Brisbane is a fantastic jumping-off point for dolphin watching tours, thanks to its proximity to Moreton Island and the calm waters of Moreton Bay. This region offers a rich mix of experiences—from snorkelling among shipwrecks to witnessing wild dolphins in their natural habitat—and each tour provides a different way to connect with marine life. We particularly like the dolphin feeding experiences, which often include sunset views and the chance to see whales, making them both memorable and photo-worthy. For example, the Moreton Island: Tangalooma Whale Watching & Dolphin Feeding tour combines whale sightings with dolphin encounters, offering a full day of marine adventure.
Brisbane’s coastal location and the abundance of marine wildlife make it an ideal destination for dolphin lovers. Whether you’re after a quick half-day cruise or a full-day snorkelling trip, there’s a tour suited to your interests and schedule. Many tours also include access to the Tangalooma Island Resort, where you can unwind in pools, enjoy local cuisine, or just relax on the beach after your marine encounters. The variety of options means you’ll find something that fits your budget, timeframe, and level of adventure.
Quick Overview
This list features a range of dolphin-focused tours including snorkeling at shipwrecks, whale watching with dolphin feedings, ATV safaris with dolphin sightings, and marine discovery cruises—all set against the backdrop of Moreton Island and Brisbane’s surrounding waters. Each experience offers something unique, from the Moreton Island: Tangalooma Snorkeling Tour & Dolphin Feeding that combines underwater exploration with wildlife encounters, to the Whale Watching & Dolphin Feeding cruise that guarantees whale sightings along with sunset dolphin feeds. Read on to find the right tour for your interests and style of adventure.
1. Moreton Island: Tangalooma Snorkeling Tour & Dolphin Feeding
At number 1, this tour offers a perfect mix of marine exploration and wildlife interaction. It includes a full day of activities, with the highlight being the chance to hand feed wild bottle-nosed dolphins at sunset. You’ll also snorkel among the famous Tangalooma Wrecks, where colorful fish and coral thrive around the rusted hulls of shipwrecks. The tour’s inclusion of lunch and full access to Tangalooma Island Resort—with pools, bars, and restaurants—means you can relax after your aquatic adventures.
This trip ranks high thanks to its memorable wildlife encounters, especially the dolphin feeding, which is both personal and engaging. The snorkelling component showcases one of Australia’s best underwater sites, making it ideal for those wanting both wildlife and underwater scenery. Reviewers note the friendly guides and the overall value for $160, especially given the full day’s activities and resort access.
Bottom line: If you want a well-rounded day of snorkeling, wildlife, and relaxation, this tour hits all the marks.
2. Moreton Island: Tangalooma Desert Safari and Dolphin Feeding
Number 2 on our list combines dolphin encounters with desert adventure, making it stand out. For around $151, you get a full day that includes hand feeding wild dolphins and a 4WD desert safari with optional sand tobogganing. The safari takes you across Tangalooma’s unique landscape, offering a different perspective on the island’s natural environment.
What makes this tour special is the balance between adventure and wildlife. The dolphin feeding at sunset is a true highlight, but the desert safari adds a rugged, fun element for those wanting more than just water-based activities. The full access to resort facilities, combined with a lunch at one of the resort’s outlets, provides good value for the price.
Review note: Travelers love the mix of activities, calling the safari “a fantastic way to see both land and sea.” It’s perfect for active travelers who want a full day of variety.
Bottom line: Best suited for those who like a mix of wildlife, adventure, and stunning scenery in one trip.
3. Moreton Island: Tangalooma ATV Quad Bike & Dolphin Feeding
Number 3 is for thrill-seekers who want adrenaline and wildlife combined. This tour includes a full-day pass to Tangalooma Island Resort, with the highlight being an ATV quad bike ride along the sandy beaches and through lush areas. The day also features hand feeding wild dolphins at sunset, adding a magical touch to the adventure.
The tour’s appeal lies in the balanced mix of action and relaxation. The ATV ride is suitable for most fitness levels, and the resort access means you can unwind in pools or grab a drink at the bar after your ride. For $160, it offers a hands-on experience with spectacular sunset views and the chance to see dolphins visiting the shores each evening.
Review insight: Many visitors mention that the ATV ride was “the highlight,” and the sunset dolphin feedings are “absolutely mesmerizing.” It’s perfect for active travelers who want a day full of variety.
Bottom line: For those after adventure with a side of wildlife, this tour delivers.
4. Moreton Island: Tangalooma Whale Watching & Dolphin Feeding
Number 4 combines whale watching with dolphin encounters, making it uniquely comprehensive. Starting with a ferry ride from Brisbane, you’ll spend the morning relaxing and then head out on a 3-hour whale watching cruise. After spotting whales (with sightings guaranteed), you’ll witness the dolphin feeding at sunset.
This tour shines because of its focus on marine life observation. The whale cruise, which includes a light lunch, is ideal for those interested in larger marine mammals. The sunset dolphin feeding adds an emotional touch, especially with the passionate eco ranger explaining the animals’ behaviors.
Reviewers praise the “knowledgeable guides” and the spectacular scenery. The $151 price reflects the full-day experience with guaranteed whale sightings, making it a good value.
Bottom line: Perfect for lovers of marine wildlife, scenery, and education.
