Overview
On Dolphin, Seal Swims and sightseeing trips with Polperro Dolphin Swims do not let you swim up to the bay's bottlenose dolphins, but rather hang on to long ropes attached to the Polperro's stern, waiting for these curious creatures to come to them. This, and the crew's careful training and supervision of passengers, mean that even non-swimmers can enjoy this experience as well.
Polperro crew welcome children on board and ensure that these trips educate and entertain them. Children are immersed in a learning environment that enhances their understanding of ecology.
Passenger numbers are strictly limited which means everyone on that tour has ample opportunity to get wet, or watch from the deck. Reef and seal swims are part of Polperro trips as well. These are revelatory experiences, even for locals, as the bay's rich aquatic life is a surprisingly well-kept secret.
Price & booking
Cancellation and booking policy
Please notify the office if you are unable to keep your booking as 48 hours cancellation notice is required for individuals and two weeks notice is needed for groups otherwise fees will be incurred.
More info
Days of operation
Two trips daily. 8am and 12 midday
Departure details: 01/10/11 - 29/04/12
Mon: 8:00am - 11:45am
Tour starting location
Sorrento Pier
Activities
- Birdwatching
- Cruising
- Dolphin Watching
- Snorkelling
- Swimming
- Swim with Fish
- Swim with Whales
Facilities
- Car park
- Crewed charter
- Diving equipment
- Guide
- Public Transport
- Waiting Area
Disabled access
Please advise Polperro 's office at the time of booking if there are special considerations. Polperro's supportive crew will assist with access however access cannot be guaranteed in each and every circumstance.
Additional business information
Special Deals
Boat bookings of 16 people and over have exclusive use of the boat and a private tour. These trips need to be booked well in advance to secure the exclusive use.
To enquire about hiring the boat or more information on private use please contact the team at Polperro Dolphin Swims.
Special Marine Studies Trips
Learn more about the ecosystems, participate in Reef Watch programs. Education given with entertainment. Polperro holds Advanced Eco-Tourism Accreditation certification. Our crew is one of Ecotourism accredited guides, a marine biologist and highly qualified instructors. Polperro holds the 2011 Sustainabilty Training Award from Sustainabilty Victoria.
Tour operator
Swimming with dolphins is a rare and magical experience, so who better to help you connect with these magnificent creatures than the people who've been making the introductions in Port Phillip Bay the longest?
The Muir family established Polperro Dolphin Swims in 1986. Named after their classic, lovingly maintained boat, which is 25 years young, Polperro has led the bay in environmentally responsible dolphin interactions. Judy Muir in particular has been tirelessly active in establishing and improving legislation controlling human interaction with wild marine animals, including dolphins.
That's why passengers can't swim up to the bay's bottlenose dolphins, but rather hang on to long ropes trailing from the Polperro's stern, waiting for these often curious creatures to come to them. The rope, and the crew's careful training and supervision of passengers, mean that even non-swimmers can enjoy this exciting experience.
The Polperro departs from Sorrento pier twice daily from October to April. Passenger numbers are strictly limited so everyone has ample opportunity to get wet, or watch dolphins at play from the deck. Reef and seal swims are often part of Polperro trips as well. These are also revelatory experiences, even for most locals, as the bay's rich aquatic life is a surprisingly well-kept secret.
All gear, including wetsuits and snorkels, are provided, and the Polperro has change areas below deck. On chilly days her saloon cabin is warmly welcoming, as is the complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and delicious scones, freshly baked on board by the crew. They're the cherry on top of an inspiring, memorable experience, which saw Polperro Dolphin Swims enter the Victorian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame in 2001, after winning the environmental tourism category three years running.
Opening hours
Polperro Dolphin Swims operates seasonally from October 1st to April 30th. The office is closed on Christmas Day, 25th December.
Daily
6:00am
-7:00pm
Tourism awards
2001
- Victorian Tourism Awards
- Hall Of Fame
Memberships
- The Ecotourism Association of Australia
- Tourism Alliance Victoria
Tour operator is licensed to conduct tours on public land