THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Get ready to meet playful dolphins on Melbourne’s This Island with an exclusive private tour. Perfect for wildlife lovers, this adventure offers close encounters with marine life in a stunning coastal setting.
Get ready to meet playful dolphins on Melbourne’s This Island with an exclusive private tour. Perfect for wildlife lovers, this adventure offers close encounters with marine life in a stunning coastal setting.
Book with Cruise Cocoa
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Cruise Cocoa · Melbourne, Florida
Melbourne's This Island offers an exhilarating opportunity to get up close and personal with its resident dolphins through a private sightseeing tour. Located along Australia’s southeastern coast, this island is renowned for its vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters that make dolphin encounters a highlight for visitors. The tour takes guests aboard a comfortable vessel, where expert guides share insights into the dolphins' behaviors and the local ecosystem. This experience is perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking an intimate wildlife encounter. The waters surrounding This Island are home to pod-sized groups of bottlenose dolphins, often seen breaching and riding the boat’s wake, making it a dynamic, unpredictable adventure. The marine environment is enriched by diverse seabirds and occasional sightings of sea turtles and whales during migration seasons. The tour emphasizes responsible wildlife viewing, ensuring minimal disturbance to the animals while providing memorable moments away from crowded attractions. This tour is not only about spotting dolphins but also appreciating the natural beauty of the coastline, with scenic views of the island’s rugged cliffs and sandy beaches, perfect for photography. The experience lasts approximately 2 hours, with customizable options for private groups. Guides are knowledgeable, passionate about marine conservation, and eager to share the stories behind this unique ecosystem. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful, engaging outing on the water, this private dolphin tour stands out as one of Melbourne’s top marine adventures. It’s a responsible way to witness the playful elegance of dolphins in their natural habitat, while supporting local conservation efforts. A trip to This Island with this tour guarantees a blend of excitement, education, and connection to the ocean’s incredible inhabitants.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for children of all ages.
No experience is necessary; guides will ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for everyone.
Bring motion sickness remedies if you're prone to seasickness, and sit in the middle of the boat for stability.
Yes, the dolphins are wild and seen in their natural environment.
Yes, bring snacks and water, but avoid single-use plastics to protect the marine environment.
Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and waterproof gear are recommended.
This island was historically a hub for indigenous communities and later developed as a protected marine reserve in the late 20th century, ensuring the preservation of its unique ecosystem.
Tours operate with a focus on eco-friendly practices and marine conservation, helping sustain populations of dolphins and other marine life.
Cruise Cocoa is a Merritt Island, Florida boat tour operator specializing in sunset cruises, dolphin sightseeing, private charters, and bioluminescence experiences. Operating from departure points including Pineda Inn, Cocoa Beach launch sites, and Eau Gallie Boat Launch in Melbourne, Cruise Cocoa offers two-hour public and private boat tours that showcase wildlife of the Indian River Lagoon and nearby coastal waters. Tours range from cozy 26-foot pontoon sunset cruises to private excursions aboard the Lei’d Back vessel for bioluminescence and intimate groups. Many cruises permit guests to bring their own beverages and snacks, and select departures from Pineda Inn include light drinks and snacks before setting sail plus a dinner discount at Pineda Inn. Private options include sunset, dolphin sightseeing, and combined sunset–bioluminescence trips for up to six passengers on designated Cocoa Beach private tours. Captains and crew on Cruise Cocoa tours provide local knowledge about dolphins, manatees, ospreys, and other coastal wildlife while focusing on safe, relaxed sightseeing. Typical itineraries last about two hours and emphasize wildlife viewing, photography opportunities, and quiet evenings on the water. Cruise Cocoa advertises family-friendly wildlife encounters and romantic sunset options for couples seeking scenic photos. The operation’s fleet includes the Lei’d Back vessel and a 26-foot pontoon used for many sunset and sightseeing trips. Reservations are promoted for both shared and private charters departing from Merritt Island and nearby Cocoa Beach and Melbourne launch points. Guests can capture photos of dolphins, manatees, and coastal birds from comfortable seating aboard the vessels during each cruise.
Book with Cruise Cocoa