Melbourne · MELBOURNE WHALE AND SEAL WATCHING CRUISES
Fur seal colonies off the Nobbies year round, southern rights and humpbacks through winter. The 11 below cover boat size, how long you spend at the colony and the sailings most likely to be cancelled by swell.
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!”
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.”
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”
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.
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!”
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!”
Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island in a small group of up to 15. Choose a two-hour seal cruise or three-plus hours on the Island Explorer bus, then meet for sparkling wine at The Nobbies and the sunset Penguin Parade.
“Great day, a lot to see. So make sure to have comfortable shoes. :)”
Set out from Sorrento on a three-hour sightseeing cruise with Moonraker Dolphin Swims. You will pass The Rip, Australian fur seals, Popes Eye Marine Park, gannets, and the waterfront homes of Portsea and Sorrento. The boat also carries swim-tour passengers, but this ticket is for sightseeing only.
“The trip was good but it was disappointing that we were not able to see any dolphins. We felt the boat was a bit too small for that many people.”
Set out from San Remo Jetty at 1 pm for a three-hour wildlife cruise toward Cape Woolamai and Phillip Island. Look for migrating humpback and southern right whales, dolphins, seals, and albatross while enjoying tea, coffee, afternoon tea, and live onboard commentary.
“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”
Set out from Rhyll for a four-hour winter cruise around Phillip Island. Watch for humpback and southern right whales, dolphins, and Australian Fur Seals at Seal Rocks while the captain and crew explain the wildlife and local history. Tea, coffee, and cake are included.
“Crew were very engaging. Captain made sure we all had very good trip. And we saw a whale.”
From Sorrento Pier, Moonraker Dolphin Swims takes you into Port Phillip Bay to meet Australian fur seals and search for wild bottlenose dolphins. You receive equipment and water guidance, eat morning tea or lunch aboard, and enter the water in groups of 10. Basic swimming ability is required.
“We had a fantastic day with a family of five. We were lucky enough to see a lot of dolphins on the day and even luckier to get to swim with them. Great day and the weather was fab which made it more special. Crew on board were also great”
Pick a direction out of the city.
