Moonraker Dolphin Swims 3 Hour Dolphin and Seal Sightsee

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Ride along on Moonraker's 3 hour dolphin and seal swim from Sorrento without getting wet: you watch from the deck while your family or friends snorkel with seals and wild bottlenose dolphins. Lunch, snacks and hot drinks are included, and if no dolphins turn up you can come back free.

Days

3 hours

Age

All ages, if comfortable on board for 3 hours

Group size

Shared with swim tour guests

Start / finish

Sorrento Pier / Sorrento Pier

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Boat cruise from Sorrento Pier

Meals

Lunch, snacks and hot drinks

Route

Map of Moonraker Dolphin Swims 3 Hour Dolphin and Seal Sightsee

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Included experiences

Chinaman's Hat — see the Australian fur seals up close
Port Phillip Bay — watch for wild bottlenose dolphins from the bow
Sorrento and Portsea — cruise past cliff-top homes and private beaches
Swim stops — watch friends snorkel with seals and dolphins

Moonraker Dolphin Swims 3 Hour Dolphin and Seal Sightsee

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

BOARDING AT SORRENTO PIER

Meet at the boat shed at the end of Sorrento Pier, where the swimmers in your group are fitted with wetsuits while you find a seat on board. Sorrento was the site of Victoria's first official European settlement, a short-lived convict camp set up in 1803. This trip runs with the 3 hour swim tour, so the whole family goes out together, some in the water and some staying dry. The crew serve a welcome drink as you cruise past the cliff-top homes and private beaches of Portsea, where the bay narrows towards its entrance.

SEALS AT CHINAMAN'S HAT

The first stop is Chinaman's Hat, a man-made structure out in Port Phillip Bay where Australian fur seals haul out and sun themselves. Bulls can reach about 360 kg, yet you'll see how close these wild animals come to the boat while the swimmers are in with them. The swimmers also snorkel the kelp beds for weedy sea dragons, Victoria's marine emblem. Lunch, snacks and hot drinks are served on board after the seal and sea dragon stops, so you don't need to bring food.

LOOKING FOR DOLPHINS

Then the crew go looking for the bay's dolphins. The bay's dolphins are a resident pod, and in 2011 scientists named them a species of their own, the Burrunan dolphin. Once a pod is found, the skipper watches how they're behaving before moving in, and the swimmers slip into the water in small groups. You have the best view from the bow, where the dolphins often swim right beneath your feet. You're free to walk around the decks and lounges the whole time. If no dolphins are found, you can come back free within 30 days.

BACK TO SORRENTO

The boat heads back across the bay to Sorrento Pier, about three hours after leaving, with a camera full of photos and the swimmers full of stories.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Moonraker boat shed, end of Sorrento Pier, Esplanade Road, Sorrento. Check in at least 15 minutes before departure.
Departure time: Morning and afternoon departures in the warmer months; times are confirmed when you book.
Duration: About 3 hours.
Suits: Non-swimmers travelling with swimmers, including families. Children should be comfortable on board for the full three hours; small prams are accepted.
Please note: Swimmers are on board, as this trip runs with the swim tour. Tours depend on the weather. The dolphins are wild and are found on about 85% of trips; if you miss them you can return free within 30 days, but there are no refunds for not seeing them.

What to bring

Camera
Formula, nappies and supplies for the full three hours if you have a baby

What is included

3 hour cruise on the swim tour boat as a sightseeing passenger
Lunch, snacks and morning or afternoon refreshments
Self-serve tea, coffee and hot chocolate
Sunscreen
Dolphin guarantee: if you don't see dolphins, come back free within 30 days

Not included

Transport to Sorrento
Snorkelling (book a swimmer place for that)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 review

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Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

“Absolutely Wonderful tour!”

I took the sightseeing option with my parents and we saw pods of dolphins just behind the boat. Friendly staff and nice food.

KBStephanie_Lin Verified· Travelled 1st March 2018

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