Australia’s Phillip Island offers some of the continent’s most reliable whale watching, and I’m impressed with the options here. The standout experience comes from Wildlife Coast Cruises, operating out of Rhyll. Their morning tour – departing at 8:30 – hits all the right notes with comfortable boats and a stellar 94% recommendation rate. You’ll likely spot humpbacks and southern right whales, plus seals and dolphins. The complimentary coffee and pastries are a nice touch.
The half-day format gives enough time for serious wildlife viewing without wearing you out. For those wanting more time on the water, the 3-hour Dolphin and Whale Cruise delivers consistent marine life sightings along the spectacular coastline.
Let’s explore the top whale watching tours worth your time and money.
Good To Know
- The Phillip Island Whale Watching Tour offers a high success rate of 70-90% for whale sightings during the June to August season.
- The Phillip Island: Whale Watching Boat Tour provides the opportunity to spot humpback and southern right whales, as well as a large colony of Australian Fur Seals.
- The Philip Island: Dolphin and Whale Cruise is a 3-hour adventure along the island’s coastline, led by an expert whale spotter and includes afternoon tea.
- Phillip Island is renowned as a reliable whale watching destination, with frequent sightings of humpbacks, southern right whales, seals, and dolphins.
- Wildlife Coast Cruises operates multiple whale watching tours from Rhyll, Phillip Island, offering morning, half-day, and 3-hour options to accommodate various travel needs.
Phillip Island Whale Watching Tour
The Phillip Island Whale Watching Tour is a popular wildlife adventure that allows visitors to witness the majestic marine mammals in their natural habitat. With 93 reviews and a 94% recommendation rate, this tour has earned a Badge of Excellence from Wildlife Coast Cruises.
Located in Phillip Island, Australia, the tour offers a morning filled with local guidance, live commentary, and the opportunity to enjoy coffee, tea, muffins, and pastries.
The tour departs at 8:30 am from the meeting point at 16 Beach Rd, Rhyll VIC 3923, and returns to the same location. While whale sightings aren’t guaranteed, the tour operators estimate a 70-90% success rate between June and August.
Participants should advise any dietary requirements at the time of booking, and note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but does accommodate strollers and infant seats. With a maximum of 70 travelers, this tour provides an intimate and immersive whale watching experience in the stunning coastal region of Phillip Island.
Read our full review: Phillip Island Whale Watching Tour Review
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Phillip Island: Whale Watching Boat Tour
Phillip Island’s whale watching boat tour offers a scenic half-day cruise around the island’s stunning coastline, providing visitors the opportunity to explore the region’s diverse marine life. During the 4-hour tour, guests will have the chance to spot humpback and southern right whales, observing their captivating behaviors like tail slapping and spy-hopping. Plus, the tour promises sightings of a large colony of Australian Fur Seals.
The tour also includes the opportunity to encounter playful dolphins frolicking in the boat’s wake, as well as admire Phillip Island’s picturesque shoreline. Complementing the wildlife experience, the tour provides morning tea and cake for participants. Conducted in English by a live tour guide, the whale watching excursion is priced from $113.85 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve now & pay later options available. This tour is a must-do for anyone seeking an immersive and memorable marine wildlife experience on Phillip Island.
Read our full review: Phillip Island: Whale Watching Boat Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Philip Island: Dolphin and Whale Cruise
Although Phillip Island is renowned for its stunning coastline, the true highlights of the region lie in its rich marine life. Visitors can embark on the Philip Island: Dolphin and Whale Cruise, a 3-hour adventure that promises regular sightings of seals, sea birds, and other wildlife.
Led by an expert whale spotter, the cruise takes guests along the island’s breathtaking coastline, offering the chance to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. The tour includes afternoon tea, as well as the option to purchase alcohol, soft drinks, and snacks. With a live tour guide providing commentary in English, guests can fully enjoy the experience.
The best part? There’s no need to worry about cancellation fees, as the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply seeking a unique and memorable adventure, the Philip Island: Dolphin and Whale Cruise is an exceptional way to explore the natural wonders of this stunning region.
Read our full review: Philip Island: Dolphin and Whale Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Phillip Island offers some of the best whale watching experiences in Australia. Visitors can choose from a range of boat tours that provide close encounters with majestic humpback and southern right whales as they migrate along the coast. With the chance to spot not just whales but also dolphins, these Phillip Island tours provide an unforgettable wildlife experience.