Phillip Island Dolphin & Whale Cruise from San Remo

San Remo ⇆ San Remo

All Ages | Relaxed

3 hours (1:00pm–4:00pm cruise; boarding 12:45pm)

200% Co2 Offset

San Remo ⇆ San Remo - Please check itinerary for detailed start point. Operators will provide exact details after booking.

All Ages | Relaxed - This represents the restricted/recommended age/s and expected difficulty of the tour.

| 3 hours (1:00pm–4:00pm cruise; boarding 12:45pm) - This represents the accommodation style used for this tour and the duration of the tour. Please look below for specific accommodation details and booking options. One day Tours will only display the tour duration

Every tour we offer is 200% Climate Positive.

We calculate your trip's CO₂ footprint (including transport, food, and gear) and fund twice that amount in landscape restoration projects—creating a genuine net-positive impact on the planet.

Travel knowing you're helping restore ecosystems, not just offsetting.

This Tours Co2 Emissions are 0.065 tonnes of Co2. Each booking results in a Co2 reduction of 200% these emissions in restoration projects.

Adult

$135.00 AUD

Phillip Island Dolphin & Whale Cruise from San Remo

Tour Overview

Witness majestic humpback and southern right whales breaching alongside playful dolphins on this 3-hour winter eco-cruise along the rugged southern coastline of Phillip Island. Departing daily from San Remo Jetty (June to early August), this intimate boat experience glides past dramatic cliffs and caves of Cape Woolamai while searching for migrating whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds with expert captain commentary.

You’ll travel on a comfortable vessel with an experienced crew who share insights on marine life, Phillip Island ecology, and sustainable practices. Every booking is 200% climate positive through landscape restoration offsets and conducted with full respect for Boonwurrung / Bunurong Traditional Owners.

Tour at a Glance

Duration: 3 hours (1:00pm–4:00pm cruise; boarding 12:45pm)
Group size: Comfortable small-group boat experience
Physical level: Low to moderate – open waters with possible vessel motion (motion sickness tablets recommended)
Age: All ages welcome (infants 0–2 free; children supervised by adult; front deck restricted to persons over 1 metre tall)
Start / Finish: San Remo Jetty (170 Marine Parade, San Remo VIC 3925)
Transport: Eco-friendly cruise vessel with licensed bar and indoor/outdoor seating

Keen to see whales and dolphins up close on Phillip Island’s wild southern coast? Secure your winter cruise now.

Why Choose Zero Trace

Intimate boat experience with expert captain commentary for a personal wildlife encounter
Every booking is 200% climate positive — funding more landscape restoration than the cruise emits
Deep respect for Boonwurrung / Bunurong Traditional Owners and the cultural significance of Millowl (Phillip Island)
Focus on low-impact marine practices and supporting local conservation
Transparent, verified sustainability — genuine positive impact without greenwashing

200% Climate Positive

Trusted Operator

Verified Reviews
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Tour Highlights

Highlights

Humpback & Southern Right Whale Sightings — 85% expected chance to witness breaching, tail slapping, spy-hopping and feeding behaviours during migration season.
Dolphin Encounters — 80% expected chance of common or bottlenose dolphins frolicking alongside the boat.
Cape Woolamai Cliffs & Caves — Scenic cruise past dramatic Phillip Island coastline and seabird colonies.
Seal & Seabird Spotting — Regular sightings of fur seals and species like Shy Albatross and Australasian gannets.
Captain’s Wildlife Commentary — Live insights on marine behaviour and Phillip Island ecology throughout the cruise.
Afternoon Tea on Board — Complimentary tea, coffee, cake and biscuits while enjoying the views.
Licensed Bar — Relax with drinks (at own expense) in a comfortable indoor/outdoor setting.

INQUIRE ABOUT TOUR

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★★★★★

Lora Whitehouse via Google

I had such a great time with Wildlife Cruises and couldn’t recommend them enough. I did both the Seal Cruise and the Cape Woolamai Cruise, and they were absolutely amazing experiences. the scenery was stunning and the wildlife was incredible to see up close. I was feeling a little nervous at first, but one of the crew members (I can’t remember his name exactly it was either Greg or Garry) was fantastic. He was so friendly, calm and reassuring, and really helped put me at ease. His kindness and professionalism made a huge difference and allowed me to fully relax and enjoy the cruise.

★★★★★

Vicki Roath via Google

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. Cake a nice touch too. Thought it was great value.

