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Departs Cowes Jetty Daily 2pm

Next available cruise: Wednesday 6th March (limited seats available) Thursday 7th March

whale watching cruise phillip island

Departs San Remo Jetty 10:45am

Next available cruise: Wednesday 6th March

whale watching cruise phillip island

Departs Cowes Jetty

Next available cruise: Thursday 7th March, 6.30pm

whale watching cruise phillip island

Departs Port Welshpool Jetty 9:30am Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday

Next available cruise: Thursday 7th March

whale watching cruise phillip island

Departs San Remo Jetty

Next available cruise: Saturday 16th March, 5.30pm Musician - Travis Thompson

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whale watching cruise phillip island

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Phillip Island Seal Cruise

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Cape, Seals, Whales, Sunsets & More

30 years experience operating cruises around Phillip Island and Wilsons Promontory. Sit back, relax and experience all our beautiful coastline has to offer with a range of unique cruises and charters. From Australian Fur Seals, Whales on migration, dolphins, coastal birdlife and stunning scenic rock formations, there's plenty on offer for you to see in these incredible areas.

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Winter Whale Cruise

Winter Whale Cruise

  • Duration: 4 Hours (approx.)
  • Location : Rhyll

*Please note - This cruise departs from the Rhyll Jetty, Please double check dates when booking

*We have finished Phillip Island whale cruises for the 2023 season , the dates available are for 2024

Embark on a winter whale adventure discovering Phillip Island’s picturesque coastline. Search for Humpback and Southern Right Whales on their annual migration route regularly joined by playful dolphin pods, curious seals and a variety of birdlife including the Wandering Albatross.

  •  4-hour Phillip Island coastal cruise
  •  Whale sightings (expected 80% - not guaranteed)
  • See thousands of seals at Seal Rocks*
  • Circumnavigate Phillip island*
  • Regular dolphin, seals and sea bird sightings
  • Delicious morning tea
  • Complimentary tea/coffee
  • Captain’s commentary
  • Wildlife information and interpretation
  • Licensed bar
  • Rhyll Jetty Departure

*Weather conditions allowing

Please Note:  This tour travels into open waters which may be choppy at times, taking motion sickness tablets is recommended.

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  • Duration: 2 Hours (approx.)

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  • Duration: 6 Hours (approx.)

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  • Duration: 180 Minutes (approx.)

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Phillip Island whale-watching cruises: When is whale season?

  • David Whitley

Phillip Island whale-watching cruises: When is whale season?

Whale season on Phillip Island is May to October. Wildlife Coast Cruises runs Phillip Island cruises from June to August, however. Expect to see dolphins, seals and sea birds as well as the Phillip Island whales.

Most of the best things to do on Phillip Island involve wildlife. This tourist-friendly island, a short day trip from Melbourne , is most famous for its penguin parade . But there are also koalas on Phillip Island , and Seal Rocks is a notorious hang out for fur seals.

Visit outside the main summer tourist season, when the Phillip Island weather is better, and there’s something much bigger to see. Whale season on Phillip Island is between May and October. That’s when southern right whales are on their annual migration. And, if you want to see the Phillip Island whales, there are Phillip Island whale-watching cruises you can book onto.

A whale seen from a Phillip Island whale-watching cruise with Wildlife Coast Cruises

Phillip Island whale-watching cruises in winter

Wildlife Coast Cruises in Cowes runs Phillip Island cruises year round, but come the winter months, the focus in on whales and dolphins. There are two separate tours – a four hour winter whale cruise, and a three-and-a-quarter hour dolphin and whale cruise.

The shorter dolphin and whale cruise is more of an all-rounder. It departs from the San Remo jetty at 12.45pm, arriving back at 4pm. On the way, it tackles Phillip Island’s southern coastline, going past the steep granite cliffs of Cape Woolamai . Whale and dolphins are not guaranteed, but they’re seen 80% of the time. There are also regular seal and sea bird sightings.

