Melbourne · MELBOURNE WHALE AND SEAL WATCHING CRUISES

The 6 Best Seal & Whale Watching Cruises near Melbourne

6 tours  ·  from $81

Fur seal colonies off the Nobbies year round, southern rights and humpbacks through winter. The 6 below cover boat size, how long you spend at the colony and the sailings most likely to be cancelled by swell.

Philip Island: Seal Watching Cruise - Seal Rocks and the main wildlife encounter
Boat Tours in Phillip Island, Cruises & Boat Tours, Melbourne Whale and Seal Watching Cruises, Phillip Island Tours, Tour Reviews

Philip Island: Seal Watching Cruise

1.Seal Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 213 reviews · 2 hours · from $81Our pick

Join Wildlife Coast Cruises from Cowes for a two-hour trip to Seal Rocks, home to more than 7,000 Australian fur seals. The captain and crew provide wildlife commentary, tea, coffee, and cake, with sheltered viewing, child-friendly activities, and possible dolphin, penguin, seabird, or whale sightings.

“Overall the entire event was wonderful! Everyone was very helpful and answered all the questions that was asked!”

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Phillip Island Seal-Watching Cruise - Live commentary, landmarks, and Captain Tom
Boat Tours in Phillip Island, Cruises & Boat Tours, Melbourne Whale and Seal Watching Cruises, Phillip Island Tours, Tour Reviews

Phillip Island Seal-Watching Cruise

2.Phillip Island Seal-Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 146 reviews · from $82Top rated

Set out from Cowes Jetty on a two-hour catamaran cruise to Seal Rocks, about 2 kilometres off Phillip Island. Watch Australian fur seals from indoor or outdoor seating, listen to live commentary, and look for dolphins, whales, penguins, and seabirds. Afternoon tea is included.

“We got to see the seals up so close and all the staff where amazing with helping with the best places to see and sit.”

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Phillip Island Whale Watching Tour - Seal Rocks and thousands of fur seals
Melbourne Whale and Seal Watching Cruises, Phillip Island Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

Phillip Island Whale Watching Tour

3.Phillip Island Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · from $125

Join Wildlife Coast Cruises at 8:30 am in Rhyll for a four-hour search for humpback and southern right whales. Your captain provides live commentary as you pass Seal Rocks and Cape Woolamai, with morning tea included. Dolphins, fur seals, seabirds, and little penguins add plenty of wildlife even when whales stay distant.

“The cruise was fantastic. The crew were very friendly with a sense of humour and take good care of the visitors which made the whole experience much more enjoyable! We were lucky enough to see whales and fur seals. The crew even hRead more”

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Sorrento: Dolphins & Seals Snorkeling Cruise w/ Lunch - Getting ready for the first swim
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Lunch Experiences, Melbourne Whale and Seal Watching Cruises, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

Sorrento: Dolphins & Seals Snorkeling Cruise w/ Lunch

4.Dolphins & Seals Snorkeling Cruise w/ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 52 reviews · 3 hours · from $148

Meet the Moonraker crew at Sorrento Pier for a three-hour cruise into Port Phillip Bay. You’ll snorkel with Australian fur seals, search for wild dolphins, and enjoy lunch, snacks, hot drinks, and water. Dolphin encounters are not guaranteed, but a free return visit is offered within 30 days if none are found.

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Philip Island: Dolphin and Whale Cruise - Searching for whales on the winter route
Boat Tours in Phillip Island, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Melbourne Whale and Seal Watching Cruises, Phillip Island Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Philip Island: Dolphin and Whale Cruise

5.Dolphin and Whale Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 48 reviews · 3 hours · from $95

Set out from Phillip Island for a three-hour winter wildlife cruise past Cape Woolamai and the southern coast. An expert whale spotter and captain guide your search for humpback whales, southern right whales, dolphins, seals, and wandering albatrosses, with tea, coffee, and cake served onboard.

“The entire experience was wonderful, the crew were all so friendly and kind. You can really tell how passionate they are about the animals. We saw 5 whales and loads of dolphins. I highly recommend!”

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3 hour Dolphin and Seal Swim (NOV-APR) - The seal swim at Chinaman’s Hat
3-Hour Experiences, Dolphin Watching, Melbourne Whale and Seal Watching Cruises, Mornington Peninsula Tours, Tour Reviews

3 hour Dolphin and Seal Swim (NOV-APR)

6.3 hour Dolphin and Seal Swim (NOV-APR)

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 43 reviews · from $150

From Sorrento Pier, board Moonraker for a three-hour seal and dolphin swim from November to April. Your crew provides snorkel gear, safety guidance, onboard food and drinks, then takes you to Chinaman’s Hat and resident dolphin waters. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, but a return visit is offered if you miss them.

“That was fantastic tour with excellent service! A lot if dolphins and seals played around in the water. Nice cake and drinks for breaks. Safe and professional!”

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