Magical Mangrove Snorkel Tour to Celebrate Park of the Month - 5th November 2023

From AUD $19.00
  • Duration: 90 Minutes (approx.)
  • Location: SA
  • Product code: EMSPTST

NPWS are celebrating the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park – Winaityinaityi Pangkara which encompasses the mangroves of Port Gawler as their Park of the Month. Mangroves provide important feeding and roosting habitat for migratory and resident shorebirds of the sanctuary. This area is also recognised as a wetland of national significance and is part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Site.

Join snorkel leaders from Experiencing Marine Sanctuary (EMS), for an incredible guided snorkel through the magical world of the Port Gawler River Mangrove Forest within the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary. The mangrove forest is home to an amazing variety of colourful fish and plant life. Marvel at the mangroves and their upward growing roots called 'pneumatophores,' which help them take in oxygen. Underwater, keep your eyes peeled for crabs, sea squirts, sea anemones, fish, prawns, and rays. Spot resident and migratory shorebirds in the Bird Sanctuary. Suitable for children 5 years and above who can tread water and swim. Children under 15 years must be accompanied by a parent/adult. Wetsuits and snorkel gear are included in the ticket price.

This EMS snorkel event is Proudly supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and our team of volunteers.

Funding, in-kind support and over 100 volunteer hours per event make it possible to reduce the price of tickets by up to 80%. EMS is a not-for-profit and all funds raised from ticket sales go to overheads such as dive pro event leaders, insurance, equipment storage and volunteer training.

Please save the dates
Save both Sunday 5th and Sunday 26th November 2023 in your calendar. This event is scheduled for Sunday 5th May but if the event is cancelled we will reschedule all paid participants to Sunday 26th November.


The ticket price includes wetsuits and snorkel gear for adults and children

We have wetsuits from Adult 5XL down to size 4 child. Suitable for children 5 years and above who can tread water and swim. At least one parent to accompany and supervise two children in the water. 5-7-year-olds can participate if supervised one-on-one by a parent. 


Please arrive 30 minutes before snorkel time to fill out your registration form and be fitted with snorkel gear.


Please note that this event may be cancelled in the event of poor weather.


Meeting point:

Port Gawler jetty, Port Gawler Road


What to bring:

  • Towel to dry off at the end of the session
  • Wetsuit and snorkelling gear – EMS can supply if you don’t have your own



FAQs

Are snorkel tours only for children? Or for adults too?

EMS snorkel tours are for all ages, adults and children from 5 years and up. Children under 15 years will need to be accompanied and supervised in the water by a paying adult. For ages 8 and above, no more than 2 children per adult. For ages 5-7, no more than one child per adult.


What concessions are available?

A concession is defined as a Senior or Australian Health Care Card Holder who holds an Australian Government-issued Senior Card, Pension Card, Repatriation Health Card or Veterans Affair card. For an overseas senior, Proof of Age Card or Passport showing age as 65+ years old.

A student is defined as any primary or secondary school student or full time tertiary and post-secondary students who have an approved photo ID. 


Are warm wetsuits and snorkel gear provided?

Yes as part of the ticket price we supply toasty warm wetsuits with vest and hood, gloves and boots as well as snorkel gear.


Will I be cold?

We use appropriate thickness wetsuits to ensure that you are snug and warm.


Do I have to wear a wetsuit?

When participating in an EMS snorkel tour, a wetsuit will need to be worn to provide buoyancy and protect from stingers, sunburn and abrasion.


Can I bring my own wetsuit and snorkel gear?

Yes, we encourage you to bring your own gear, but please ensure if you bring your own wetsuit it is full length and appropriate thickness.


What facilities are there at Port Gawler?

A portable toilet will be provided on the day.


I have never snorkelled before and can’t swim well can I join a tour?

We advise you to sign up for an EMS Snorkel 101 class - an introduction to snorkelling where the basics of snorkelling are taught in a controlled pool environment. See our website for bookings. EMS can also provide boogie boards to hold onto in the water for those with less confidence.


How is the tour run?

- Arrive 30 minutes before your tour.

- Check-in at the registration desk first.

- Guides will assist you to choose a wetsuit, boots, hood, gloves, fins, snorkel and mask.

- When fitted with all appropriate gear, guides will brief you in small groups about your snorkel plan and safety.

- Enter the water for the snorkel in your small group.

- After exiting the water, change out of wetsuits and other gear, wash and rinse, and hand back to our guides to hang up.


What happens if the weather turns and the event is cancelled?

Unfortunately, sometimes the weather does not like to play ball with EMS and events have to be cancelled due to safety concerns. 


have purchased tickets for family and/or friends but need one or two more tickets - you are sold out but can I arrange to buy extra tickets?

We may be able to fit a couple more participants into some sessions depending on the current number of participants and the availability of EMS volunteer guides and paid staff on the day. 


What is your cancellation policy?

No shows and cancellations inside 72 hours prior – no refunds or transfers, excluding refund for any additional merchandise items purchased. Cancellations from time of booking up to 72 hours prior to departure – refund with 20% cancellation fee or transfer to another EMS tour or event with a 20% administration fee. Extra payment for price difference may be required. 


COVID-19: Advice for snorkel tour participants

EMS is committed to offering a welcoming and safe place for our snorkel tour participants, employees and volunteers.
 
In response to COVID-19, we are closely monitoring developments and taking action in line with Government advice to mitigate any risk posed to the community. EMS has always ensured any equipment used by our participants is well maintained and fit for purpose. The water we swim in is known to contain a large number of microbes, so ensuring our equipment is sanitised after every use is, and has always been, an integral part of our snorkelling operations.

As detailed in our Standard Operating Procedures Manual, all equipment is sanitised after each use. Specifically, 

-       Masks are treated with detergent or commercial de-fog spray before use.

-       After use, our masks and snorkels are submerged for 15 minutes in a solution of Milton’s Antibacterial Solution (Milton™ contains sodium hypochlorite and is advocated by hospitals and government agencies to kill COVID-19).

-       Wetsuit, hoods, booties and gloves are treated with commercial germicidal disinfectant Mediclean™ (effective against COVID-19) and rinsed before being air-dried and stored. 

 

To enhance your health and safety while participating in a snorkel tour EMS has undertaken the following safety provisions:

-       Increased our already strong equipment cleaning and sanitation measures.

-       Implemented a hand sanitation station at the registration desk and gear fitting areas.

-       Reinforced employee health and hygiene practices, including sending volunteers and staff home and encouraging those who are unwell to stay home if their demonstrated health symptoms could impact upon colleagues or participants.

 

We kindly ask anyone who feels unwell to postpone the tour until fully recovered, and we encourage you to stay up to date via Australian Government Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080 and SA COVID-19 updates website https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/

 

Thank you for playing your part in keeping our community healthy. We are grateful for your understanding during this challenging time.