A Phillip Island Seal Cruise offers an unforgettable wildlife experience. Departing from the picturesque Cowes Jetty, the journey takes visitors through the stunning seascapes of Western Port Bay. The highlight of the trip is Seal Rocks, home to one of Australia’s largest fur seal colonies. Here, the passengers observe thousands of playful seals basking on the rocks or frolicking in the water.
The boat gets close enough for excellent photo opportunities yet maintains a respectful distance to ensure the seals' natural behaviour isn't disturbed. Informative commentary from the crew enriches the experience, providing insights into the seals' habits, their environment, and conservation efforts. This adventure is a must-do for nature enthusiasts and offers a unique glimpse into the vibrant marine life of Phillip Island.
Seal Cruise Phillip Island departs Cowes Jetty, travels through the serene waters of Western Port Bay and across to Wilsons Promontory offering stunning coastal vistas along the way. As the boat approaches Seal Rocks, anticipation builds among passengers eager to witness one of Australia's most vibrant marine spectacles.
Seal Rocks is renowned for being home to one of the largest fur seal colonies in Australia, with an estimated population of around 25,000 seals. These charismatic creatures can be seen lounging on the rocky outcrops, diving off the rocks, fishing for food, feeding their young or gracefully swimming in the surrounding waters. The seals' playful antics, curious nature, and interesting vocal displays make for a captivating and entertaining sight.
The cruise operators ensure the boat gets close enough to offer an intimate view of the seals without disturbing their natural habitat. This balance allows for excellent photographic opportunities while respecting the animals' territory.
While on a Phillip Island Seal Cruise, crew members provide engaging commentary, sharing insights into the biology, behaviour, and ecology of the fur seals. They highlight the importance of conservation efforts aimed at protecting these marine mammals and their environment.
The cruise typically lasts around two hours, providing ample time to observe the seals and soak up the surrounding scenery. The area around Phillip Island is rich in biodiversity, making the cruise a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the broader marine ecosystem. The journey back to Cowes offers the chance to spot dolphins, sea birds, and even the occasional whale during migration season between May and September.
Back on Phillip Island, visitors head to the Summerland Beach at sunset for another unforgettable experience - The Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Experience the wonder of the Little Penguins (formerly known as Fairy Penguins) as waddle up the beach heading to their burrows for the night.
The cruise lasts for two hours - plenty of time to take in the coastal scenery and enjoy the antics of the fur seals.
Although you won’t see them all on a cruise, Seal Rocks is home to an estimated 25,000 Australian fur seals, making it one of the countries largest colonies. You will certainly see plenty on a seal watching cruise Phillip Island.
It depends on the weather on the day. The cruise travels into the open waters of Bass Straight and may be choppy at times. It is recommended to take sea sickness tablets if you’re prone to suffering motion sickness.
Depending on traffic, it can take between two and two and a quarter hours to drive from Melbourne to Cowes Jetty where the Phillip Island Seal Cruise departs.
Our team is always happy to help if you have any questions about us or our tours. Fill out our form and we will get back to you soon.
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We are a Green Travel Leader. This is awarded to businesses which have consistently proven their commitment to sustainable tourism management over ten years.
As a Sustianable Tourism accredited business, we are proud to offer engaging tourism experiences that follow sound sustainability practices and environmental appreciation.
Quality Tourism accredited businesses like Fun Over 50 lead the way by offering the highest industry standards of customer service, satisfaction, reliability, and ethical practices.
We are committed to operating in ways that respect and reinforce Indigenous cultural heritage and the authenticity and integrity of living cultures of Indigenous communities.
We have incorporated strategic climate change responses across all relevant levels of our planning and operations. We are working towards becoming carbon neutral.
With Advanced Ecotourism certification, we offer outstanding experiences which let you get back to nature, help conservation, and minimise environmental impact.
We are a credible, well trained, and professional business. We conduct business in compliance with Australian Consumer Law and in accordance with ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct.
The Council of Australian Tour Operators represents tour operators and wholesalers. As a full CATO member, we provide authentic and original holidays with sustainable travel.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them, their cultures, and to the elders both past and present.
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