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Phillip Island Cruises

Migrating whales, dolphins breaching the surface, unusual rock formations, coastal bird watching, and the calm, glittering sea — all of these wonderful experiences await you on a Phillip Island cruise. Indulge in seal, dolphin, and whale watching, take a journey around Cape Woolamai, and enjoy a spectacular sunset at sea with our collection of Phillip Island cruises.
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Slide 1 of 6, Phillip Island dolphin and whale cruise with tourists observing marine life.
Phillip Island dolphin and whale cruise with tourists observing marine life.

Phillip Island Dolphin & Whale Cruise

3 hrs 15 mins

  • Cruise along Phillip Island’s picturesque coastline on this wildlife-spotting cruise.

  • Past the Cape Woolamai cliffs, you'll be greeted warmly by a range of animals.

  • Look out for Humpback and Southern Right Whales on their annual migration route.

  • Spot playful dolphin pods, frolicking about in the sun.

  • Try and spot curious seals and a host of sea birds, including the Wandering Albatross

More details

  • Cruise along Phillip Island’s picturesque coastline on this wildlife-spotting cruise.

  • Past the Cape Woolamai cliffs, you'll be greeted warmly by a range of animals.

  • Look out for Humpback and Southern Right Whales on their annual migration route.

  • Spot playful dolphin pods, frolicking about in the sun.

  • Try and spot curious seals and a host of sea birds, including the Wandering Albatross

from
AU$135
Slide 1 of 6, Tourists on a whale-watching cruise boat near Phillip Island.
Tourists on a whale-watching cruise boat near Phillip Island.

Phillip Island Winter Whale Cruise with Morning Tea

4 hrs

  • Cruise along the picturesque coastline of Phillip Island to spot aquatic wildlife.

  • Sail past the striking cliffs of Cape Woolamai and be greeted by the adorable animals.

  • Spot Humpback and Southern Right Whales on their annual migration route.

  • Witness the delightful sight of playful dolphin pods, joyfully frolicking under the sun.

  • Keep an eye out for fascinating seals and an array of sea birds, including the majestic Wandering Albatross.

  • Elevate your wildlife spotting experience with a delectable morning tea, accompanied by pastries and muffins on board.

More details

  • Cruise along the picturesque coastline of Phillip Island to spot aquatic wildlife.

  • Sail past the striking cliffs of Cape Woolamai and be greeted by the adorable animals.

  • Spot Humpback and Southern Right Whales on their annual migration route.

  • Witness the delightful sight of playful dolphin pods, joyfully frolicking under the sun.

  • Keep an eye out for fascinating seals and an array of sea birds, including the majestic Wandering Albatross.

  • Elevate your wildlife spotting experience with a delectable morning tea, accompanied by pastries and muffins on board.

from
AU$179
Slide 1 of 13, Tourists on a boat watching seals on rocks during a cruise at Phillip Island.
Tourists on a boat watching seals on rocks during a cruise at Phillip Island.

Seal Watching Afternoon Cruise at Phillip Island

2 hrs
1 more

  • Combine sightseeing with wildlife spotting on this ultra-popular seal-watching boat tour to the scenic Australian coast of Philip Island.

  • From young pups to adult bulls, watch these cute seals slide down rocks, frolic in the waters, or swim around the boat, allowing you to see them up close.

  • Gain insights into the behaviors and ecology of the seals and the region’s vibrant wildlife through expert local commentary onboard.

  • Sip on your afternoon tea and munch on some delicious food as you watch sooty oystercatchers search for food or walk around the edge of the rugged coastline.

  • Did you know? The Australian seal fur is considered the largest of the eight fur seal species in the world.

More details

  • Combine sightseeing with wildlife spotting on this ultra-popular seal-watching boat tour to the scenic Australian coast of Philip Island.

  • From young pups to adult bulls, watch these cute seals slide down rocks, frolic in the waters, or swim around the boat, allowing you to see them up close.

  • Gain insights into the behaviors and ecology of the seals and the region’s vibrant wildlife through expert local commentary onboard.

  • Sip on your afternoon tea and munch on some delicious food as you watch sooty oystercatchers search for food or walk around the edge of the rugged coastline.

