What Are The Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Port Arthur? Our Top 9 Picks

Port Arthur is a standout destination for cruises and boat tours because of its stunning coastal scenery, towering sea cliffs, and fascinating history. Whether you’re after a wildlife adventure, a scenic cruise, or a combination of both, Port Arthur offers options that cater to all interests. One of our favorites is the Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise, which not only reveals the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere but also offers the chance to see dolphins, seals, seabirds, and whales. It’s a perfect blend of natural beauty and wildlife spotting that leaves most travelers in awe. The Port Arthur: Cape Roul Wilderness Cruise impresses with dramatic cliffs, caves, and the towering dolerite columns of Cape Roul — a real highlight for lovers of rugged coastlines. For those interested in history, the Hobart port and Isle of the Dead tour combines a cruise with a walk through convict-era sites, adding cultural depth to your scenic day.

No matter which cruise you choose, Port Arthur’s coastline offers a dynamic, authentic experience that’s hard to find elsewhere. From wildlife encounters to historic insights, there’s a boat tour for every traveler.

Quick Overview

We’ve compiled a list of the best cruises and boat tours in Port Arthur, focusing on unique features, scenery, and the experience they offer. Whether you prefer wildlife watching, exploring caves and cliffs, or combining a scenic boat trip with cultural visits, this guide covers options from 3-hour wilderness adventures to full-day excursions. For a detailed look at each, keep reading and click through to the full descriptions.

1. From Port Arthur: Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise

At number 1, this 3-hour wilderness cruise explores the spectacular coastline between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck. It’s renowned for its dramatic sea cliffs — the highest in the Southern Hemisphere — and the chance to enter deep sea caves, archways, waterfalls, and blowholes. More than just scenery, this tour offers wildlife sightings of hundreds of seals, thousands of seabirds, dolphins, and migrating whales. The boat’s route takes you past some of Tasmania’s most iconic coastal features, making it a favorite for photography and wildlife enthusiasts. The reviews are glowing, with a 4.9/5 rating from nearly 700 travelers who praise the knowledgeable crew and unforgettable scenery.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of breathtaking geological formations and abundant wildlife. It’s suitable for travelers who love nature and want a more adventurous, up-close experience of Tasmania’s coastline. The only drawback might be that it’s a 3-hour trip, so if you prefer more extensive exploration, other options might suit you better.

Bottom Line: An ideal choice for wildlife lovers and those seeking a quick but immersive natural experience with expert guides.

2. Tasman Peninsula Wilderness Cruise from Port Arthur

Ranking at number 2, this 3-hour cruise offers panoramic views over Tasmania’s rugged coastline, featuring sea cliffs, caves, and hidden coves. The guide, Pan, is praised for his engaging commentary, which enhances the experience of discovering this remote part of the Tasman Peninsula. During this trip, you’ll cruise past Tasman Island, with its historic lighthouse and haulage way, and keep a lookout for eagles, dolphins, and seals in their natural environment.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on storytelling and wildlife viewing in a truly pristine setting. It’s rated a perfect 5.0 based on 285 reviews — a testament to its popularity and quality. The tour is suitable for travelers interested in both scenery and wildlife, with highlights like the hidden caves and the dramatic coastal cliffs. The price of around $129.10 per person reflects its comprehensive experience, including expert commentary and wildlife spotting.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a detailed, scenic cruise with plenty of wildlife sightings and expert narration.

3. Hobart: Port Arthur, Harbor Cruise and Isle of the Dead Tour

At number 3, this full-day tour from Hobart combines a historic site visit with a scenic harbor cruise and a walk around the Isle of the Dead. The tour begins with a streamlined entry into Port Arthur, saving you time and allowing more focus on the site itself. The cruise around Carnarvon Bay provides a panoramic view of the harbor and the Isle of the Dead, which is rich in convict history.

What makes this tour special is the blend of cultural insights with natural beauty. The 1-hour guided walk on the Isle of the Dead offers a fascinating glimpse into Tasmania’s penal past. The tour also includes visits to Remarkable Cave and Maingon Bay Lookout, giving you a well-rounded experience of both history and scenery. Rated 4.7/5 by 152 reviews, it’s popular for its seamless organization and knowledgeable guides.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for history and culture buffs who want a relaxed, informative day that combines scenery and storytelling.

4. Port Arthur: Cape Roul Wilderness Cruise

Coming in at number 4, this 1.5-hour cruise focuses on exploring the dramatic cliffs, caves, and arches of the Tasman Peninsula, with special highlights at Cape Roul. The towering dolerite columns of Cape Roul are the main event — these monumental rocks look like giant steps into the ocean and are a must-see for geology lovers. The cruise also passes by important historical sites like Point Puer and Isle of the Dead, blending natural beauty with a touch of history.

