Snorkel Crystal Clear Waters of Ewens Ponds in South East - 5th & 6th March

From AUD $39.00
  • Duration: 90 Minutes (approx.)
  • Location: Eight Mile Creek, SA
  • Product code: PAV0Q9

Join EMS and National Parks and Wildlife Service SA Rangers for a guided snorkel in the crystal clear, spring-fed limestone waters of Ewens Ponds Conservation Park to celebrate Coorong National Park as March Park of the Month. This event is proudly supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and our team of amazing volunteers - this has made it possible to offer these heavily subsidised tickets.

Jump in for a guided snorkel in the crystal clear, spring-fed limestone waters of Ewens 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 the air. Enter at the first pontoon to explore the first, second and third pond.

This event has replaced the Piccaninnie Ponds Event planned for 13th and 14th November (cancelled due to storms).


When: Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th March 2022.

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). Snorkelers need to keep their fins on the surface to protect fragile pond vegetation

Ticket price includes wetsuit, mask (goggles), snorkel, fins (flippers), and accredited guide. We stock wetsuits from adult 4XL down to child 4. All wetsuits are washed, and mask/snorkels sterilised between uses with COVID-19 approved chemicals. You are encouraged to bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them.

Suitable for all ages (5+ years) and abilities including people living with disabilities who are confident in the water and can swim at least 25 metres. One adult carer to accompany and supervise a maximum of two children (< 15 years) or one person living with a disability (companion card accepted).

Please arrive at least 30 minutes before start time to fill out the registration form and be fitted with a wetsuit and snorkel gear. Wearing a full-length wetsuit is a requirement of National Parks and Wildlife Service permit.

FAQs

Do I have to wear a wetsuit?

It is a National Parks and Wildlife Service requirement that you must wear a full-length wetsuit, fins, dive mask and snorkel to go snorkelling in Ewens Ponds.

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 5-7, no more than one child per adult. For ages 5 and above, no more than 2 children 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.

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. 

Companion Card is accepted.

Are warm wetsuits and snorkel gear provided?

Yes, as part of the ticket price we supply toasty warm wetsuits with boots, gloves, and hoods as well as snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, and fins). We have wetsuits from size 4 child to size XXXL adult.

Will I be cold?

We use appropriate thickness wetsuits to ensure that you are snug and warm. If you feel the cold let us know when booking as extra body liners and hooded vests can be provided.

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 snorkel gear it is fit for purpose and wetsuit it is full length and appropriate thickness for water temperature (5-7mm for freshwater ponds).

Can I wear a weight belt?

Weight belts are not permitted in ponds.

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

No. We advise you to sign up for swimming class at your local community pool and then a EMS Snorkel 101 class - an introduction to snorkelling where the basics of snorkelling are taught in a controlled pool environment. Book via our website.

What is income from tickets used for?

Funding, in-kind support, and hundreds of volunteer hours make it possible to reduce the price of event tickets by up to 60%. EMS is a not-for-profit and all funds raised from ticket sales go to overheads such as event coordination and supervision by dive professionals, insurance, equipment storage, and volunteer expenses such as training and travel subsidy.

Where do I meet to take part in the tour?

EMS Snorkel leaders will have a registration table set up in the car park.

Is there an age limit to enter the event?

The event is open to children 5 years and above who can swim at least 25m unassisted.

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. 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, 

-           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).

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

-           Hoods 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.