  • Did you know? The Australian seal fur is considered the largest of the eight fur seal species in the world.

from Original priceAU$115
AU$103.50

10% off

Slide 1 of 12, Cruise boat near Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island, with passengers enjoying Wildlife Coast Cruises.
Cruise boat near Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island, with passengers enjoying Wildlife Coast Cruises.

Cape Woolamai Morning Cruise at Phillip Island

1 hr
1 more
  • Marvel at the rugged coastline and the towering granite cliffs of Cape Woolamai rising majestically from the sea on this 1-hour morning cruise.
  • Keep an eye out for dolphins swimming in the water or fur seals laying on a rock under the sun.
  • Snack on delicious cake and coffee and marvel at the dramatic sea caves along the breathtaking shoreline while listening to live commentary about the region’s geography and past..
  • Did you know? Cape Woolamai hosts the largest short-tailed shearwater colony, where over a million seabirds nest and take flight each year!
More details
  • Marvel at the rugged coastline and the towering granite cliffs of Cape Woolamai rising majestically from the sea on this 1-hour morning cruise.
  • Keep an eye out for dolphins swimming in the water or fur seals laying on a rock under the sun.
  • Snack on delicious cake and coffee and marvel at the dramatic sea caves along the breathtaking shoreline while listening to live commentary about the region’s geography and past..
  • Did you know? Cape Woolamai hosts the largest short-tailed shearwater colony, where over a million seabirds nest and take flight each year!
from Original priceAU$49
AU$44.10

10% off

Slide 1 of 9, Tour boat near seals and penguins on a beach, wildlife excursion.
Tour boat near seals and penguins on a beach, wildlife excursion.

Combo (Save 12%): Seal Watching Afternoon Cruise + Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets

Explore at your pace

  • Experience the thrill of cruising to Seal Rocks, home to over 7,000 Australian Fur Seals, from adorable pups to impressive adult bulls.

  • Enjoy educational commentary on board while sipping a hot beverage and indulging in delicious cake as you spot seabirds and dolphins.

  • Witness the magical Penguin Parade as little penguins waddle ashore at dusk, creating a heartwarming spectacle for wildlife lovers of all ages.

  • Upgrade your experience with the 3 Parks Pass to encounter koalas and enjoy traditional sheep-shearing at Churchill Island.

  • The Australian Fur Seals at Seal Rocks can dive over 200 meters deep in search of fish. They can hold their breath underwater longer than we can!

More details

  • Experience the thrill of cruising to Seal Rocks, home to over 7,000 Australian Fur Seals, from adorable pups to impressive adult bulls.

  • Enjoy educational commentary on board while sipping a hot beverage and indulging in delicious cake as you spot seabirds and dolphins.

  • Witness the magical Penguin Parade as little penguins waddle ashore at dusk, creating a heartwarming spectacle for wildlife lovers of all ages.

  • Upgrade your experience with the 3 Parks Pass to encounter koalas and enjoy traditional sheep-shearing at Churchill Island.

  • The Australian Fur Seals at Seal Rocks can dive over 200 meters deep in search of fish. They can hold their breath underwater longer than we can!

from Original priceAU$149
AU$130.62

12% off

Slide 1 of 9, Boat near rugged coastline and penguins on sandy beach, Phillip Island, Australia.
Boat near rugged coastline and penguins on sandy beach, Phillip Island, Australia.

Combo (Save 6%): Cape Woolamai Morning Cruise + Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets

Explore at your pace

  • Set sail on a 1-hour morning cruise around Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island’s highest point, and marvel at its rugged cliffs and sea caves.

  • Spot local wildlife such as seals, dolphins, and seabirds while enjoying complimentary tea, coffee, and cake on board.

  • Learn about Phillip Island’s natural and cultural history with expert commentary from experienced local guides.

  • Witness the world-famous Penguin Parade and watch hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore from the general viewing area at sunset.

  • Upgrade your experience with a 3 Parks Pass to explore Phillip Island Nature Parks, including the Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island Heritage Farm.

More details

  • Set sail on a 1-hour morning cruise around Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island’s highest point, and marvel at its rugged cliffs and sea caves.

  • Spot local wildlife such as seals, dolphins, and seabirds while enjoying complimentary tea, coffee, and cake on board.

  • Learn about Phillip Island’s natural and cultural history with expert commentary from experienced local guides.

  • Witness the world-famous Penguin Parade and watch hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore from the general viewing area at sunset.

