Bunbury, in Western Australia, is a fantastic place for dolphin watching. Its calm waters and abundant wild bottlenose dolphins make it a favorite spot for nature lovers. We especially like the Koombana Bay Dolphin Eco Cruise because it gets you close to the dolphins in their natural habitat without the need for anything more than a gentle boat ride. Watching these playful creatures hunt, socialize, and sleep in the calm waters is truly special. Plus, the tours are designed to be eco-friendly, ensuring minimal disturbance to the dolphins. If you’re after a memorable, relaxed introduction to Bunbury’s marine life, this eco cruise is a solid choice.
For travelers eager to see dolphins up close and learn more about their behavior, the Guided Dolphin Eco-Cruise in Koombana Bay stands out. It offers a guaranteed sighting of the local bottlenose dolphins and the chance to see them feeding, playing, and socializing. We especially appreciate that if you don’t see any dolphins, you can go again for free. This tour’s popularity is reflected in its perfect 5.0 rating and the fact that it’s fully licensed and Eco Tourism Certified. For those wanting a shorter, intimate experience with a knowledgeable guide, this is definitely worth considering.
Looking for a more interactive experience? The Swim With The Dolphins Experience in Bunbury offers the chance to swim face-to-face with wild dolphins in their natural environment. It’s an immersive, hands-on adventure designed by marine biologists, perfect for those who want more than just watching. With a guarantee of dolphin sightings or a free return, it’s a popular choice for confident swimmers eager to connect with these intelligent animals personally.
Finally, if you’re after a more exclusive, guided swim in the wild, the Bunbury: Swim with Dolphins Tour offers a guided, intimate encounter with wild bottlenose dolphins. This tour emphasizes educational aspects, teaching you how to identify dolphins and understand their behaviors while sharing the thrill of swimming alongside them. With a slightly higher price point, it’s suited for travelers looking for a deeper, more personal experience and willing to invest more for that privilege.
1. Koombana Bay: Dolphin Eco Cruise
At number 1, the Koombana Bay: Dolphin Eco Cruise is a gentle, 1.5-hour boat ride that brings you within arm’s reach of wild bottlenose dolphins. The vessel is designed to get you as close as possible without getting wet, making it perfect for all ages and those who prefer a relaxed experience. The tour focuses on observing dolphins playing, hunting, socializing, and even sleeping, providing a well-rounded view of their daily lives in Bunbury’s calm waters.
Rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 96 reviews, this tour offers excellent value at $43 per person. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want an authentic, eco-friendly experience without the need for strenuous activity. The guides are knowledgeable about local marine life, sharing insights into dolphin behavior and the ecosystem of Koombana Bay. Since the boat stays close to the shoreline, it’s easy to fit into a morning or afternoon schedule.
The key highlight is the opportunity to see dolphins in their natural environment during a calm, relaxing cruise. Families and casual wildlife enthusiasts appreciate the approachable nature of this tour. One reviewer mentioned, “Watching the dolphins in their natural habitat was a highlight of our trip.” The main drawback? It’s a short cruise, so those seeking more in-depth or interactive experiences might prefer other options.
Bottom Line: If you want an affordable, eco-conscious, and close-up dolphin watching experience, this cruise hits the mark—perfect for a laid-back day on the water.
2. Guided Dolphin Eco-Cruise in Koombana Bay
Ranking at the top with a perfect 5-star rating from 31 reviews, the Guided Dolphin Eco-Cruise in Koombana Bay is an excellent choice for those who want a more personalized and informative outing. For about $44.14 per person, this 1.5-hour tour guarantees sightings of Bunbury’s resident bottlenose dolphins—and if you don’t see them, you can return for free.
What sets this tour apart is the emphasis on education. The guides are passionate and well-versed, sharing stories about dolphin feeding, hunting, socializing, and sleeping, all from a respectful distance. The tour operates under full licensing by the Parks and Wildlife Service and is Eco Tourism Certified, ensuring sustainability and minimal environmental impact. Comments from travelers mention the guide’s ability to spot dolphins easily and the small-group atmosphere, which enhances the experience.
