THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Board a purpose-built vessel at Sorrento and head into Port Phillip Bay to watch fur seals at Chinaman's Hat, scan Popes Eye for seabirds and seek out bow-riding bottlenose dolphins. This three-hour cruise combines close wildlife viewing with local natural history and practical guidance for a comfortable trip.
Board a purpose-built vessel at Sorrento and head into Port Phillip Bay to watch fur seals at Chinaman's Hat, scan Popes Eye for seabirds and seek out bow-riding bottlenose dolphins. This three-hour cruise combines close wildlife viewing with local natural history and practical guidance for a comfortable trip.
A brisk sea smell and the thud of the diesel put you at the bow before the shore shrinks behind you. The Mornington Peninsula blurs into headland and reef as the captain threads the boat toward Chinaman's Hat; here the Australian fur seals sun themselves and then rocket into the water, playful and unbothered.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Moonraker Dolphin Swims · Sorrento, Victoria
A brisk sea smell and the thud of the diesel put you at the bow before the shore shrinks behind you. The Mornington Peninsula blurs into headland and reef as the captain threads the boat toward Chinaman's Hat; here the Australian fur seals sun themselves and then rocket into the water, playful and unbothered.
This stretch of Port Phillip Bay has a long maritime story: The Rip, the narrow entrance where Bass Strait meets the Bay, shaped settlement, shipping routes and local lore. Popes Eye Marine National Park, a concrete gun platform turned bird colony, displays thick-bodied Australasian gannets and other seabirds that use the structure like a cliff. The geology is coastal sandstone and limestone carved by currents; the bay's calm interior contrasts with the rougher Bass Strait beyond.
On a 3-hour sightseeing cruise from Sorrento you’ll pass waterfront homes of Portsea, skim the Ticonderoga Bay Dolphin Sanctuary and search for bottlenose dolphins that often ride the bow wave. Guides point out seasonal migrants, explain marine-park rules and highlight conservation concerns — you see wildlife, and learn why distance and no-feeding rules matter.
Practical edge: trips run year-round but expect cooler winds outside summer; the boat includes sheltered seating, onboard refreshments and space for cameras. Seasickness can be an issue for first-timers; choose a seat mid-ship for the smoothest ride and check cancellation policies on rough-weather days. This cruise is sightseeing-only, though swimming tours operate on the same vessel, so plan accordingly.
easy.
3 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; requires boarding a boat and standing for periods
No — this ticket is sightseeing only and suitable for non-swimmers; swimming tours operate separately on the same boat.
Yes; children may join but must be accompanied by an adult and follow crew safety instructions.
Trips may be cancelled for rough conditions; the operator usually offers a full refund for cancellations made at least 24 hours prior or in severe weather.
Captains use positioning to get close enough for good viewing while following marine-park rules — you can often be just meters from seals and see dolphins riding the bow wave.
Port Phillip Bay has long been a navigational gateway; The Rip’s hazardous currents dictated early shipping routes and spurred marine safety infrastructure.
Popes Eye and surrounding waters are protected marine parks — keep distance from animals, don’t feed wildlife and follow guide instructions to reduce disturbance.
Moonraker Dolphin Swims operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A brisk sea smell and the thud of the diesel put you at the bow before the shore shrinks behind you. The Mornington Peninsula blurs into headland and reef as the captain threads the boat toward Chinaman's Hat; here the Australian fur seals sun themselves and then rocket into the water, playful and unbothered.
A brisk sea smell and the thud of the diesel put you at the bow before the shore shrinks behind you. The Mornington Peninsula blurs into headland and reef as the captain threads the boat toward Chinaman's Hat; here the Australian fur seals sun themselves and then rocket into the water, playful and unbothered.
This stretch of Port Phillip Bay has a long maritime story: The Rip, the narrow entrance where Bass Strait meets the Bay, shaped settlement, shipping routes and local lore. Popes Eye Marine National Park, a concrete gun platform turned bird colony, displays thick-bodied Australasian gannets and other seabirds that use the structure like a cliff. The geology is coastal sandstone and limestone carved by currents; the bay's calm interior contrasts with the rougher Bass Strait beyond.
On a 3-hour sightseeing cruise from Sorrento you’ll pass waterfront homes of Portsea, skim the Ticonderoga Bay Dolphin Sanctuary and search for bottlenose dolphins that often ride the bow wave. Guides point out seasonal migrants, explain marine-park rules and highlight conservation concerns — you see wildlife, and learn why distance and no-feeding rules matter.
Practical edge: trips run year-round but expect cooler winds outside summer; the boat includes sheltered seating, onboard refreshments and space for cameras. Seasickness can be an issue for first-timers; choose a seat mid-ship for the smoothest ride and check cancellation policies on rough-weather days. This cruise is sightseeing-only, though swimming tours operate on the same vessel, so plan accordingly.