Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk Day Tour with Lunch and Drinks

Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk Day Tour with Lunch and Drinks: A Complete Guide

If you’re heading to Hobart and craving a mix of wildlife encounters, stunning scenery, and fascinating history, the Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk is hard to beat. This highly-rated tour, with a perfect 5-star score from over 600 reviews, offers a full day of adventure that combines a scenic boat cruise, a walk through a UNESCO-listed convict settlement, and plenty of wildlife spotting.

What sets this experience apart? We love how expertly the guides blend education with entertainment, making the journey engaging for all ages. The variety of wildlife sightings—from seals and dolphins to wombats and wallabies—keeps the day unpredictable and exciting. Plus, the delicious onboard lunch and drinks make it a true all-inclusive escape.

One potential consideration? The weather can influence the day. While the boat is protected and comfortable, rough seas might lead to cancellations or a different experience. Still, this tour appeals most to those who enjoy nature, history buffs, and families eager for a relaxed yet immersive day out.

If you’re looking for a quality outdoor adventure that combines Tasmania’s natural beauty with cultural insights, this tour is a fantastic choice. It offers great value for the price, especially considering the inclusion of both marine and land wildlife, a guided walk, and a tasty lunch.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines a scenic cruise, island exploration, and historical tour.
• Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities to see seals, dolphins, wombats, wallabies, and more.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides who keep the journey informative and engaging.
• All-Inclusive Meal: Lunch options include healthy salads, with drinks and snacks provided.
• Flexible Options: Optional hotel pickup and drop-off from Hobart for added convenience.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for children and families, with safety and comfort prioritized.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Scenic Cruise from Hobart to Maria Island

The day kicks off with an approximately 4-hour cruise on a vessel that comfortably accommodates up to 28 travelers, ensuring a cozy experience without feeling crowded. Many reviews highlight the quality of the boat ride, with guests appreciating the professionalism of the crew and skipper. Captain Steven, for example, is praised for his skill and knowledge, making the journey both safe and enjoyable.

This part of the tour sets the tone for the day, with passengers treated to spectacular views of Tasmania’s coastline, rugged cliffs, and geological formations that make the scenery so distinctive. The boat is well-equipped with protection from the elements, and waterproof jackets are available if the weather turns cooler or wetter.

Wildlife Spotting from the Deck

One of the most talked-about aspects of the cruise is the chance to see marine life. Guests often spot fur seals, dolphins, and even whales during migration season, while seabirds like albatross and eagles soar overhead. The reviews frequently mention the dolphins swimming beside the boat as a highlight, as well as seals basking on rocks along the coast.

A common theme in reviews is the expert commentary provided by guides, who point out specific wildlife and geological features, enriching the experience. Some guests appreciated the timing of the trip to coincide with wildlife activity, making sightings more likely.

Arriving at Maria Island and the Guided Walk

Once ashore, you spend about 2 hours exploring Maria Island’s UNESCO-listed convict settlement, Darlington. This part of the tour is particularly popular because of the balance between history and nature. Guides are described as knowledgeable and personable, offering insights into the island’s past as a penal colony.

Reviewers rave about the opportunity to see wombats in the wild, with Maria Island regarded as the best place in the world to encounter these iconic creatures. Kangaroos, pademelons, and Cape Barren geese are also commonly sighted during the guided walk. The walk itself offers a chance to appreciate the island’s diverse landscapes—craggy cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush bushland.

Wildlife Encounters on Land

Beyond wombats, guests frequently spot Australian fur seals, seals, and dolphins from the boat, but on land, the native wildlife often comes even closer. Reviewers frequently mention seeing kangaroos and wallabies, and some had the chance to observe Tasmanian devils, a rare treat. The guides’ passion and expertise shine during these walks, making history and ecology come alive.

Lunch and Drinks on the Remote Beach

A major highlight is the lunch at a remote, pristine beach—a simple but delicious meal that features healthy salads, with options like chicken, smoked salmon, roast beef, or vegetarian choices. Guests can bring their own alcohol or purchase drinks onboard, including Tasmanian wines and soft drinks.