★★★★★

Maree via Google

After a light breakfast at Sanny's Bakehouse, we headed for the pier to board our cruise. We arrived a little earlier than the half hour prior to departure, as required. To our surprise & delight, we found that a seal pup had decided to rest on the grate by the steps we were to use to board the vessel. Our 3yo grandson was happy to observe the pup. We set off two minutes after the scheduled depature time. The Captain was informative, & we enjoyed the the scenery, the changing colours of the water, & the birds. It was a little rough, but our party were fine with the motion of the vessel.

ITINERARY

Detailed Day Tour Itinerary

Key Information
• Total cruise distance: Scenic southern coastline route past Cape Woolamai
• Walking distance: None (boat-based experience)
• Total tour duration: 3 hours

Detailed Timeline
12:45 pm — Boarding at San Remo Jetty (170 Marine Parade, San Remo).
1:00 pm — Depart for 3-hour cruise along Phillip Island’s southern coast.
During the cruise — Search for whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds; captain’s live commentary; enjoy complimentary afternoon tea.
4:00 pm — Return to San Remo Jetty and disembark.

Key Tour Information

WHAT'S INCLUDED & WHAT'S NOT

✅ What’s Included

Itinerary Activities

3-hour scenic cruise past Cape Woolamai cliffs and caves
Captain’s wildlife commentary
Complimentary afternoon tea (cake and biscuits)
Tea and coffee

Guides & Support

Experienced captain and crew

Eco & Practical

San Remo Jetty departure
Licensed bar (drinks at own expense)
Minimal-impact marine practices and cultural respect education

🚫 What’s Not Included

Meals or beverages beyond complimentary afternoon tea and tea/coffee
Travel to/from San Remo Jetty
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Personal expenses or souvenirs
Motion sickness tablets (recommended to bring your own)

WEATHER EXPECTATIONS

Seasonal Weather Expectations

This cruise operates June to early August (winter season): Cool days (10–18°C), crisp air, possible wind and rain on open water. Expect dramatic winter skies and active whale migration. Dress in layers; vessel motion may occur.

WHAT TO PACK

Cool winter coastal conditions with strong sun, wind and possible vessel motion – pack light, responsibly and for layered comfort.

✅ Essentials

Valid photo ID (if purchasing bar drinks)
1 L refillable water bottle
Warm layers (jacket, beanie, scarf)
Windproof jacket or raincoat
Comfortable closed-toe shoes
Motion sickness tablets
Small day pack
Camera or binoculars for wildlife

Insect & Weather Protection

Lip balm with SPF

Toiletries & Extras

Personal medications
Hand sanitiser

Luggage Limits

Small day pack only (no large bags needed for this cruise)

LOCAL INSIGHTS

Local Insights

Phillip Island is known to the Boonwurrung / Bunurong people as Millowl and has been part of their Country for tens of thousands of years.
The southern coastline features dramatic cliffs and caves shaped by the powerful Bass Strait.
Humpback and southern right whales migrate past Phillip Island each winter, with behaviours like breaching and tail slapping visible from the boat.
The area is a key habitat for Australian fur seals and seabirds including Shy Albatross and Australasian gannets.
San Remo Jetty is the departure point for many Phillip Island marine experiences, offering easy access to the island’s wild southern coast.
The cruise route passes Cape Woolamai, home to important seabird colonies and dramatic rock formations.
Winter is the peak season for whale watching along Victoria’s coastline, with an 85% expected sighting rate.

CO₂ FOOTPRINT REPORT

Quick Snapshot

Estimated CO₂e footprint per participant: 65 kg CO₂e
(higher-end conservative estimate – covers all on-tour impacts plus average local travel to/from San Remo Jetty)

Our 200% offset commitment per booking: 130 kg CO₂e
Funded through genuine landscape restoration in climate-vulnerable developing regions (reforestation, mangroves, soil regeneration, etc.). This creates real net-positive impact beyond neutrality.

