Coles Bay: Wineglass Bay Adults-Only Cruise with Lunch

Experience the Beauty of Tasmania’s Coastline on a Premium Adults-Only Cruise

If you’re dreaming of exploring Tasmania’s iconic Freycinet Peninsula and Wineglass Bay from the water, this 4.5-hour adults-only cruise offers a relaxing and scenic way to do so. For $208 per person, you’ll cruise aboard the Schouten Passage II, enjoying delicious local cuisine, refreshing drinks, and up-close wildlife encounters. Led by friendly guides, this trip is perfect for travelers seeking a more intimate, refined experience away from the hustle and bustle of family-oriented tours.

What we really love about this cruise is the exclusive Sky Lounge — a quiet, adults-only space that lets you take in the views in comfort, with direct access to the bridge. Plus, the balanced combination of sightseeing, gourmet food, and wildlife viewing makes for a memorable day.

A potential consideration is weather dependency — as with most boat trips, choppy seas could affect your comfort, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness. Also, this tour doesn’t include hotel transfers, so you’ll want to plan your transportation to the meeting point at the corner of Jetty Rd and Esplanade.

This experience suits those who appreciate stunning scenery, excellent local wines, and a relaxed, adult atmosphere. It’s ideal for couples, small groups of friends, or anyone wanting a peaceful way to see the coast without crowds.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Adults-only exclusivity creates a calm, refined environment.
• Wildlife sightings like dolphins, seals, and sea birds are common highlights.
• The Sky Lounge offers privacy and comfort, with top-deck views.
• Gourmet lunch includes ploughman’s style fare and fresh oysters, paired with local wines and beers.
• The informative commentary enriches your understanding of the scenery and wildlife.
• Weather may impact the trip, so flexibility is advisable.

The Itinerary: What Makes the Trip Special

Your day begins with a check-in at 9:30 AM at the designated meeting point. From there, you’ll board the Schouten Passage II, a vessel designed for comfort and excellent visibility. The cruise departs from Freycinet National Park, gliding over Coles Bay toward the coast, where the true magic begins.

First stop: the water views of Wineglass Bay. This isn’t just a photo opportunity; it’s a chance to see the sheer granite cliffs and sweeping beaches from a perspective few visitors get. Many reviews mention the magnificent scenery and how the water is remarkably clear, making the whole experience feel like a private boat ride rather than a crowded tour.

Throughout the cruise, your guides share informative commentary about landmarks, wildlife, and the history of the area. We loved the way the crew, including personable captains like Noah, made the experience engaging without overwhelming. One reviewer praised the “great commentary from the captain” and the “attentive crew” — which adds depth to your understanding of this rugged coastline.

Wildlife encounters are a highlight. It’s common to spot dolphins, seals, sea eagles, and various sea birds. Multiple reviews underscore how spectacular these sightings are. One traveler from the UK gushed, “We saw seals, dolphins, eagles, and seabirds. Absolutely amazing. A must do trip.”

The food and drink component adds a refined touch. You’ll enjoy morning tea and a ploughman’s lunch featuring freshly shucked oysters. The lunch is paired with local wines and beers, which many reviews praise as “delicious” and “excellent value for money.” The portion size and quality are often highlighted, making this meal a real treat after some time on the water.

The Sky Lounge, an adults-only area, offers a quiet retreat with top-deck views and direct bridge access. You can relax with your drinks and take in the scenery in a peaceful environment, away from the lively downstairs areas. Several reviewers note that the top deck is the best spot for an all-inclusive experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Unlike more crowded or family-friendly cruises, this tour’s adults-only atmosphere means you’ll likely find a more relaxed vibe, perfect for conversation and enjoying the scenery. The small-group feel — often praised in reviews — enhances this sense of exclusivity.

The wildlife sightings are unpredictable but frequent, making each trip unique. Many travelers mention seeing dolphins and whales (including orca), seals, and soaring sea eagles. The informative onboard commentary helps you understand what you’re seeing, adding educational value to the natural spectacle.

The lunch experience isn’t just about the food — it’s about the setting. Savoring fresh oysters and local wines while floating past one of Australia’s most iconic coastlines creates a memorable moment. The value here is notable, considering the inclusion of meals, drinks, and the private, comfortable setting.

