DESCRIPTION
Enjoy the scenic highlights of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park and keep a look out for the wildlife! This 60 minute glass bottom boat cruise takes place in the ruggedly spectacular coastlines of Penguin, Seal & Bird Islands and takes advantage of the best wildlife spotting opportunities of the day. Wild dolphins, rare Australian sea lions, pelican rookeries, and birds of prey are regularly sighted and our friendly crew will get you right amongst the action!
The cruise concludes on Penguin Island allowing for a 30 minutes for your guided wildlife walk of Penguin Island, providing exclusive insight into the local penguins, the spectacular landscapes and the natural history of the island and if you have more time then you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, exploring the nature trails or just relax and enjoy the beautiful nature reserve. Before returning on the ferry at your own leisure.
Please Note which ever Dolphin, Penguin and Sea Lion Cruise you select will follow the below schedule:
- 9:15am Dolphin, Penguin and Sea Lion Cruise (from Shoalwater Mainland) > 10:30am Guided Wildlife Walk on Penguin Island
- 11:15am Dolphin, Penguin and Sea Lion Cruise (from Penguin Island) > 12:30pm Guided Wildlife Walk on Penguin Island
- 1:15pm Dolphin, Penguin and Sea Lion Cruise (from Penguin Island > 2:30pm Guided Wildlife Walk on Penguin Island
You may select any preferred Ferry transfer to Penguin Island beforehand as long as it is booked before your Dolphin, Penguin and Sea Lion Cruse Departure time. Return ferries are every 15-minutes past the hour and do not need to be booked in!
Inclusions:
- 60-minute cruise around the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park
- Return ferry transfers to and from Penguin Island
- 30 minute guided wildlife walk of Penguin Island, providing exclusive insight into the local penguins, the spectacular landscapes and the natural history of the island
- Complementary photos from your cruise uploaded to Flickr for you to share!
Highlights:
- Seeing rare Australian sea lions on the beach at Seal Island
- Seeing wild dolphins at play (although sightings are regular, they are not guaranteed as our cruise is restricted to inside Shoalwater Bay)
- Explore the rugged islands and viewing nesting pelicans, cormorants and spotting other sea birds that live in the park
- Drifting over seagrass meadows and limestone reefs spotting fish and other marine life through the glass bottom
- Viewing the fossilized remnants of ancient tuart forests
Pricing: Adults: $85.00, Concession (seniors aged 65+ and students): $80.00, Children (aged 3 – 12 years): $65.00, Infants (children under 3 years of age): free of charge and Family Pass (valid for 2 adults & 2 children): $260.00
* Please note all pricing includes a $10 Marine Park Levy.
Departure Times:
- 9:15am from the Mainland (Mersey Point Jetty, Showalter)
- 11:15am from Penguin Island Jetty
- 1:15pm from Penguin Island Jetty
- Extra departures can be scheduled on busy days if required
Other Information: Our crew will ensure visitors receive the best wildlife viewing opportunities on your cruise. We ask you to please respect the Shoalwater Island Marine Park. We are entering a natural habitat therefore animals sightings are not guaranteed as we do not feed or train them.
Online bookings close 2 hours before departure, if you have not made a booking and wish to join today’s departure please contact reservations on 08 9591 1333 as there may still be seats available.
If you have a group of 10 or more, please use our Groups Enquiry Form and our friendly reservations team will respond with a proposed itinerary and quote within 48 hours.
**Disclaimer:
1. Penguin Island will be closed on the hottest days of Summer due to the Little Penguins Moulting, as per The Department of
Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2022/08/Immediate-action-taken-to-protect-Rockinghams-little-penguins.aspx
2. The Department of Parks and Wildlife has notified Penguin Island construction to begin on the 29th of January 2024, as per the demolishment of the Discovery Centre. Please keep in mind partial Island closure and see link https://alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au/Home/Index#0976ab60-8d88-402d-9633-d5ea9012d6e7 for parks and wildlife alert.
