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Updated: 4:00pm - 30/11/2023
Phillip Island Seal Cruise

Departs Cowes Jetty Daily, 2pm
Next available cruise:
Saturday 2nd December
Bookings Essential

Cape Cruise

Departs San Remo Jetty, 10:45am
Next available cruise:
Friday 1st of December
Bookings Essential

Phillip Island Sunset Cruise

Departs Cowes Jetty
Next available cruise:
7.15pm Saturday 2nd December
Bookings Essential

San Remo Bay n Beats

Departs San Remo Jetty, 5.30pm
Next available cruise:
Saturday 16th December
Bookings Essential

Market Cruise

Departs Cowes Jetty 8am
Next available Cruise:
Saturday 2nd December
SOLD OUT
Saturday 3rd February
Bookings Essential

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Winter Whale Cruise

4 hours – Phillip Island – Departs Rhyll Jetty

Please Note: The 2023 season has finished, cruises will begin again June 4th 2024

Embark on a winter whale adventure discovering Phillip Island’s picturesque coastline.

Experience a remarkable whale-watching adventure departing from Rhyll to circumnavigate Phillip Island. Keep a keen eye out for humpback and southern right whales, eagerly searching for their magnificent blow, distinct water footprint, or graceful dorsal fin.

These whales can exhibit various captivating behaviors such as tail and peduncle slapping, spy-hopping, feeding whilst others are just travelling through the area. Explore Seal Rocks, where numerous Australian Fur Seals can be observed in their natural habitat. Encounter common or bottlenose dolphins frolicking in the boat’s wake.

Throughout the cruise, our knowledgeable captain and crew provide historical insights and interpret the wildlife. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity, only a 1.5-2 hour drive from Melbourne.

Highlights

  • Encounters with migrating humpback and/or southern right whales (Expected 80%)
  • Be captivated by dolphins frolicking alongside the boat (Expected 80%)
  • Discover a natural habitat for seabirds such as Shy Albatross and Australasian gannets.
  • Be enthralled by thousands of Australian fur seals when visiting Seal Rocks
  • Learn about the history of the area
  • Gain insights about the marine life and wildlife that populate Phillip Island and surrounds

Includes

  • 4-hour Phillip Island coastal cruise
  • Regular whale and dolphin sightings (expected 80% – not guaranteed)
  • See thousands of seals at Seal Rocks*
  • Circumnavigate Phillip Island*
  • Wildlife information and interpretation
  • Licensed bar ( Eftpos payment available )
  • Delicious morning Tea
  • Complimentary Tea, Coffee and muffins

*Weather conditions allowing

Route Map

View Route Map

Departure Location

Rhyll Jetty, Phillip Island
16 Beach Rd, Rhyll VIC

For Whale enthusiasts please check out our Whale Season Pass

This tour travels into open waters and vessel motion may occur at times, taking motion sickness tablets is recommended.
For passengers’ safety, the front deck (bow) is restricted to persons over 1 metre tall.
Adult:
$165.00
Concession:
$148.00
Child (ages 4-15):
$115.00
Family (2A+2C):
$460.00
Group 5+:
$135.30 pp
Group 20+:
$132.0 pp
*2023 Season has finishedJune - Early August
See Specific Dates
8:30am till 12:30pm Daily
Book Online Gift Vouchers
*Cruises are subject to min numbers & weather conditions. See terms & conditions for further info.

Frequent Questions

Where does the Winter Whale Cruise depart?

The Winter Whale Cruise departs from the Rhyll Jetty, unless otherwise specified.

What time does the Winter Whale Cruise depart?

The Winter Whale Cruise generally departs at 8:30am (boarding 15 mins prior), but please double check on your booking confirmation.

Will the cruise be rough?

This varies a lot on the weather on the day, but we do recommend taking sea sickness tablets as the cruise does travel into open waters of Bass Straight and we will generally be travelling through choppy areas at times during the cruise.

Should I take sea sickness tablets?

Yes, we recommend taking sea sickness tablets that you can get from a local chemist as the cruise does travel into open waters of Bass Straight and we will generally be travelling through choppy areas at times during the cruise.

Do I need to book ahead?

Yes, Bookings are essential on this cruise as it will regularly sell out, so please book ahead to avoid disappointment.

To join a waitlist for booked out dates, please fill out our waitlist form.

What’s the difference between our Winter Whale and Dolphin & Whale cruises?

The Winter Whale Cruise - 4 hours, Circumnavigate Phillip Island, short stop at Seal Rocks, morning tea.

The Dolphin & Whale cruise – 3 hours, Cruise the southern coast of Phillip Island, afternoon tea.

Both have a similar likelihood of viewing whales and dolphins.

Is the morning or afternoon better for spotting whales?

Both the morning and afternoon times are similar for whale sightings.

Am I guaranteed to see whales?

No, we do not guarantee whale sightings however we estimate an 80% chance of seeing whales.

What food is served onboard?

Tea & coffee is complimentary onboard, morning tea will be served during the trip.

Are there any restrictions for younger children?

For passengers safety, to access the front deck you are required to be over 1 metre tall. We also require that all children be supervised by an adult or guardian throughout the cruise

Download the free Wildlife Whales App

Get live whale notifications from Phillip Island and Wilsons Promontory. A whale watchers guide to these areas with information on the best lookouts, whale behaviour, what to look for, whale cruises and more.

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