Departing daily from Sorrento Pier from October to May. Our cruises commence with a welcome tea or coffee, after which we travel out into the sheltered shallows of Port Phillip Bay to embark on an exciting once in a lifetime adventure.

Arriving at Chinaman's Hat where you can put your newfound skills into action, this is a local spot where the ever-curious Australian Fur Seals are waiting to share their underwater world with you. Chinaman’s Hat is a man made structure built just for the Seals! Offering shallow water snorkelling and beautiful white sand seabed, this area has a maximum depth of 4mts.

Once the dolphins are located we ready into groups of 10 people and prepare to enter the water, floating on the waters surface your guides will try to entice the dolphins to spend time with our group, where they swim beneath you and often circle swimmers looking at you and showing off their amazing abilities. Every swim is unique and the time we spend with the dolphins varies. It must be appreciated that they are completely wild and the interactions are on the animals’ terms. We advise you to understand there are not guarantees or refunds, if we do not see dolphins on your tour you are welcome to come back for free within 30 days.

 Dolphin guarantee – if you don’t see dolphins on your tour come back for free anytime within 30 days.

Our cruises may also include a snorkel with the Sea Dragons. These prehistoric looking sea horses are unique to our area and closely related to the famous leafy sea dragons these spectacular animals are Victoria’s Marine emblem.

We strive to achieve an experience that is truly a breathtaking adventure - and one you will never forget!

Tours facilities and inclusions:

•   Luxury purpose built boat,

•   Premium quality snorkeling equipment including full length wetsuits,

•   Lunch, refreshments, drinks and snacks,

•   Licensed and awarded wildlife snorkelling activities,

•   Amazing photo opportunities,

•   On board hot showers,

•   Undercover seating and lounge area, 

•   Limited group/small group tour,

•   Sunscreen, and self serve refreshments,

•   Guided activities by qualified naturalists,

•   Self serve premium tea selection, coffee and hot Chocolate,

•   Dolphin guarantee – if you don’t see dolphins on your tour come back for free!

If you have family or friends who would like to share this experience with you but prefer not to enter the water, you can add them as sightseers. (Additional guests can be booked when you reach the extras option in the booking process)

Swimming tours do not cater for people with no swimming ability, all guests are required to have basic swimming ability as a minimum.

Tours are weather dependent and rely on suitable safe conditions. All our tours are operated on the basis of interacting with wild animals. We ask that you appreciate that they are completely wild and are not trained to interact with people. Our tours operate on a high 85% success rate of swimming and interacting with the Dolphins however we cannot guarantee them on every tour. Should you not see them you are welcome to come back within 30 days of your last tour for free, sorry we cannot provide refunds.

Tour Itinerary

Departure & Scenic Cruise
Depart from Sorrento Pier and cruise along the stunning Mornington Peninsula coastline, taking in breathtaking views as we make our way to our first snorkel location.

First Snorkel: Chinaman's Hat – Seal Encounter
Dive into the sheltered shallow waters at Chinaman's Hat, a purpose-built platform where over 100 resident Australian Fur Seals bask in the sun. Surrounding the boat, friendly and inquisitive juvenile seals are eager to swim, dive, and play with you. Keep your eyes peeled for giant Smooth Rays gliding gracefully along the sandy seabed below.

Second Snorkel: Kelp Gardens – Sea Dragon Discovery
Next, we head to a pristine snorkelling location—home to the graceful Weedy Seadragon. Float peacefully above swaying kelp forests as you observe these rare, camouflaged creatures drifting gently through their natural habitat. It's a magical, otherworldly experience you won't find anywhere else in Victoria.

Return to Sorrento Pier
Warm up with a hot shower, enjoy refreshments and a bite of lunch onboard as we cruise back to Sorrento Pier.

Tour Itinerary

Departure from Sorrento Pier
Board the Moonraker and settle into your perfect spot—whether that's the open deck, covered lounge, or upper sun deck. Grab a complimentary hot drink from our onboard cafe and get ready for an unforgettable journey.

