Dolphin, Sea Lion and Penguin Island Cruise

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

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 with a guided wildlife walk and then enjoy some island time before returning on the ferry at your own leisure.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Return ferry transfers to and from Penguin Island

Complementary photos from your cruise uploaded to Flickr for you to share!

60-minute cruise around the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park

30 minute guided wildlife walk on Penguin Island

What To Expect

Shoalwater Islands Marine Park

See wild dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, birds of prey and more on this 60 minute cruise through the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Penguin Island

Concluding on Penguin Island to explore and watch a Penguin feeding.

5 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Options

1:15pm Start time

1:15pm

11:15am Start Time

9:15am Start time

9:15am

Reviews

4.08

133 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great wildlife cruise...
Leonie R,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great wildlife cruise around the islands with a knowledgeable crew, who were very approachable and helpful. They wanted to ensure everyone on board had the best experience possible.
Great day
janasY5558PI,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very nice crew, lots of dolphins, sea lions and birds and lots of background information. We really liked it. We would do it again anytime
Incredible day!
M8745CQalishac,
May 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Lots of bad reviews recently so I almost didn’t do a tour and I’m so glad I still went for it. Such an incredible day! Saw lots of dolphins, pelicans and sealions as well as various bird species. Obviously wildlife viewing is never guaranteed as they are wild and free and go where they please, but they are about and chances are you will see something! We got lucky and saw so much. The captain (Aaron) and tour guide (Isla) were lovely, knowledgable and respectful of the wildlife we encountered. The guided walk was also very interesting. A definite MUST SEE when in this area. Highly recommend. Money spent on visiting this island helps the endangered tiny penguin population, so it’s money well spent! You may not see the penguins as they are out at sea most of the day but you may get lucky. It’s all part of the fun.
Failure of glass bottom boat penguin Island
Andrew C,
Apr 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00
It was very disappointing. The glass bottom boat is not true. It has to small perspex sections in it and they are dirty and scratched. Unable to see anything as the vessel doesn't only stops twice and very short periods. People fell asleep on the trip as it was so boring. It's far from international standards that I have been on in the past.
Not worth the money.
Troy S,
Apr 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00
The island should be called bird or pelican NOT penguin, there was not 1 in site & from what the tour guide said there hasn't been many at all of late due to it being the wrong season for them but also their numbers have dropped over past years due to human interaction. Which then brings me to a point of is the tourist dollar worth losing a species of wildlife?
Not worth the cost.
Freedom265598,
Apr 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00
I would not be able to recommend this trip. As many have pointed out, you can no longer see penguins on Penguin Island. It feels dishonest to not disclose this on the website or prior to purchasing tickets. It should be called Seagull Poo island as that is a more accurate description of what we experienced. Beach was also filled with seaweed and smelt horrible. Saw a bird on a rock during the “cruise.” That was it. I understand it’s not their fault if the wild animals aren’t out for viewing, so I can’t complain about that aspect of it but overall the cost of the entire experience does not reflect the quality of the experience at all. It’s time to change it up… hopefully whoever runs this is listening to the feedback
Don’t waste your money !!
S3803FErichw,
Apr 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00
Disappointed! Do not waste your time and money ! Did not see any dolphin or penguins ! Saw 1 sea lion 400 ms away . Please read the fine prints on their page . Employees told us that you will not see any penguins when we were on the penguin island .
Disappointed
Roam15471042090,
Mar 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
No penguins, disappointed , not worth $85 , lovely to see a dolphin but nothing on the island to do can’t even buy a cool drink
We had friends over from England and they wanted to go here. They really enjoyed it and we saw what they said what we we
Dinesh Vishram P,
Feb 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very good and worth it saw everything even dolphins. The weather was great the staff was very helpful and informative. Would recommend it to anyone.
Fantastic trip - definitely recommended
93mikaelah,
Jan 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fantastic trip - definitely recommended! Amazing sights - pelicans flying low overhead, terns darting around us, big lizards and fluffy headed baby Fairy Penguin - on this beautiful, unspoilt island. The volunteers and staff were delightful - informative, friendly and super helpful. Thank you for the best day of our trip!