Sorrento: Dolphins & Seals Snorkeling Cruise w/ Lunch

If you’re dreaming of sharing water with Australian wildlife—without the hassle of a long trip or complicated arrangements—the Sorrento Dolphins & Seals Snorkeling Cruise offers a compact, fun-filled adventure. This 3-hour journey from Melbourne takes you into the sheltered waters of Port Phillip Bay, where wild seals and dolphins are often spotted. It’s a chance to get close to nature, enjoy good food, and relax on a luxury boat all in one go.

What makes this experience appealing? First, the opportunity to swim with wild seals and dolphins is genuinely special—these animals are free to come and go on their own terms. Second, the crew’s knowledgeable guides are highly praised for their friendliness and determination to make sure everyone has a memorable encounter. Third, the all-inclusive package — snorkeling gear, wetsuits, lunch, drinks, and marine park fees—makes for straightforward planning.

That said, a potential consideration is the weather dependency of the trip. If the ocean’s rough or wildlife are elusive, the experience might not meet expectations. This tour is best suited for travelers who are comfortable in the water and enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation. It’s perfect for those keen on wildlife spotting and want a guided, inclusive experience without the hassle of organizing everything independently.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Chance to swim with dolphins and seals in their natural habitat.
• All-Inclusive: Equipment, wetsuits, lunch, snacks, drinks, and marine park fees are included.
• Flexible Options: Usually available in the morning and afternoon, with a 3-hour duration.
• Expert Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable guides focus on responsible wildlife interaction.
• Weather Considerations: Conditions can impact dolphin sightings, with a free return policy within 30 days.
• Family Friendly: Not suitable for non-swimmers, but non-swimming guests can still enjoy the boat trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Experience

The adventure kicks off at Sorrento Pier, where you meet your crew and board the luxury vessel Moonraker. This is not a crowded tourist boat but a more intimate, well-equipped vessel that offers plenty of space to relax. The boat features a sundeck, an indoor lounge, and front beanbag seating—perfect spots to soak in the scenery or catch some sun.

Once aboard, the crew, including attentive guides, take time to introduce everyone to the vessel’s features and safety procedures. Their enthusiasm genuinely adds to the atmosphere, making first-time snorkelers feel at ease. As the boat departs into the calm, shallow waters of Port Phillip Bay, the real excitement begins.

What Makes This Tour Special

Wild dolphin and seal encounters are the star of this trip. The guides go out of their way to locate pods of resident dolphins, explaining their behavior and the importance of respecting their space. You’ll probably see some Australian fur seals—curious and playful—that are often found around underwater structures that attract small sea stars, rays, and crabs.

The reviews highlight the guides’ dedication. One reviewer, Andrei from Australia, mentions how the crew was “very determined to encounter wild dolphins,” which speaks volumes about their commitment. Another traveler, Lisa from Germany, appreciated how the team “tried to show us other parts of the underwater world” when dolphins weren’t immediately visible, emphasizing their flexibility and care.

Snorkeling in these shallow, clear waters offers a close-up view of seals, rays, and crabs. The water’s visibility often surprises visitors, making underwater exploration easy and fun, especially for those with some swimming experience. The experience is totally different from a typical aquaria visit—here, you float on the surface, listening for dolphin squeaks and whistles, waiting for a pod to swim beneath you.

The All-Inclusive Meal & Relaxation

After the initial snorkeling session, everyone can enjoy a lunch served onboard. It’s a simple, hearty meal designed to energize you for the next round of wildlife viewing. Plus, hot drinks and snacks keep everyone comfortable and satisfied. A few reviewers, including Lisa, noted how much they appreciated the thoughtfulness of the food offerings, especially after some chilly water.

The boat’s layout allows for casual lounging—inside or out—so you can switch between sunbathing and taking in the coastal scenery. As you cruise along the Victorian coast, you’ll pass some of the region’s most stunning scenery, with cliffs, beaches, and ocean vistas providing a perfect backdrop.

