Encounter Bay

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Top 10 attractions in Encounter Bay

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The Big Duck Boat Tours

The Big Duck Boat Tours

2.9

In Victor Harbor, you can also board The Big Duck to cruise the Southern Ocean! The Big Duck is an 11.3 m rigid inflatable boat (RIB) designed specifically for the conditions of the Southern Ocean. The boat is equipped with comprehensive safety gear and sun protection, features comfortable seating, and can reach speeds of up to 40 knots. The Big Duck operates almost year-round, departing from the Granite Island Causeway next to Victor Harbor, taking you to experience the full charm of the Southern Ocean. Along the coastline, The Big Duck takes you out into the open sea. Among the nearby rocks, long-nosed fur seals and Australian sea lions lazily bask in the sun, while petrels and shearwaters follow along the way. Dolphins sometimes join in the fun, racing The Big Duck to see who has the stronger sprint! Along the way, the staff will provide detailed explanations about the whale history of South Australia, the formation of the granite, and the wildlife encountered during the trip. Additionally, from June–September each year, when South Australia enters winter, massive Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales migrate from the cold Antarctic waters to the warmer waters of the Fleurieu Peninsula. The Big Duck is a government-licensed whale watching vessel. Experienced staff will guide everyone through the shallow breeding grounds to observe Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales, watching these giants rise and play in the water right beside you.

Victor Harbor · 3.3km from Encounter Bay

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Experiences you can't miss in Encounter Bay

Featured Day tours in Encounter Bay

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McLaren Vale North: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
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5.0/5
· 49 reviews
Duration: 5–8 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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49 consecutive positive reviews
FromCAD 97.73
McLaren Vale North Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour
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5.0/5
· 72 reviews
Duration: 7 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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72 consecutive positive reviews
FromCAD 99.81
Adelaide Jurlique Farm 1.5 hr guided tour: Explore the farm + brand story
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromCAD 39.83
McLaren Vale Wine Tasting, Sights & Glenelg (half-day Afternoon)
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4.7/5
· 135 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
Free cancellation
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94.1% of travelers recommend
FromCAD 88.40
90 Minute Port Adelaide Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise
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4.8/5
· 17 reviews
Duration: 90 mins
Free cancellation
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FromCAD 87.83
Adelaide Hills: Jurlique Farm Tour
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4.9/5
· 9 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromCAD 39.10
Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour
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4.9/5
· 88 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
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52 consecutive positive reviews
FromCAD 134.09

Featured Food & drink in Encounter Bay

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The Blending Bench & d'Arry's Verandah Degustation
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Duration: 210 mins
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FromCAD 410.27
Barossa Valley Food & Wine Tour
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4.5/5
· 263 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
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32 consecutive positive reviews
FromCAD 178.65
Adelaide: Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting
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4.9/5
· 118 reviews
Duration: 9 hrs
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49 consecutive positive reviews
FromCAD 131.94
National Wine Centre of Australia: Australian Wine Guided Tour
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Duration: 30 mins
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FromCAD 25.30

Featured Culture & history in Encounter Bay

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Adelaide Highlights Audio Tour: Cultural and Historical Landmarks
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Duration: 2 hrs
English
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20% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 10.13CAD 12.67
Port Adelaide: Dolphin and Ships Graveyard Cruise
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4.6/5
· 21 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromCAD 86.05
Adelaide Gems in a Day: Hahndorf, Glenelg Beach & City Tour
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5.0/5
· 10 reviews
Duration: 6.5 hrs
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FromCAD 126.14
Adelaide: Sunset Rooftop Tour at Adelaide Oval
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4.9/5
· 25 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
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25 consecutive positive reviews
FromCAD 131.94
Adelaide: Rooftop Climbing Experience of the Adelaide Oval
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4.9/5
· 41 reviews
Duration: 2.5 hrs
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41 consecutive positive reviews
FromCAD 122.17

Featured City sightseeing in Encounter Bay

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Welcome to Adelaide Walking Tour
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4.9/5
· 8 reviews
Duration: 90 mins
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FromCAD 43.92
Adelaide: Guided Ultimate Walking Tour with Drink and Snack
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4.8/5
· 78 reviews
Duration: 3–4 hrs
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97.4% of travelers recommend
FromCAD 72.33
Adelaide Central Market: Food Walking Tour
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 1–1.5 hrs
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FromCAD 67.48
Adelaide: City Walking Tour with Guide
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4.7/5
· 6 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
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FromCAD 43.03
Adelaide: Local Food Tour and Tastings with Guide
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Duration: 2 hrs
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FromCAD 96.81

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Encounter Bay Cruises

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Free things to do in Encounter Bay

What travellers say about Encounter Bay

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林荫大道水至清11 August 2019
4.0
I think many people who come to Victor Harbor want to see this place. There is a bridge connecting this small island to the mainland. The most famous thing on the bridge is the horse-drawn tram. There seems to be a place to see penguins. You can climb up to the observation deck to overlook the sea. The scenery is nice.

Granite Island

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Encounter Bay?

Don't miss these attractions in Encounter Bay: Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tramway, Urimbirra Wildlife Park, and The Cockle Train. If you like Day tours, try McLaren Vale North: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. If you enjoy Food & drink, try The Blending Bench & d'Arry's Verandah Degustation.

You can give The Blending Bench & d'Arry's Verandah Degustation and Barossa Valley Food & Wine Tour a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include McLaren Vale North: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, McLaren Vale North Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour, and Adelaide Jurlique Farm 1.5 hr guided tour: Explore the farm + brand story. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 11 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Encounter Bay is around CAD 39.1 – CAD 134.09. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.