Kangaroo Island Marine Tours: Lisa swims with the dolphins in the Kangaroo Island region of South Australia

There's a sense of expectancy as we clamber aboard Andrew Neighbour's inflatable boat at Emu Bay on Kangaroo Island's North Coast and head out on one of his Island Explorer Tours.

Soon we're punching through the brilliant turquoise waters towards Smith Bay. Andrew swapped his crayboat for an inflatable a couple of years ago and set up KI Marine Tours - keen to share his new office with anyone who wants a unique KI experience. Soon enough act one of his spectacular nature show is underway - a pair of White bellied Sea Eagles.

Andrew Neighbour, KI Marine Tours: "These sea eagles are on the endangered list but we've got some good numbers here on the island, especially on the north coast. We've got a couple of parent birds up there on the cliff. They build their nest in a really prominent position."

We press on along the spectacular Kangaroo Island North coast when eventually as many as a dozen of the resident Bottle Nosed Dolphins come to great us.

Andrew Neighbour, KI Marine Tours: "This is their playground so they come in after fishing at night and spend the whole day milling around in here. They generally like to feed on schooling fish and squid and small baitfish like that so they are generally out at night but in this bay during the day."

That means they are quite content to lull around - put on a show and even welcome us into their world.

Andrew Neighbour: "There are about 28 dolphins in this pod, which is an average number for Bottle Nose Dolphins or inshore dolphins."

Swimming with the dolphins is a truly exhilarating experience and so is the trip home as Andrew keeps his passengers adrenalin pumping.

Andrew Neighbour runs Kangaroo Island Marine Tours from Emu Bay. He has a range of experiences ranging from 1 hour Eco Tours, to half and full day tour including swimming with the dolphins. Contact him on 0427 315 286. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au

KI Marine Tours
Emu Bay
Andrew Neighbour
Ph 0427 315 286

Published 24th October 2010