5 Phillip Island experiences to book before arriving

  • The legendary Penguin Parade – watch dozens of little penguins waddle home from the sea.
  • Seal-watching cruise – visit Australia’s largest fur seal colony.
  • Phillip Island helicopter tour – fly above the beaches and dramatic sea cliffs.
  • Whale-watching cruise – with dolphins, seals and rare sea birds on the way.
  • Phillip Island Chocolate Factory tour – with more than a touch of Willy Wonka.

The longer Phillip Island whale-watching cruise lasts for four hours, which obviously gives a better chance of sightings. This morning cruise departs from Rhyll Jetty, and these Phillip Island boat tours include a full circumnavigation of the island if weather conditions allow.

Whale-watching, Phillip Island: Seals & dolphins

This means you get to see the seals at Seal Rocks. Dolphins and the Wandering Albatross are also often seen, but the focus is on the migrating Southern Right Whales. Humpbacks sometimes pass by Phillip Island too, but the Southern Rights are the most reliable visitors.

Which Phillip Island tour from Melbourne should I choose?

  • For wildlife: Small group tour including Penguin Parade 🐧, Moonlit Sanctuary and Brighton Beach bathing boxes.
  • For koalas: Phillip Island Penguin Parade 🐧 trip including Koala Conservation Reserve 🐨.
  • For value: Full day tour including Penguin Parade and seals at the Nobbies Centre.

Wildlife Coast Cruises only runs the Phillip Island whale-watching cruises from June to early August. The longer cruise costs $125, and the shorter boat tour costs $110. The latter, of course, doesn’t require quite as early a start from Melbourne . This is the nearest place to Melbourne for whale-watching.

You can also explore Phillip Island’s indulgent side at the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory , Purple Hen Winery and Rusty Water Brewery .

More coastal Victoria

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Phillip Island Penguins

Phillip Island Penguins

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Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

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Phillip Island Wildlife Park

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Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit

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Cruises

Known for its extensive coastline, Phillip Island is a popular holiday spot in Victoria.

Philip Island offers an array of amazing activities and entertainment options for visitors to the island. For those looking an outdoor adventure, take a trip on any of the Phillip Island Cruises to see the island’s fairy penguins , furry seals and its scenic coastal beauty.

Phillip Island Wildlife, Twilight, Coast & Whale Watching Cruises

One of the most popular tours is the seal watching cruise where you will see thousands of Australian fur seals in their natural habitat. Depart on a catamaran for Seal Rocks on your two-hour cruise and keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, penguins and other wildlife along the way. You will see Australia’s largest colonies of fur seals and will be provided with an informative commentary from your experienced guide about the wildlife on and history of Phillip Island . Most tours also offer complimentary afternoon tea with tea and coffee.

After a full day of action on Phillip Island , why not take a twilight cruise which leaves at sunset. Get the best view of Phillip Island from the water as you take in sights along Western Port Bay near the Mornington Peninsula. View landmarks including French Island and Stony Point as you take in the beautiful scenery with unobstructed views from your boat. On these twilight cruises, snacks are often available as well as a bar when you can have a glass of wine as you watch the sun go down.

If whale watching is on your agenda, then take a Phillip Island whale watching cruise. These cruises run a little longer at 4 hours as you will need to travel a little further out to sea. On this tour, you will see Phillip Island’s beautiful coastal scenery and thousands of playful fur seals at Seal Rocks. If you are lucky you will also spot some dolphins, as well as penguins and albatross. When you reach the best viewing spot, keep an eye out for the beautiful humpback whales as they migrate along the coast of Victoria.

