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Dive into a rare snorkeling adventure with Moonraker Dolphin Swims from Sorrento Pier, swimming alongside wild dolphins and playful Australian Fur Seals in Port Phillip Bay’s calm waters.
Dive into a rare snorkeling adventure with Moonraker Dolphin Swims from Sorrento Pier, swimming alongside wild dolphins and playful Australian Fur Seals in Port Phillip Bay’s calm waters.
Book with Moonraker Dolphin Swims
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Moonraker Dolphin Swims · Sorrento, Victoria
Moonraker Dolphin Swims offers an unparalleled opportunity to snorkel alongside wild dolphins and Australian Fur Seals in the sparkling waters of Port Phillip Bay, departing from Sorrento Pier in Victoria, Australia. This three-hour wildlife swim blends precise marine adventure with natural wonder, taking place in some of the region’s most sheltered and diverse marine habitats.
Port Phillip Bay’s calm, shallow waters create the ideal environment for intimate and respectful wildlife encounters. The journey begins aboard Moonraker’s custom vessel, where experienced guides provide top-tier snorkelling gear, including full-length wetsuits, snacks, and refreshments to keep you comfortable throughout the day. After a warm welcome and briefing, the boat sets course for Chinaman’s Hat, a locally known man-made structure designed especially for the curious Australian Fur Seals. Here, snorkelers can wade through clear waters over a soft white sand seabed just a few meters deep, immersing themselves in the playful world of these remarkable mammals.
The highlight awaits as groups of up to ten enter the water to meet wild dolphins. These encounters are genuine—dolphin participation is voluntary, making each swim unique and thrilling. Participants often witness dolphins circling and weaving beneath them, exhibiting the elegance and agility that define their species. On some tours, encounters with rare Sea Dragons—a marine emblem of Victoria—offer a glimpse into prehistoric underwater realms, showcasing the bay’s ecological richness.
Moonraker Dolphin Swims stands out in the local outdoor scene due to its commitment to wildlife welfare and immersive experience design. With a dolphin guarantee promising a free return if no dolphins appear, and expert guides who balance safety with adventure, this operator provides an authentic connection to Victoria’s marine life.
Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a nature lover looking for a new perspective from the water, this swim promises an invigorating touchpoint with the wild that defines the Australian coast.
moderate.
3 hours.
Participants should have a basic swimming proficiency and be comfortable in open water conditions.
Yes, children aged 4 and up with basic swimming ability can participate in the tours.
Moonraker Dolphin Swims offers a dolphin guarantee: if you don’t see dolphins, you can book a free return tour within 30 days.
No prior snorkeling experience is required, but participants must be comfortable swimming and floating in open water.
Non-swimmers cannot participate in the swim but can join as sightseers on the boat for an additional fee.
The boat is equipped with hot showers, refreshments, snacks, and premium snorkel gear including full wetsuits.
Tours run daily from October to May, depending on weather and sea conditions.
Port Phillip Bay has long been important to local Indigenous communities and was named after Governor Arthur Phillip in 1802 during early European explorations.
Moonraker Dolphin Swims operates under strict environmental guidelines to minimize impact on local marine life and promote sustainable wildlife interactions.
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