AT A GLANCE
- Departs twice daily from Queenscliff
- 3.5 hours duration
- All equipment provided, including – 5mm wetsuits, snorkelling masks, flippers
- Qualified instuctors
- COVID Safe Accredited
- GoPro underwater camera hire is available
- Sightseeing options available, for those who wish to stay dry
THE EXPERIENCE
Leaving Queenscliff twice daily during the warmer months, Sea All Dolphin Swims conducts tours within the southern reaches of Port Phillip Bay. Surrounded by the historic fishing ports of Queenscliff and Sorrento, the area boasts some fascinating maritime and military history and is home to the highly diverse Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, world renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique marine life.
Our half-day tour generally starts with a snorkel at Popes Eye (part of the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park). Its shallow and protected waters are teeming with colourful fish and marine life making it the ideal place to brush up on our snorkelling skills.
With our new found skills and a heightened sense of adventure we head off to Chinaman’s Hat, a local haul-out site that is a temporary home to 30-40 young Australian Fur Seals waiting to share their water world with us.
Just when you think port Phillip Bay couldn’t get better, we set off in search for the dolphins and usually find them not to far away. Swimming with dolphins is controlled by strict legislation (deservedly so!) and our patient instructors will ensure that both snorkellers and dolphins benefit from the experience.
While sharing these unforgettable experiences with passengers from all over the world, you can listen to expert interpretation from our friendly crew as they describe the remarkable wildlife and special features along the way.
Our half day adventures are suitable for all ages, sizes, and abilities – couples, families, school groups, and social and special interest groups.
Please allow for some flexibility as due to weather and water conditions. We may need to alter program or locality to suit.
Please note: There is a $10 environmental levy (per person) included as part of the price of this tour. This levy helps us help our oceans and contributes to programs and research through our partnership charity SOEL (Southern Ocean Environmental Link).
FAQ
What is the minimum age that can go out on your boat?
There is no minimum or maximum age. We have had children as young as 2 and people as old as 86 snorkeling. Children under 5 (i.e. 4 years old and under) are free if they don’t swim, otherwise, they are charged a full child fare. Prams & pushers not recommended.
Do I have to be a good swimmer?
Many of our snorkelers cannot swim at all. Thick wetsuits offer high flotation so that you cannot possibly sink.
Are we guaranteed to see dolphins?
Unfortunately not. Our dolphins are wild and free to swim wherever they wish. This makes the experience all the more special when the dolphins do interact. We see dolphins approximately 80% of tours, strict codes ensure minimal impact when we do.
I get seasick easily. Does it get rough and how long are we on the boat for?
Our tours take place in relatively sheltered waters and very rarely get very rough. Cruises between various snorkel sites on the tour are about 20 minute’s duration. Tours are canceled if conditions become unsafe. Anyone can get sea sick at any time, often it\’s due to if you are prone to sea sickness or car sickness. If that is you we recommend you take motion sickness tablets, readily available from the chemist, approximately 1/2 hr prior to departure. We also sell sea sickness bands in store for a fair price which have proven to be extremely effective.
Are we allowed to take alcohol on board?
For safety, we don’t permit alcohol to be consumed until all snorkeling is finished. For special occasions, it may be appropriate to bring your own drinks for the cruise home, but usually, our tours are so action packed that we don’t often have the time to drink it.
Are there sharks where you go?
This is the most frequently asked question, however, it is one that bears little concern. There are sharks in all Australian coastal waters, many of these species are not harmful or considered dangerous to humans. The business has been in operation since 1996 and in that time we have not had an experience with a potentially harmful predator. The snorkel sites that we visit are also renowned for being free from sharks. All of our swims are highly supervised and the appropriate risk management procedures are in place that satisfies the government regulations.
Do we need to bring food or something to eat?
We provide light refreshments in the form of hot & cold drinks, fresh fruit, and biscuits throughout the cruise. You are welcome to bring your own refreshments if you wish.
I’m a bigger build. Do you have a wetsuit to fit?
We have wetsuits to fit all sizes from 2yrs to size 24+