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Upcoming events, coronet bay fun run, phillip island schoolies, island magic, cowes carols by the bay, phillip island new year’s eve, bass coast summer agricultural show, cape paterson aquathon.

whale watching cruise phillip island

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  1. Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise, 3 Hours

    whale watching cruise phillip island

  2. The 5 best places to spot a whale in Victoria

    whale watching cruise phillip island

  3. Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise, 3 Hours

    whale watching cruise phillip island

  4. Whale Watching Cruise, 4 Hours

    whale watching cruise phillip island

  5. Philip Island: Seal Watch Cruise

    whale watching cruise phillip island

  6. Winter Whale Watching Cruise In Phillip Island

    whale watching cruise phillip island

COMMENTS

  1. Winter Whale Watching

    Embark on a winter whale adventure discovering Phillip Island's picturesque coastline. Experience a remarkable whale-watching adventure departing from Rhyll to circumnavigate Phillip Island. Keep a keen eye out for humpback and southern right whales, eagerly searching for their magnificent blow, distinct water footprint, or graceful dorsal fin.

  2. Phillip Island & Wilsons Prom

    Over 20 years experience operating cruises around Phillip Island and Wilsons Promontory. Sit back, relax and experience all our beautiful coastline has to offer with a range of unique cruises and charters. From Australian Fur Seals, Whales on migration, dolphins, coastal birdlife and stunning scenic rock formations, there's plenty on offer for ...

  3. Whale Watching

    If you're lucky to see whales, please share your sighting by reporting your sighting on 'PodWatch' or call Wildlife Coast Cruises on 1300 763 739. For the latest sightings, you can check the Whale Sightings for the Phillip Island region or check with the Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre at Newhaven.

  4. Wildlife Coast Cruises

    Wildlife Coast Cruises tours include a Full Day Cruise in the warmer months discovering hidden coves, untouched islands and monolithic rock formations and a range of marine life. Also have a rare opportunity on the Wilsons Prom Whale Cruises viewing humpback and southern right whale breaching and tail slapping in the Springtime.

  5. Wildlife Coast Cruises

    Wildlife Coast Cruises offers unique wildlife and scenic cruises around Phillip Island, Seal Rocks, Westernport Bay and Wilsons Promontory. Your friendly captain and crew are here to make your experience memorable with a thorough knowledge of local wildlife, habitat and history, which they are only too happy to share with you.

  6. Winter Whale Cruise

    *Please note - This cruise departs from the Rhyll Jetty, Please double check dates when booking *We have finished Phillip Island whale cruises for the 2023 season, the dates available are for 2024. Embark on a winter whale adventure discovering Phillip Island's picturesque coastline. Search for Humpback and Southern Right Whales on their annual migration route regularly joined by playful ...

  7. Winter Whale Watching Cruise in Phillip Island

    Winter Whale Watching Cruise in Phillip Island Seasonal. English. Join in group. Meet at location. 4hr Duration. Groups of 1-60. 5.0 (5 reviews) • 100+ booked Rhyll Jetty, 16 Beach Rd, Rhyll VIC 3923. Save to wishlist. Gallery Best Price Guarantee. All promotions. Embark on a 4 hour Phillip Island coastal cruise and search for Humpback and ...

  8. Whale Discovery Trail

    If you're lucky to see whales, please share your sighting by reporting your sighting on 'PodWatch' or call Wildlife Coast Cruises on 1300 763 739. For the latest sightings, you can check the Whale Sightings for the Phillip Island region or check with the Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre at Newhaven. Whale discovery trail brochure.

  9. Wildlife Coast Cruises, Tour, Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia

    Wildlife Coast Cruises. Add to favourites. The Esplanade, Jetty Car Park, Cowes, Victoria, 3922. 7. 2. Wildlife Coast Cruises offers unique wildlife and scenic cruises around Phillip Island, Seal Rocks, Westernport Bay and Wilsons Promontory. Your friendly captain and crew are here to make your experience memorable with a thorough knowledge of ...

  10. THE TOP Phillip Island Whale Watching Tours (w/Prices)

    Witness the spectacular coastal scenery of Australia on a 4-hour whale watching cruise around Phillip Island. Climb aboard a stylish vessel with a professional guide and scour the sea for sightings of rare wildlife. See thousands of fur seals at Seal Rocks; keep your eyes peeled for rare seabirds like the shy albatross and little penguin; and ...

