Hobart: Ultimate Seafood Cruise on a Spacious Catamaran

Planning a seafood adventure in Tasmania? If so, the Hobart: Ultimate Seafood Cruise offers an authentic taste of the island’s marine bounty aboard a comfortable, well-equipped vessel. This 4.5-hour tour combines fresh, wild-harvested seafood, expert insights from local fishermen, and stunning waterway views—all in a small, intimate group setting.

We really like the way this cruise balances delicious food, engaging storytelling, and relaxing scenery. Plus, the chance to watch a diver harvest seafood right in front of you is truly special. That said, it’s worth noting that the tour is limited to six guests, so it’s best suited for those seeking a more personal experience. If you love fresh seafood, scenic boat rides, and learning from local pros, this trip is likely to be a highlight.

Key Points

• Authentic Seafood Tasting: Over 18 dishes featuring 7 seafood species, including wild-harvested items.
• Expert Guides: Commercial fishermen and women sharing their knowledge and techniques.
• Scenic Waterway Views: Enjoy the spacious, custom-built catamaran with outdoor decks.
• Inclusive Drinks & Snacks: Tasmanian wines, beers, ciders, cheeses, fresh fruit, and homemade cake.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to six participants for a personalized, engaging tour.
• No Swimming or Diving: Tour focuses on tasting and viewing, not water activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on This Seafood Cruise

Starting from Hobart’s picturesque waterfront, you’ll board the two-story white catamaran, Cuttlefish, which is custom designed to navigate Tasmania’s waterways comfortably. The vessel’s spacious open-plan main cabin, with heating and cooling, is perfect for relaxing or mingling, while the upper deck offers fantastic views and the chance to chat directly with your skipper. The outdoor decks provide plenty of room to soak in the scenery, and the two bathrooms ensure comfort.

Departure times typically include options in both the morning and afternoon, giving flexibility to fit this experience into your Tasmania itinerary. The tour lasts 4.5 hours, which feels just right—long enough to enjoy a generous tasting menu, but not so lengthy that it drags.

The Seafood Tasting Experience

The core of this tour is the degustation of over 18 seafood dishes. You’ll sample a wide array of seven species, including abalone, rock lobster, oysters, mussels, sea urchin, periwinkles, and Tasmanian Atlantic salmon. Many reviewers note that the seafood is incredibly fresh, often wild-harvested by the very guides who share stories of their fishing lifestyle. One guest mentioned, “Watching a diver collect wild seafood right in front of us was a real highlight, and the freshness truly shone through in every bite.”

The dishes are presented as a progressive tasting, allowing you to savor each flavor fully. The guide explains how each species is caught and prepared, giving guests a deeper appreciation of Tasmania’s seafood industry. One reviewer highlighted the globe-trotting nature of the menu, mentioning the diversity of flavors and textures across the dishes.

Beverages and Snacks

Included in the tour are Tasmanian wines, beers, and ciders, which perfectly complement the seafood. The local drinks are carefully selected to match the flavors, giving you a true taste of Tasmania’s renowned beverage scene. Non-alcoholic options, including soft drinks and water, are also available.

A fruit and cheese platter, along with a freshly baked cake made onboard, adds a sweet and savory touch to the experience. Guests frequently comment on the high quality of these snacks, noting that the cheese was locally sourced and the cake was moist and flavorful.

Learning from Local Fishermen & Women

One of the tour’s most praised aspects is the expert guidance from commercial fishermen and women—people who have spent their lives harvesting seafood. They are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share their stories and techniques. Guests often mention how engaging it is to listen to tales of wild harvesting, along with demonstrations of their work.

According to reviews, the guides are “very approachable” and “happy to answer all questions,” making this a truly educational experience. Watching a diver harvest seafood while you observe from the deck is a highlight many mention, as it offers a behind-the-scenes look at sustainable, wild harvesting practices.

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Scenic Waterway Views and Comfortable Setting

The open water setting offers stunning views of Hobart’s waterfront and beyond. The vessel’s three outdoor decks are perfect for catching the fresh air or taking photos of the surrounding landscapes. Many guests appreciate how spacious and well-maintained the catamaran is, with a comfortable seating arrangement and climate control.

The small group size—limited to six guests—ensures a relaxed, personalized atmosphere. You can easily chat with the guides, ask questions, and enjoy the scenery without feeling overwhelmed or crowded.

Price and Value

At $346 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest seafood experience in Tasmania, but it offers considerable value. You’re not only paying for a high-quality tasting menu, but also for the expert insights, scenic setting, and personalized service. The inclusion of multiple drinks, snacks, and a guided seafood harvest makes the price feel justified, especially given the intimate nature of the tour.

Many reviewers agree that the experience feels exclusive and well-curated. One noted that “the quality of seafood and the personal touch from the guides make this a worthwhile splurge,” especially for lovers of seafood and marine life.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The tour requires participants to bring personal medication if needed. It’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as the vessel and facilities are not equipped for accessibility. Also, swimming, diving, or fishing are not allowed during the tour, as the focus remains on tasting and viewing.

Meeting point is conveniently located on the left side of Elizabeth St Pier, near Fish Frenzy, with clear signage on the water. The tour is cancelable up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which is a helpful flexibility for travelers with changing plans.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for food lovers and seafood enthusiasts eager to taste Tasmania’s best. It also suits travelers who appreciate learning from local experts and prefer a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The scenic views and fresh air make it perfect for those wanting a unique water-based adventure, but not for those seeking water activities like swimming or diving.

If you’re after a combination of gourmet food, stunning scenery, and authentic local stories, this cruise delivers a memorable experience. It’s especially suitable for couples, small groups, or solo travelers looking for a personalized, high-quality outing.

The Sum Up

The Hobart Ultimate Seafood Cruise offers a rare opportunity to enjoy Tasmania’s seafood bounty in a relaxed, scenic setting. With expert guides, wild-harvested seafood, and local drinks, it provides a taste of Tasmania’s marine industry wrapped in a comfortable, intimate tour. The small group size and personalized approach create a memorable experience that’s both educational and delicious.

While it might be a bit pricier than some other tours, the quality, authenticity, and scenic views make it a worthwhile splurge. It’s perfect for those who want a genuine, interactive seafood experience without the fuss of large group tours or overly commercialized attractions.

Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or simply someone who loves good scenery and good stories, this cruise is likely to leave a lasting impression—and possibly a craving for even more of Tasmania’s fresh seafood.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 4.5 hours, providing plenty of time to enjoy the food, drinks, and scenery without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
You’ll get over 18 seafood dishes, six species of live seafood, Tasmanian wines, beers, ciders, non-alcoholic beverages, a fruit and cheese platter, and a fresh cake baked onboard.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring personal medication if needed. It’s also wise to wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather and bring sun protection or layers depending on the season.

Are there any water activities allowed?
No, swimming, diving, or fishing are not permitted during the tour. The focus is on tasting and learning.

What is the group size?
Limited to six participants, ensuring a relaxed and personalized experience.

Where does the tour depart from?
From the left side of Elizabeth St Pier, near Fish Frenzy. Look for the two-story white catamaran, Cuttlefish.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it is not recommended for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Can I join the tour in the afternoon or morning?
Yes, the tour generally offers both morning and afternoon options, fitting well into various itineraries.

Is this experience suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely! The small group size and engaging guides make it a welcoming experience for solo guests seeking a unique adventure.

This seafood cruise offers a fantastic blend of culinary delight, scenic beauty, and local expertise—a perfect way to experience Tasmania beyond the usual sights.

You can check availability for your dates here: