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Set sail from Sorrento on a 3-hour cruise with Moonraker Dolphin Swims to witness wild Australian Fur Seals and Bottlenose Dolphins in Port Phillip Bay—no swimming required. Comfortable, dry, and brimming with wildlife encounters, this trip is perfect for all ages.
Set sail from Sorrento on a 3-hour cruise with Moonraker Dolphin Swims to witness wild Australian Fur Seals and Bottlenose Dolphins in Port Phillip Bay—no swimming required. Comfortable, dry, and brimming with wildlife encounters, this trip is perfect for all ages.
Book with Moonraker Dolphin Swims
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Operated by Moonraker Dolphin Swims · Sorrento, Victoria
Port Phillip Bay, stretching along Victoria’s southern coast, offers one of Australia’s richest marine experiences, brought vividly to life by Moonraker Dolphin Swims. Their 3-hour Dolphin and Seal Sightsee aboard the Moonraker vessel offers a captivating journey across these temperate waters without ever getting wet. Departing from the charming town of Sorrento, the trip reveals the region’s coastal landmarks and the remarkable local wildlife that thrives here.
Passengers settle into comfortable, undercover seating on a purpose-built luxury boat. As the Moonraker slips out past the rugged cliffs and private coves bordering Sorrento and Portsea, guests are treated to panoramic views of the bay’s crystalline waters. The highlight arrives swiftly at Chinaman’s Hat, a small nearby island renowned for its resident population of lively Australian Fur Seals. These wild creatures approach closely enough for passengers to observe their playful antics and distinctive whiskered faces, all while the boat remains dry and stationary.
From there, the cruise ventures further into Port Phillip to seek out the elusive resident Bottlenose Dolphins. Unlike many other wildlife tours, this experience allows onboard movement — guests can roam the decks or stand on the bow to witness dolphins swimming playfully beneath the vessel's surface. The combination of expert guidance and a high success rate (85%) makes sightings almost guaranteed. Should dolphins evade view, Moonraker’s free return policy ensures no one goes home disappointed.
Onboard refreshments, including morning tea, lunch, and snacks, keep spirits high throughout the journey. Moonraker Dolphin Swims stands out for its commitment to sustainable, respectful wildlife interaction, emphasizing that all animals are wild and untrained. This trip is a standout in Victoria’s outdoor recreation scene — perfect for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone keen to connect with Port Phillip Bay’s marine life from the comfort and safety of a premium vessel.
easy.
3 hours.
No special fitness needed; suitable for all ages and mobility levels since the boat offers seated accommodations.
No swimming is required on the 3-hour Dolphin and Seal Sightsee, making it suitable for non-swimmers and families.
The tour boasts an 85% success rate for dolphin encounters, and seals are reliably seen at Chinaman’s Hat.
Yes, morning tea, lunch, and snacks are served during the cruise to keep you energized throughout.
Absolutely. The boat features comfortable seating and easy movement, accommodating all ages and mobility levels.
Moonraker Dolphin Swims offers a free return trip within 30 days if dolphins aren’t seen during your tour.
Yes, guests are free to move around on deck, including standing on the bow for up-close dolphin views.
Port Phillip Bay has been integral to local Indigenous cultures and European settlement since the early 1800s, shaping Victoria’s maritime heritage.
Moonraker emphasizes respectful wildlife viewing and follows guidelines that minimize disturbance to the marine ecosystem.
Moonraker Dolphin Swims is a marine wildlife tour operator based in Sorrento, Victoria, offering guided cruises and snorkeling experiences in Port Phillip Bay. The company operates the vessel 'Moonraker,' providing passengers with both wet and dry options: sightseeing cruises that keep guests dry and snorkeling swims that place participants in the water with wild animals. Trips include a 3 hour Dolphin and Seal Sightsee cruise, a 1.5 hour Wildlife Adventure Cruise, a 3 hour Dolphin and Seal Swim from Sorrento Pier, and a 2 hour Seals & Seadragon swim that is suitable for all skill levels. Passengers can expect encounters with Australian Fur Seals and resident Bottlenose Dolphins, and the chance to see Weedy Seadragons during snorkeling tours. Popular sightseeing highlights include waterfront homes of Sorrento and Portsea and seal colonies at Chinaman's Hat. Refreshments are served onboard the Moonraker on select cruises. The variety of trip durations and formats lets visitors choose between condensed express cruises and extended snorkeling adventures. Moonraker Dolphin Swims focuses on delivering close wildlife encounters in Port Phillip Bay while operating from Sorrento; bookings are typically made in advance. On the 1.5 hour Wildlife Adventure Cruise passengers can capture moments on the bow while spotting diverse seabirds and viewing Chinaman's Hat; refreshments are served onboard cruises and the 3 hour Dolphin and Seal Sightsee promises lasting memories and captivating stories.
Book with Moonraker Dolphin Swims