Snorkeling with seals and dolphins is magic on tap.

This Sorrento cruise runs in calm Port Phillip Bay, with Mornington Peninsula scenery and a real wildlife focus. It’s not just looking from a boat. You’ll gear up, get guided, and spend time in the water where the animals live.

I especially liked two parts: first, swimming alongside curious Australian fur seals right where they hang out. Second, the dolphin swim feels controlled and respectful, with small group timing and quiet waiting for the dolphins to choose what happens next.

One thing to weigh: this is wildlife on the animals’ terms. You need basic swimming skills, and there’s no dolphin sighting guarantee, though there is a no-dolphins return offer.

Key things that make this cruise work

• Full gear and a full-length wetsuit are included, so you’re not hunting rentals last minute
• Small groups of 10 help keep the water calm and the experience personal
• A seal-and-dolphin route means you’re searching for resident wildlife, not following a fixed, scripted swim
• Guides manage the approach by watching sounds and behavior before getting closer
• Lunch, snacks, and hot drinks are included, so the whole trip stays easy from start to finish
• Return if no dolphins gives you extra value when wildlife timing is off

Getting set up at Sorrento Pier (and why it matters)

The day starts at Sorrento Pier, where you meet the crew, grab your snorkeling setup, and get oriented before boarding. You’ll check in onboard the luxury Moonraker, meet the captain, and get a quick feel for how the boat works.

This early step is more than admin. When you’re going to put your face in water and hop in with seals and dolphins, you want to feel comfortable first. The guides take time to explain the activities and where to go, so you’re not figuring it out while everyone else is gearing up.

If you’re the type who likes clear instructions, you’ll appreciate how the crew keeps things orderly. One of the most praised parts is simply competence with a friendly, calm tone.

The Moonraker boat: a 3-hour comfort break between swims

Once the rope is let go, the boat heads into sheltered shallow waters of Port Phillip Bay. From there, you can relax on the upper sundeck or in the inside lounge area. There’s also a front seating area with beanbags if you want fresh air and a view while you wait.

This matters because a dolphin-and-seal day has a rhythm. You’ll swim, warm up, eat, and then swim again. The boat gives you a place to reset without rushing.

The trip is built around short, focused water sessions rather than long, exhausting swimming. You’ll spend downtime watching the coast and coastal wildlife signs, then gear up again when the guides are ready.

First water time: Australian fur seals in shallow, clear water

The cruise’s first animal focus is Australian fur seals. The guides search for them around coastal spots near the boat, using the clear shallow waters as your stage.

This is one reason the experience feels memorable: seals in this setting can be inquisitive up close. You may see seals of different ages and sizes, and their structures attract other marine life. The water around these spots can include small sea stars, giant smooth rays gliding below, and sometimes spider crabs around the structure.

You’re not doing a theme-park trick here. You’re entering an existing ecosystem. That means your best outcomes come from staying calm, moving slowly, and following the guides’ cues.

Also, think about what seals represent on the day. They’re not just a bonus animal. They’re a living preview of what “wild on their terms” feels like, before the dolphin swim.

The dolphin swim approach: quiet waiting in small groups of 10

When dolphins are located, the crew watches behavior and positioning before any close encounter. Then comes the dolphin swim format: small groups of 10, sliding quietly into the water and floating on the surface.

You’ll wait, watch, and listen for dolphin squeaks and whistles. When those sounds get louder, it’s a cue that dolphins are likely to approach and swim beneath your group. The guides don’t rush this. The whole encounter is built on reading signals rather than chasing movement.

That approach is the heart of why people love this tour. Some swims can feel like dolphins circle and linger for what seems like forever. Other times they glide past for a look and keep moving. Either way, the time you share is unique because the animals are wild.

One practical takeaway: your job is to stay relaxed and present. The guides handle the plan, the dolphins handle the outcome.

Why dolphins are never guaranteed (and how you’re covered)

Dolphins are resident to Port Phillip Bay, but they’re completely wild. That means encounters aren’t on a timer and sightings can vary cruise to cruise.

This is a big consideration if you’re the kind of traveler who hates uncertainty. The tour does not claim you will see dolphins every time, and refunds aren’t offered if dolphins don’t appear.

The good news: if you don’t see dolphins on your tour, you can return for free within 30 days. That’s a meaningful safety net for a wildlife day where conditions matter.

So the smartest way to book this is with a mindset of searching and hoping. If dolphins show up, it will likely feel like the highlight of your visit. If not, you still gain a seal encounter and a second chance.

What you do between swims: lunch, hot drinks, and snacks onboard

After each water session, you head back onboard. Then you’ll be served lunch, along with hot drinks and snacks so you can warm up and recharge.

