Imagine cruising along one of the most rugged coastlines in the world, with towering cliffs, diving seabirds, playful seals, and perhaps even whales breaching nearby. This 3-hour wilderness cruise offers a taste of Tasmania’s wild side, starting from Port Arthur and winding past Eaglehawk Neck to the dramatic reaches of Tasman Island. Priced at $119 per person, this experience is run by Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, known for their professional guides and commitment to authentic natural encounters.
What we truly love about this tour is how close you get to nature’s grandeur — on a vessel designed for excellent visibility, so you feel practically part of the landscape. The spectacular sea cliffs are a highlight, along with the chance to explore deep-sea caves, waterfalls, and blowholes. Plus, wildlife sightings are frequent, with seals, seabirds, dolphins, and sometimes even migrating whales making an appearance.
A major consideration is the weather — Tasmania’s coast can be unpredictable. The tour emphasizes dressing warmly, with recommendations for comfortable shoes, thermal clothing, gloves, and layers. While most reviews rave about the scenery and wildlife, some mention that wind and spray can make the experience quite chilly, especially in colder months. If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s worth noting the boat’s bouncy ride, and some reviews suggest taking seasickness medication beforehand.
This cruise is perfect for adventurous travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those who appreciate spectacular landscapes. Since everyone, regardless of age, is welcome, families with kids who enjoy nature will also find it a memorable outing. If you’re eager to see Tasmania’s coast from the water — with a knowledgeable crew guiding the way — this tour offers excellent value and a genuine chance to connect with the environment.
Key Points
- Unbeatable views of the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere
- Wildlife sightings including seals, dolphins, seabirds, and whales
- Expert guides who are knowledgeable and engaging
- Weather considerations: dress warmly and be prepared for spray and wind
- Value for money given the wildlife, scenery, and expert narration
- Accessibility: suitable for all ages, depart daily, with flexible timing
A Deep Dive into the Wilderness: What to Expect
When you walk into the Port Arthur Cruises office, you’re set for a journey into some of Tasmania’s most stunning coastal scenery. The 3-hour cruise is typically scheduled for both morning and afternoon departures, giving you flexibility depending on your plans. Prices at $119 per person seem reasonable when you consider the density of wildlife, the dramatic landscapes, and the knowledgeable guides who make each trip special.
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The Itinerary: From Port Arthur to Tasman Island
The cruise begins at Port Arthur, a historic site itself, but your focus quickly shifts to the spectacular coastline just offshore. The vessel heads toward Cape Pillar, home to the highest vertical sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, the boat provides close-up views of towering rock formations, with the chance to see waterfalls cascading down the cliffs and deep-sea caves carved into the coastline.
Many reviewers highlight how close the boat gets to these features, making it feel like you’re floating just a few feet from nature’s masterpieces. The boat’s open-air tiered seating allows unobstructed views from nearly every angle, which enhances the experience whether you’re sitting at the front or back.
Wildlife Encounters: What You Might See
Wildlife is the tour’s real star. The seals often laze on rocks or swim alongside the boat, with some reviewers mentioning hundreds of seals in the area. Birdlife is equally abundant: albatross, gannets, sea eagles, cormorants, and peregrine falcons are frequently observed soaring above or nesting along the cliffs.
Dolphins are a common sight, with several reviews describing playful pods surfing the bow wave of the boat. And if you’re lucky, especially in the migration seasons, whales—particularly humpbacks—might breach nearby, providing a spectacular show. One reviewer even notes that seeing whales and dolphins multiple times was a highlight of their trip.
Geology and Scenic Points of Interest
The rock formations along the coast are unmatched in their ruggedness. From archways to blowholes and towering sea stacks, each stop reveals a different facet of Tasmania’s volcanic and sedimentary history. Many passengers describe the scenery as spectacular, with cliffs plunging into the ocean and waterfalls cascading down sheer rock faces.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Experience on Board
The vessel used is designed for maximized visibility and connection with the environment, with tiered open-air seating. This setup allows everyone to enjoy unobstructed views and to feel immersed in the surroundings. Some reviews mention the bouncy nature of the ride, especially in rougher seas, so bringing warm clothing, gloves, and layers is a smart move.