  • Upgrade your experience with a 3 Parks Pass to explore Phillip Island Nature Parks, including the Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island Heritage Farm.

from Original priceAU$83
AU$78.10

6% off

Slide 1 of 11, Penguins on a beach and whale watching tour in Australia.
Penguins on a beach and whale watching tour in Australia.

Combo (Save 6%): Phillip Island Penguin Parade + Dolphin & Whale Cruise Tickets

50 mins - 3 hrs 15 mins

  • Watch the world-famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island from the general viewing platform.

  • Cruise past Cape Woolamai and spot whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds along the island’s southern coast.

  • Get two signature Phillip Island wildlife experiences in one combo—ideal for nature-loving travelers.

  • Enjoy expert commentary and a relaxed cruise, complete with complimentary tea and snacks.

  • Fun fact: Phillip Island is home to Australia’s largest Little Penguin colony and a key point on the whale migration route.

More details

  • Watch the world-famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island from the general viewing platform.

  • Cruise past Cape Woolamai and spot whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds along the island’s southern coast.

  • Get two signature Phillip Island wildlife experiences in one combo—ideal for nature-loving travelers.

  • Enjoy expert commentary and a relaxed cruise, complete with complimentary tea and snacks.

  • Fun fact: Phillip Island is home to Australia’s largest Little Penguin colony and a key point on the whale migration route.

from Original priceAU$169
AU$158.86

6% off

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What our guests say

Marcus C

Australia
Couple
Last week
Although it was really thick fog and visibility was almost non existent the skipper managed to locate some whales as well as a nice sized pod of dolphins. It was well worth going and I would recommend this trip to anyone wanting to see the whales. We also saw some great scenery along the coast in one of the rare clear fog free spots.

Phillip Island Dolphin & Whale Cruise

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Australia

Most Phillip Island cruises run 1.5 to 4 hours from Cowes, San Remo, or Rhyll on mid-sized catamarans, with longer winter whale trips up to about 4 hours. Expect a single continuous route with 1–3 key zones, typically Seal Rocks, Cape Woolamai, and offshore whale/dolphin areas, where you mostly stand on deck watching seals, scanning for blows, and taking photos between warm-up breaks indoors.

Overview of Phillip Island cruises

  • Boat types: Mid-sized twin-hull catamarans with indoor cabins and open decks; all cruises in this collection use shared vessels (no small-boat or private-charter formats).
  • Reality check – sea conditions: Seal, dolphin, and whale routes enter Bass Strait or exposed coastal waters; motion can be choppy even on clear days, so seasickness medication is advisable for longer wildlife cruises.
  • Inclusions & extra costs: All cruises include commentary; most include tea/coffee and cake or a grazing box (Sunset, Cape, Winter Whale). Alcoholic drinks and other snacks are extra on all sailings.
  • Departure bases: Cruises depart from Cowes Jetty (Seal Watching) or San Remo/Rhyll (Cape Woolamai, Dolphin & Whale, Winter Whale, Sunset). Your jetty determines driving time from Melbourne and whether you pass Cape Woolamai or Seal Rocks.
  • Time & focus: Options range from ~1 hour scenic (Cape Woolamai) to ~1.75 hours sunset, 2 hours seals, and 3–4 hours whale-focused itineraries; shorter cruises stay closer to shore with less motion.
  • Wildlife expectations: Seals at Seal Rocks are seen on almost every Seal and Winter Whale cruise; dolphin and whale sightings on the Dolphin & Whale and Winter Whale cruises are advertised around 80–85% in season, not guaranteed.
  • Price range: As of 2026, adult tickets run from about A$49 (Cape Woolamai) and A$79 (Sunset) to A$115 (Seal Watching), ~A$155 (3h Dolphin & Whale, est.), and A$179 (4h Winter Whale with morning tea).

Know before you book your Phillip Island cruise

  • Step 1: Choose your base. Almost all cruises here are stand‑alone boat trips from Cowes, San Remo, or Rhyll. If you’re driving from Melbourne, allow ~2 hours each way; if you’re already staying on Phillip Island or in San Remo, treat the cruise as a 1.5–4 hour block inside your day.

