AUSTRALIA

Our 15 Best Dolphin Watching Cruises in Australia

46 tours  Ā·  from $26 a head

The 15 best dolphin watching cruises in Australia you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is first for a reason; start there.

Moreton Island: Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise - Lunch with prawns and tropical fruit
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Moreton Island: Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise

1.Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,039 reviews · 1 day · from $152Our pick

Spend a full day aboard the Spirit of Mulgumpin, a purpose-built catamaran sailing from Brisbane to Moreton Island. Youā€™ll snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks with guides such as Jess, Georgia, or Brooke, watch for dolphins and turtles, eat a tropical buffet with ocean king prawns, and enjoy beach time, fish feeding, and paddleboarding.

“great nature n fantastic experience. Also kind crew members!!”

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Port Stephens: Dolphin Discovery Cruise - The first 20 minutes: harbour views before the dolphins
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Port Stephens: Dolphin Discovery Cruise

2.Port Stephens: Dolphin Discovery Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 926 reviews · 1h 30m · from $28Best value

Spend 90 minutes cruising Port Stephens Harbour with Moonshadow TQC Cruises. Watch for wild bottlenose dolphins, hear live commentary, view Tomaree and Yacaaba Headlands, and try the boom net at the back of the boat. A licensed bar sells snacks and drinks, while the large vessel offers toilets and several viewing areas.

“We loved this boat trip! Recommend the 10:30 boat, very quiet, not too hot and we saw so many dolphins!”

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Mandurah: Dolphin and Views Cruise - Birdlife, wetlands, and small details to watch for
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Mandurah: Dolphin and Views Cruise

3.Mandurah: Dolphin and Views Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 920 reviews · 1h 15m · from $31

Cruise Mandurahā€™s calm waterways with an English-speaking skipper and live guide. Expect dolphin sightings, canals lined with grand homes, wetlands, birdlife, Aboriginal history, and a playful deck for children. Dolphins are guaranteed, or you can cruise again free. Departures leave from central Mandurah.

“Just a pity not more dolphins seen but otherwise a nice relaxing day”

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Snubfin Dolphin Eco Cruise from Broome - What the search through Roebuck Bay feels like
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Snubfin Dolphin Eco Cruise from Broome

4.Snubfin Dolphin Eco Cruise from Broome

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 533 reviews · from $110Top rated

Set out aboard Ballena, Broomeā€™s dedicated eco-tour vessel, for a 4-hour-15-minute cruise through Roebuck Bay. Guides such as John, Cam, and Jess explain the marine life while you search for snubfin and bottlenose dolphins, turtles, dugongs, and birds. Snacks, refreshments, restrooms, shaded decks, and a possible boom-net swim are included.

“Great tour, seen snubfin dolphins, small and big sea turtles, sea snake, small shark and bottle nose dolphins. Crew were friendly and very informative. Would recommend to do the tour”

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Port Stephens: Dolphin Discovery Cruise - The first 20 minutes: harbour views before the dolphins
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Port Stephens: Dolphin Discovery Cruise

5.Port Stephens: Dolphin Discovery Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 401 reviews · from $32

Set out from Nelson Bay on Moonshadow V for a 90-minute search for wild bottlenose dolphins. Your crew shares facts about local marine life while you enjoy views of Tomaree and Yacaaba Headlands. The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, and the boom-net ride adds a wet, playful finish.

“This was tour was absolutely brilliant. We were fortunate to be able to go on a perfect sunny spring morning. We spotted loads of dolphin pods and a humpback whale with her baby calf! The slippery slide net into the boom net on the way back to shore was supper fun! My kids 13 and 11 absolutely loved it! Not as strong younger kids would definitely need assistance with their parent as the current in the net is very strong when the boat is moving. Highly recommend!”

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Mandurah Dolphin Cruise and Views - From Mandurah Cruises to Mandjar Bay
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Mandurah Dolphin Cruise and Views

6.Mandurah Dolphin Cruise and Views

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 376 reviews · from $31

Spend about 75 minutes cruising Mandurahā€™s calm estuary, Creery Wetlands, ocean marina, and canal-lined waterways. An onboard guide shares local wildlife and regional history while you look for Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. The boat carries no more than 20 people, and a dolphin sighting means a free return trip if needed.