This tour is ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a calm but engaging cruise. It’s also suitable for those who value a guarantee of seeing dolphins—a rare feature in wildlife tours. The only potential downside is that it’s a relatively short outing, but for most, that’s enough time to enjoy the experience fully.
Bottom Line: The guided nature and guaranteed sightings make this cruise a top pick for those who want a reliable, educational wildlife experience without breaking the bank.
3. Swim With The Dolphins Experience in Bunbury Australia
At position 3, the Swim With The Dolphins Experience offers a more adventurous option. For around $95.07 per person, you spend roughly four hours in the water with wild bottlenose dolphins. Designed by marine biologists, this tour combines education with hands-on interaction. You’ll see, hear, and even feel the presence of dolphins in their natural habitat.
What makes this tour special is the opportunity to swim face-to-face with the dolphins. The tour guarantees sightings of over 100 dolphins, including mothers with calves, juvenile groups, and male alliances. Participants are guided by hosts and volunteers, who teach you how to recognize dolphins and understand their behaviors. It’s a physically active experience best suited for confident swimmers comfortable in open water.
Reviews highlight the close encounters and the educational aspect, with one noting, “It was unforgettable to see dolphins so close and to learn about their social lives.” While the tour is longer and more expensive, it offers a rare chance to connect intimately with wildlife in their natural environment.
Bottom Line: For active travelers eager to swim with wild dolphins and learn about their habits firsthand, this immersive experience is hard to beat—just be prepared for the commitment.
4. Bunbury: Swim with Dolphins Tour
Rounding out our list at number 4, the Bunbury: Swim with Dolphins Tour is a fully guided, four-hour adventure that emphasizes wild dolphin encounters in their natural habitat. The tour is designed for those wanting a personal, educational experience, with the chance to observe dolphins jumping, feeding, and socializing up close.
Rated 4.2 out of 5 based on 33 reviews, this tour stands out because of its focus on identification and behavior. Guests learn about dolphin echolocation, how to identify individual dolphins, and the best ways to respect these intelligent animals. The highlight is the opportunity to swim alongside these friendly bottlenose dolphins in the wild, guided by experienced instructors.
It’s a pricier option at $145 per person, but many find the personalized interaction worth the investment. The guide’s emphasis on teaching and respecting the animals makes it ideal for environmentally conscious travelers who want more than just a casual look. Some reviews mention the thrill of swimming in the same water as dolphins and the depth of knowledge shared during the tour.
A potential drawback is the cost, which might be a barrier for some travelers. However, if your goal is a meaningful, in-depth dolphin encounter, this tour offers a rare, immersive experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active, eco-minded travelers looking for a personalized, educational swim with wild dolphins in their natural environment.
How to Choose the Right Dolphin Tour in Bunbury
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, physical activity level, and how close you want to get to the dolphins. The Koombana Bay Eco Cruise is perfect for a relaxed, budget-friendly introduction. If you prefer a more guaranteed sighting with a focus on education, the Guided Dolphin Eco-Cruise is ideal. For those wanting to swim with dolphins and have a more immersive experience, the Swim With The Dolphins Experience and Bunbury: Swim with Dolphins Tour are excellent choices.
Timing can also influence your choice. Most tours operate year-round, but mornings often offer calmer waters and better wildlife sightings. Booking early is recommended, especially for the more popular or longer tours.
Bunbury offers a range of dolphin experiences that fit different interests and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a gentle eco cruise, a guaranteed sighting, or an adventurous swim, you’ll find a tour that suits your style. For a relaxed introduction, the Koombana Bay Dolphin Eco Cruise is a perfect start. For a more educational or personal encounter, the guided or swimming tours provide deeper engagement. Whichever you choose, early booking will help ensure your spot—and a memorable dolphin experience.