Wildlife & Interaction: What You Can Expect

Dolphins: These are wild animals, so sightings are not guaranteed, but the guides’ expertise greatly increases your chances. You’ll be given a briefing about how the dolphins behave and how to approach them respectfully. When they do appear, the guides will coordinate small groups of about ten to quietly enter the water, floating and listening for their sounds.

Seals: Australian fur seals are often in the vicinity—island-dwelling and inquisitive. Seeing seals of all sizes swimming around structures or sunbathing on rocks is a highlight, especially for kids or wildlife enthusiasts. One reviewer described their experience as “swimming really close to one,” which they declared “the best birthday present ever.”

Marine life: Besides seals and dolphins, the waters sometimes host rays, crabs, and starfish, enriching the underwater scene. These sightings tend to happen more frequently when dolphin activity is low, so the guides’ efforts to find wildlife add a layer of anticipation to each trip.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Practicalities: What to Know Before Booking

Duration & Timing: The cruise lasts about 3 hours, typically in the morning or afternoon, depending on availability. It’s a perfect length for a half-day adventure—long enough to see wildlife and enjoy a meal but not so long that it becomes tiring.

Price & Value: At $139 per person, this all-inclusive package offers good value considering the equipment, wetsuits, lunch, and marine park fees. The reviews show that many guests found the experience worthwhile, with one mentioning how “the crew was very friendly and determined,” adding to the overall value.

What to Bring: Pack a sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. The boat provides all snorkel gear and wetsuits, so there’s no need to carry your own. However, towels and swimwear are personal essentials, and a dry change of clothes might come in handy.

Weather & Wildlife: Because the animals are wild, sightings are not guaranteed. The guides are transparent about this, and if you don’t see dolphins, you can return within 30 days for free—a good reassurance for travelers wary of the unpredictability.

Suitability: Non-swimmers can still enjoy the cruise, but swimming with dolphins and seals requires basic swimming skills. If you’re uncomfortable in the water, you can opt for a sightseeing-only experience from the boat.

Meeting Point & Accessibility: The tour departs from Sorrento Pier, a scenic spot easily accessible from Melbourne. Make sure to arrive a little early to get fitted with gear and settle in before departure.

Final Thoughts

This snorkeling cruise from Sorrento offers a well-rounded mix of wildlife encounters, scenic cruising, and laid-back comfort. With the guides’ evident expertise and friendly attitude, it’s clear they prioritize both safety and authentic animal interactions. The all-in-one approach—gear, food, park fees—simplifies planning, making it easier for travelers to focus on the experience.

The unpredictability of wildlife encounters is part of the charm; every trip is unique, and the guides’ transparency about this ups the authenticity of the experience. It’s perfect for wildlife lovers, families with older children, and anyone curious about the marine environment of Victoria’s coast.

While the experience might not be suitable for non-swimmers or those uncomfortable in open water, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the scenic cruise and observe the wildlife from the boat. The possibility to return free within 30 days if dolphins aren’t seen adds confidence and flexibility.

This tour provides a memorable slice of Victoria’s natural beauty, combining adventure, relaxation, and a chance to meet some of Australia’s most approachable marine animals. It’s a solid choice for those who want an engaging, all-inclusive wildlife excursion with a friendly, knowledgeable crew.

FAQ

Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes, all snorkeling gear and wetsuits are provided as part of the package.

Can non-swimmers participate?
Non-swimmers can enjoy the cruise and see wildlife from the boat, but swimming with dolphins or seals requires basic swimming skills.

What if I don’t see dolphins?
If no dolphins are sighted during your trip, you’re welcome to return for free within 30 days.

How long is the tour?
The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, typically in the morning or afternoon.

What should I bring?
Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. The tour supplies all snorkeling gear and wetsuits.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s suitable for older children who can swim, but non-swimming children can still enjoy the boat ride and wildlife viewing.

Where do I meet the tour?
Meet at Sorrento Pier on Esplanade Road, Sorrento, a scenic and accessible location.

You can check availability for your dates here: