Eco Boat Cruise: Spot Seals and Dolphins in Mornington Peninsula
4.9
47 Ratings
Sorrento
Embark on a boutique eco boat cruise in Mornington Peninsula to spot seals and dolphins. Marvel at the unique local wildlife on this 1.5-hour adventure for up to 12 guests.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- WaterMaarq - Make your way to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula to meet your local guide and your rigid inflatable boat (RIB). Sorrento is around a 1.5hr drive from Melbourne.
Meeting at the Sorrento Pier at least 20 minutes early (allow up to 1 hour in summer), you’ll listen to a short briefing on what to expect during the scenic ecotour.
Departing shore, we’ll quickly gather pace and zoom our way by Millionaire’s Walk and Point King towards the Chinaman’s Hat, a man-made seal haul-out platform.
Be prepared for a lively ride as you venture into the bay to explore our wonderful marine playground. On the return journey, it’s a grand opportunity to get close to the Australian Fur Seals, where you can watch them rest and play.
During the voyage we’ll seek out the resident Bottlenose Dolphins and if they’re not fishing they may even come to play. In winter months we’ll explore the broader waters for whale sightings including Humpback, Southern Right and Killer whales (Orca).
Make sure you dress warmly - warm jackets, scarves, beanies and gloves are recommended in Autumn and Spring, sometimes even in summer. And remember your camera!
What's Included
- Parks Victoria use fees included
- Open vessel for unobstructed views
- Experienced guides at your service
- Exclusive small group experience - maximum 12 guests
- Perfect for capturing amazing photos
What's Not Included
- Not Included:
- Accommodation Pick-up / Drop Offs
- Meals
Additional Information
Experience exclusive close encounters with native fauna on our special 1.5-hour adventure cruise that accommodates up to 12 guests. Explore the magnificent coastline of the Mornington Peninsula and the southern part of Port Phillip Bay. Throughout the year, there’s a chance to witness gannets diving, fur seals frolicking, cormorants nesting, or a group of dolphins making waves and playing around.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Children must be at least 5 years old to join the tour
- It is highly recommended that you wear warm clothing and clothing that you don’t mind getting wet, including shoes
- Subject to favourable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Guests will have the opportunity to spot dolphins, however sightings can not be guaranteed as they are wild animals
- The supplier reserves the right to substitute the vessel and / or change the day’s itinerary without notice
- Medical Conditions: Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
- Getting There
- From Melbourne you’ll need to drive around 90 minutes south to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula (allow 2 hours in summer, sometimes longer). Once you’re in Sorrento, you should park near the ferry terminal. Make your way to the Sorrento Pier (at the end of the Esplanade)
- From Queenscliff, catch the Sorrento-Queenscliff ferry towards Sorrento and once arrived, make your way to the end of Sorrento Pier.
- Esplanade, Sorrento VIC 3943
- On Google Maps make your way to the pin-drop for WaterMaarq
- Tours depart at the scheduled time and will not wait for late guests
Location
WaterMaarq
Departure Point: Sorrento Pier, at the very end of the pier at the seaward end. Walk out the main pier and turn to the left hand side at the end. Your guide will meet you at the rigid inflatable eco boat.
Sorrento is located on Victoria's spectacular Mornington Peninsula.
Address: Sorrento Pier
Esplanade
Sorrento VIC 3943
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(47 Ratings)
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Robiela2024
Feb 9, 2024
Great experience for couples - My partner and I had an amazing time! We were fortunate to see a penguin before the trip started and saw plenty of dolphins luckily. The tour operators (Steve and Adam?) were amazing and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Seaside64233320818
Jan 25, 2024
Amazing experience - Really loved this tour. Views were amazing and we saw loads of dolphins and seals. Our tour guide Marion was really friendly and passionate about his job. Taught us lots about everything we saw from parts of the coastline to all the wildlife on offer. Loved the boat too, very comfortable and fast. Would highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Edmund_t
Dec 29, 2023
Seal and Dolphin viewing - We booked this cruise and have enjoyable time riding Eco boat to sight the Seals and Dolphin.
It was a smooth guided tour come with explanation along the way.
Review provided by Viator
227premas
Dec 26, 2023
Prefect Birthday Present - We had an amazing experience. The staff were friendly and very welcoming. We'll be recommending this trip to friends and family.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vanely_l
Oct 8, 2023
What a treat! Absolutely recommend this experience - Marlon was extremely knowledgeable and patient with us. My mum doesn't speak English and he let me translate the knowledge he shared during the trip. He is a great navigator and knew how to approach the waves so the tour was smooth and fun! We were extremely lucky to see a bunch of dolphins on our way back. He also taught us a lot about the area - the seals and birds were really fun to watch.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oana_o
Apr 4, 2023
Ocean wonders - Thank you for a beautiful experience! The animals put up a wonderful show for us, even on a less sunny weather. We enjoyed it a lot!
Review provided by Viator
Paulinepi2063yw
Apr 4, 2023
Great experience - We got to see Dolphins close up to the boat and lots of seals and bird life. It was awesome and Marlon was very informative and a good host.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Suha_a
Mar 20, 2023
A really cute and entertaining experience - It was a really cute experience. The boat ride on its own is really nice with beautiful views. We were lucky enough to spot dolphins swimming around and the staff went beyond their way to make sure we dont miss out. The guide was so friendly and gave many stories and facts about the monuments around the bay. We spent time near the seals and it was honestly very entertaining to see them interact with eaach other. The trip didnt feel too short or too long. Its definitely worth trying out.
Review provided by Viator
Raberne
Feb 25, 2023
Awesome dolphin and wildlife eco tour! - Highly recommend this tour! We saw lots of dolphins soon after we left the pier and had the chance to take plenty of videos and admire them from up close in their natural habitat. They came very close to the boat a few times, too, which was so special!
We then went on the rest of the tour which included admiring the stunning peninsula from the sea, learning about the history of the area and about its wildlife. We saw many birds, a stingray and the fur seals which are just the cutest - such goofy, funny animals!
Our guides Marlon and Kristen were very knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience super laid back and fun. We particularly enjoyed learning about Aboriginal tales and facts, thanks for sharing!
Being on the small boat was also great as it made the experience more personal. If you're ever in the Peninsula, make sure to check this tour out!
Raissa and Gui
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Doreen_j
Jan 14, 2024
Sad 😞 we missed it, we were looking forward to it. - We were not able to do the eco boat cruise because we were at the wrong port. (Our NCL cruise ship was not the same port, I did not read it correctly and we did not have transportation available. So we were disappointed.
Review provided by Viator
