RAD KI

RAD KI At Research and Discovery Coastal Tours Kangaroo Island (RAD KI), we offer a unique opportunity to explore Kangaroo Island's North Western coastline.
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Our tours are tailored for those who share a passion for the marine environment. We welcome you to join us on our versatile 8m zodiac rib RADIKAL to explore the unexplored and to expect the unexpected! We will ferry you out to RADIKAL in our tender vessel from Stokes Bay boat ramp. This is where your adventure begins. After getting you all on board, we will head out wide in the search of various d

olphin species, attempting to capture images of their dorsal fins for cataloging before heading back into the geological wonderland that compromises the far North West coastline of KI. RAD KI holds a permit to join sealion, seals and dolphins in the water. So if you are keen and the weather permits, we will seek out a sheltered cove and pop you into the water (with an underwater camera if you have one) to survey the incredible diversity of creatures, large and small, that we often encounter. Of specific interest are of course our at risk marine species such as the endangered Australian Sealion, the near threatened Leafy Seadragon and the vulnerable Western Blue Groper. But with 85% endemism of species in this little-explored section of our temperate Great Southern Reef, so much remains yet to be discovered, so who knows what you might come across. Not keen to hop in, no worries! There is just so much to see and do on the surface. We are actively monitoring the coastal raptors such as the ever-decreasing osprey population and the majestic white bellied sea eagles that nest along this coastline. You will no doubt also encounter many a pinniped (seal or sea lion) perched up on the rocky cliff face and may even observe the feeding frenzies of multiple species unfold causing havoc to the schools of small fish below. Never a dull moment, and always so much to record and see! And if you wish to just sit back and savor the journey, that's great too. We are happy to take care of the surveying for the day ourselves....and have you just feast you eyes on all that this incredible coastline has to offer whilst you just relax and enjoy. Following a fun filled morning we will indulge you in a mouthwatering lunch featuring all of Kangaroo Island's best local produce. From the delicious Stokes Bay smoked chicken, olives and sticky figs to the scrumptious D'Estrees Bakery rolls... there will be something for everyone in our bento box assortment of goodies. And naturally home made treats baked with KI's award winning local honey will accompany a hot cup of coffee or tea after underwater surveying. On our way home we will show you some of the most incredible geological wonders you have yet to see (promise!), and are happy to stop off at pristine inaccessible beaches on the way. But naturally if we come across a friendly pod of bottlenose dolphins, you may just feel that hoping into the water with them....or simply dropping down our hydrophone to hear what they have to say to us!...may take precedence over this. They are just so curious and playful. We have no itinerary per se. Every day is different. We let nature guide us from the very first moment you set foot on the boat. But we will aim to have you back within 5 to 6 hours of departure. At RAD KI we aim to discover the undiscovered with you. We aim to find out, through continual surveying, what is actually going on out there. And most importantly perhaps, we want you to be a part of this exciting journey of research and discovery with us. Who knows - you may well be the one to come across a whole new species! Give us a call. We can't wait to have you on board as fellow citizen scientist in this truly unique, exciting and just so incredibly beautiful part of the world. See you soon on RADIKAL! As a fully surveyed diving and research vessel we welcome any groups that wish to charter our vessel for this purpose only. Personal private charters very welcome also.

Rigorous citizen science is becoming increasingly important in these trying times.
30/07/2026

Rigorous citizen science is becoming increasingly important in these trying times.

Scientists and authorities are increasingly calling for help from citizen scientists to track species and changes.

24/07/2026

DEW’s Marine Science Team, in partnership with Parks Australia, South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), Flinders University and Deakin University, recently headed deep into uncharted waters to undercover one of Australia’s most remote, and least understood, marine environments – The Great Australian Bight.

The Great Australian Bight is vast, covering an area twice the size of Victoria and stretches from depths of 50 metres near coastal cliffs to up to abyssal depths of 5000 meters offshore. This dynamic and sometimes harsh environment is characterised with rough weather and an average swell of four metres.

