Dolphin Eco Cruises

The Dolphin Discovery Centre’s Dolphin Eco Cruise is for 90 minutes within Koombana Bay. Our vessel provides an excellent viewing platform designed to get you as close as possible to the dolphins – without getting your feet wet! The team will introduce you to our local Bottlenose Dolphins as they interact in their natural environment. Many of the Dolphins seen on the cruise call Koombana Bay their home. They can be seen frolicking, playing, sleeping and feeding during the cruise. The informative commentary from the skipper will keep you updated throughout.

 

Opening times 

Open 7 days, 8am to 3pm (Dolphin Eco Cruises are weather and Skipper dependent)

Bookings are essential to avoid disappointment.

You may want to consider packaging your Eco Cruise with the Interpretive Centre.  We also have our Cafe, you can book your table to relax and enjoy after your cruise.

Seasonality

Tour Details
DatesDaysTimes
March - October7 days12 noon
November-April6 days (no tour on Tuesday)12 noon

Additional timeslots are added during peak times throughout the year.

Please note: Some times may change due to weather or numbers, please always ring and check if a later Eco Cruise is available.

During winter we do have a departure point 5 minutes drive from the Centre.  Please arrive at the DDC 45 minutes prior to your cruise so we can offer instructions and to pick up your ticket.

Tour Info

what you’ll see

  • The dolphins are wild, which makes it extra special as they aren’t performing – just behaving naturally.
  • You may see examples of feeding, socialising, jumping and sleeping.
  • Learn how we ID all the dolphins.

what’s included

  • A 90-minute Eco Cruise in the calm waters of Koombana Bay.
  • Commentary from our Skipper on the Bottlenose Dolphins.

Please note: some times may change due to weather or numbers, please always ring and check if a later Eco Cruise is available

What to Bring

  • Sun protection.
  • Warm Jumper/windcheater especially on cooler days.
  • Don’t forget your camera!

Booking Info

  • Maximum 28 passengers.
  • Exclusive group bookings available upon request.
  • Please collect your cruise ticket from the Dolphin Discovery Centre 45 minutes prior to departure.
  • Periodically the cruise will depart from an alternative beach due to variable weather conditions – transfers cannot be provided.
  • All boat trips are subject to suitable weather conditions.

Save Your Place

To avoid disappointment be sure to book your tour well in advance. We are happy to move or cancel and refund your booking up to 24 hours before the tour.

Book Tour
Dolphin swimming on its back Photo by Dave and Fiona
Child watching a dolphin swim from a boat Photo by Dave and Fiona

Tour Prices

Adult $65
Concessions (Seniors / Students / YHA) $55
Children (Age 3 - 12) $45
Family (2 Adults & 2 Children Aged 3 - 12) $200
Infant (Age 0-2) $0
Carers with a Companion Card $0

Please note: Even though children 2 and under are free of charge, we need to be advised of their inclusion as they need to be included on the manifest. Please present concessions and vouchers at check in.

Refund Policy:

A full refund is available up to seven days prior to your tour.

As with any nature-based experience, we cannot guarantee the number or behaviour of dolphins you may meet on our tour however there is a very high likelihood that dolphins will be in The Bay and nearby waterways.  You may also encounter a variety of marine birds and occasionally penguins, sea lions or whales.  You will also learn about our port, marine history and region.

In the case of cancellation due to adverse weather conditions or vessel maintenance, we will re-book your tour for an alternative time suitable to you or offer a 100% refund.  When considering cancelling tours our key consideration is your safety and comfort.