The Mornington Peninsula offers more than just stunning coastlines and charming towns — it’s also a fantastic place to explore by boat. Whether you’re keen to see playful dolphins, venture into caves, or enjoy a sunset cruise, the region’s waters are full of possibilities. We particularly loved the Cape Woolamai Sightseeing Cruise from San Remo for its breathtaking cliffs and wildlife sightings, and the Phillip Island Sunset Cruise for a relaxing end-of-day experience with live music and snacks. These tours let you see the coast from a different perspective, making your visit both memorable and Instagram-worthy.
While the region’s natural beauty is obvious on land, heading out on a boat allows you to get closer to wildlife and to see sights that are inaccessible from the shore. Let’s explore the best options, from quick wildlife encounters to full-day adventures, so you can pick the perfect boat experience for your trip.
Quick Overview
Our list includes scenic sightseeing cruises, wildlife encounters, and full-day excursions that combine land and water adventures. For a quick view:
- The Cape Woolamai Sightseeing Cruise from San Remo ([]) is a family-friendly 1-hour trip exploring cliffs, caves, and marine life.
- The Mornington Peninsula Sightseeing and Bay Cruise ([]) offers a comprehensive 9.5-hour day exploring landmarks, towns, and scenic spots.
- The Phillip Island Sunset Cruise ([]) provides a relaxed 1-hour 45-minute cruise around Western Port Bay at sunset.
- The 90-minute Wildlife and Scenic Cruise ([]) is ideal for wildlife lovers wanting a quick, wildlife-focused trip.
- The 3-hour Dolphin and Seal Sightseeing Cruise ([]) combines wildlife watching with swimming options.
- The 1.5-hour Scenic and Wildlife Luxury Cruise ([]) emphasizes comfort and close wildlife encounters.
Now, let’s look at each of these options in detail.
1. Cape Woolamai Sightseeing Cruise from San Remo
For around $30, this 1-hour cruise offers a picture-perfect view of Cape Woolamai’s dramatic cliffs, caves, and rocky formations. Starting from the charming San Remo jetty, the double-decker catamaran takes you along Phillip Island’s coast, with inside and outdoor seating to suit your preference. The cruise includes informative commentary from the captain about the region’s geology, history, and wildlife, making it as educational as it is scenic.
One of the highlights is spotting marine animals such as Australian fur seals, dolphins, and seabirds including sea eagles and gannets. The cliffs of Cape Woolamai are a rugged spectacle, and the captain’s insights help you appreciate their formation and significance. This cruise is family-friendly, with activities for children and light refreshments onboard, including complimentary tea and coffee.
Reviewers mention the spectacular scenery and the attentiveness of the crew, with many appreciating the informative commentary. Even if wildlife sightings are hit or miss, the stunning cliffs and caves make this trip worthwhile.
Bottom line: A short, affordable trip ideal for families and those wanting a quick but rich coastal experience close to Phillip Island.
2. Mornington Peninsula Sightseeing and Bay Cruise
For around $115, this full-day tour covers much more than just the water. Combining coach travel with a harbor cruise, it’s perfect if you want a comprehensive look at the region without the hassle of planning. Starting at Melbourne, your guide takes you to iconic spots like London Bridge, the historic Sorrento Pier, and Arthurs Seat, with plenty of photo stops and commentary.
The cruise itself offers amazing views of the bay, and you’ll enjoy lunch with tea or coffee included. After the cruise, you can walk through strawberry fields (seasonal, from November to April), before heading to Murrays Lookout for panoramic views. The day wraps up with visits to Portsea’s famous cliff-top homes and the colorful boat sheds — real postcard scenery.
Guests note that this tour allows you to cover more ground in a day than you could on your own, making it a great value. The cruise component provides a relaxing perspective on the peninsula’s rugged coastline, and the varied stops keep the day interesting.
Bottom line: Best for travelers short on time who want a one-stop-shop to see the highlights of the Mornington Peninsula, with the added bonus of a scenic cruise.
3. Phillip Island Sunset Cruise
This 1-hour 45-minute cruise is ideal if you’re after a relaxing way to end your day. Departing from Phillip Island, the sunset cruise takes you on Western Port Bay, past landmarks like Reef Island, Churchill Island, and Elizabeth Island. The tranquility of the sheltered waters makes for a peaceful voyage.