  • Step 2: Pick your route. For seals and a 2‑hour outing, choose the Seal Watching Afternoon Cruise from Cowes (year‑round, focuses on Seal Rocks). For scenery, the 1‑hour Cape Woolamai Morning Cruise from San Remo hugs cliffs and caves. For whales, book either the 4‑hour Winter Whale Cruise from Rhyll (full island loop via Seal Rocks) or the 3‑hour Dolphin & Whale Cruise from San Remo (shorter, no circumnavigation). The Sunset Sightseeing Cruise from San Remo prioritises golden‑hour views, not wildlife.

  • Step 3: Choose your boat. All products use similar twin‑deck catamarans with indoor cabins and open decks; differences are in route length and how far into Bass Strait they go (whale cruises = longest and roughest).

  • What's usually included. Live commentary, use of indoor/outdoor areas, basic tea/coffee; the Winter Whale Cruise and Cape Woolamai Cruise add morning tea or cake, and the Sunset Cruise includes a grazing box.

  • Extra costs to check. Transport to the jetty, main meals, bar drinks, and penguin tickets (if pairing with the Parade) are separate.

  • The big restriction or route caveat. All cruises are weather‑ and sea‑state dependent: swell can make open‑water sections very choppy, routes may be shortened, and wildlife (especially whales and dolphins) is never guaranteed.

Which Phillip Island cruise is right for you

Short seal & scenic cruises (Cape Woolamai + Seal Rocks)

  • Best for: Families or time-poor visitors wanting high-impact wildlife and coastline in 1–2 hours.
  • Duration: 1–2.5 hours on the water; allow ~2–3 hours door-to-door from Cowes/San Remo.
  • Islands & stops: Cape Woolamai cliffs, San Remo bridge, Western Port Bay, and Seal Rocks on dedicated seal departures.
  • What the pace feels like: Brisk but manageable, with one main wildlife stop and limited open-ocean exposure.
  • Inclusions: Indoor and outdoor seating, live commentary, hot drinks and cake on most cruises; food is light, not a full meal.

Winter whale & dolphin cruises (3–4 hours)

  • Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers visiting in winter who are happy to spend several hours offshore scanning for whales.
  • Duration: 3–4 hours cruising; plan ~4.5–5.5 hours including check-in and post-cruise wrap-up.
  • Islands & stops: Southern coastline near Cape Woolamai and Pyramid Rock, open Bass Strait, plus Seal Rocks on the 4-hour loop.
  • What the pace feels like: Unhurried and expedition-like, with long scanning periods broken by bursts of activity when animals appear.
  • Inclusions: Indoor cabin, open decks, live marine commentary, hot drinks and simple morning/afternoon tea; seasickness tablets are not provided.

Sunset sightseeing cruise

  • Best for: Couples, friends, or multi-generational groups who prioritise relaxed evening scenery and atmosphere over targeted wildlife encounters.
  • Duration: About 1.75 hours on the water; allow ~2.5–3 hours including arrival and disembarkation.
  • Islands & stops: Western Port Bay, views toward Churchill and French Island, Cape Woolamai in the distance, and the Phillip Island bridge at dusk.
  • What the pace feels like: Gentle and sociable, with smooth bay cruising, live music on some departures, and plenty of photo time.
  • Inclusions: Indoor seating, open deck access, light commentary, grazing box and bar service; wildlife sightings are incidental, not the focus.

Your Phillip Island cruise tour starting points

Best for
Seal Watching Afternoon Cruises and many Winter Whale Cruises that head out to Seal Rocks and around Phillip Island. Ideal if you’re already staying in Cowes or driving in for a half‑day marine wildlife experience.

Where you start
Most seal and some whale itineraries use Cowes Jetty on the Cowes foreshore. Exact jetty steps, side of the pier, and meeting time are always confirmed on your voucher—follow that over any map pin.

Getting there
Walk from central Cowes accommodation (often 3–15 minutes), or drive and park at the foreshore car parks. Allow extra time in summer or school holidays when parking is busy.

What to expect
Shorter boat runs to Seal Rocks than from mainland jetties, easy walk-up access from town, and the widest choice of departure times across the season.

Phillip Island island by island - what each stop is like

Seal Rocks (Fur Seal Colony)

Seal Rocks is a low, wave-battered reef off the Nobbies that hosts one of Australia’s largest fur seal colonies. On seal and winter whale cruises, the captain idles and slowly circles so you can watch thousands of seals lounging, barking and darting through the water.

