Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries Inc. and Northern and Yorke Landscape Board are excited to give the Yorke Peninsula Community a chance to learn about our amazing coastal and marine environment. 

Proudly supported by the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board - this funding and in-kind volunteer support enable EMS to offer these snorkel tours at up to 50% off the RRP price. 

A 2.5 hr drive from Adelaide is Port Hughes Jetty, one of the best snorkel sites to swim with huge schools of reef fish, yellowtail scan, squid and many colourful reef fish. The jetty lies in shallow waters and is surrounded by rocky reef, algae and seagrass. Explore the colourful pylons covered in white soft coral and home to crabs, fish and nudibranchs. If lucky, you’ll spot sea horses, sea lions, rays, pyjama squid, and harmless Port Jackson sharks. Port Hughes is a day trip from Adelaide, but there is so much to do and see in the area that an overnight trip is worthwhile.

Distance from Adelaide: 165 km west

Parking and amenities: Picnic tables, toilets, and car parking. Long jetty with easy entry and exit steps.

Funding from Northern and Yorke Landscape Board, 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.

The ticket price includes wetsuits and snorkel gear for adults and children. We have wetsuits from 4XL adult down to size 4 child. 5-7-year-olds can participate if parents supply the child's own floatation device & supervision is one-on-one by a parent. Depth ranges from 2-4m. Trained snorkel guides lead the tours and are often accompanied by student or qualified marine biologists. All wetsuits are washed and mask 'n' snorkel sterilised between uses.

Suitable for children 5 years and above who are good swimmers. With a ratio of one parent to accompany and supervise two children (one parent to one child for ages 5-7 years).

Please arrive at least 30 minutes before start time to fill out the registration form and be fitted with snorkel gear.

Groups will be broken up to match experience and family & friend groups on the day.

FAQ

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. 

Is there an age limit to enter the event?

The event is open to children 5 years and above who can swim. A parent/adult must be booked in to supervise, with a ratio of one adult for two children under 15, and one adult for one child for ages 5-7.

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 it 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.

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 colleagues or participants.

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

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

We kindly ask anyone who feels unwell to postpone the tour until fully recovered, and we encourage you to stay up to date via the 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.