About this tour
Board a custom-built vessel at Sorrento Pier for 90 minutes cruising the dramatic Melbourne coastline. Spot Australian fur seals hauled out on rocks, watch gannets and seabirds at their colony, glide past the clifftop mansions and iconic boat sheds of Portsea, and scan the bay for bottlenose dolphins that regularly patrol these waters. Knowledgeable local guides narrate the journey whilst you settle into undercover seating with complimentary hot drinks, free to move about the boat and capture the scenery.
Highlights
- Fur seals resting and playing amongst the rocks
- Gannet and seabird colonies up close
- Portsea's cliff-top homes and coloured boatsheds
- Bottlenose dolphins if the bay residents cooperate
- Purpose-built vessel with 360-degree viewing freedom
- Hot beverages included throughout the cruise
- Local guides with genuine knowledge and passion
What to expect
You'll board at the end of Sorrento Pier where the crew settles you onboard the purpose-built tour boat. The vessel is designed for comfort and movement—there's no being herded into fixed seats. You can shift between covered sections and open decks as weather and light allow, which matters for wildlife spotting and photography. Your guide provides context on the coastline's geology, the animals you're seeing, and the homes you're passing. Expect a genuine but laid-back pace; this isn't narrated theatre, it's a local showing you their backyard. Binoculars help for distant seabirds.
Good to know
Dress for the weather—the bay breeze is real even on calm days. Bring a camera with a decent zoom if you're keen on wildlife shots. Prams, strollers and infant seats are available. Service animals welcome. Public transport nearby if you're not driving to Sorrento Pier.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.