Tasmania shines as a top destination for boat tours and cruises thanks to its rugged coastlines, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters. Whether you’re eager to spot dolphins and seals, walk among convict ruins, or admire towering waterfalls from the water, Tasmania’s boat experiences stand out for their unique settings and insightful guides. One standout is the Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island Cruise and Walk Day Tour with Lunch, which combines marine wildlife, convict history, and scenic islands in one full day.
If you’re after a comprehensive, immersive experience that mixes wildlife spotting with cultural exploration, the tours on this list offer a good range. From day trips starting from Hobart or Triabunna to scenic flights paired with river cruises, each one highlights the diverse natural beauty Tasmania offers. Now, let’s look at each of these top-rated options in detail.
1. Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island Cruise and Walk Day Tour with Lunch
This 8-hour tour has earned a perfect 5.0/5 rating from nearly 200 reviews—and it’s easy to see why. Designed for nature lovers, this is the only tour currently operating to Tasmania’s Ile Des Phoques (Island of Seals) and Maria Island. Starting with a cruise, you’ll encounter Australian fur seals, dolphins, and possibly whales, depending on the season. Marine scientists aboard will share fascinating insights into the islands’ ecosystems, making this both a scenic and educational experience.
The tour’s key highlights include a visit to the charming town of Darlington, exploring convict sites, and a delicious buffet lunch with local wine on Maria Island’s white sandy beaches. The marine wildlife sightings—from seals to dolphins—are complemented by a guided walk through Darlington’s historic convict buildings. Most reviews praise the smooth organization, friendly crew, and the variety of wildlife and scenery.
This tour is a fantastic choice for travelers wanting a full, active day with plenty of wildlife encounters, cultural insights, and a focus on conservation. The price of $200 per person reflects its all-inclusive nature and personalized experience. Its high rating and enthusiastic reviews make it a top pick for those looking to experience Tasmania’s marine and island life in one day.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, wildlife-rich trip perfect for active travelers who want an educational and scenic adventure with good food and expert guides.
2. From Triabunna: Maria Island Cruise & Guided Walk with Lunch
This full-day cruise and walk from Triabunna offers a guided exploration of Maria Island and Ile Des Phoques for around $191. It’s rated 4.9/5 from 118 reviews, which speaks to its consistent quality. The tour includes wildlife viewing—from dolphins to wombats—and a guided walk of the historic Darlington convict settlement, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What sets this tour apart is the expert guidance that helps you truly understand the island’s geology, ecology, and history. You’ll enjoy lunch aboard the boat, with stunning vistas of the coastline and surrounding waters. The experience is tailored to those interested in both wildlife and cultural heritage, making it ideal if you’re keen on a well-rounded day.
Reviewers highlight the knowledge and friendliness of guides and the beautiful scenery, with many mentioning encounters with quokkas, seals, and dolphins. It’s a good value for a compact, informative day, especially for travelers who want to combine wildlife spotting and history.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want an educational, guided experience with wildlife encounters and cultural insights, all in one day.
3. Strahan Day Trip by Air from Hobart Including a Gordon River Cruise
At number 3, this 9-hour tour offers a different perspective—by combining a scenic flight with a cruise through the Gordon River. Starting from Hobart, you’ll fly for about 50 minutes to the remote town of Strahan—an adventure in itself—and then hop aboard a luxury catamaran for a 5.5-hour cruise.
The cruise takes you through World Heritage-listed wilderness, past landmarks like Hells Gates and Macquarie Harbour. Along the way, you’ll learn about the region’s history of timber logging and its conservation efforts. The cruise includes a gourmet buffet lunch, making it a relaxing way to enjoy Tasmania’s natural beauty.
The highlights include floating past ancient rainforests and visiting Sarah Island, notorious for its early convict penal history. The scenic flight provides breathtaking aerial views of the rugged coastline and lush forests, adding a memorable dimension to the day. Tour guide commentary is detailed and engaging, making the experience educational as well as scenic.
This tour is best suited for travelers wanting an all-in-one experience: scenic flight, river cruise, and cultural history—all in a single day. The price of over $675 reflects its premium nature, but many reviews mention the stunning vistas and informative narration as well worth the cost.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for travelers seeking an aerial and water-based journey through Tasmania’s wilderness with a touch of history.
4. Hobart Cruise Ship Tour Mt Field National Park and Wildlife
This 7-hour tour offers a nature escape directly from Hobart, with no reviews yet but promising enough to consider. It’s perfect for cruise passengers wanting to see Tasmania’s iconic waterfalls, giant trees, and wildlife without venturing too far inland. The tour includes visits to Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Tall Trees Track—some of Tasmania’s most photogenic spots.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on short, manageable walks that showcase the park’s unique temperate rainforest and towering Eucalyptus trees. You’ll also visit the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see Tasmanian Devils, wombats, and echidnas up close, adding a wildlife element to the day.
While it’s newer and has no reviews yet, the itinerary is packed with natural highlights and offers a great way to experience Tasmania’s wilderness without a full-day commitment. It’s suitable for those with limited time or cruise passengers looking to get a taste of Tasmania’s natural beauty.
Bottom Line: A good option for cruise travelers wanting a short but scenic day exploring waterfalls and wildlife, with easy walks and wildlife encounters.
$124.82 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Tasmania Boat Tour
Picking the right boat tour depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend. For wildlife and island lovers, the Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island Cruise and Walk offers a full-day immersion. If you prefer a guided, historical experience, the Maria Island Cruise from Triabunna is ideal. For those seeking a scenic adventure combining flight and river cruise, the Strahan Day Trip with Gordon River Cruise delivers a memorable journey. Finally, cruise ship passengers with limited time or those focused on Tasmania’s waterfalls and wildlife will find the Hobart Mt. Field National Park Tour a practical, scenic option.
When booking, consider seasonality—marine wildlife is often best seen in certain months—and physical fitness, as some tours involve walking. Early bookings are recommended, especially for popular day trips, to secure the best spots.
Final Thoughts
Tasmania’s boat tours cover a broad spectrum—from wildlife safaris and island explorations to scenic flights and river cruises. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island tour stands out for its wildlife sightings and cultural insights. History buffs will appreciate the guided walks and convict sites, especially on Maria Island. And if you want a multi-sensory experience combining aerial views with river scenery, the Gordon River cruise from Strahan is unmatched.
No matter which option you choose, Tasmania’s waters promise memorable encounters with some of Australia’s most pristine landscapes. Be sure to book early, as these tours tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Happy sailing!