9 Best Dolphin Watching Experiences In Perth (With Prices)

Perth is a fantastic place for dolphin watching, thanks to its proximity to diverse marine habitats along Western Australia’s coast. The waters off Rockingham and Shoalwater Islands are especially rich in marine life, making them prime spots for spotting dolphins, sea lions, and other wildlife. If you’re eager to get up close to these intelligent swimmers, we particularly like the Swim with Wild Dolphins Day Tour because it combines the thrill of swimming with the chance to see wild dolphins in their natural environment—something that’s hard to beat. Check out the full experience here for details. Other tours like the Perth: Swim with Wild Dolphins Tour also offer excellent opportunities for natural encounters and include additional perks like photos, making these options perfect for marine wildlife lovers.

What makes Perth stand out for dolphin experiences is its variety of options—some are active, like swimming and snorkeling, while others focus on scenic wildlife cruises. Whether you prefer a quick hour-long cruise or a multi-day adventure exploring the coast and other marine life, there’s a tour suited for every interest and budget.

Quick Overview

Perth offers a range of dolphin experiences that cater to different interests and activity levels. You can choose from full-day swimming tours, short wildlife cruises, or multi-day coastal trips that incorporate dolphins along with other attractions like penguins, sea lions, and scenic national parks. For a comprehensive look, check out the list of tours below. Each one brings its own flavor—some focus on active swimming, while others combine wildlife viewing with cultural or scenic highlights.

1. Swim with Wild Dolphins Day Tour

At number 1, this full-day tour from Rockingham offers a chance to swim directly with wild dolphins in sheltered waters. The crew at Perth Wildlife Encounters uses their local knowledge to increase your chances of seeing dolphins, and it’s quite the immersive experience. You can opt for transfers from Perth or meet directly in Rockingham—a big plus if you want to skip the city traffic. The trip includes snorkeling gear, wetsuits, and a delicious lunch, making it easy to focus on the fun.

The highlight is definitely the opportunity to be surrounded by playful dolphins as they swim alongside your boat and, if you’re brave enough, to jump into the water and swim with them. The crew’s experience and rapport with the dolphins shine through in reviews, with many calling it a “bucket list experience.” The six-hour trip is well-paced, with plenty of time in the water, and the safety measures give peace of mind.

Bottom line: This tour is perfect for active travelers eager to swim with wild dolphins and enjoy a hassle-free, all-inclusive day. If you’re after a detailed, memorable encounter, this experience delivers.

2. Perth: Swim with Wild Dolphins Tour

Coming in at number 2, this scenic tour offers the chance to swim with wild dolphins, explore Rockingham’s bays, and receive complimentary photos uploaded to Flickr. This tour emphasizes not just the swimming, but also the beauty of the coastal waters and islands surrounding Perth. The buffet-style gourmet meal on board adds a touch of luxury after a morning in the water.

The tour’s distinctiveness lies in the inclusion of professional photos—a rarity among dolphin tours—that help you relive the moment long after you leave. With a 4.8-star rating from over 300 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find this experience both exhilarating and well-organized. The crew is friendly and helps everyone, whether beginner or experienced snorkeler, to enjoy the water safely. It’s a great choice for families or couples wanting a comfortable mix of adventure and scenic beauty.

Bottom line: If you want a comprehensive package that combines dolphin swimming, scenic exploration, and good food, this tour offers excellent value.

3. Perth: Dolphin, Sealion & Wildlife Cruise with Lunch

Ranked third, this cruise combines wildlife spotting with a relaxing boat ride through Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. For just $53, you get the chance to see wild dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, and birds of prey—a real treat for animal lovers. The highlight is the rare Australian sea lions lounging on Seal Island, which is a special sight few tours include.

The cruise uses a glass-bottom boat to give you better views of the underwater life, and you can also encounter wild dolphins at play in their natural habitat. After the cruise, a lunch at Pengo’s Cafe lets you unwind and discuss your sightings. This shorter trip is ideal for families with limited time or anyone wanting a quick wildlife fix.

Bottom line: For a budget-friendly, family-oriented wildlife experience that packs in a variety of animals, this cruise is a solid pick.

4. Dolphin, Sea Lion and Penguin Island Cruise

At number 4, this hour-long cruise provides a budget-friendly way to see dolphins, penguins, and sea lions in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. It’s a family-friendly, economical option that also offers downloadable photos from the trip, which many travelers appreciate.

While the cruise is shorter, it still covers prime wildlife hotspots and provides excellent photo opportunities. It’s especially suitable for those wanting a quick introduction to Perth’s marine life without committing to a full day. The reviews mention the enthusiastic crew and the enjoyable ride as key positives.

Bottom line: If time or budget is tight, this cruise offers a fun, quick wildlife encounter with a focus on family-friendly appeal.

5. 4-Day Monkey Mia Dolphins Pink Lake Pinnacles Comfort-Level Tour

Number 5 is a longer, multi-day trip that combines dolphin watching at Monkey Mia with visits to Pink Lake, Kalbarri National Park, and the Pinnacles Desert. This 4-day tour is designed for travelers who want to see a wide cross-section of Western Australia’s coastal beauty. The Dolphin Discovery Centre at Monkey Mia promises wild dolphins playing in the surf, an iconic sight.

