Meet the Wildlife
On your Kangaroo Island trip you must come out on a Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari and meet the locals! We know exactly where to find the wildlife including wild dolphins and seals. Tour Kangaroo Island’s coast on a personalised Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari and we can assure you that the wildlife will be just as happy to see you, as you are to see them!
Long-Nosed Fur Seal
These seals were hunted nearly to extinction after the whalers and sealers arrived in South Australia in the 1800’s. They have made a remarkable recovery and their numbers now exceed over 20,000. You will see these seals frolicking in the water or just resting up on the rocks after being out in the ocean after days of fishing.
Australian Sea Lion
Australian Sea Lions are one of the rarest pinniped species and can only be found in certain locations in South Australia and Western Australia. You will be able to tell the difference between the male and female quite distinctly. The male is much larger and has chocolate fur whilst the female has a silver or grey fur.
Wild Dolphins
Penneshaw is the home to the Bottlenose Dolphin. These dolphins live in pods close to the Kangaroo Island coastline. They will often have a calf or two swimming alongside them, which can be seen from our vessel. If they choose they will swim right up to the boat and say ‘hello’. Common Dolphins also cruise along the coastline and are easily identified by their hourglass pattern with an obvious yellow or cream colour.
Southern Right Whales
Southern Right Whales make an appearance on their migration from Antarctic waters to the Great Australian Bight. Watch in awe as these majestic mammals cruise, roll, dive and slap their large pectoral fins. Often spotted with their new calves, they seek the sheltered, shallow waters off of Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island to rest and feed.
White Bellied Sea Eagles
These powerful raptors nest along the Kangaroo Island coastline. They are often seen soaring above the water, then diving down to pick up a fish for dinner and taking back to the rocks to feast on. The white bellied sea eagle is an endangered species and is a truly magnificent bird of prey.
Humpback Whales
These whales are the acrobats of the sea and seasonally from May-September you may spot them on safari. They travel through the waters off of the Kangaroo Island coastline and are known to launch themselves out of the water. A truly spectacular sight to see.
