Immersing yourself in a wildlife encounter in the Kangaroo Island dolphin habitat affectionately known as the “Dolphin’s Lounge Room” can be a truly life-changing experience says Andrew Neighbour, owner of Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures.
Andrew has been witness to these experiences more times than he can count. And no wonder, he has had the privilege of being a gateway to these authentic and immersive marine and wildlife encounters for over 18 years. “I love taking visitors out on the ocean for them to experience a unique wildlife experience. Their reactions when they have wild dolphins swim freely amongst them is priceless”, Andrew says
Kangaroo Island stands as a beacon of diversity in the marine world
Being isolated, the island has nurtured and safeguarded the development of distinctive ecosystems, giving rise to an astonishing array of marine wildlife, including dolphins, whales, penguins, and a plethora of fish and bird species living in harmony.
As well as the presence of vibrant seal colonies and pods of wild dolphins, the island also lies on the migration path of several majestic whale species such as the Southern Right Whale and the Humpback.
The region hosts various marine protected areas that play a pivotal role in conserving the island’s rich biodiversity, fostering a healthy and thriving marine environment.
Interacting with wildlife in their natural habitat is a privilege
Andrew stresses “we do not take this privilege to interact with wildlife in their natural habitat lightly”. KI Marine Adventures proudly pioneered licensed tours that allow you to swim alongside wild dolphins, not just on Kangaroo Island, but across South Australia and are the sole marine tourism entity on the island holding an Advanced Eco Certification, adhering strictly to the Marine Mammal Interaction Policy. “By staunchly safeguarding the marine environment and ecosystems we operate within, we foster a harmonious relationship that guarantees their sustenance and allows them to flourish for future generations to embrace”, he says.
Andrew Neighbour has the best job in the world!
A 20-year veteran of the local Kangaroo Island lobster industry, Andrew was looking for a new adventure. “I love swimming with wild dolphins, wild coastlines, photography and nature and I had witnessed so much incredible wildlife over the years, I was really keen to share these experiences with others” he said. Purchasing the first RIB vessel to be surveyed in South Australia 18 years ago, he went about getting eco certified and KI Marine Adventures was born. He regularly pinches himself and can’t believe how lucky he is to do this as a career.
No other experience comes close
Dolphin swims often take place in waters shallow enough to feel the sea bed beneath your feet, typically ranging from 1 to 3 meters in depth and situated close to the shoreline.
“This is a true wild dolphin swim experience”, Andrew says. “We don’t tow people behind the boat on a rope , we don’t feed any of our wildlife and we operate in shallow safe crystal clear water. This is the only dolphin swim experience that’s guaranteed, and by offering it over 3 hours, it allows plenty of time to experience some incredible interactions”. He believes there is simply no other experience that comes close to what KI Marine Adventures deliver.
If you ask Andrew about a favourite experience he has had with guests, there are simply too many to mention. “From pregnant mums-to-be, to guests with terminal illnesses, there is something special about a wild dolphin pod if you show them respect and work within their boundaries. The results are often extremely moving”, he says.
KI Marine Adventures - A Green Travel Leader for Eco Tourism Australia
KI Marine Adventures are expert licensed operators and are committed to protecting the delicate ecosystems that they visit on their tours. They work hard to educate their guests on marine conservation and operate a “prop free zone” with sympathetic acoustic equipment and practices when in wildlife’s space. They have been a Green Travel Leader for Eco Tourism Australia for over 10 years and involved in a research project with Kangaroo Island Dolphin Watch for the past 18 years in the monitoring of wellbeing and the habitat of KI’s local whales and dolphin pods.
Book your own truly incredible experience
Explore the unique marine environment on Kangaroo Island and swim with dolphins with Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures. The Island Explorer Tour and Dolphin Swim can be booked privately, as a charter or enjoy with a small group of other people.
