Perth: Swim with Wild Dolphins Tour

Imagine gliding through tranquil coastal waters, with the chance to swim alongside wild dolphins in their natural habitat, just outside of Perth. This 6-hour tour from Rockingham offers more than just wildlife viewing—it’s a genuine opportunity to connect with nature in a respectful, sustainable way. For $197 per person, you’ll get a well-organized trip that balances adventure, comfort, and insight, all led by friendly, knowledgeable guides.

What we really appreciate about this experience are two key points: First, the dedication to the dolphins’ well-being—they don’t do tricks or get fed, simply enjoying their natural behaviors, which makes the experience feel authentic and ethical. Second, the delicious gourmet buffet served onboard, featuring local seafood and fresh produce, elevates the entire day from a simple wildlife cruise to a memorable culinary outing.

A potential consideration is that the water can be murky at times, as noted by some reviewers, which might limit your ability to see the dolphins up-close. Also, the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point. However, for those who love wildlife, scenic marine environments, and a touch of luxury, this cruise is a top choice—particularly suited for confident swimmers, families (age 6+), and anyone eager for a respectful wild dolphin encounter.

Key Points

• Authentic wildlife experience: Swim with wild dolphins in their natural environment without tricks or feeding.
• Professional guides and crew: Knowledgeable, friendly staff prioritize safety and dolphin welfare.
• Beautiful scenery: Cruise Rockingham’s sheltered bays and islands, offering scenic views and great photo ops.
• Gourmet onboard dining: Enjoy a buffet with fresh seafood and local delicacies.
• Photos included: Complimentary images uploaded to Flickr help preserve your memories.
• Flexible participation: You can choose to swim or stay dry and watch from the boat.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure begins early, with an arrive at the Cruising Yacht Club Jetty in Rockingham by 7:50 AM. From Perth, it’s about a 50-minute drive south—a manageable trip that gets you into the marine environment before the day’s main wildlife activity ramps up. The meeting point is straightforward, but since transportation isn’t included, you’ll want to plan your own way there. Many travelers find it convenient to drive or arrange a carpool, especially if visiting with family or friends.

The Boat and Comfort

Once aboard the custom-built luxury boat, you’ll notice how well-designed it is for marine wildlife encounters. The vessel is equipped with wet suits and snorkeling gear, making the water exploration comfortable regardless of the weather. The boat’s layout allows easy access to the water, facilitating safe and efficient entry and exit—something we appreciated after reading that guides are attentive to safety, especially for those less confident swimmers.

The Cruise and Dolphin Search

The primary goal is to cruise Rockingham’s sheltered bays and surrounding islands in search of the over 200 local dolphins. The crew’s expertise shines here—they use their knowledge and experience to spot dolphins efficiently, often resulting in longer, more rewarding interactions. As one reviewer put it, “The trip itself was very well organized. Staff are very friendly & informative. It was a privilege to see the dolphins so close up.”

Depending on dolphin activity, the cruise can last anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. Some reviews mention that the duration is flexible, based on dolphin sightings and behaviors, which emphasizes the importance of patience and adaptability—dolphins are wild animals after all.

The Snorkeling Experience

Once dolphins are located, guides conduct introductory snorkeling lessons for those interested in swimming with the animals. Don’t worry if you’ve never snorkeled before; the guides are experienced and make everyone feel comfortable. Expect to be surrounded by flashing grey torpedoes, splashes, whistles, and plenty of laughter. As one happy swimmer said, “It was incredible swimming next to the dolphins,” and another noted, “absolutely fantastic” from their water experience.

You can choose to swim or stay on the boat as a spectator. For many, the highlight is the chance to share the water with these intelligent, playful creatures. The dolphins do not do tricks, nor are they fed—they simply enjoy their natural behaviors, which makes the experience feel authentic and respectful.

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The Food and Photos

After your aquatic adventures, you’ll be served gourmet-style platters onboard, featuring local seafood and fresh produce. Many reviews highlight how good the food is, with one noting it as a “cherry on top” of the experience. It’s a relaxing way to reflect on your encounter while enjoying the scenic views.

Complementing the experience are complimentary photos uploaded to Flickr. These images capture your interaction from multiple angles, so you don’t have to worry about snapping every shot yourself—it’s a thoughtful touch appreciated by many guests.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is perfect for adventurous families (minimum age 6), wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone who values ethical wildlife encounters. The tour’s emphasis on the dolphins’ well-being and natural behaviors makes it suited for travelers who seek authentic experiences rather than staged performances. Also, with options to stay dry or join the swim, it accommodates a variety of comfort levels.

Many previous guests rave about the guides’ professionalism and friendliness—one said, “Guides were super nice and professional,” while another highlighted the knowledgeable staff and their focus on dolphin welfare. The scenic views and close-up sightings create a sense of connection with nature that’s hard to match.

The value lies in the combination of wildlife interaction, scenic boat cruise, gourmet food, and professional guidance—all packed into a well-organized six-hour window. While the murky water at times might hinder dolphin visibility, most reviewers still found the experience “amazing” and “worth every cent”.

This wildlife adventure is ideal for those who love marine animals, value ethical interactions, and appreciate a comfortable, well-managed environment. It suits travelers looking for an active, memorable day that combines adventure, scenery, and excellent food. Families with children over six, singles, couples, and seasoned wildlife watchers will find something to cherish here.

If you’re after a sustainable, authentic dolphin experience that emphasizes respect and natural behavior, this tour offers a rare opportunity to see wild dolphins in their environment while enjoying a luxurious boat ride and delicious local cuisine.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour starts at the Cruising Yacht Club Jetty in Rockingham, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation there.

How early do I need to arrive?
Guests are asked to arrive by 7:50 AM to allow for check-in and safety briefing before the departure.

What should I bring?
Bring a change of clothes, towel, weather-appropriate attire, and swimwear. Also, consider bringing your own dietary requirements in advance.

Can I stay dry during the tour?
Yes, you can choose to stay onboard as a spectator rather than swimming, which is ideal if you’re not comfortable in water.

What is the minimum age for participants?
Children must be at least 6 years old to participate in the water activities.

Are the dolphins fed or do tricks happen?
No, the dolphins are not fed, and they do not perform tricks. They behave naturally, which emphasizes ethical wildlife viewing.

What if I can’t snorkel?
Introductory snorkeling lessons are provided, and guides assist everyone. But if you’re not comfortable swimming, you can still enjoy the scenery from the boat.

How long is the tour?
Tour duration depends on dolphin activity but generally lasts between 3 to 6 hours.

Are the photos really free?
Yes, complimentary photos are uploaded to Flickr, allowing you to relive the experience without extra cost.

If you’re after a respectful, well-organized wildlife encounter with wild dolphins in Western Australia, this tour offers tremendous value. You’ll appreciate the mix of beautiful scenery, knowledgeable guides, and gourmet food, all wrapped into a memorable six-hour adventure. It’s especially suited for those who want to experience marine life in its natural state without staged tricks or feeding.

This tour is not only about the dolphins; it’s about sharing an authentic moment in nature that leaves you with stories—and photos—to cherish for years. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious family, this trip makes for an extraordinary day out on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: