Bunbury, in Western Australia, is a prime spot for wild dolphin encounters thanks to its calm waters and lively port. The city’s biodiversity and accessible coastline make it an ideal location for dolphin watching, whether you’re after a relaxed cruise or an active swim. Among the many options, we particularly like the Koombana Bay Dolphin Eco Cruise for its close-up wildlife viewing and informative experience. It offers a gentle, 1.5-hour cruise where you can see bottlenose dolphins playing, hunting, and socializing in their natural habitat. The boat is designed to get you as close as possible without getting wet, which makes it perfect for families or travelers who prefer a more laid-back option.
While Bunbury has several tours to choose from, the best experiences combine wildlife observation, eco-consciousness, and local knowledge. Whether you want the thrill of swimming with dolphins or simply enjoy a scenic boat ride, Bunbury’s dolphin tours promise memorable encounters with these intelligent creatures. Below, we’ll explore five top options that stand out for their unique features, reviews, and value.
1. Koombana Bay: Dolphin Eco Cruise
At number 1, the Koombana Bay: Dolphin Eco Cruise offers an excellent balance of wildlife viewing and relaxed comfort. This 1.5-hour cruise departs from the Dolphin Discovery Centre and is designed for those who want to observe wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment without the hassle of getting wet. The vessel’s design allows you to get close enough to see dolphins playing, hunting, and even sleeping—a rare chance to witness their natural behaviors up close.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on educating visitors about dolphin habits and marine life in Koombana Bay. The friendly staff and guide will explain how these dolphins live and interact in their habitat. The reviews are impressive, with a 4.6/5 from 124 reviews, emphasizing the calm waters and the informative experience. The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most ages, making it versatile for families or older travelers.
Value-wise, this cruise offers a great introduction to Bunbury’s marine fauna at a reasonable price, in a setting that feels intimate and personal. The only drawback might be the weather dependency—if the weather turns, the cruise may depart from an alternative beach.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, family-friendly cruise perfect for anyone wanting a relaxed, educational wildlife experience in beautiful Koombana Bay.
2. Guided Dolphin Eco-Cruise in Koombana Bay
Leading the pack with a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 36 reviews, the Guided Dolphin Eco-Cruise guarantees a dolphin sighting on every trip, thanks to Bunbury’s large population of residential bottlenose dolphins. This 1-hour-15-minute tour is fully licensed and certified by Parks and Wildlife, ensuring an eco-friendly approach. The tour is designed to maximize dolphin sightings and offers close-up views of their feeding, playing, and social behaviors.
What makes this experience particularly special is its no-dolphin, come-back-for-free policy—if you don’t see dolphins, you can try again at no extra cost. Reviewers highlight how friendly and knowledgeable the guide is, with comments like, “Fabulous and fun,” and “A relaxing trip that kids and adults alike will enjoy.” The small group size lends itself to a personalized, relaxed atmosphere.
For about $46.62 per person, you’re getting a short, focused, and highly reliable dolphin-watching trip that appeals especially to travelers who prioritize guaranteed sightings and eco-responsibility. The 75-minute duration makes it a good choice for those with limited time or wanting a quick, impactful experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a high-certainty dolphin sighting and an eco-conscious tour with friendly guides.
3. Swim With The Dolphins Experience in Bunbury Australia
At number 3, the Swim With The Dolphins Experience takes the active route, offering a rare opportunity to actually swim alongside wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment. This 4-hour tour is designed for those who want more than just watching — they want to engage directly with the animals.
Led by hosts and volunteers with expertise in marine biology, this tour guarantees sightings of mother and calf pairs, juvenile dolphins, and male alliances. The experience includes guiding on how to identify individual dolphins and understand their behaviors, making it both educational and exhilarating. The tour’s focus on respecting wildlife and minimal disturbance aligns with modern eco-tourism values.
With a rating of 4.5/5 from 22 reviews, travelers rave about the up-close encounters and the personalized attention. Seeing dolphins ‘in their own space’ makes this tour stand out. The price of around $99.64 per person reflects the longer duration and immersive experience, making it suitable for active travelers and families with older children.
The main consideration is the 4-hour commitment and the requirement for participants to be comfortable in open water. It’s ideal for those who want an interactive, memorable dolphin experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for adventurous travelers eager for a face-to-face encounter with wild dolphins in their natural habitat.
4. Bunbury: Swim with Dolphins Tour
The Bunbury: Swim with Dolphins Tour ranks at number 4 for its immersive nature. This fully guided 4-hour tour allows you to swim alongside wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment. The tour’s highlight is the chance to see, hear, and feel dolphins’ echolocation checking you out, creating a truly sensory experience.
Operated at the Dolphin Discovery Centre, this tour emphasizes education about dolphin behavior and identification, adding depth to the encounter. Participants are guided in a controlled, safe setting, and the experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to connect physically with marine life. The tour is suitable for those aged 8 and up, making it family-friendly but with some physical requirements.
Reviewers mention the exhilaration of swimming with wild dolphins and learning about their social lives firsthand. The experience’s value lies in its combination of education and adrenaline. The main drawback is the need to be comfortable in open water and the longer duration.
Bottom line: A premium option for active travelers and families wanting an intimate, interactive dolphin swim experience.
5. Port and Dolphin Cruise Bunbury Tour
Finally, the Port and Dolphin Cruise Bunbury Tour is a shorter, 1-hour experience that offers a unique perspective—combining a vibrant port tour with dolphin sightings. The cruise takes you through Bunbury’s working harbor, where you’ll see large cargo ships and local dolphins playing nearby.
This tour is less focused on wildlife and more on the maritime environment. It’s ideal for those interested in industrial port operations combined with wildlife viewing. The tour’s lower cost makes it a budget-friendly choice, but the single review concerns the value for the price, rating it at 1.0/5.
It’s best suited for those with limited time or who want a quick glimpse of Bunbury’s port while hopefully catching some dolphin action. Note that this experience doesn’t include a dedicated wildlife tour, so dolphin sightings are less guaranteed.
Bottom line: A quick, inexpensive option for travelers interested in ports and occasional dolphins, but not ideal if wildlife viewing is your main goal.
How to Choose the Best Dolphin Watching Experience in Bunbury
When selecting your tour, consider your budget, time availability, and level of activity. If you prefer a relaxed, educational cruise, the Koombana Bay Dolphin Eco Cruise offers great value and comfort. For those wanting a guaranteed dolphin sighting, the Guided Dolphin Eco-Cruise is perfect.
Active travelers and families should look at the swimming experiences — the Swim With The Dolphins Experience and Bunbury: Swim with Dolphins Tour. These tours offer a rare chance to interact directly with dolphins in their natural habitat.
For a quick port-side view, the Port and Dolphin Cruise can be fun, especially if you’re short on time or interested in Bunbury’s port activities.
Booking early is advised, especially during peak seasons in spring and summer, when dolphin sightings are most plentiful. Always check weather forecasts and cancellation policies, particularly for outdoor tours.
Bunbury offers a diverse suite of dolphin watching experiences, from peaceful eco-cruises to active swims. Whether your priority is wildlife education, family fun, or a unique adventure in the water, there’s a tour that fits. With some planning, you’ll leave with stories of playful dolphins and maybe even a new appreciation for these remarkable marine mammals.