Dolphins & Whales

Dolphins

Kangaroo Island is home to the common dolphin and the bottlenose dolphin. Being mammals, they are warm blooded at 37°. At birth a bottle nose dolphin calf is between 90-130cm long and will grow to approximately 4 meters in length, living up to 40 years.

Being highly social animals, living in groups called pods where they interact with each other. They use their powerful tail flukes, in an up and down motion to propel themselves through the water. Slapping of the tail on the surface may be a sign of annoyance, or a warning of danger to others. Dolphins use a very important feature for navigation called echolocation. This allows them the ability to detect other dolphins, find food and breed. They take short naps while floating just below the surface and slowly rise every 3 - 5 minutes to breathe. Incredibly they can dive to the depth of 500 metres. Dolphins have defined home ranges in which they roam and feed. We regularly see pods sized from 2 to 100.

KIMT observe and support the marine life of Kangaroo Island and operate and comply with the National Parks & Wildlife (Whales & Dolphins) Regulations 2000.

Whales

Kangaroo Island is also a stop over for the Southern Wright Whales, on their annual migration to the Great Australian Bight. There they give birth to their young in warmer waters. They pass close to the shores of Kangaroo Island on their journey and have been seen from various locations around the island.

Kingscote and Penneshaw provide great viewing areas to catch a glimpse of these giants of the sea. New born Southern Wright Whales can weigh up to 1 ton with adults a massive 80 tons and up to 18m (60ft)in length. Their colour is generally dark with white belly patches. Each whale has an individual callosity pattern (lumps of lice) on their heads. The Southern Wright Whales were hunted almost to extinction but have now increased their numbers to more than 800. Due to their extreme size, appearance and behaviour, people from around the world marvel at these giants of the sea.

KIMT is the only licensed whale watcher in the waters of Kangaroo Island and we would like to share the enjoyment of the whales with you.

• Eco certified vessel
• Fantastic photo opportunities
• See whales with no crowds
• Surveyed to maximum 12 passengers
• Coffee, tea and biscuits available
• Merchandise available