Moonraker Dolphin Swims Dolphins, Seals and Hot Springs Experience

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Snorkel with wild bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and weedy sea dragons in Port Phillip Bay on Moonraker's 3 hour swim from Sorrento, then drive 15 minutes to Peninsula Hot Springs and warm up in the thermal pools. Your hot springs entry is guaranteed, with no booking needed.

Days

Full day (3 hour swim plus hot springs)

Age

5 years and over for swimming

Group size

Swim groups of about 10

Start / finish

Sorrento Pier / Peninsula Hot Springs

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Boat from Sorrento; self-drive to the hot springs

Meals

Lunch, snacks and hot drinks on the boat

Route

Map of Moonraker Dolphin Swims Dolphins, Seals and Hot Springs Experience

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Included experiences

Port Phillip Bay — snorkel with Australian fur seals
Kelp beds — look for weedy sea dragons
Dolphin swim — float alongside wild bottlenose dolphins
Peninsula Hot Springs — soak in 37 to 42 degree thermal pools
Hilltop pool — views over the Mornington Peninsula

Moonraker Dolphin Swims Dolphins, Seals and Hot Springs Experience

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: SORRENTO PIER

Check in at the Moonraker boat shed at the end of Sorrento Pier, at least 15 minutes before your swim, and the crew fit you with a wetsuit, a thermal jacket and flippers. Optical masks are there if you wear glasses. Sorrento sits near the tip of the Mornington Peninsula, close to Sullivan Bay, where in 1803 a party of convicts and marines made the first European settlement in what became Victoria. Then you board the swim boat and head out into the shallow southern end of Port Phillip Bay, while the snorkel guides explain how each swim works. Your hot springs ticket is handed to you on board.

ON THE WATER: SEALS, SEA DRAGONS AND DOLPHINS

First in are the Australian fur seals, which haul out on structures in the bay and often loop around snorkellers in the clear, shallow water. A big male can weigh more than 300 kg. Next the guides take you into the kelp to look for weedy sea dragons, Victoria's marine emblem, where the male carries the eggs under his tail. Lunch, snacks and hot drinks follow on board. Then the crew search for the resident bottlenose dolphins, about a hundred of which live in the bay. Swimmers enter in groups of about ten and float at the surface, listening to the whistles. If you miss the dolphins, you can come back free within 30 days.

AFTERNOON: PENINSULA HOT SPRINGS

Back at Sorrento Pier after three hours on the water, it's about a 15 minute drive to Peninsula Hot Springs at Fingal, with parking on site. There's nothing to book: show the ticket from the boat at the door. The springs opened in 2005 and are fed by naturally heated mineral water from deep underground, so the pools run from about 37 to 42 degrees, which is exactly what you want after a swim in the bay. Work your way through the bathing pools and bathhouses, then climb to the hilltop pool for a view across the peninsula's farmland and dunes. Stay a couple of hours or until closing, or keep the ticket for another day.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Moonraker boat shed, end of Sorrento Pier, Esplanade Road, Sorrento. Check in at least 15 minutes before departure to get fitted for your gear.
Departure time: Swim times are confirmed when you book. Use the hot springs ticket the same afternoon or on another day.
Duration: 3 hours on the water, then as long as you like at the hot springs.
Minimum age: 5 years for swimming. Children's wetsuits start at size 4.
Fitness: Low to moderate. You must be able to swim and be comfortable in open water; guides stay with you, and a private snorkel guide can be added for weaker swimmers or children.
Please note: The best time for the swim is September to May. The dolphins are wild, so they aren't found on every trip; if you miss them you can return free within 30 days. Tours depend on safe weather.

What to bring

Swimmers, worn under your clothes
Towel
Sunscreen
A waterproof camera if you want underwater photos

What is included

3 hour dolphin, seal and sea dragon snorkel tour from Sorrento Pier
Guaranteed entry to Peninsula Hot Springs, including the thermal pools and bathhouses
Wetsuit, thermal jacket, flippers, mask and snorkel (optical masks available)
Dry bag for your belongings
Lunch, snacks and hot drinks on board
Snorkel guides and marine park fees
Dolphin guarantee: if no dolphins are seen, come back free within 30 days

Not included

Transport from Sorrento Pier to Peninsula Hot Springs (about 15 minutes' drive)

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

Verified from

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)

“Sensational experience bucket list quality!”

Dolphins and seals swam right up to us, and the staff found weedy sea dragons and photographed them for us. Deck hand Ben, skipper Tori and Gus made the day exceptional.

melbournite077 Verified· Travelled 17th February 2019

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