  11. Phillip Island Dolphin And Whale Watching Cruise

    1. Depart from the San Remo Jetty on board the Brianna Lee. 2. 3 hour Cruise along the stunning southern coastline of Phillip Island. 3. Search for Dolphins and the majestic Southern Right and Humpback whales. 4. Enjoy Captains informative commentary on the local history, wildlife and sights. 5.

  12. Phillip Island whale-watching cruises

    Wildlife Coast Cruises only runs the Phillip Island whale-watching cruises from June to early August. The longer cruise costs $125, and the shorter boat tour costs $110. The latter, of course, doesn't require quite as early a start from Melbourne. This is the nearest place to Melbourne for whale-watching. You can also explore Phillip Island ...

  13. Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise in Phillip Island

    Set sail on a dolphin & whale watching adventure along Phillip Island's attractive southern coastline. Be on the lookout for Humpback and Southern Right whales on their annual migration route and dolphin pods feeding and playing this winter. 80% expected chance of seeing dolphins and whales, with regular seal and seabird sightings as well.

  14. Whale watching, Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia

    Overview. Visit Phillip Island between May and October for the chance to see humpback whales, southern right whales and orcas as they migrate from Antarctica to the warmer waters off Queensland for calving. Choose from a range of whale watching options on offer, in and around Phillip Island, and view these majestic creatures on their long ...

  15. Phillip Island Cruises

    If whale watching is on your agenda, then take a Phillip Island whale watching cruise. These cruises run a little longer at 4 hours as you will need to travel a little further out to sea. On this tour, you will see Phillip Island's beautiful coastal scenery and thousands of playful fur seals at Seal Rocks. If you are lucky you will also spot ...

  16. Experience Whales

    Whale Watching Cruises. Are you wild about whales? Join Wildlife Coast Cruises in the search for majestic whales on spectacular coastal cruises around Phillip Island. Offering a range of tours over June and July period. Whale watching cruises are the best way to get a closer look at whales over the annual migration.

  17. Phillip Island Whale Watching Tour 2024

    Witness the spectacular coastal scenery of Australia on a 4-hour whale watching cruise around Phillip Island. Climb aboard a stylish vessel with a professional guide and scour the sea for sightings of rare wildlife. See thousands of fur seals at Seal Rocks; keep your eyes peeled for rare seabirds like the shy albatross and little penguin; and marvel at dolphins diving out of the water with ...

  18. Philip Island: Dolphin and Whale Cruise

    14 Barwon Heads, Australia. 15 Beech Forest. 16 Kennett River. 17 Warrnambool. 18 Anglesea. 19 Torquay, Victoria. 20 Port Campbell, Australia. Cruise the coast of Phillip Island in the search for whales and dolphins. Enjoy regular sightings of seals, sea birds and other wildlife along the way.

  19. Phillip Island: Whale Watching Boat Tour

    Embark on a winter whale watching adventure discovering Phillip Island's picturesque coastline. Phillip Island is a fantastic place to experience lots of Australia's wildlife and view picturesque coastal landscapes. Search for Humpback and Southern Right Whales on their annual migration route. You might also see playful dolphins, curious ...

  20. Phillip Island Whale Watching Tours

    Take advantage of the whale season to venture to Phillip Island's wildlife-rich surrounds, with not just whale watching but other wildlife & great scenery! Operating between June and the beginning of August each year, this 4 hour Phillip Island whale watching tour departs from Phillip Island's Rhyll Jetty into the open water aboard a comfortable vessel to explore the wonderful marinescapes ...

  21. Island Whale Festival Phillip Island

    Take to the open oceans on a whale-watching cruise, follow the Whale Discovery Trail, and stop at iconic beaches to enjoy magnificent views as you search for whales. Either way, have your camera ready as you spot these mysterious creatures surfacing, breathing, diving, and breaching through the waves. ... Phillip Island is home to 101km² of ...