Images and Video
Two Hour Wildlife Boat Tour
Highlights
- Explore the vibrant waters of southern Port Phillip Bay while staying dry and comfortable on a two-hour wildlife tour.
- Meet playful Burrunan dolphins and witness their charm as expert eco-guides share their fascinating stories.
- Observe Australian fur seals at local haul-out sites, experiencing the thrill of wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Marvel at stunning cliff-top mansions and the rugged beauty of the Mornington Peninsula from a unique vantage point.
Want to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of southern Port Phillip Bay, but prefer to stay dry? A favourite with families with young children, this boat tour does not involve any swimming so they do not stay as long at locations and spend more time on the move exploring the area.
Come aboard and let the crew of experienced, passionate and highly trained eco-guides introduce you to their Big Blue Backyard.
Meet the Bay’s resident icons; the Burrunan dolphins. Visit the Australian fur seals at one of the local haul-out sites. See the Australasian diving gannets feeding or attending their chicks at one of their nesting colonies.
Marvel at the cliff-top mansions, take in the rugged beauty of the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula or see a container ship up-close as it enters or exits the Bay.
Tours are structured but the itineraries are dictated by the conditions at the time of the tour to maximise your comfort and enjoyment.
Tour details
- On demand
Features
Service facilities
Actively welcomes people with access needs.
General access
- Offers multiple options for booking – web, email, phone is available.
- Offers a range of contact methods for receiving complaints.
- Companion Cards are accepted.
- Staff are trained in disability awareness.
- Advise tour guides of the access needs of guests at the time of booking (includes pick up and drop off requirements)
- Assistance with booking arrangements (includes providing clear itineraries with written instructions on what to do at various destinations)
Communication
Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia)
- Staff are trained in communicating with people with learning or behavioural challenges.
- Uses Plain English / easy read signage and information (includes menus and emergency information)
Vision
Caters for people who are blind or have vision loss.
Hearing
Caters for people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
Physical – Mobility
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
- Seating in common areas including reception area
Operation information
Polperro Dolphin Swims
Swimming with wild dolphins and seals are rare and magical experiences, so who better to help you connect with these magnificent creatures than the people who have been making the introductions in Port Phillip Bay the longest; Polperro Dolphin Swims.
The Muir family established Polperro Dolphin Swims in 1986. Named after their classic, lovingly maintained boat, the multi-award winning Polperro has led the Bay in research and environmentally responsible dolphin and seal tourism. These wildly exciting yet gentle interactions attract visitors from all over the world.
The qualified crew’s passion and experience and their careful training and supervision of passengers ensures that your marine adventure of a lifetime is conducted in an immersive, fun, safe and inclusive fashion . Passenger numbers are strictly limited so everyone has ample opportunity to get wet, or watch dolphins at play from the deck. Reef swims are often part of Polperro trips as well. These are also revelatory experiences, even for most locals, as the Bay’s rich aquatic life is a surprisingly well-kept secret.
Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and water on tap are provided as well as Judy’s delicious scones, freshly baked on board by the crew.
Wetsuits, masks and snorkels are provided. There are change areas below deck.
Tours depart from Sorrento pier daily from late September-May at 8:00am and 12:00pm. Bookings are essential.
Tags
Accreditations
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ECO Certified (Advanced Ecotourism) by Ecotourism Australia
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Quality Tourism Accreditation
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Sustainable Tourism Accreditation by ATIC
Memberships
- Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
- Victoria Tourism Industry Council
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