All "Thumbs Up" as Shark Watch SA Launches New Marine Tourism Venture for K.I & Fleurieu Peninsula Alongside Southern Fishing Charters

There's already been some major developments at Shark Watch HQ since we've ticked over into 2026. We were able to provide drone support at three state surfing competitions and take control of two shark sightings at these events. We have continued to build a good working relationship with the SA community, and now we're about to branch out that connection even further with the launch of our new coastal tourism operation in partnership with Southern Fishing Charters.

Launching on May 13, we will be operating nine hour return tours to Kangaroo Island from Wirrina Cove visiting premier food and nature destinations on and around Kangaroo Island and Southern Fleurieu Peninsula with all sea and land transfers provided aboard Southern Fishing Charters 19m charter vessel named "Fish Stalker". The 65ft West Coaster is the second largest charter boat available on the Fleurieu Peninsula and is surveyed to hold 20 passengers with a maximum capacity of up to 40 guests for potential future operations. In a miraculous "stellar-alignment" of circumstances, Shark Watch SA was in the process of establishing its "four pillar pathway" of long-term business goals which included a coastal tourism pillar aimed at expanding South Australia's coastal tourism landscape while the SFC were simultaneously finishing the fit-out of their new boat. "Fish Stalker 2" is an upgrade from their previous charter vessel, 15m "Fish Stalker 1". These developments coupled with the on-boarding of our Community Engagement Ambassador, Amber Everett, who works at the very marina where SFC operate from in Wirrina Cove had us in a prime position to fulfill our tourism aspirations, and all we needed was Amber to bridge the networking gap between both parties.

19m "Fish Stalker" is the largest private charter vessel on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

By November 2025, SWSA Founder, Anton Covino, met with SFC Skipper, Jarrod Glaister, and his father, Brenton Glaister, to discuss a potential commercial tourism collaboration that would see the Shark Watch Tourism vision come to pass alongside the Glaister's families aspirations to expand into the tourism sector after years of scaling the Southern Fleurieu fishing scene. "We couldn't be happier with the outcome", says Anton. "Not only are we partnering with a family who share the same vision as us, and are the best at what they do, but they also have the boat that is built for comfort on the high seas and is capable of delivering multiple itineraries for breathtaking scenic tours."

Now that we are in the process of securing Marine Parks permits, our hard work is finally paying off, and all we have to do is focus on the marketing aspect. The experience sells itself. We will be the only tour operator in the state offering direct sea transfers to and from Kangaroo Island from Wirrina Cove. Landing at American River before we receive an access pass to moor at the newly constructed Penneshaw Jetty, our tours will offer guests a new and unique range of itineraries showcasing K.I and the scenic wonders of Encounter Marine Park. Valued at $320 per person, it's a quick and affordable way people can experience K.I. in the space of a day. We have already received major interest from a couple of other tourism operators on the island, and would like to thank K.I Bus Tours & Charters for offering Shark Watch SA a great deal to secure a potential long-term partnership to transfer passengers to and from our island experiences from the boat."

With the first tour ready to go on May 13, we're confident scores of people will be just as excited as we are to partake in this inaugural experience and jump onboard our first lineup of day tours taking guests to False Cape Wines, Pennington Bay, and Clifford's Honey Farm from Wirrina Cove on a nine hour return trip. All bookings can be made through the Shark Watch SA website (sharkalertsa.com) or via any of our contact points!