Boating Facilities
Free Boat Launching – State Government Initiative
As part of the Algal Bloom Fish Recovery Program, Kangaroo Island Council will provide free access to all Council-managed boat launching facilities from 1 November 2025 to 30 November 2026, with normal fees reinstated from 1 December 2026.
This temporary, State-funded initiative supports fishing industry recovery following the algal bloom and coincides with new reduced bag limits introduced to help fish stocks recover.
Free access applies to the following locations:
- American River
- Baudin Beach
- Bay of Shoals
- Christmas Cove
- Emu Bay
No boat launching permits are required during this period.
Further information about the program can be found at www.algalbloom.sa.gov.au/news/algal-bloom-fish-recovery-program.
Kangaroo Island Council maintains five boat launching facilities on Kangaroo Island. Council is committed to upgrading these facilities to a high standard to ensure safe and accessible boating for residents and visitors. Following upgrades of each facility, boat launching fees were introduced to help maintain them into the future. Income raised from these fees supports ongoing upkeep and improvements. Users of boat launching facilities should read the Use of Foreshores and Boat Facilities Terms and Conditions
When reinstated, fees will be outlined in Council’s Fees and Charges Policy.
The following table outlines the facilities available at each boat ramp, with detailed maps provided in the Boating Facilities Brochure.
Self | No Fee Applies | Mooring Pontoon | Mooring Berth | Breakwater | Other | |
American River | X | X | X | Wharf nearby | ||
Baudin Beach | X | |||||
Bay of Shoals (Kingscote) | X | X | X | X | ||
Christmas Cove (Penneshaw) | X | X | X | X | X | |
Emu Bay | X | Landing jetties | Timber Jetty nearby |
