Melbourne · DOLPHIN WATCHING
Melbourne weather can wreck a plan by lunchtime, so it helps to know what you are booking. Here are 7 dolphin trips, priced and timed, with what each one is really like on the day.
From Sorrento Pier, cruise Port Phillip Bay aboard Moonraker, meet Australian fur seals in clear shallows, then look for wild dolphins. Guides provide snorkel gear and full-length wetsuits, and serve lunch, snacks, water and hot drinks. Dolphin encounters are never guaranteed, but if you do not see them, you can return for free within 30 days.
Join Wildlife Coast Cruises for a three-hour winter trip along Phillip Island’s southern coast. An expert whale spotter and the captain help you look for migrating humpback and southern right whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds. The cruise passes the cliffs of Cape Woolamai and includes tea, coffee and cake. Wildlife sightings vary, and drinks beyond tea and coffee cost extra.
“I love the first part, we got to see many whales but I thought the last hour and a half it wasn’t as great because we were just on the boat and didn’t see any whales.”
From Sorrento Pier, board Moonraker for a roughly three-hour cruise into Port Phillip Bay. Snorkel among Australian fur seals at Chinaman’s Hat, then watch for resident dolphins and, if conditions allow, enter the water in small groups. Equipment, onboard bathroom facilities and a café are provided.
“The staff were so amazing and friendly! Best part was swimming with the seals! Visibility and process of swimming with the dolphins was not the best but you get to see the dolphins better when they’re swimming with the boat. Would definitely recommend! :)”
Join Moonraker Dolphin Swims for an approximately three-hour wildlife cruise from Sorrento. This sightseeing ticket shares a boat with passengers on the swimming tour, but does not include swimming or snorkelling. Look for bottlenose dolphins and Australian fur seals, pass The Rip and Popes Eye, and choose a seat inside or out on deck.
“The crew were amazing. Great communication and very professional. All were happy to answer any question and accomodate any need. Luckily all the passengers seemed like lovely people. It felt like a very shared experience. My muRead more”
Set out from San Remo Jetty at 1 pm aboard a large catamaran for a three-hour cruise along Phillip Island’s coast. In winter, look for migrating humpback and southern right whales, plus dolphins, seals and seabirds. The crew provides onboard commentary and serves afternoon tea, coffee or tea. Open-water conditions can be choppy.
“The water was choppy with ocean waves, dipping here rising there, it was the sensation of a never ending roller coaster. The sms warned us to prepare for possible seasickness - glad we followed the advice! Our little group was fine. We saw Read more”
From Sorrento Pier, Moonraker’s three-hour cruise takes you into Port Phillip Bay to snorkel near Australian fur seals and look for wild bottlenose dolphins. Guides brief you onboard, then take small groups of up to 10 into the water for dolphin encounters. Morning and afternoon departures are available, with food onboard.
“It was certainly an amazing time swimming with the seals closely in the sea. Their movements is beautiful. It was very pity that we were not able to spot the dolphin that day though I do understand you cannot guarantee anything from wildlRead more”
From Queenscliff Harbour, spend 3.5 hours exploring Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park with an English-speaking instructor. Snorkel Popes Eye, swim near Australian fur seals at Chinaman’s Hat, and look for dolphins. A 5mm wetsuit and snorkel gear are provided, or you can join as a sightseeing passenger.
“The staff were so competent, caring and helpful. They added a great deal to the afternoon. I was impressed. As well they had a lot of knowledge about the sea life, the weather and conditions. I would do the trip again with other family members.”
Pick a lane, a vineyard or a stretch of coast.