Different types of boats during your Phillip Island tour

Mid-size wildlife catamarans (Seal & Whale Cruises)

  • What they're like: Stable, 20‑metre catamarans with indoor lounge seating, open upper decks, rail space at the sides, and basic onboard café/toilets. You can move around freely once underway.
  • Pros: Good mix of comfort and access to wildlife—easy to duck inside for warmth, then step out to watch seals, dolphins or whales. Space is managed so they don’t feel crammed.
  • Cons: Open-deck viewing means strong wind and spray; in Bass Strait the ride can be quite bumpy and seasickness is common on longer whale routes.

Coastal sightseeing catamarans (Cape Woolamai Cruise)

  • What they're like: The same style of twin-deck catamaran, but staying closer to shore and in more sheltered waters, with indoor benches, outdoor seating, and room to stand for photos.
  • Pros: Shorter, gentler ride that still gets you dramatic cliffs and caves; easier on kids, older travellers, and anyone nervous about open ocean. You can move between shaded cabin and open deck.
  • Cons: Less of an “expedition” feel—fewer big swells but also fewer chances for headline wildlife like whales; if you’re craving adrenaline or long wildlife encounters, it can feel a bit tame.

Bay cruise catamarans with entertainment (Sunset Cruise)

  • What they're like: Similar-size catamarans configured for relaxed seating, with a large indoor area, open decks for sunset views, and space set aside for live music or a small performer.
  • Pros: Calm bay waters mean a smoother ride, with more focus on ambiance—music, grazing boxes, and sunset views—than on dashing about the decks. Easy to sit, chat, and move around safely.
  • Cons: Wildlife viewing is incidental; you might see a few seals or birds, but not a full-on seal colony or whale chase. If you’re mainly after animals, this format can feel underwhelming.

Open‑water expedition catamarans (Winter Whale & Dolphin Cruises)

  • What they're like: The same catamarans pushed to their range limit—longer runs in open Bass Strait, lots of time on exposed upper decks, with indoor cabins used as a warm-up base between scans.
  • Pros: Best platform for serious wildlife spotting and photography—height for scanning the horizon, 360° movement around the decks, and enough space for everyone to swap sides when whales appear.
  • Cons: Long exposure to swell makes these the toughest option for motion sickness; even on clear days the boat can pitch and roll for hours, and you’ll be far more tired and windblown than on shorter cruises.

Plan your island hopping tour in Philip Island

How long does the tour take?

  • From Phillip Island (self‑drive/walk‑up):
  • Cape Woolamai and sunset cruises run about 1.5–2.5 hours door‑to‑door (60–105 minutes on the water plus check‑in and boarding).
  • Seal cruises are typically 2.5–3 hours door‑to‑door for ~2 hours afloat.
  • Dolphin & Whale and Winter Whale cruises feel like half‑day outings at 4–5.5 hours door‑to‑door, including time to park, check in, and disembark.
  • From Melbourne on a full‑day tour including a cruise: Expect around 11–13 hours door‑to‑door, with the cruise itself still 2–4 hours inside a tightly timed itinerary.

When do tours usually start?

  • Short coastal and seal cruises commonly depart late morning or early afternoon.
  • Whale cruises generally run as longer morning or early‑afternoon blocks in winter.
  • Sunset cruises depart late afternoon/early evening, timed to daylight, so exact times shift with the season.

Best time of year to go

  • Seal and coastal cruises: Good year‑round; summer to early autumn usually offers milder air‑temperatures and more stable conditions.
  • Whale and dolphin cruises: Best from roughly June to early October, when migration brings whales past Phillip Island, but seas are colder and more changeable.
  • In winter and early spring you trade higher wildlife potential for rougher seas...

Seasonal or operational changes

  • Dedicated whale itineraries only run in their announced winter season...
  • Sunset cruises are more frequent in the warmer months...
  • In all seasons, captains may alter routes...
  • Poor weather can occasionally cancel sailings on the day.

Frequently asked questions about Phillip Island cruises

  • For near-guaranteed wildlife, choose the 2‑hour Seal Watching Cruise to Seal Rocks. For whales and dolphins (June–Sept), pick the 3–4 hour Dolphin & Whale or Winter Whale Cruise. If dramatic cliffs and coastline are your focus, the 1‑hour Cape Woolamai Cruise is best. For relaxed views and atmosphere, choose the Sunset Sightseeing Cruise.

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