The crew is praised for being knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about wildlife and geology, often going the extra mile to ensure everyone gets the best possible views and information. For instance, one reviewer shared that guides “really put a lot of effort into optimizing the animal encounter experience”, often turning the boat around to give everyone a chance to see wildlife.
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Weather and Seasonal Considerations
Tasmania’s weather can change quickly, and some passengers have noted chilly winds and spray, especially in June and April. The recommendation to layer up is not just a suggestion but a necessity. Many reviews highlight that wearing waterproof and windproof clothing makes a big difference in comfort.
Even in less-than-perfect weather, the scenery remains impressive, and the wildlife sightings often still happen. Some travelers mention that cloudy days do not detract from the experience, and the guides’ humor and knowledge help keep everyone engaged.
Practicalities: Booking, Duration, and Transportation
The meeting point is conveniently located at the Port Arthur Cruises office, with departures typically running daily. The tour lasts about three hours, which is long enough to see a good stretch of coastline but not so lengthy as to be tiring. It’s advisable to dress warmly and bring gloves and thermal layers.
For those staying in Hobart, some options include pickup services from Hobart harbor, which travelers find very practical. The tour price of $119 is often considered good value, especially given the quality of wildlife sightings and scenic beauty.
Who Will Love This Tour?
If you’re wildlife enthusiast, this cruise is a must. The chance to see seals, dolphins, seabirds, and possibly whales, combined with the stunning geology, makes it a highlight for nature lovers. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate dramatic scenery and want a personal, close-up experience unlike larger, commercial boat trips.
Families, couples, and solo travelers who don’t mind cold weather and bumpy rides will find this to be an authentic, memorable outing. Since it’s suitable for all ages, it’s a flexible choice for a day of adventure in southern Tasmania.
Final Thoughts
For those seeking a truly immersive experience of Tasmania’s wild coast, this Port Arthur wilderness cruise delivers on every front. The high cliffs, wildlife sightings, and geological wonders combine to create a trip that’s both exciting and educational. The knowledgeable guides enhance the journey, making each stop informative and engaging.
While the weather can be a factor, most visitors find that dressing appropriately and embracing the unpredictable nature of the sea makes the adventure all the more rewarding. It’s a fantastic value for the price, especially when you consider how close you get to nature’s raw beauty.
Overall, if you’re after an authentic, action-packed experience that will give you wonderful stories and photos, this cruise is well worth your time. It’s perfect for those who love adventure, wildlife, and spectacular landscapes — a true highlight of any trip to Tasmania.
FAQ
Do I need to bring anything special?
Yes, bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, gloves, and layers. It can get quite chilly, especially with wind and spray.
Is there a minimum age for the tour?
No, everyone is welcome, making it suitable for families with children of all ages.
How long does the cruise last?
The tour is about three hours from start to finish.
Is the tour suitable in all weather?
Most reviews say yes, but it’s best to dress warmly as Tasmania’s coast can be windy and wet. The tour departs daily, rain or shine.
What wildlife might I see?
Seals are common, often in large groups. Dolphins are frequently seen surfing the bow, and seabirds like albatross and gannets are abundant. Whales may appear during migration seasons.
What should I do if I’m prone to seasickness?
Consider taking seasickness medication beforehand. Some reviews mention the boat’s bouncy ride, so preparation helps.
Are meals or drinks included?
No, this is a wilderness cruise only. Bring water and consider packing snacks if you wish.
How accessible is the meeting point?
It’s at the Port Arthur Cruises office, with options for pickup from Hobart in some cases.
Is this experience good value?
Most reviewers say yes. For $119, you get spectacular scenery, wildlife encounters, and expert narration in a compact, well-organized package.
Can I repeat this tour?
Certainly! Many reviewers did it twice, especially because weather conditions change, offering different wildlife and scenery each time.
Embark on this Tasmanian coast adventure if you crave wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and a genuine connection with nature. It’s a trip that will leave you with stories—and photos—to cherish for years.
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