Quick Overview
Imagine a tour where you can catch your own lobster, enjoy a fresh seafood feast, and cruise through stunning waterways—all in one afternoon. The Mandurah Wild Seafood Experience has earned a perfect 5-star rating based on 13 reviews, with 92% of travelers recommending it. For just over $250 per person, you get a well-rounded, authentic taste of Western Australia’s seafood bounty.
What makes this tour stand out? It combines interactive fishing, gourmet food, and scenic cruising into a three-and-a-half-hour adventure. But, a note of caution: it’s not suitable for children under 5, and weather can influence the experience, especially the lobster fishing part.
If you’re a seafood lover, enjoy a touch of adventure, and want to explore Mandurah from the water, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s especially ideal for those seeking a mix of hands-on activity and fine dining, with a focus on local ingredients.
Key Points
- Sea-to-Plate Experience: Catch lobsters in the ocean and enjoy them freshly cooked on board.
- Scenic Waterways: Cruise the U.N. protected canals and waterways, spotting dolphins and luxury homes.
- Gourmet Seafood Feast: Indulge in an 8-course seafood menu with local wines and drinks.
- Expert Crew and Guides: Knowledgeable staff, including translators for Mandarin, Cantonese, and Malay.
- Family-Friendly with Restrictions: Not suitable for kids under 5; a separate crabbing tour for younger children.
- Excellent Value: Combines unique activity with gourmet food and scenic cruising—worth the price.
Looking for more options in Mandurah? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
What to Expect on Your Mandurah Wild Seafood Cruise
The Itinerary: A Blend of Action and Relaxation
The tour kicks off at Stingray Point Jetty in Mandurah, where you’ll step aboard the luxury vessel, Reel Affair II. After a quick welcome and a sip of lemon and ginger tea, the real fun begins with lobster fishing. You’ll help haul up pots from the Indian Ocean, getting a hands-on look at how local seafood is sourced.
Catching lobsters isn’t just about the thrill—it’s an educational experience. The crew, experienced and friendly, will explain everything about the Western Rock Lobsters, sharing insights that keep you engaged, whether you’re a seafood novice or a seasoned foodie. One reviewer mentioned catching an octopus, adding a surprising twist to the day.
Once the lobsters are aboard, the boat cruises through the Mandurah Canals, allowing you to admire luxurious homes and dolphin activity. This part of the experience is particularly popular, with many guests noting the stunning waterway views and dolphins that often play nearby.
The Seafood Feast: From Ocean to Plate
Back in calmer waters, the crew transitions seamlessly from fishing to a delicious seafood banquet. This isn’t just a simple meal; it features 8 courses of WA seafood, centered around your freshly caught lobster. Expect live shucked oysters, Blue Swimmer Crabs, prawns, sashimi salmon, and even octopus—highlighted by reviewers as delicious and incredibly fresh.
The chef’s skills shine here, serving a barbecue buffet lunch that feels more like a celebration than a typical cruise meal. As one guest gushed, “the food was out of this world,” emphasizing how the local ingredients and thoughtful presentation elevate the experience.
Drinks and Atmosphere
Complementing the feast are local Margaret River wines, boutique beers, soft drinks, and bottled water, all included. Many travelers have highlighted the quality of the drinks and the elegant glassware, which adds to the overall relaxed, upscale vibe.
Throughout the cruise, guests can enjoy scenic views, dolphin sightings, and the chance to spot the vibrant homes of Mandurah’s wealthy residents. Reviewers appreciated the friendly crew’s attentiveness, with many mentioning guides like Takaya, Shane, and Claire for making the journey informative and fun.
The Experience: Why It’s Special (and Worth the Price)
The Interactive Lobster Haul
Many reviews praise the hands-on lobster fishing as a highlight. Guests get to haul up lobster pots themselves, learning about the sustainable fishing practices. It’s not just a photo op; it’s a genuine activity that connects you directly to local seafood harvesting.
One reviewer said, “Fishing lobster was so much fun. We even caught an octopus!” This element of participation is what we love about this tour from regular boat trips. It turns an ordinary cruise into a memorable seafood adventure.