Using underwater cameras and environmental DNA sampling, the team documented the remarkable species and habitats found within protected marine parks.

Early findings include previously unmapped reefs, sponge-dominated habitats and an abundance of sharks and rays. Researchers also tagged six great white sharks to better understand their movements.

Each camera deployment and water sample will help fill important knowledge gaps, giving scientists a clearer picture of life in the Bight and how it can be better protected.

Department of Primary Industries and Regions

Jayne is a dear friend dedicated to the ocean and its inhabitants  (and we are delighted to have her on board as a found...
16/07/2026

Jayne is a dear friend dedicated to the ocean and its inhabitants (and we are delighted to have her on board as a founding member of our KI Reef Resilience Project!). If you are not already, make sure you follow Underwater Awards Australasia.

10/07/2026



Have you ever wondered how scientists, observers, hunters, and recreational whale watchers recognise different whale species from far away?

Well, there are many different methods of identifying different cetacean (whale, dolphin, and porpoise) species. We talked about one of them before—photo ID of humpback whales based on the uniqueness of their tail fluke. But there are many more methods of identification.

In the illustration you can see features that can help identify large cetaceans:
🐳 The position of the blowhole changes the way water spouts in different species, so that is one of the identifying characteristics. In s***m whales, for instance, the “blow” is aimed forward instead of upward.
🐬 Next is the way the animal surfaces for air. Some species only show a small part of their back or dorsal fin at a time, while others surface their entire body or even jump out of the water.
🐋 Some species are more likely to show their tails when diving, such as humpback or s***m whales, while some other species never do.

So the next time you are out at sea, keep your eyes open, and if you spot a whale, try to identify the species! In the meantime, make sure to read up on different species that live in the North Atlantic: https://nammco.no/whales-dolphins-and-porpoises/.

Illustrations © Tony Pyrzakowski

05/07/2026

Sharing a memory.

On this day last year we were once again in Whyalla for the annual breeding congregation of our incredible giant cuttlefish. After witnessing so many deceased during the bloom, we thought this might possibly be the last chance we get to witness this incredible mating spectacle.

Devastatingly, as predicted, we are now unsure of their future…. A truly tragic outcome for this unique species.

We were all hoping never to hear this news, but were also very much expecting it. The consequences of the bird flu hitti...
19/06/2026

We were all hoping never to hear this news, but were also very much expecting it. The consequences of the bird flu hitting our shores could be yet another absolutely devastating event to hit the creatures we care for most deeply. Constant monitoring of our precious marine environment will become more important now than ever before. Gut wrenching news.

Heartbreaking news from Heard Island 💔

A new study has confirmed that bird flu (H5N1) has caused mass mortality of southern elephant seals.
Across the island, researchers estimate over 13,000 pups were lost, with 97% of pups recorded dead in the worst-hit harem (social and mating group).

This sub-Antarctic Australian island is home to over a million breeding seals and seabirds, and is now the latest frontline in the global spread of bird flu, which has already wreaked havoc on marine mammals and seabirds worldwide.

Scientists have warned that the virus could soon reach mainland Australia, threatening iconic species like Australian sea lions, seabirds, penguins, and other endemic wildlife.

Today, the first suspected case has been found in Western Australia in a single migratory bird. Further testing will be undertaken to confirm that the sick bird is carrying H5N1 bird flu.

This news reinforces the importance of the Federal Government’s ongoing funding to increase Australia’s bird flu preparedness.

A powerful moment offshore - a humpback while breaching alongside a dolphin riding the swell. Humpbacks can launch their...
01/06/2026

A powerful moment offshore - a humpback while breaching alongside a dolphin riding the swell.

Humpbacks can launch their entire 30+ tonne bodies out of the water, and scientists still believe breaching helps with communication, play, and removing parasites! 🐋🐬

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Stokes Bay
Stokes Bay, SA
5223

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