Snorkel Crystal Clear Waters of Ewen Ponds in South East (23 and 25 January)

From AUD $29.00
  • Duration: 90 Minutes (approx.)
  • Location: Eight Mile Creek, SA
  • Product code: PHXBG8

Join EMS for a guided snorkel in the crystal clear, spring-fed limestone waters of Ewen Ponds Conservation Park. Three large ponds with a maximum depth of 10m flow towards the coast, boasting such outstanding visibility that it feels like you’re drifting in zero gravity. Enter at the first pontoon to explore the first, second and third pond.

When: Saturday 23rd and Monday 25th January 2021

Distance from Adelaide: 465km southeast (36km south of Mount Gambier)

Parking and amenities: Picnic area, car parking, toilets and accessible toilets. Snorkel permits are included in the ticket price (provided as an in-kind contribution by Parks SA).

What ticket price includes: Your own guide. Warm 5mm or 7mm wetsuit, hood, gloves and boots. Fins, mask and snorkel. 

Things to discover: Look for freshwater bream, Glenelg River crayfish, eels, and the tiny Ewen Ponds pygmy perch. Spot freshwater plants, some growing to 6 metres (amazingly, the pond conditions allow land-based plants to live fully submerged underwater – something that doesn’t occur anywhere else in the world). Snorkellers need to keep their fins on the surface to protect fragile pond vegetation

EMS snorkel events are Proudly supported by Inspiring SA, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Suzanne Elliot Charitable Trust, Department of Human Services and our team of volunteers.

Funding, in-kind support and over 100 volunteer hours per event makes it possible to reduce the price of tickets by up to 50%. 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.

EMS snorkel tours are suitable for adults with and without children. With friends and families grouped together. 

Suitable for children 8 years and above who are good swimmers. At least one parent to accompany and supervise two children. Depth ranges from 2-10m. Trained snorkel guides lead the tours and are often accompanied by student or qualified aquatic biologists.

Please arrive at least 45 minutes before start time to fill out the registration form and be fitted with snorkel gear and warm wetsuit (water is chilly).

 

FAQ

How far from Adelaide is Ewen Ponds?

465km southeast (36km south of Mount Gambier)

 

Is there parking and amenities?

Yes, there is a picnic area, car parking, toilets and accessible toilets.

 

Do you need a permit to snorkel site? Yes, as part of ticket price EMS pays Parks SA for snorkel permit.

 

How many people allowed at one time?

Parks SA has granted EMS a permit to allow 6 people in the water every 30 minutes.

 

What is the snorkel tour route?

Group of 6 enter at pontoon (first pond near car park) every 30 minutes and move to pond three to exit via pontoon and walk along the track back to car park.

 

Do I have to wear a wetsuit?

Yes, it is compulsory under Parks SA permit to wear a full-length wetsuit.

 

Are weight belts allowed? Snorkellers are not permitted to wear a weight belt. EMS Lead Guides will wear a weight belt for safety (rescue) purposes.

 

Sensitive habitat?

The ponds are home to rare plants and animals and the bottom substrate is very sensitive therefore it is important that fins are kept on surface and nothing is touched.

What concessions are available?

A concession is defined as a Senior or Australian Health Care Card Holder who hold an Australian Government issues 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 and secondary school student or full time tertiary and post-secondary students who have an approved photo ID. 


Where do I meet to take part in the tour?

EMS Snorkel leaders will have a registration table set up near Harbour Kiosk & toilet block at the start of boardwalk down to the beach  - look for the EMS trailer, marquee tent and banner.


Is there an age limit to enter the event?

The event is open to children 5 years and above who can swim.


What can/can't I bring to the event?

Bring your own wetsuit and snorkelling gear (if you don’t have your own snorkelling equipment we provide free of charge).


The name on the registration/ticket doesn't match the attendee. Is that okay?

That is fine, we will update at registration on the day.


Do you need to have snorkelling experience?

You don’t need snorkelling experience but you do need to be able to tread water and swim a short distance (at least 25m).  Larger groups will be broken down to smaller groups with similarly experienced snorkelers in each group - this allows more assistance to those who require it.


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. At this time all EMS snorkel events have been cancelled until end of June 2020. If advice changes, we will update you, our website and all social media channels accordingly.  Please be assured that 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.

-       Disallowing staff and volunteers from engaging in physical contact when greeting colleagues and participants.

-    Update our cancellation/refund policy to prevent attendants who are unwell with cold/flu-like symptoms.

-    Screen attendees at registration /entry for body temperature (infrared thermometer) and health questions e.g. have you had temperature or felt unwell.

 

 

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.