Australian Fur Seal Colony
Cruise to see Australian Fur Seals resting and playing in the water. Watch these charismatic marine mammals bask in the sun and interact with each other in their natural habitat.

Australasian Gannet & Seabird Colony
Visit the spectacular seabird colony where Australasian Gannets nest and soar. These impressive birds put on quite a show with their dramatic diving displays.

Sorrento to Portsea Coastal Cruise
Glide along the famous coastal stretch between Sorrento and Portsea, taking in the iconic cliff-top homes and colourful boat sheds that make this coastline so picture-perfect.

Dolphin Spotting
Keep your eyes peeled for the resident Bottlenose Dolphins that call Port Phillip Bay home. These playful creatures often make surprise appearances throughout the tour.

Return to Sorrento Pier
Relax and soak in the final views as we cruise back to Sorrento Pier.

Stay Dry, See It All: The Perfect Dolphin & Seal Cruise for Non-Swimmers

Important: This tour operates aboard our swim tour vessel. If you're not traveling with swimmers, we recommend booking our 1.5 Hour Wildlife Adventure Cruise for a dedicated sightsee experience.

Traveling with swimmers? This tour lets you stay dry while sharing an unforgettable adventure with your friends and family.

Step aboard Moonraker, our flagship vessel, where your crew will welcome you onboard, we cruise past the spectacular clifftop homes and private beaches of Sorrento and Portsea.

Comfort & Freedom
Explore multiple viewing areas, sun decks, and lounges throughout your journey. Morning and afternoon refreshments, lunch, and snacks are all included – just bring yourself and your camera.

Create lasting memories, capture stunning photos, and share incredible stories with your fellow travelers – all without getting wet.

Please note: This tour runs alongside our 3-hour swim tour, so swimmers will be onboard.

What to expect:

Your day begins with a comfortable coach departure from Melbourne (4 CBD locations), heading south through the Mornington Peninsula to the historic Sorrento Pier — a scenic 90-minute journey that sets the tone for the adventure ahead.

Once you arrive at Sorrento Pier you collect your snorkelling equipment and step aboard, you'll be welcomed onto a purpose-built luxury vessel equipped to make every moment on the water as comfortable as it is memorable. Find your spot on the open sun deck, settle into the lounge, or grab a coffee from the onboard café as the coastline unfolds around you.

Your experienced guide will brief you before you enter the water, ensuring you feel confident and well-prepared. Then it's time for the main event: snorkelling with wild fur seals in their natural environment. These curious, energetic creatures are known to interact with swimmers, making every encounter genuinely thrilling. Keep your eyes open too for the remarkable weedy sea dragons — one of the ocean's most mesmerising animals, found only in southern Australian waters.

After your swim, change into dry clothes, and enjoy a relaxed lunch on the water before heading back to Sorrento Pier for the return coach journey to Melbourne, via the Rocky Creek strawberry farm where you can choose to purchase strawberries from the u-pick cafe, take a scenic photo with the famous bathing boxes and view Port Phillip Bay from the elevation of Murray's Lookout, before joining the freeway back to Melbourne.

What's Included:

• Return coach transport from Melbourne

• Guided snorkel experience with wild fur seals and weedy sea dragons

• All snorkel equipment provided, including optical masks and thermal jackets

• Dry bags to keep your belongings safe

• Onboard lunch, snacks, and beverages

• Use of the luxury vessel's onboard café, sun deck, lounge, and multiple seating areas

• Access to the walk-in swim deck for easy, comfortable water entry
• Entry to Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm 
• A visit to the bathing boxes 
• Scenic photo opportunities.

Good to Know:

Departures: Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday

Recommended age: Suitable for swimmers aged 10 and over. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.

What to bring: A swimsuit (worn under your clothes), a towel, and sunscreen. All snorkel equipment and thermal gear is provided.

Fitness: Participants should be comfortable in open water. No prior snorkelling experience is necessary — your guide will walk you through everything on the day.

Eco credentials: This experience holds Advanced Eco Certification from Ecotourism Australia, is 100% carbon offset, and has been recognised in the Green Travel Leader Hall of Fame for 20 consecutive years. The operation behind this tour is Australia's most awarded in its field — a family-owned business with more than 35 years of expertise on these waters.