Scenic Waterway Cruising
Traveling through Mandurah’s UNESCO-protected canals, you get an up-close view of opulent waterfront properties and dolphins. Many guests loved watching dolphins swim alongside the boat—a common occurrence here, according to the reviews.
The boat’s route is carefully planned, offering spectacular scenery and wildlife sightings. The calm waters of the estuary create a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after the excitement of catching lobsters.
Gourmet Seafood and Local Wines
The eight-course seafood menu is often described as “out of this world,” with many guests feeling the value for money lies in the quality and freshness of the ingredients. The inclusion of Margaret River wines and boutique beers enhances the dining experience, making it feel indulgent yet authentic.
The culinary highlight is, of course, the fresh lobster, cooked to perfection and served with attention to presentation. Guests often comment on the generous portions and high quality.
Expert Guides and Multilingual Options
The crew’s knowledgeable guides and friendly attitude make all the difference. Particularly noteworthy are the translators available in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Malay, making this tour accessible to a diverse range of travelers.
Guests consistently mention how informative and engaging the crew is—sharing stories about local seafood, wildlife, and the waterways—adding a layer of educational value to the fun.
A Worthwhile Investment?
At around $250, this tour offers a full package of activity, gourmet food, scenic views, and wildlife encounters. Several reviewers confirm that it’s excellent value, especially considering the personalized service and quality of the experience.
It’s important to note that weather can impact the lobster fishing part, with some trips collecting pots for demonstration instead of actual fishing in rough conditions. Guests are usually notified of these changes, and rescheduling or refunds are offered.
Practical Tips for Your Tour
- Booking in Advance: This experience is popular, often booked 12 days ahead, so plan early to secure your spot.
- Timing: Tours last approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, starting at Stingray Point Jetty.
- Age Restrictions: Not suitable for children under 5. For families with younger kids, a separate crabbing tour is recommended.
- Food Allergies or Intolerances: The crew can accommodate some dietary restrictions if notified at least 24 hours in advance.
- Transportation: The tour meeting point is near public transport, but it doesn’t include hotel pickup, so plan accordingly.
- Weather Considerations: The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to safety concerns, a full refund or reschedule is offered.
Who Would Love This Tour?
This cruise is ideal for seafood enthusiasts who want more than just a meal—they want a story, a hands-on activity, and scenic beauty. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or families with older children who enjoy active, authentic experiences.
Travelers seeking a luxurious yet down-to-earth day will appreciate the quality of food, the friendliness of staff, and the stunning waterways. It’s also a fantastic way to learn about local fishing practices and wildlife in a relaxed setting.
However, if you’re looking for a wild, high-speed adventure or have very young children, you might prefer other options. This tour is more about quality, comfort, and genuine interactions over adrenaline.
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour starts and ends at Stingray Point Jetty, and transportation to the meeting point is not included.
Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the experience can be canceled due to poor weather, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Are children allowed on this tour?
Children under 5 are not suitable; older children can participate, but younger kids should consider the dedicated crabbing tour.
What beverages are included?
A selection of local Margaret River wines, boutique beers, soft drinks, bottled water, tea, and coffee are all included.
How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes, from check-in to return.
What makes this tour different from regular boat trips?
It combines interactive lobster fishing with a gourmet seafood feast and scenic waterways, offering a genuine, memorable adventure.
Is the seafood fresh?
Absolutely; reviewers frequently praise the freshness and quality of the seafood, especially the lobster caught during the tour.
Final Thoughts
The Mandurah Wild Seafood Experience is a well-crafted blend of adventure, gourmet food, and scenic beauty. It offers a rare opportunity to catch your own seafood and enjoy it at the table, all while cruising through some of Western Australia’s most beautiful waterways.
For seafood lovers, curious travelers, or anyone wanting a unique day out in Mandurah, this tour provides a memorable, authentic taste of local life. Its mix of interactive activity, scenic views, and delicious cuisine makes it much more than a typical cruise—it’s a genuine experience worth the price.
If you’re after a relaxing yet engaging adventure that combines nature, culture, and cuisine, this tour checks all the boxes.