What makes this tour stand out is its shorter duration paired with a concentrated experience of the coast’s most striking formations. Reviewers mention the friendly crew and the chance to see Australian fur seals lounging at the cliff bases. It’s perfect for travelers who want a quick but visually spectacular trip.

Bottom Line: Ideal for wildlife and geology fans who want a focused, scenic coastal cruise without a full-day commitment.

5. Cruise Ship – Port Arthur Shore Excursion – Hobart

Rated 4.8/5, this tailored tour is designed specifically for cruise ship passengers. It offers a customizable itinerary around your arrival and departure times, making it flexible for tight schedules. The highlights include a visit to Port Arthur with a cruise in Carnarvon Bay, combined with stops at the Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry and Port Arthur Lavender Farm.

While geared towards convenience, this tour offers a more intimate group experience with only six participants. It’s perfect if you want a personalized touch and the ability to fit multiple interests into your day. The 6.5-hour duration allows for a relaxed pace, including travel time from Hobart.

Bottom Line: Best suited for cruise travelers who want a flexible, personalized day with a mix of history and local flavor.

6. 90 minute Cape Roul Cruise and Port Arthur Historic Site entry

Ranking at number 6, this combined package offers a 90-minute wilderness cruise alongside entry to Port Arthur Historic Site, which is valid for two days. The cruise takes you beyond Port Arthur to see cliffs, caves, and white sand beaches, with the highlight being the towering cliffs of Cape Roul.

This tour is highly rated, with a perfect 5.0 from 8 reviews. Travelers love the knowledgeable crew, wildlife sightings like sea lions and dolphins, and the spectacular rock formations. It’s a good choice for those wanting a shorter, more affordable experience that covers both natural and historical highlights.

Bottom Line: Great for wildlife enthusiasts and history buffs who prefer a shorter, combined experience with excellent reviews.

7. Private Transfer from Arthur Cruise Port to Hobart Airport

This private transfer service ensures a hassle-free journey from Port Arthur to Hobart International Airport. With tracking, professional drivers, and door-to-door service, it’s perfect for travelers with tight schedules or those seeking comfort after a day at sea. Price is around $120.94 per person for a 1 hour 10-minute trip.

Though not a tour, it offers peace of mind and efficiency, especially if you’re only looking for a reliable way to get to the airport without waiting for taxis or shuttles.

Bottom Line: Practical for travelers needing a smooth, prepaid transfer with personalized service.

8. Private Transfer from Arthur Cruise Port to Hobart city hotels

Similar to the airport transfer, this private door-to-door service takes you from Port Arthur to any hotel in Hobart. It’s ideal if you want to avoid long queues, have a flexible schedule, or arrive comfortably at your accommodations after your cruise.

At around $120.94, it’s a reliable, private option for a stress-free end to your day. The driver will contact you beforehand, and service is available for any address in Hobart.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers prioritizing convenience and comfort over group tours.

9. Port Arthur Day Tour from Hobart with Scenic Harbour Cruise

Finally, this full-day guided tour offers a comprehensive experience of Tasmania’s coast. Starting from Hobart, it combines a Port Arthur historic site visit, scenic stops at the Tessellated Pavement and Remarkable Cave, and a waterfall bay walk with ocean views. The tour includes a scenic harbor cruise and visits to natural landmarks, making it perfect for those who want a deep dive into both natural and cultural highlights.

Rated 0 reviews at this time, it’s a good pick for travelers who want a guided, all-encompassing day out with plenty of opportunities for photos and sightseeing.

Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers who want an active, full-day adventure with diverse scenery and historical insight.

How to Choose the Right Cruise or Boat Tour in Port Arthur

When selecting a cruise, consider your interests and schedule. Wildlife fans should look at the Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise for whale sightings or the Cape Roul Wilderness Cruise for dramatic cliffs. History buffs might prefer a combination tour like the Hobart port trip or the Port Arthur day tour. Budget-conscious travelers will find the shorter cruises like the Cape Roul or the 90-minute cruise offer excellent value.

Booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons, and check reviews for recent feedback. If your time is limited, private transfers add convenience, but for the full experience, the longer or combined tours deliver more.

Final Thoughts

Port Arthur offers a fantastic mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and history, with boat tours that reveal its rugged coastline and rich story. For breathtaking vistas and wildlife encounters, the Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise is hard to beat. If history and scenery matter most, the Port Arthur: Cape Roul Wilderness Cruise or the comprehensive Port Arthur Day Tour from Hobart are excellent choices.

No matter what you pick, booking early and choosing the right tour for your interests will ensure a memorable visit. These boat trips are a great way to see Tasmania from a different perspective — one full of drama, wildlife, and stories that will stay with you long after you leave.