What makes this cruise special is the opportunity to watch the sunset over the water while spotting wildlife such as fur seals, dolphins, and various seabirds. You can enjoy complimentary snacks and listen to live music, creating a gentle, memorable atmosphere. The relaxed timing and scenic views are perfect for couples or anyone wanting a romantic or quiet escape.
Reviews highlight the serene setting and the chance to see wildlife in a less hectic environment. Since it’s a sunset cruise, the lighting and scenery are at their best, making it a popular choice for a special evening.
Bottom line: A mellow, scenic cruise that’s perfect for a romantic outing or unwinding after a busy day exploring.
4. 90-minute Wildlife and Scenic Cruise
At around $51, this short cruise packs a punch for wildlife enthusiasts. It’s designed to give passengers close-up views of dolphins, seals, and seabirds in their natural habitat, with a focus on the Popes Eye Marine Park and the notorious Rip of Port Phillip Bay.
During the cruise, you’ll pass bottlenose dolphins and Australian fur seals, with the possibility of glimpsing humpback whales or albatross. The modern vessel offers both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can stay comfortable regardless of the weather. With several departures throughout the day, it’s flexible for most schedules.
Reviews underscore the knowledgeability of the crew and the amazing wildlife sightings, with many saying it’s the best way to see dolphins and seals in the region. The cruise’s shorter duration makes it suitable for families or those with limited time but still eager to spot marine life.
Bottom line: An excellent choice if your main goal is wildlife viewing, especially if you want a quick, engaging trip.
5. 3-Hour Dolphin and Seal Sightseeing Cruise
For about $65, this 3-hour luxury cruise combines wildlife viewing with the chance to swim with dolphins, making it one of the most interactive options. It departs from Mornington and takes you across Port Phillip Bay, with guaranteed dolphin sightings—a big plus for families and animal lovers.
The tour includes complimentary light refreshments and offers room to move around the boat, both indoors and outside. The itinerary includes cruising past Portsea, Sorrento, and Popes Eye Marine Park, famous for its Australasian Gannet colonies. The highlight is the chance to swim near dolphins (if conditions permit), adding a memorable element to your day.
Reviewers mention the friendly crew and the up-close wildlife encounters. The swimming option appeals to active travelers or families wanting a more immersive experience. Keep in mind, availability of dolphins for swimming isn’t guaranteed, but sightings are common.
Bottom line: A superb choice for those wanting a luxury, wildlife-focused experience with the thrill of swimming with dolphins.
6. 1.5-hour Scenic and Wildlife Luxury Cruise
Priced at about $51, this luxury vessel takes you from Sorrento Pier along the coast, with a focus on spotting Australian fur seals and seabird colonies. The custom-built boat provides a comfortable, upscale environment to enjoy the scenery.
This cruise hits highlights like cliff-top homes of Portsea, the colored boat sheds, and wildlife sightings of bottlenose dolphins. The itinerary is designed for those who want a more personal, relaxed experience, with plenty of opportunities to photograph and observe wildlife up close.
Reviewers comment on the friendly staff and enjoyable trip, with some noting the need for better dolphin visibility. Still, the combination of scenic coastline and wildlife makes it a strong choice for those seeking comfort and quality.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a comfortable, scenic cruise with wildlife viewing but prefer a more intimate setting.
How to Choose Your Best Boat Tour in Mornington Peninsula
When selecting the right boat experience, consider your budget, time availability, and specific interests. If you’re pressed for time, the Cape Woolamai Sightseeing Cruise or the 90-minute wildlife cruise offers great value and memorable wildlife sightings. For a full day of exploring, the Mornington Peninsula sightseeing tour combines land and water perfectly.
Wildlife enthusiasts should lean toward the wildlife cruises, especially those that guarantee dolphin sightings or offer swimming opportunities. Couples seeking a romantic finish might enjoy the sunset cruise, while families with kids could prefer the shorter, family-friendly options.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons (spring and summer), to secure your preferred date and time. Also, check the weather forecast; calm days make for better wildlife sightings and more enjoyable trips.
To sum it up, Mornington Peninsula offers a variety of boat tours suited to different tastes. For a quick, wildlife-focused trip, the 90-minute cruise is excellent. If you’re after a comprehensive day of sightseeing, the full-day tour is hard to beat. And for a relaxing sunset, the Phillip Island Sunset Cruise delivers serenity and scenic beauty. No matter your choice, booking ahead ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable aquatic adventures.