“Excellent tour with family Nd friends - all enjoyed well- thanks you captain for the amazing Captaincy”

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Port Adelaide: Dolphin and Ships Graveyard Cruise - Finding the lighthouse at 1 McLaren Parade
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Port Adelaide: Dolphin and Ships Graveyard Cruise

7.Port Adelaide: Dolphin and Ships Graveyard Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 375 reviews · 1h 30m · from $62

Cruise the Port River for 90 minutes with an English-speaking skipper-guide, passing the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, International Bird Sanctuary, and half-submerged shipwrecks. Guides such as Jim, Jason, Chris, and Alex have been praised for lively local commentary. Dolphins are possible, never guaranteed. Drinks are available to buy onboard.

“Great few hours on the water. Although we only saw one dolphin, Skipper Jim did his utmost to try and find us other, sailing to their usual spots. He was very informative when it came to the vessels in the ship's graveyard, and made my daughter's day letting her sit up front on the Captain's seat!”

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Adelaide: 4-Hour Guaranteed Wild Dolphin Watching Cruise - Meeting Temptation Sailing at Glenelg
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Adelaide: 4-Hour Guaranteed Wild Dolphin Watching Cruise

8.Adelaide: 4-Hour Guaranteed Wild Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 349 reviews · 3h 30m · from $63

Meet Temptation Sailing at Marina Pier, Glenelg, for a 210-minute catamaran cruise along Adelaideā€™s gulf. The crew looks for wild bottlenose and common dolphins, explains their behavior, and may bring you close to pods riding the hulls. Guides such as Elle and Quinn are praised for friendly, clear commentary. A separate swim option is available.

“excellent day out, staff were informative & knowledgeable, well organised trip with plenty of dolphins, definitely a great experience, worth the money & would recommend”

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Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise & Lunch - Brisbane - A surprisingly generous buffet lunch
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Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise & Lunch – Brisbane

9.Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise & Lunch ā€“ Brisbane

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 327 reviews · from $192

Spend about eight hours sailing from Brisbane to Moreton Island aboard the Spirit of Mulgumpin. Youā€™ll snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks with a guide, enjoy a buffet lunch with local prawns, watch for dolphins and dugongs, and have free beach time for swimming or paddleboarding. Captain Wayne and guide Caroline are among the crew members praised for their care and clear guidance.

“On time pickup in downtown Brisbane. Well planned, captain and staff are very engaged with passengers.”

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90 Minute Port River Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise - Searching for dolphins in the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
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90 Minute Port River Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise

10.90 Minute Port River Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 321 reviews · from $63

Set out from Port Adelaide on a small-group cruise for wild bottlenose dolphins, the Shipsā€™ Graveyard and Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary. Your skipper points out wildlife and explains the portā€™s past, with guides including Alex, Jim, Andrew and Naomi. The modern boat has a bathroom, but only water is provided, so bring snacks.

“Naomi is very knowledgeable when it came to the shipwrecks and their history, very interesting facts. We did see a pod of dolphins, from a distance on both occasions, the first time they were having breakfast, so we did not interrupt them, on the return trip they were again in the distance but were not too fussed we were there and were not up to for a visit to the boat.”

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Port Stephens: Dolphin Watch Cruise with Swimming and Slides - Searching Port Stephens for dolphins
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Port Stephens: Dolphin Watch Cruise with Swimming and Slides

11.Port Stephens: Dolphin Watch Cruise with Swimming and Slides

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 294 reviews · 2 hours · from $35

Spend two hours aboard Moonshadow TQCā€™s catamaran from Nelson Bay, watching for resident dolphins and enjoying Tomaree and Yacaaba headland views. The boat has a boom net, water slides, a small spa, and a licensed bar. Bring swimwear and a towel, but note that the activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

“The weather was beautiful. The staff were courteous. Michelle 1 and 2 were wonderful. Educational experience for kids. We didn't have a hard time finding dolphins. Fun experience swimming in the net and slides. There was a small spa tub infront of the boat.”

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Jervis Bay Dolphin Cruise - How long is 90 minutes in practice?
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Jervis Bay Dolphin Cruise

12.Jervis Bay Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 294 reviews · from $37

Cruise from Huskisson into Jervis Bay Marine Park, where the crew searches known feeding areas for nearly 100 resident bottlenose dolphins. You will have open-deck views, coastal scenery, and a chance to see dolphins beside the boat. The 90-minute trip suits busy schedules, though sightings are never guaranteed.

