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Phillip Island: Dolphin and Whale Cruise

3-Hour Dolphin And Whale Cruise

Phillip Island: Dolphin and Whale Cruise

★ 4.6 83 reviews

from $93 per person

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Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Cancel free up to a day ahead. Whale watching runs late May to September, peak June and July (Visit Phillip Island). Not a year-round trip.

Duration
3 hours
Meeting point
San Remo Jetty
Cancellation
Cancel free up to a day ahead
Meals
Tea, coffee and cake
Run by
Wildlife Coast Cruises

Overview

This three-hour winter cruise with Wildlife Coast Cruises leaves from San Remo and works its way along Phillip Island's southern coast, past the sheer cliffs of Cape Woolamai. The focus is the annual whale migration: the crew searches for humpback and southern right whales, with a dedicated whale spotter on board so that sightings are not missed.

Seals and seabirds round out the wildlife list. The captain provides commentary on what the boat passes. Tea, coffee and cake are included, and a licensed bar sells cold drinks if you want something else.

The trip suits travellers who want a longer wildlife outing rather than a quick scenic loop, and who accept that sightings depend on the animals. Families do come on board; one reviewer described a space inside the boat where her one-year-old could play. Whale sightings are not promised, though reviewers who struck an unlucky day still reported dolphins and a crew that kept searching. One reviewer found it freezing out at sea and advised rugging up.

What's Included

Included

  • 3-hour cruise
  • Tea, coffee, and cake
  • Expert whale spotter

Not Included

  • Alcohol, soft drinks, and snacks (available for purchase)
Duration3 hours
Departs FromSan Remo Jetty

Itinerary

  1. Meet at San RemoCheck in at San Remo, the departure point for the cruise.
  2. Depart and cruise the coastThe boat heads out past the cliffs of Cape Woolamai and along Phillip Island's southern coastline, with the captain giving commentary.
  3. Search for whalesThe crew, including the expert whale spotter, scans for humpback and southern right whales on their migration route.
  4. Look for dolphins and wildlifeThe route also covers spots where dolphin pods hunt and play, with possible seal and seabird sightings, including wandering albatrosses.
  5. Afternoon tea on boardComplimentary tea, coffee and cake are served during the cruise, and cold drinks can be bought from the licensed bar.
  6. Return to San RemoThe boat returns to the departure point roughly three hours after departure.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points from the booking page and from traveller reviews shape how the three hours actually feel.

Modest houses and tea-tree along the low shoreline at San Remo, seen from the water beside a timber jetty.
  • Dress for cold. One reviewer reported that it is freezing on the boat when you are way out to sea, and advised rugging up. Warm clothing is the clear takeaway for this trip.
  • Seasickness preparation. If that applies to you, it is worth preparing in advance.
  • Sightings vary. Whales are the headline act but nature does not follow a schedule. Some reviewers saw whales within minutes, while others saw none at all and had to settle for dolphins. Go in expecting wildlife in general rather than a guaranteed whale.
  • Food and drink. Tea, coffee and cake are included. Alcohol, soft drinks and snacks cost extra at the licensed bar, so budget for them separately if you want them.
  • Family friendly. One reviewer travelled with a one-year-old and described a spot inside the boat where the child could play.
  • Photo caution. One reviewer flagged the souvenir photo offer, saying the images sold were generic rather than photos taken on her own trip. If photos from your day matter, bring your own camera and treat the on-board offer carefully.

Common issues. The main limitation is the wildlife itself: one reviewer saw no whales at all and only a small group of dolphins late in the trip, and thick fog delayed sightings on another departure before the captain eventually found a pod. One reviewer reported freezing conditions out at sea. Alcohol, soft drinks and snacks are not included, and one reviewer felt the souvenir photo advertising was misleading.

Common Questions

How Long Is The Cruise And Where Does It Leave From?

The cruise runs for three hours and departs from San Remo.

What Is Included In The Price?

The three-hour cruise, tea, coffee and cake, and an expert whale spotter on board are all included. Alcohol, soft drinks and snacks are excluded but can be purchased from the licensed bar on board.

Will I Definitely See Whales?

No sighting is promised. The crew actively searches for humpback and southern right whales on their migration route, and some reviewers report close whale encounters, but others saw only dolphins. Dolphins, seals and seabirds are also part of the trip.

Is The Cruise Suitable For Children?

One reviewer travelled with a one-year-old and found space inside the boat where the child could play. Commentary is delivered in English. For specific age policies, check the booking page before reserving.

What Should I Bring?

Warm clothing is the top item, since one reviewer describes freezing conditions out at sea. Money for the licensed bar if you want cold drinks.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking page also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option, so you can hold a spot without paying at the time of booking.

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Live dates, times and prices are on the booking page.

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