The Value of the Experience

At $208 per person, this cruise offers a well-rounded package. For many travelers, the combination of stunning scenery, wildlife, and gourmet food justifies the price. Several reviewers mention how good the value is, especially given the all-inclusive drinks and food and the top-quality guides.

While it’s not the cheapest option, the small group size, adults-only environment, and personalized experience make it a worthwhile investment. It’s an ideal choice for those wanting a luxurious, relaxed day without the chaos of larger boats.

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Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Meeting and Departure

You’ll check in at 9:30 AM, so arriving on time is important. The check-in point at the corner of Jetty Rd and Esplanade is straightforward, but arriving early ensures you’re settled before departure. The crew is friendly and welcoming, setting a positive tone from the start.

The Boat and Comfort

The Schouten Passage II is designed for comfort and visibility. With both downstairs and upstairs areas, you’ll find plenty of space to relax. The Sky Lounge is the highlight for those seeking a more tranquil experience — it offers stunning views, direct access to the bridge, and an adult-only atmosphere.

Scenic Highlights

Once underway, the boat glides past Freycinet’s granite cliffs and beach-lined coastlines. The boat’s vantage point allows you to appreciate Wineglass Bay’s shape and setting from water level, offering unique photo opportunities. Visitors often comment on how pictures don’t do justice to the scenery, making the water perspective even more impressive.

Wildlife and Landmarks

A seasoned guide shares insights about the local wildlife, including dolphins that often swim alongside the boat and seals lounging on rocks. Sightings of whales, such as orcas, occur depending on the season, adding an element of surprise. Birdwatchers will appreciate the opportunities to see sea eagles and petrels overhead.

Food and Drink

Your morning tea kicks off the culinary experience, followed by a ploughman’s lunch featuring freshly shucked oysters, cheeses, bread, and pickles. The local wines and beers are served throughout, helping to enhance the relaxed, celebratory atmosphere. Many reviews highlight the quality of the food and the generous servings.

Relaxing in the Sky Lounge

After lunch, you can retreat to the Sky Lounge for a quieter experience, or stay downstairs to mingle and enjoy the views. The upstairs top deck is often praised for its panoramic vistas, perfect for photography or simply soaking in the scenery.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Multiple reviews emphasize the professionalism and friendliness of the crew. A visitor from Australia remarked, “The staff were amazing and made the experience even better, especially Noah, who was gleeful about the waves at Wineglass Bay.”

Others mention how much they appreciated the wildlife sightings — one person said, “We saw seals, dolphins, eagles, and seabirds. Absolutely amazing.” The delicious lunch, paired with local wine and beers, gets repeated praise, often described as well worth the price.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for adults who enjoy scenic water-based experiences in a peaceful setting. It’s perfect for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for a refined day out. If you value wildlife encounters, stunning water views, and quality food and drink, this tour hits all those marks.

Travelers who prefer family-friendly outings or need hotel pickup and drop-off might find this experience less suitable, as those services are not included. Also, be prepared for possible weather changes—a choppy sea might affect your comfort, so bring motion sickness prevention if needed.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No, you need to make your way to the meeting point at Jetty Rd and Esplanade for check-in.

What should I bring?
You should bring a passport or ID, and if you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking precautions.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 4.5 hours, usually in the morning.

Can I access the Sky Lounge?
Yes, the Sky Lounge is for adults over 18 and offers a quiet, comfortable space with top-deck views.

Are children allowed?
No, this tour is adults-only.

What if the weather is bad?
The cruise is subject to weather conditions. Cancellations are possible, and you’ll be offered a full refund or an alternative date if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a relaxed, small-group excursion that combines spectacular scenery, wildlife encounters, and delicious local cuisine in an adults-only environment, this cruise ticks all the boxes. The knowledgeable guides and fantastic reviewer feedback suggest that you’ll be in good hands, with a memorable day on Tasmania’s coast.

While the price might be a consideration, the value offered—especially with included food, drinks, and exclusive spaces—makes it worthwhile. It’s a great choice for those who want to experience Wineglass Bay from the water — a perspective that is often overlooked but truly unforgettable.

This cruise isn’t just a sightseeing trip; it’s a well-rounded, relaxing, and engaging way to experience Tasmania’s stunning coast. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a peaceful escape into nature, this experience offers quality, comfort, and genuine wonder.

You can check availability for your dates here: