Dudley Peninsula Tour offers a relaxed exploration of Kangaroo Island’s coastline. Over 5 to 6 hours, you visit Antechamber Bay, see the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, and stop at Pennington Bay for photos. Drive through American River and enjoy fresh oysters at the Oyster Farm Shop.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the island’s rugged seaside and iconic landmarks without a strenuous schedule. The stops focus on scenic views, wildlife, and local food. With a relatively low price of $52, it offers good value for a leisurely day with plenty of photo opportunities and local flavor. Multiple reviewers mention the scenic landscapes and the friendly guide.

Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting a relaxed, scenic tour with a focus on coastlines, lighthouses, and oysters.

How to Choose the Best Tour for You

When selecting your Kangaroo Island boat or cruise experience, consider your interests and schedule. Are you after a wildlife-focused adventure? The Wildlife Tour offers a rich variety of animals up close. Want to combine food, wine, and farm visits? The Tasting Tour blends local flavors with scenic stops. For those craving marine encounters, the Dolphin, Seal, and Swimming Boat Tour is hard to beat.

Budget is also a key factor: smaller, shorter tours like the Dudley Peninsula or wine tasting may be more accessible, while full-day excursions provide more comprehensive experiences. Book early, especially during busy seasons, to secure your preferred time.

Final Thoughts

Kangaroo Island offers a diverse selection of cruises and boat tours that cater to wildlife lovers, foodies, and scenic explorers alike. For a quick wildlife fix, the Wildlife Tour is hard to beat. For a laid-back wine afternoon, the Dudley Wines & False Cape Wines provides a peaceful retreat. And if you’re limited on time but want a taste of everything, the Kangaroo Island Shore Excursion Tasting Tour offers a well-rounded day with local farm visits and tastings.

Whatever your interests and schedule, Kangaroo Island’s boat tours promise memorable moments with stunning scenery, fascinating wildlife, and delicious local flavors. Booking early is wise, especially during peak cruise seasons, to ensure you don’t miss out on your perfect adventure.