“Fantastic experience Highly recommended Crew were outstanding Saw plenty of dolphins Such a great tour”

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Port Stephens: Dolphin Cruise, Lunch, Koalas & Sandboarding - The early coach ride from Sydney
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Port Stephens: Dolphin Cruise, Lunch, Koalas & Sandboarding

13.Port Stephens: Dolphin Cruise, Lunch, Koalas & Sandboarding

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 293 reviews · 12 hours · from $140

Spend 12 hours north of Sydney with a dolphin cruise in Port Stephens, a visit to the PS Koala Sanctuary and sandboarding at Stockton dunes. Hotel pickup, coach travel, lunch, snacks and water are included at the stated $140 price. Guides such as Yan, Alfie and Gordon are known for clear briefings and lively commentary.

“The whole deal was worth it, our tour guide Yan has been a great companion. Very kind, polite and helpful. Koala sanctuary and Dolphine Cruise are great tourist attractions. I personally saw 12 Koalas an 7 Dolphins.”

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Dolphin, Sea Lion and Penguin Island Cruise - The Penguin Island name creates a serious expectation problem
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Dolphin, Sea Lion and Penguin Island Cruise

14.Dolphin, Sea Lion and Penguin Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 141 reviews · from $43

From Shoalwater, cruise the marine park for about an hour with a crew who point out dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, birds of prey and rugged island views. Garry and Sammy have received praise for their wildlife guiding on some departures. Penguin sightings and island access are not guaranteed, and the daytime penguin feeding show may not operate.

“The experience is worth every cent! The enthusiasm of the skipper and the young female guide was infectious. Both did a wonderful job.”

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Koombana Bay: Dolphin Eco Cruise - The 300-degree platform makes a real difference
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Koombana Bay: Dolphin Eco Cruise

15.Koombana Bay: Dolphin Eco Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 131 reviews · 1h 30m · from $46

Cruise Koombana Bay for 60 to 90 minutes aboard a covered vessel with a 300-degree viewing platform and onboard toilet. Your English-speaking skipper explains dolphin life, local history, and bay wildlife while you watch wild bottlenose dolphins feed, play, socialise, or rest. A free return trip is offered if no dolphins appear, subject to availability.

“A very well organised trip , All staff very helpful & friendly , only about 10 minutes out on the boat and there was plenty of Dolphins šŸ¬ to see , the guy driving the boat was full of information about all the Dolphins in the Bay Area . Would definitely love to do the trip again .”

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New in Dolphin Watching Cruises in Australia

★ 5.0Private Port Stephens Day Trip from Sydney incl Dolphin CruiseFrom $5593 reviews
★ 3.5Port Stephens Sandboarding, Dunes & Dolphin Cruise optionFrom $925 reviews
★ 5.0Port Stephens Private Tour From Sydney, with Dolphin/ Whale Cruise OptionsFrom $3408 reviews
★ 5.0Dolphin & Whale CruiseFrom $9623 reviews
★ 5.0Cruise with Dolphins in Byron BayFrom $6826 reviews
★ 4.03-Hour Dolphin and Seal Sightseeing Cruise, operated with swim tour passengersFrom $7824 reviews
★ 5.0Giant and Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise in MandurahFrom $5312 reviews
★ 5.01 Hour Deluxe Scenic Dolphin CruiseFrom $275 reviews
★ 5.0Guided Dolphin Eco-Cruise in Koombana BayFrom $4636 reviews
★ 5.0Roebuck Bay Sunset & Snubfin Dolphin CruiseFrom $10437 reviews
★ 5.0Wild Dolphin Swim Cruise55 reviews
★ 4.02-Hour Dolphin and Maritime Cruise in Port AdelaideFrom $636 reviews
★ 5.0Jervis Bay Dolphin Cruise, Lunch, Berry&Kiama Blowhole TourFrom $1553 reviews
★ 4.1Sorrento: Dolphins & Seals Snorkeling Cruise w/ LunchFrom $14852 reviews
★ 4.0Port Adelaide: Dolphin and Maritime CruiseFrom $625 reviews

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Dolphin Watching Cruises358Swim with Dolphins98Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours270Sunset Dolphin Cruises166Private Dolphin Watching Charters212Kayak Dolphin Tours87
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Where to see dolphins

Pick a coast, a boat or a swim.

From the deck

Dolphin CruisesWhales and DolphinsSunset SailingsCatamaransRIBs and Speedboats

In the water

Wild SwimsSnorkel TripsDolphin HouseWild EncountersKayak Trips

Smaller boats

Private ChartersSmall GroupsLuxury HullsUnder SailWith a Biologist

Other ways

Dolphins and ManateesEco TripsAquariumsTrips with LunchHalf-Day Trips