Frankston: Port Phillip Bay Water Bike Tour

Planning a day out on Port Phillip Bay? This water bike tour departing from Frankston offers a refreshing way to see the bay’s highlights, enjoy some light exercise, and even spot dolphins in their natural habitat. While it’s a relatively short experience—just 1.5 hours—it packs in plenty of scenic views, interesting historical sites, and the chance to pedal along some of Victoria’s most beautiful waters.

What really makes this tour stand out is the combination of unique perspectives you gain from water biking, the knowledgeable guides who make the experience enjoyable, and the chance to discover hidden beaches and historic landmarks. However, it’s worth noting that since it’s a water-based activity, the tour can be weather-dependent, and it’s best suited for those comfortable on water and with a reasonable level of mobility.

If you’re someone who enjoys outdoor adventures, appreciates local history, or just wants a novel way to explore the coast, this water bike tour could be a perfect fit. It’s especially appealing if you’re traveling with a small group, value eco-friendly activities, and love the idea of encountering dolphins in their natural environment.

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Key Points

Scenic coastal views from a unique water perspective
Expert guides provide engaging commentary and safety instruction
Historical sights like Daveys Bay Yacht Club and old jetty are highlights
Dolphin spotting opportunities add a special touch
The tour is short and sweet, ideal for a quick adventure
Limited group size ensures a personalized experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Water Bike Tour

The adventure begins with a friendly safety briefing and operational overview. Our guide, who was highly praised for their knowledge, explained how to handle the waterbike safely and efficiently. Once suited up with lifejackets, we set off from Frankston Pier carrying warm drinks—coffee or tea—adding a cozy element before heading out onto the water.

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Starting at Frankston Pier and Heading South

The tour kicks off by heading south along the iconic Frankston Pier, giving you a fantastic view of the city’s waterfront from a different angle. As we pedaled away, the guide pointed out sights like the historic Olivers Hill scenic lookout, renowned for its panoramic views of the bay. This initial stretch is a great warm-up, allowing everyone to get comfortable on the waterbikes before venturing further.

Exploring Daveys Bay and Its Historic Landmarks

One of the tour’s highlights is reaching Daveys Bay, a picturesque spot home to the Daveys Bay Yacht Club, established in 1909. The guide shared interesting stories about the club’s history, adding context to the scenic surroundings. Plus, the old jetty from the 1840s, once used to ship local produce to Melbourne, provides a tangible link to the area’s past. According to one reviewer, “the historical jetty onstructed in the 1840s to ship local produce” was a memorable glimpse into local history.

Secluded Beaches of Mt Eliza and Canadian Bay

The route then takes us towards the tranquil beaches of Mt Eliza and Canadian Bay, areas often missed by larger tour groups or typical coastal drives. These quiet coves are perfect for relaxing photos and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere. The tour’s small group size (limited to five participants) keeps things intimate, so you can truly enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

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Watching for Dolphins and Wildlife

The returning leg of the journey is where most guests hope to spot bottlenose dolphins that sometimes frequent the area. The guide mentioned that the Mornington Peninsula waters are known for dolphin encounters, and according to reviewers, “perhaps accompanied at times by some of the Mornington Peninsula’s Bottlenose Dolphins.” This adds an element of excitement and unpredictability, making each tour slightly different.

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Returning to Frankston

The tour wraps up back at the pier, concluding your water adventure with fresh memories of scenic views, historical insights, and possibly a dolphin sighting. The entire experience is well-paced, making it enjoyable without feeling hurried or overlong.

The Experience: Practical Details & Value

Pricing at $65 per person is quite reasonable when you consider the inclusion of a guided tour, safety gear, and a small group setting. The cost reflects the personalized nature of the experience and the chance to explore areas that are difficult to access otherwise. Plus, the focus on eco-friendly waterbikes adds a sustainable touch—no motor noise or emissions—making it a guilt-free adventure.

The duration—about 1.5 hours—is perfect for those with limited time but still wanting a meaningful experience. Whether you’re a local looking for a novel outing or a visitor eager to see the bay from a different angle, this tour provides a compact yet memorable snapshot of Port Phillip Bay.

What’s included—the waterbike, lifejacket, tour guide, and hand sanitizer—cover all essentials, with no hidden extras. However, note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point, located right in front of the Frankston Yacht Club and Olivers Corner Cafe.

Timing options vary, with morning, afternoon, and evening slots available, allowing some flexibility to match your schedule. The tour being in a small group (max five) ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for outdoor lovers, history buffs, and those keen on spotting local wildlife. It’s especially suited for travelers comfortable on water, with a basic level of mobility, since water biking requires some balance and coordination. The brief duration makes it perfect for a half-day activity, and the small-group setting ensures that everyone gets plenty of interaction with the guide.

Families with kids over 3’9″ may find it enjoyable, but those with mobility issues or heavy weights over 150 kg might need to look elsewhere, as the tour states these limitations clearly.

Final Thoughts

This Frankston Port Phillip Bay Water Bike Tour offers a fantastic combination of scenic beauty, local history, and wildlife spotting—all in a manageable 1.5-hour package. The knowledgeable guides, small-group intimacy, and eco-friendly approach make it a refreshing alternative to more traditional boat or coastal excursions.

While it’s not suitable for everyone—particularly those with mobility challenges or limited water comfort—the tour is a superb choice for active travelers seeking an authentic, engaging way to explore Victoria’s stunning coast. At $65, it balances affordability with a memorable experience, especially if you’re eager to see dolphins and hidden beaches without spending a whole day.

If you’re after a fun, relaxed, and informative outing that blends exercise with exploration, this waterbike tour is a smart pick.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children over 3’9″ (120 cm) are generally welcome, but it’s best to check with the provider for specific age or weight restrictions, as the tour states minimum height and weight limits.

Do I need prior experience to ride a waterbike?
No, the guide provides a safety briefing and operational overview, so newcomers can comfortably join as long as they listen and follow instructions.

What should I bring?
You might want to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection. The tour includes hand sanitizer for hygiene, and there’s no mention of needing personal gear.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is there a lot of physical effort involved?
Pedaling a waterbike is similar to riding a bike on water; it’s manageable for most, but it does require some balance and light physical effort.

Will I see dolphins?
Dolphin sightings are possible but not guaranteed. Guides have observed bottlenose dolphins in this stretch of water, adding an exciting element to the trip.

Is parking available at the meeting point?
While not explicitly stated, the tour meets directly in front of the Frankston Yacht Club and Olivers Corner Cafe, suggesting accessible parking options nearby.

Are there food or drink options included?
Tea or coffee is provided at the start, but no additional food or drinks are included in the tour price. You may want to bring extra water or snacks if needed.

This guided water bike tour from Frankston offers a perfect blend of activity, scenery, and local insight. Whether you’re looking for a novel way to explore Port Phillip Bay or just want a relaxing, family-friendly outing, it’s worth considering on your Victoria itinerary.