Frequently asked questions
GENERAL QUERIES
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses to protect against the sun
- A light jacket in case of wind or cooler temperatures
- Comfortable, easily removable shoes
- A camera or phone for capturing photos and videos
- A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
- Motion sickness medication, if prone to seasickness
- Snacks or light refreshments, if desired
- Any personal medication needed during the cruise
Our standard packages do not include tea, coffee or other food and beverages. If this is something that interests you, please get in touch to discuss catering options.
Our primary departure point is Pondalowie Bay located in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park. We will notify you at least 24 hours before departure if there is a change of location to Marion Bay. If departing from Pondalowie Bay, please meet us on the beach near the boat ramp in the Pondalowie Fisherman's Village. It is recommended that you allow 30 minutes to travel to Pondalowie Bay from Marion Bay. As the departure point is within the National Park, you will need to purchase a Parks Pass online. If departing from Marion Bay, please meet us in the car park at the Marion Bay boat ramp five minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Marion Bay is located on the southern tip of the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia, approximately 300km from Adelaide. To reach Marion Bay, one can take a scenic drive via Port Wakefield, Minlaton, and Warooka. The journey takes approximately 3 hours without any stops.
The Coastal Experience is suitable for both infants and children. However, for the Althorpe Island Experience, we require children to be a minimum age of 3 years for safety reasons.
All children must be accompanied by an adult and wear a life jacket at all times, which will be provided on the day. Parents may also bring their own life jacket for their children if they prefer.
Please note that access to Althorpe Island is restricted, and we are not permitted to land on the island during our tours. However, we will leisurely cruise around the island and enjoy its stunning scenery and wildlife from the water.
Owner / operator Ryan Valente has the following qualifications:
- Master 5 / Skipper 3
- Marine Engine Driver 3
- Senior First Aid Certificate
All charters have a deckhand on board with a minimum qualification of Elements of Shipboard Safety.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Our tender boat is launched from the beach, which requires clients to remove their shoes and wade into the water to board. To avoid getting clothing wet, we advise clients to roll up any long clothing. We require clients to have a reasonable level of mobility that allows them to climb into the tender boat and then board the vessel from the tender via a boarding platform and steps. Please note that some swell may be present when boarding or disembarking the tender, so it's important to take extra care to ensure your safety.
All tours must meet a minimum number of participants (or equivalent minimum charge) to operate. In the event that the minimum number is not met, the cruise will not proceed, and you will be entitled to a full refund or credit. We always strive to fill the boat to a maximum capacity of 12 people for each tour, unless you have an exclusive use agreement made in writing.
We closely monitor weather conditions across multiple sites leading up to every cruise. If weather conditions are deemed unsuitable for operation, we will notify you approximately 3-4 days prior to your scheduled tour. We understand that travel plans may be affected by last-minute cancellations, and while we strive to provide as much notice as possible, changes in weather can be unpredictable. Therefore, we encourage you to inform us if you have specific requirements for cancellation notice due to travel commitments. If we cancel your tour due to adverse weather conditions, we will offer you a full refund or the option to transfer your booking to an alternate date.
Motion sickness can be a problem for some people, we recommend you seek advice if you feel you may be susceptible. Unfortunately, unless all persons on board are in mutual agreement, we are unable to return clients suffering from seasickness to the beach earlier than scheduled.