5. Moreton Island: Tangalooma ATV Quad Bike and Dolphin Viewing
At number 5, this tour is similar to the earlier ATV experience but emphasizes wild dolphin viewing at sunset. It includes an adrenaline-filled quad bike ride along the beach and a relaxing cocktail as you watch the dolphins feed in their natural environment.
This tour offers fantastic sunset views and is ideal for travelers who want to combine thrills with wildlife. The lunch voucher and resort access make it easy to extend your day with food and pools. The $147 price is competitive given the combination of activities.
User feedback highlights the “spectacular sunset and dolphin sightings,” making it clear that this experience is a crowd favorite for romantic or scenic outings.
Bottom line: Suited for adventurers seeking wildlife and sunset vistas.
6. Moreton Island: Tangalooma Snorkelling with Dolphin Viewing
Number 6 offers a snorkeling adventure at the shipwrecks, one of Australia’s best underwater sites. Starting with a boat cruise to the wrecks, you’ll explore vibrant marine life. Later, you’ll enjoy a sunset cocktail and dolphin feeding.
This trip is for those who want underwater exploration plus wildlife encounters. The snorkeling at the wrecks is particularly praised for its clarity and marine biodiversity. At $147, it provides good value, especially with a lunch included and access to the resort’s amenities.
Review highlight: Visitors say the snorkelling was “spectacular” and the dolphin feeding at sunset was a highlight.
Bottom line: Ideal for underwater enthusiasts who want marine life and wildlife combined.
7. Moreton Island: Desert Safari Tour & Dolphin Viewing
Number 7 specializes in desert landscapes and dolphin encounters. The 4WD safari takes you across the desert terrain, with optional sand tobogganing, then you relax at sunset with a cocktail and dolphin watching.
This tour is unique because of its focus on more rugged scenery and a sandy adventure. The $138 price makes it accessible, and the full resort access means you can unwind after your desert ride. The dolphin feeding at sunset adds a peaceful, memorable end to a day full of exploration.
Reviewers describe the desert safari as “exciting” and the sunset dolphin viewings as “magical.” It’s suited for travelers who want more than just water activities.
Bottom line: For a land-and-sea experience with wildlife, this tour is a solid choice.
8. Moreton Island: Marine Discovery Cruise & Dolphin Viewing
Number 8 offers an educational Marine Discovery Cruise with dolphin sightings at sunset. It’s perfect for those who enjoy learning about marine life from expert guides, in addition to spotting dolphins.
For $138, you get a cruise that’s both informative and scenic, with access to the resort’s pools and bars. It’s especially recommended for families or anyone interested in marine conservation. The informative cruise provides insights into turtles, dugongs, and other sea creatures, enriching your experience.
Review feedback notes the “engaging guides” and the beautiful sunset views.
Bottom line: Best for those wanting an educational, relaxed day with wildlife.
9. Moreton Island: Marine Discovery Cruise & Dolphin Feeding
This tour at number 9 focuses on dolphins and marine discovery, with lunch included. You’ll explore the island’s waters, spot marine life, and hand-feed wild dolphins at sunset.
It’s a good value at $151, with a full day of marine viewing and relaxation. The combination of learning and wildlife interaction makes it appealing to those who want a comprehensive experience. The resort pools and bars provide a relaxing finish to your day.
Reviewers appreciate the “personal dolphin encounters” and the beautiful scenery.
Bottom line: Suitable for travelers looking for marine interaction and scenic relaxation.
10. Moreton Island: Tangalooma Whale Watching & Dolphin Viewing
Finally, the number 10 tour offers the chance to see humpback whales up close during a 3-hour cruise, combined with dolphin sightings at sunset. It’s an excellent choice for whale enthusiasts and those wanting a shorter but impactful marine day.
At $138, it provides a compact experience with the thrill of whale watching and the magic of dolphin feeding. The cruise is well-rated for its close-up whale sightings and scenic views.
Review snippets mention the “breathtaking whale encounters”, making it perfect for seasonal travelers.
Bottom line: Best for those who want a focused marine experience with whale and dolphin sightings.
$138 per person
How to Choose the Best Dolphin Watching Tour for You
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your budget, time availability, and specific interests. If underwater exploration appeals most, snorkelling at the wrecks offers vibrant marine life, while those interested in whale sightings should prioritize whale watching combined with dolphin feeding. For adventure lovers, tours with ATV rides and desert safaris provide a mix of land and sea experiences.
Booking early is advised, especially during peak whale season (June to November), and always check the weather forecast—calm days mean better wildlife sightings. If you’re traveling with family or want an educational experience, tours with expert guides and full resort access are excellent choices.
Final Thoughts
Brisbane’s surrounding waters and Moreton Island offer a fantastic variety of dolphin watching experiences. Whether you prefer snorkelling among shipwrecks, whale viewing, or adventure-packed ATV rides, there’s a tour to suit your style. For a balanced mix, the Tangalooma Snorkeling Tour & Dolphin Feeding provides underwater beauty plus wildlife interaction, while the Whale Watching & Dolphin Feeding cruise offers a chance to see these gentle giants up close.
Remember, the best time to see whales is during their migration season, but dolphins are a year-round treat. Booking early and choosing a tour that matches your interests will ensure a memorable marine adventure in Brisbane.