Dolphin and Seal Watching Eco Boat Cruise Mornington Peninsula
Overview
See entertaining unique local wildlife on our boutique 1.5-hour adventure cruise for up to 12 guests.
Cruise the glorious coast of the Mornington Peninsula and southern Port Phillip Bay. At any time of year you’re likely to see gannets diving, fur seals playing, nesting cormorants, or a pod of dolphins riding the waves and frolicking about.
Cruise the glorious coast of the Mornington Peninsula and southern Port Phillip Bay. At any time of year you’re likely to see gannets diving, fur seals playing, nesting cormorants, or a pod of dolphins riding the waves and frolicking about.
Inclusions
- Full open vessel for unobstructed views
- Qualified and experienced guides
- Amazing photo opportunities
- Tailored experience for small groups of 12 guests
- Other Inclusions:
- Parks Victoria use fees
What to expect
Itinerary
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!
Stop At:
• WaterMaarq, Esplanade Sorrento Pier, Sorrento, Victoria 3943 Australia
• Pope's Eye, Port Phillip Bay, Queenscliff, Victoria 3225 Australia
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!
Stop At:
• WaterMaarq, Esplanade Sorrento Pier, Sorrento, Victoria 3943 Australia
• Pope's Eye, Port Phillip Bay, Queenscliff, Victoria 3225 Australia
Additional information
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Children must be at least 5 years old to join the tour
- Stroller accessible
- It is highly recommended that you wear warm clothing and clothing that you don't mind getting wet, including shoes
- Near public transportation
- 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
- Infants must sit on laps
- 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
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- 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)
- Most travelers can participate
- 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
- WaterMaarq is an Australian Tourism Industry Council certified COVID Clean Practicing Business.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
raberne
February 2023
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...
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 GuiW5453RVmichaelc
January 2023
This was a great trip around the bay. We have a house In Blairgowire but had never been on a boat and this was a really excellent way to see the bay. The crew were fantastic with great local knowledge. We also saw some dolphins which was a highlight. We will be back to do the snorkel trip next ti...
This was a great trip around the bay. We have a house In Blairgowire but had never been on a boat and this was a really excellent way to see the bay. The crew were fantastic with great local knowledge. We also saw some dolphins which was a highlight. We will be back to do the snorkel trip next time. MichaellouisejT1023FQ
January 2023
We throughly enjoyed our time on the Rib with Marlon who was excellent in his knowledge of the area , sea life and birds . Highly recommended by Louise & Giles Jones UK
We throughly enjoyed our time on the Rib with Marlon who was excellent in his knowledge of the area , sea life and birds . Highly recommended by Louise & Giles Jones UKjennifermI5556AU
May 2022
We had a great experience on this tour in early April. It was a cold Sunday and we rugged up with beanies and coats as we boarded the boat. We were very lucky to see a pod of dolphins up close within 5 mins of leaving the pier. So magical. We also saw birds and seals. Our guide was fun and knowle...
We had a great experience on this tour in early April. It was a cold Sunday and we rugged up with beanies and coats as we boarded the boat. We were very lucky to see a pod of dolphins up close within 5 mins of leaving the pier. So magical. We also saw birds and seals. Our guide was fun and knowledgeable and it was great to learn more of the history of the bay as we moved down the coast. Would definitely recommend. Thanks.NorthStar42205168923
March 2022
We had a fantastic time on our seal and dolphin watching tour with Marlon as he was very informative and I particularly liked that he included some history of the indigenous people on the peninsula. I’ve been going to the Mornington Peninsula for 40 years and I saw and learnt about things I neve...
We had a fantastic time on our seal and dolphin watching tour with Marlon as he was very informative and I particularly liked that he included some history of the indigenous people on the peninsula. I’ve been going to the Mornington Peninsula for 40 years and I saw and learnt about things I never knew such as the lime stone kilns. We didn’t see any dolphins but that was just bad luck. The boat was heaps of fun but don’t forget a spray jacket because you will get a bit wet!bronwynw972
March 2022
I had a great day out on the water with WaterMaarq tours. I learned a lot about the history of life on the coast, marine & bird life. It was beautiful and very picturesque. Its so nice being a tourist in my home town and a great way to start the weekend. I highly recommend this tour with Marlon.
I had a great day out on the water with WaterMaarq tours. I learned a lot about the history of life on the coast, marine & bird life. It was beautiful and very picturesque. Its so nice being a tourist in my home town and a great way to start the weekend. I highly recommend this tour with Marlon.