Wildlife Coast Cruises · Cowes Jetty, 11 The Esplanade
A 2-hour cruise from Cowes Jetty along Phillip Island's coast to Seal Rocks, home to one of Australia's largest Australian fur seal colonies. Pick it for the seals up close from the water, with commentary on board and the Penguin Parade still ahead of you at sunset.
You board at Cowes Jetty, 11 The Esplanade, in the island's main town, and the boat follows the coast out to Seal Rocks. Phillip Island Nature Parks, which runs the cruise with Wildlife Coast Cruises, puts the average at more than 5,000 seals sighted on each trip. The listing says seals are there all year, from young pups to adult bulls. A crew member gives the commentary in English on the way, naming the seals, the other wildlife and the historical sights you can see from the deck.
Time there: the whole 2 hours is on the water, and the seal colony is the main event. The boat drifts at Seal Rocks rather than rushing past, and guests mention plenty of time for photos. There is a warm undercover viewing area, activities for children on board, and a visit to the captain's bridge to see how the boat works, per the listing. The standard group is up to 100 people and the listing marks it as likely to sell out.
Tea, coffee and cake are included; there is no meal on board and no transport to or from Cowes. Phillip Island Nature Parks lists the cruise at 2.00 pm, boarding 15 minutes before, with extra 11.00 am and 4.30 pm cruises from 26 December to 31 January, so check the times for your date. The afternoon cruise fits neatly before the Penguin Parade at sunset, if you are driving yourself. The listing says it is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Check in at 11 The Esplanade, Cowes. Phillip Island Nature Parks asks you to board 15 minutes before departure.
The boat heads out along Phillip Island's coast while the crew points out wildlife and historical sights.
The boat drifts at the colony so you can watch the seals on the rocks and in the water.
Tea, coffee and cake in the undercover area, and a chance to visit the captain's bridge.
The cruise returns to Cowes Jetty about 2 hours after departure.
★★★★★Had a great afternoon saw so many seals with the pups coming over to the boat and playing, a joy to watch them all
★★★★★Absolutely superb! All the team on the boat were really knowledgeable. The experience of seeing the seals was outstanding! We were much closer than I expected [...] it wasn't rushed at all so we had plenty of time to watch them.
★★★★★Great afternoon out, got very close to the seals. Excellent customer service from staff, they knew their stuff.
★★★★★Amazing experience, seen plenty of seals and plenty of time to take plenty of photos. Recommend taking an extra jacket
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2 hours, per the listing, from Cowes Jetty out to Seal Rocks and back.
Phillip Island Nature Parks gives an average of more than 5,000 seals sighted, at one of Australia's largest Australian fur seal colonies.
Phillip Island Nature Parks lists 2.00 pm, with extra 11.00 am and 4.30 pm cruises from 26 December to 31 January. Check the times for your date.
Tea, coffee and cake are included, per the listing. There is no meal on board.
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Two hours from Cowes out to the fur seal colony on Seal Rocks.
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