Australia · DOLPHIN WATCHING
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 10 dolphin watching tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Snorkel Moreton Island’s Tangalooma Wrecks, spot dolphins and turtles, enjoy prawns and beach time on a full-day cruise from Brisbane.
“From the moment Callum picked us up, we were greeted warmly and had a smooth trip to the marina. The vessel as gorgeous. We had the best day and Callum was a huge part of that! He’s a great bartender too!”
Cruise Port Stephens for bottlenose dolphins, headland views, captain's commentary, and a lively boom-net swim from Nelson Bay.
“Was great to the dolphins mother and calf and all the sites went in the net for the first time and absolutely loved it staff were lovely and helpful and boat nice nice and clean beer was very cold”
Cruise Mandurah’s calm waterways, spot wild dolphins, hear local stories, and see canals, wetlands, birds, and Aboriginal landmarks for $31.
“Loved seeing the dolphins! Wish it could have been a little longer”
Swim with wild dolphins near Rockingham on a six-hour Perth tour with wetsuits, lunch, expert crew, photos, and optional transfers.
“I was due to go on this Swim with Wild Dolphins Experience. Unfortunately it was cancelled short notice due to poor weather conditions at sea. Wind and swell would have created poor visibility and be less than enjoyable for the experience. Faced with the dread of having to get a full refund I spoke with Sam at the company who transferred the experience into my friends name and extended the expiry date to end of 2024, when the local weather improves. So whilst I was hugely disappointed not to do this experience, I totally understand why it was quite correctly cancelled for safety reasons. On the flip side my friend…”
Paddle Adelaide’s mangrove creeks, spot wild dolphins and shipwrecks, and learn about the sanctuary on a relaxed three-hour kayak tour.
“A good value tour exploring interesting mangrove area with a great guide.”
Cruise Roebuck Bay from Broome in search of snubfin dolphins, turtles and dugongs, with snacks, drinks and a possible boom-net swim.
“This was well worth doing. We not only saw the snub fin dolphins, but also saw lots of turtles, 2 humpback whales and dugong. The variety of snacks was a nice surprise and the staff were wonderful. We really enjoyed the fun tender ride to the main boat.”
Swim with wild dolphins off Adelaide on a 3.5-hour Temptation Sailing cruise, with marine biologist guides, wetsuits, and coastal views.
“A beautiful experience with a well guided tour about dolphins. The underwater swimming with dolphins was hands down the best thing”
Spot wild dolphins, cruise Port Stephens, and try a boom-net ride on this affordable 90-minute Nelson Bay boat tour.
“Its a Lovely experience to see dolphin with the kids. Although we only see a few but its memorable in the trip. Highly recommend activity”
Kayak Cape Byron Marine Park with guides, bottlenose dolphins, turtles, and seasonal whales, plus a free return tour if dolphins do not appear.
“I've lived in Byron in the 80s and 90s. This my first time kayaking and it was everything. The guide paddled and we even caught a wave at Wategoes. It was so much fun. Seen dolphins and it was worth every cent. Just wish they posted my photo. Take a waterproof case to take photos. Byron is spectacular from water. Julian rock is the head of the rainbow serpent and mount Warning is his body. Sensational view.”
Swim with wild dolphins or long-nosed seals off Kangaroo Island, with wetsuits, gear, guides, and two hours on the water.
“It is no guarantee to swim with dolphins. They do make that clear. However they would have know the pod had babies and it is not allowed to get in with them. So it is left to be a swim with seals who also did not want to swim much . Crew was excellent and informative. Tour was disappointing for the cost”
Pick a coast, a rock or a cellar door.