The tour also visits Hutt Lagoon’s Pink Lake and the ancient rock formations of the Pinnacles, making it a rich experience for nature lovers. Many travelers rave about the informative guide and well-chosen stops, with reviews citing highlights like Nature’s Window and Lobster Shack lunch. The value for the broad range of experiences is significant, especially if you’re interested in combining wildlife with geological and scenic sights.

Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting an immersive multi-day adventure that balances dolphin encounters with other regional highlights.

6. 3 Island Wildlife Snorkel

Number 6 offers a three-island snorkeling adventure in Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. The 3.5-hour tour is tailored for those who love underwater exploration, with high-quality gear and support for beginners. You’ll visit limestone reefs, see sea lions, fish, and seabirds, and might even spot bottlenose dolphins.

The trip includes a delicious onboard lunch, and the photo package means you can relive your underwater moments afterward. Many reviewers highlight the friendly crew and the beautiful reefs as key attractions. Because it’s shorter and focused on snorkeling, it’s best for active travelers comfortable in the water, but beginners can enjoy the guided support.

Bottom line: For those wanting an interactive underwater experience, this tour offers excellent value and a chance to see marine life up close.

7. Wildlife Park, Winery & Dolphin Cruise – VIP Small Group Tour

Number 7 is a full-day VIP experience blending wildlife encounters, winery visits, and dolphin cruises. You start at Caversham Wildlife Park, where you can see kangaroos and koalas, then head to Swan Valley for tastings at the Margaret River Chocolate Company and local wineries. The day concludes with a dolphin cruise in Mandurah, where you may see dolphins swimming close to the boat.

Though it’s an all-in-one experience, reviews note the small group size and personalized service as big advantages. It’s suited for travelers who want a luxurious, varied day in one package, rather than focusing solely on dolphins. Price reflects the premium experience.

Bottom line: If you prefer a guided, all-encompassing day with wildlife, wine, and dolphins, this tour hits the mark.

8. Monkey Mia Dolphins & Shark Bay Air Tour From Perth

Number 8 is a flying tour that combines scenic flightseeing with a dolphin interaction. You’ll take a window seat as you fly over Shark Bay, then land at Monkey Mia to meet dolphins in the wild. After lunch, you’ll return flying low over the water, spotting marine animals like sharks, dugongs, and rays.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime perspective on the coast, perfect for those who want to combine wildlife with aerial views. The tour is quite long, but the panoramic experience is unlike any other. The reviews emphasize the spectacular scenery and close dolphin encounters.

Bottom line: Best for travelers seeking a unique aerial perspective and marine wildlife in one seamless experience.

9. Perth: Margaret River 2-Day Wine Tour with Dolphin Cruise

Finally, the 2-day Margaret River tour blends wine tasting, dolphin cruising, and regional sights. You’ll visit the Dolphin Discovery Centre, take a dolphin cruise, and explore iconic spots like Busselton Jetty and the Underwater Observatory. The tour balances relaxing wine tasting with wildlife encounters, making it ideal for those who want to combine indulgence with nature.

The detailed itinerary includes stops at Yahava Koffeeworks and Vasse Virgin, plus a highlight cruise where dolphins are often seen swimming. Reviews point out the trip’s comprehensive nature and excellent guides, making it a popular choice for multi-day explorers.

Bottom line: Great for travelers wanting a leisurely, multi-day exploration that combines wine, wildlife, and regional scenery.

How to Choose Your Perfect Dolphin Experience in Perth

Choosing among these options depends on what kind of experience you’re after. For active swimmers, Swim with Wild Dolphins Day Tour provides the best hands-on encounter. If you prefer scenic wildlife watching with minimal effort, Perth: Dolphin, Sealion & Wildlife Cruise is a great pick. Budget-conscious travelers or families may lean toward the shorter Penguin Island cruise, while multi-day adventurers will love the Monkey Mia Coastal Loop.

Consider your budget, time constraints, activity level, and interests. Want an immersive multi-day trip? The Monkey Mia Dolphins tour is your best bet. If you’re pressed for time but want a quick wildlife fix, the Penguin Island cruise fits perfectly. For a once-in-a-lifetime view, the Shark Bay air tour combines marine life with aerial scenery.

Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons (spring and summer), when marine wildlife sightings are most frequent.

Final Thoughts

Perth offers a variety of dolphin watching experiences that suit different tastes and budgets. Whether you’re eager to swim alongside these playful animals, enjoy scenic wildlife cruises, or combine your trip with regional highlights like wine and national parks, there’s a tour for you. For active travelers, the Swim with Wild Dolphins Day Tour is hard to beat. Nature lovers will appreciate the cruises through Shoalwater Islands, while those seeking a comprehensive experience might prefer the multi-day Monkey Mia adventure.

Remember to book early, plan around the best seasons—spring and summer—and check each tour’s details to find the perfect match. With so many options, Perth truly has something to offer for every marine wildlife enthusiast.