• City Departure Locations: 

• 8.25 Mercure Melbourne Southbank - 9 Riverside Quay, Southbank

• 8.35 Regent Theatre - 191 Collins St, Melbourne

• 8.45 Her majesty’s Theatre - 219 Exhibition St, Melbourne

•  9.00 Mail Exchange Hotel Southern Cross – 688 Bourke Street. (Please wait at the bus stop)

Ready to Dive In?

This is more than a day trip — it's one of those rare experiences you'll talk about for years. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot early and get ready to see Victoria's wild coastline from a whole new angle.

Imagine starting your morning in the blue-green waters of Port Phillip Bay, swimming alongside wild dolphins — and ending it elbow-deep in a steaming thermal pool with a glass of something cold in hand. On the Mornington Peninsula, that day is entirely possible. And now, you can book it all in one place.

Moonraker Dolphin Swims and Peninsula Hot Springs have come together to offer a premium, full-day experience that combines the thrill of Victoria's only wild dolphin and seal swim tour with guaranteed entry to one of Australia's most celebrated wellness destinations. No scrambling for tickets. No rushing between bookings. Just one seamless, extraordinary day on the Peninsula.

What's Included in the Package

This package is designed for people who want the full Mornington Peninsula experience — and refuse to compromise on either adventure or relaxation.

Your day includes:

• Moonraker's signature 3-Hour Dolphin and Seals Snorkel Tour, departing from Sorrento Pier

• Guaranteed entry to Peninsula Hot Springs, including access to the thermal pools and bathhouses

• All Moonraker inclusions: thermal wetsuit jacket, optical mask, dry bag, onboard lunch, snacks, and drinks

• Use of Moonraker's luxury onboard facilities: showers, change rooms, lounge, sun deck, and onboard cafe

• The security of Moonraker's Dolphin Guarantee — if dolphins aren't spotted on the day, you return for free

This is a rare opportunity to experience the Peninsula's most iconic natural encounters — marine wildlife and healing thermal waters — back to back.

Snorkel with Seals & Weedy Sea Dragons — Now Includes a Peninsula Hot Springs Bathing Pass

An unforgettable day on the Mornington Peninsula — wild encounters in the water, then pure relaxation to warm up.

The Ultimate Peninsula Experience

Dive into one of Victoria's most unique marine environments, then soak it all in at Peninsula Hot Springs — all in one day. Our Seals & Weedy Sea Dragons Snorkel Tour now includes a bathing pass to Peninsula Hot Springs, giving you the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation on the Mornington Peninsula.

What's Included

• 2-hour guided snorkel tour aboard the luxury Moonraker
• Snorkel with Australian Fur Seals at their natural colony
• Spot the elusive Weedy Sea Dragon — one of Australia's most extraordinary marine creatures
• All snorkel equipment, thermal jacket, and optical mask provided
• Onboard hot showers and change rooms to freshen up after your swim
• Light refreshments onboard
• Peninsula Hot Springs bathing pass — the perfect warm-down after your ocean adventure

What You'll Experience:

In the Water

Step off our purpose-built luxury swim deck and into the crystal-clear waters of Port Phillip Bay. Glide alongside playful Australian Fur Seals in their natural habitat — curious, cheeky, and completely wild. Keep your eyes peeled for the extraordinary Weedy Sea Dragon, a creature so unique it's found nowhere else on earth quite like this.

With a 100% seal interaction success rate, this is one of the most reliable and magical wildlife encounters in Australia.

Onboard the Moonraker

Warm up on our luxury vessel with hot showers, a cosy lounge, onboard café, and multiple seating areas including our upper sun deck. Every detail is designed for your comfort — so you're refreshed and relaxed before the second half of your day begins.

At Peninsula Hot Springs

Round out your day with your included bathing pass to the world-renowned Peninsula Hot Springs. Soak in naturally heated mineral waters surrounded by native bushland — the perfect way to unwind after a morning in the ocean.