Moonraker Dolphin Swims 3 Hour Dolphin And Seal Swim

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Moonraker Dolphin Swims' signature half-day tour from Sorrento: snorkel and swim with wild dolphins and fur seals, see underwater kelp gardens and look for weedy sea dragons, with all equipment, lunch and refreshments included.

Days

3 hours

Group size

Small group

Start / finish

Sorrento Pier / Sorrento Pier

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Purpose-built boat from Sorrento Pier

Meals

Lunch, snacks and drinks

Route

Map of Moonraker Dolphin Swims 3 Hour Dolphin And Seal Swim

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Included experiences

Port Phillip Bay — swim with wild dolphins
Chinaman's Hat — snorkel with Australian fur seals
Kelp gardens — snorkelling and weedy sea dragons

Moonraker Dolphin Swims 3 Hour Dolphin And Seal Swim

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Itinerary

Map

MORNING: SORRENTO PIER AND THE SWIM BOAT

Your day starts at the boat shed at the end of Sorrento Pier, where the crew fit you with a full-length wetsuit, flippers, mask and snorkel. Sorrento has a longer story than most seaside towns: in 1803, just east of here at Sullivan Bay, a party of convicts, marines and settlers made the first European settlement in what became Victoria. Once everyone is kitted out you step aboard, the snorkel guides explain how the swims work, and the boat heads into the sheltered, shallow southern end of Port Phillip Bay. The bay covers about 1,930 square kilometres, yet its entrance, The Rip, is only about 3 km wide.

THE SEALS AND THE SEA DRAGONS

The first swim is with Australian fur seals, which haul out on structures out in the bay such as Chinaman's Hat. In clear water only a few metres deep, the younger seals often twist and loop around snorkellers. A big male can weigh more than 300 kg, yet underwater they move like otters. Sea stars and large smooth rays gather around the same structures, so look down as well as across. Next your guides lead you into the kelp to look for weedy sea dragons, Victoria's marine emblem. They are relatives of the seahorse, and it is the male that carries the eggs, stuck under his tail, until they hatch. Back on board, lunch, snacks and hot drinks are served.

THE DOLPHIN SWIM

Then the crew go looking for the bay's resident bottlenose dolphins. Port Phillip is home to roughly a hundred of them, and some belong to the Burrunan dolphin, a species only formally described in 2011. When a pod is found, the skipper watches how they are behaving before moving closer. Swimmers slip in from the swim deck in groups of about ten and float at the surface while the guides try to draw the dolphins in. Listen for the clicks and whistles getting louder. Some days they circle and dive beneath you, other days they pass by, because the dolphins are wild and choose for themselves.

BACK TO SORRENTO

After about three hours on the water the boat heads back to Sorrento Pier, where you peel off the wetsuit and warm up. If dolphins don't turn up on your trip, you can come back for another swim free within 30 days. Sorrento's main street is a short walk up the hill from the pier for a late lunch or coffee, and the ocean beach on the other side of the narrow peninsula is only a couple of kilometres away.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Sorrento Pier, the Esplanade, Sorrento.
Fitness: All swimmers need at least basic swimming ability; the tour doesn't cater for non-swimmers.
Please note: Runs October to May and depends on weather and safe conditions. Tours have an 85% success rate of swimming with the dolphins, but it can't be guaranteed. Family or friends who prefer not to swim can join as sightseers, added as an extra when booking.
Cancellation: No refunds if dolphins aren't seen; instead you can come back for free within 30 days of your tour.

What is included

Premium snorkelling equipment, including full-length wetsuits
Lunch, refreshments, drinks and snacks
Self-serve tea, coffee and hot chocolate
Sunscreen
Guided activities by qualified naturalists
Dolphin guarantee — if you don't see dolphins, come back for free within 30 days

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.