This is genuinely useful in Australia, where even “good” weather can turn cool once you’re in wetsuit gear and then back out into sea breeze. Food also keeps energy steady if your swim time varies based on animal behavior.

I like this setup because it makes the overall day feel smooth. You’re not scrambling for a meal at a random time. You know the cruise rhythm will include recovery food as part of the experience.

Equipment and wetsuit included: less hassle, more comfort

You get snorkeling equipment and a full-length wetsuit as part of the price. That’s a big value point because wetsuit rental and basic gear are the sort of add-ons that can quietly inflate costs on other trips.

Having the right wetsuit also affects how well you can focus. A good fit helps you stay comfortable, move naturally, and spend more time watching than worrying.

It’s also a safety comfort thing. The tour has a clear rule: all guests must have basic swimming skills to participate in the snorkel portion, and non-swimmers won’t be permitted into the water.

If you’re not confident swimming, you can still take in wildlife from the boat. You’ll miss the water encounter with dolphins and seals, but you’ll still get the cruise experience and views.

What to bring (and what you should not forget)

For the tour, bring:

• Swimwear
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• A towel

Two quick notes that save stress. Towels are not included, so pack one. Also, you’ll want your sunscreen ready because you’ll spend plenty of time on deck with sun and sea breeze.

If you’re using contact lenses or you’re unsure about how your gear fits, make sure you’re comfortable with snorkeling basics ahead of time. The guides will help you with the process, but you’ll still be responsible for your own comfort in the water.

Price and value: what $148 covers for 3 hours

At $148 per person for a 3-hour cruise, this sits in the “worth it if it matches your priorities” category.

Here’s why: the ticket includes snorkeling equipment, a full wetsuit, lunch, snacks, and water. It also includes marine park fees and taxes at no extra charge. That means you’re paying once, then spending the rest of the day on the water with minimal add-ons.

The value really depends on one thing: how badly you want a close wildlife snorkeling encounter. If seals and dolphins are the reason you’re visiting the region, this price is easier to justify. If you’re mostly after scenery or casual floating, a sightseeing option might feel more efficient.

Also remember the wildlife reality. Dolphins aren’t guaranteed, but the free return within 30 days helps protect your spending.

Who this cruise is best for

This tour is ideal if you:

• can swim confidently and are comfortable using snorkeling gear
• want a real wildlife encounter rather than a viewing-only excursion
• like small-group experiences where the guides can manage timing in the water
• enjoy learning as you go, with guides guiding your equipment and activity approach

It’s not suitable if you cannot swim. The tour explicitly won’t let non-swimmers enter the water. Still, non-swimmers can choose to watch from the boat and enjoy the day’s sightings and scenery.

If you’re traveling with kids, check the swimming skill fit first. The activity is designed for guests who can handle the water part safely.

The practical rhythm: a clear day plan

Here’s the flow you can expect:

• Meet at Sorrento Pier, collect equipment, and board the Moonraker
• Cruise into sheltered shallow waters of Port Phillip Bay
• Get guided on activities, boat areas, and how snorkel sessions work
• First snorkel encounter focused on Australian fur seals and related marine life around structures
• Return onboard for lunch, hot drinks, and snacks
• Second snorkel encounter focused on wild dolphins, with quiet small-group waiting and behavior-based timing

The main benefit of this structure is that it keeps the day active without feeling chaotic. You always know what’s happening next, and the guides manage the wildlife contact method.

Should you book? My take

If you’re excited by the idea of snorkeling with wild seals and dolphins in Port Phillip Bay, I think this is a strong booking choice—especially because the price includes the big practical items (gear, wetsuit, food). The crew’s blend of skill and friendliness also helps. You’ll feel guided, not left to figure things out.

Book it if you can swim and you’re comfortable with wildlife uncertainty. The dolphin part is a bonus you might get, not a factory output. But the free return within 30 days is a real comfort when the day’s conditions don’t line up.

Skip it if swimming isn’t in your comfort zone. The boat-based option exists for watching, but the snorkel value is tied to being in the water.

FAQ

Where does the snorkeling cruise depart from?

The meeting point is Sorrento Pier, Esplanade Road, Sorrento.

How long is the cruise?

The experience runs for about 3 hours.

What animals will you look for during the tour?

You’ll search for Australian fur seals and resident dolphins in Port Phillip Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment and a full-length wetsuit.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch, hot drinks, snacks, and water are included during the cruise.

Do you need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so you’ll want to bring one.

Do non-swimmers get to enter the water?

No. Guests who cannot swim will not be permitted to enter the water. They can still enjoy the wildlife from the boat.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is it guaranteed you’ll see dolphins?

No. Dolphins are wild and may not be located on every cruise. There are no guarantees or refunds for dolphin sightings.

What happens if dolphins aren’t seen on your tour?

If you don’t see dolphins, you’re welcome to return for free within 30 days.