Reviews emphasize the quality of the food and the relaxing setting of the beach, with many describing it as a perfect spot to unwind after walking and wildlife spotting. Some guests enjoyed a quick swim in the clear waters, adding a refreshing element to the day.

Return Journey and Optional Extras

After the island exploration, the return cruise offers more wildlife viewing and scenic vistas, with guides continuing to provide commentary. The tour concludes back at the Hobart meeting point, with optional hotel transfers available for $25 per person, making logistics smoother for travelers.

Guests consistently mention the small group size—maximum 24 people—creating a more personal experience and space to move about comfortably on the boat.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Wildlife diversity is perhaps the biggest draw, with multiple sightings of seals, dolphins, whales, wombats, and birds. Many reviewers note that the guides are not just informative but also passionate about sharing their knowledge, which enhances the experience. The combination of marine and land wildlife makes this a one-of-a-kind opportunity.

Historical insights add depth to the tour, especially during the guided walk of Darlington, giving context to Tasmania’s convict past. The scenery, with its dramatic coastlines and geological features, makes for stunning photo moments.

The quality of the onboard amenities, including snacks, drinks, and the comfort of the vessel, contribute greatly to the positive impressions. Guests often mention the professionalism and friendliness of the crew, which helps create a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere.

Pricing and Value

For $200.01 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience. The price includes a 4-hour cruise, a guided walk, lunch, drinks, and all fees, which many guests see as excellent value given the variety of activities and sights packed into one day. The inclusion of optional hotel pickup adds convenience, especially for those staying in Hobart.

Compared to standalone activities like wildlife watching or historic tours, this package delivers a full-day, seamless experience that combines multiple interests—outdoor adventure, history, wildlife, and scenic beauty—all in one well-organized package.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts will find this tour particularly rewarding, given the frequent opportunities to see animals in their natural habitat. History buffs will appreciate the guided walk of the convict settlement, gaining insight into Tasmania’s colonial past.

Families with children will enjoy the safe, small-group environment and the variety of sights—plus, many reviews mention how suitable the experience is for kids. Travelers on a time limit in Hobart will benefit from the all-in-one nature and history experience, saving the hassle of multiple bookings.

If you’re someone who loves scenic boat rides, outdoor exploration, and wildlife encounters, this tour hits all the right notes. Just be prepared for possible weather fluctuations, and consider bringing some layers for comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, optional hotel pickup and drop-off from Hobart are available for an additional $25 per person. You’ll need to contact the tour provider directly to arrange this.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the 4-hour scenic cruise, 2-hour guided walk on Maria Island, lunch, snacks, drinks, landing fees, and professional guides. Soft drinks, water, coffee, tea, and alcohol during lunch are also included.

Can I bring my own drinks onboard?
Yes, you can bring your own alcohol or purchase drinks onboard, including Tasmanian wines, which many guests enjoy during lunch in the beautiful setting.

What wildlife might I see?
Guests often spot fur seals, dolphins, whales (during migration), wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, and seabirds like albatross and eagles. The guides are excellent at pointing out wildlife and making sure you don’t miss the best sights.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Absolutely. The tour is described as perfect for families, with small, comfortable group sizes and a safe vessel. The guides’ engaging commentary keeps kids interested, and the outdoor nature is ideal for curious little explorers.

What should I wear?
Comfortable outdoor clothing and waterproof jackets are recommended, especially if the weather is changeable. Bring layers, as it can be cooler on the water.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions are too rough or the tour must be canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

The Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk offers a genuinely well-rounded day packed with wildlife, history, and scenic beauty. It’s perfect for those looking to experience Tasmania’s natural wonders without the hassle of multiple bookings or complicated logistics.

With knowledgeable guides, a small group size, and delicious onboard food, it’s a trip that combines comfort with adventure. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, history buff, or simply want to enjoy Tasmania’s stunning coastlines, this tour makes for a memorable day.

While weather can be a factor, the overall experience is highly praised by past travelers. It’s an excellent choice for families, couples, or solo travelers alike—an authentic taste of Tasmania’s wild side, safely and comfortably delivered.