Tour summary

3-hour scenic cruise (departs San Remo Jetty daily at 1:00pm; returns ~4:00pm)
Passenger vessel (group-friendly; subject to minimum numbers and weather)
Departs and returns to San Remo Jetty (170 Marine Parade, San Remo VIC 3925)
No accommodation included
Meals: Afternoon tea (cake & biscuits) + complimentary tea & coffee; licensed bar (drinks at own expense)
Highlights: Search for migrating humpback & southern right whales (85% expected sightings) and dolphins (80% expected); seals & seabirds (Shy Albatross, Australasian gannets); cruise past Cape Woolamai cliffs & caves; watch behaviours like breaching, tail slapping, spy-hopping; captain’s commentary on marine life & local history

Overview

This report estimates the carbon footprint for one individual participant on this tour using higher-end data from trusted sources. We intentionally choose upper-range figures to fully cover every impact – including hard-to-measure parts like supply chains and indirect effects.

We then double it (200%) and fund genuine landscape restoration projects in developing and climate-affected regions worldwide. This goes beyond standard offsetting to deliver real, lasting benefits for ecosystems and communities.

All figures in kg CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent – the standard measure that includes all greenhouse gases).

Tour Details

Duration: 3 hours
Key locations: San Remo Jetty start/end, open waters of Bass Strait along Phillip Island’s southern coastline & Cape Woolamai
Travel style: Relaxed dolphin & whale watching cruise with close wildlife encounters and commentary
Assumptions: Average participant, standard behaviours, higher-impact choices where uncertain. Local travel to San Remo Jetty is factored into the higher-end footprint for completeness. Seasonal: June–early August (2026 season starts 4 June).

Calculation Approach

Sources: UK DEFRA 2025 conversion factors, Australian National Greenhouse Accounts 2024, UNWTO tourism data, IPCC guidelines, and peer-reviewed studies.
Higher-end scale: Upper-range emission factors everywhere, plus well-to-tank fuel effects, +20% uncertainty buffer, and conservative assumptions for short marine cruise operations and complimentary onboard refreshments.
Per person, full tour experience.
Excludes only purely personal extras (e.g. bar purchases).

Detailed Emissions Breakdown (per participant)

Transportation – 40 kg CO₂e

Average local travel to/from San Remo Jetty (higher-end mix of car, taxi or short transfers): 25 kg
All on-tour passenger vessel cruise (3 hours return, shared): 15 kg – higher-end marine diesel factor

Accommodation – 0 kg CO₂e

Cruise only – no overnight stay

Meals & Food – 15 kg CO₂e

Afternoon tea (cake & biscuits) + complimentary tea & coffee: 15 kg – higher-impact estimate including production and waste

Activities & Excursions – 10 kg CO₂e

Scenic cruise, whale/dolphin/seal viewing, seabird spotting and captain’s commentary

TOTAL ESTIMATED FOOTPRINT PER PERSON: 65 kg CO₂e

Our 200% Offset Commitment

Amount we will offset:2 × 65 kg = 130 kg CO₂e per individual booking
How: Direct funding of landscape restoration projects – reforestation, mangrove protection, regenerative agriculture, wetland and soil carbon restoration
Where: Developing countries and regions most affected by climate change (e.g. Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America) for maximum global benefit and community co-benefits
Why 200% and higher-end estimates: To guarantee coverage despite any measurement discrepancies and to create genuine extra positive impact

Important Notes

Numbers are deliberately conservative (higher) so we over-deliver on restoration – real footprint may be lower
The tour already has strong sustainability practices (responsible marine wildlife viewing from a distance, educational commentary on habitat protection); our independent higher-end analysis adds extra certainty
Carbon accounting has natural uncertainties – doubling it is the responsible way
This directly supports long-term carbon-sequestering landscapes and local communities

TOUR FAQ'S

Are whale sightings guaranteed?
No — there is an 85% expected chance of seeing whales and 80% for dolphins, but sightings are never guaranteed.

Is the boat suitable for children?
Yes — children are welcome and supervised by adults; infants travel free.

Do I need motion sickness tablets?
Recommended — the cruise travels into open waters and vessel motion may occur.

Is food provided?
Yes — complimentary afternoon tea with cake, biscuits, tea and coffee.

Can I buy drinks on board?
Yes — licensed bar available (drinks at own expense).

What is the front deck restriction?
Persons must be over 1 metre tall for safety on the bow.

What happens if it rains?
The cruise operates in most weather; only extreme conditions may cause cancellation.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No — the boat and jetty access are not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility aids.

How do I get to San Remo Jetty?
Self-drive or arrange your own transport; the cruise does not include transfers from Melbourne.

Is there a live whale tracking app?
Yes — the operator provides an app for live whale notifications.

When You Book With Zero Trace

Your Emissions

0 kg CO₂

Your Reductions

0 kg CO₂

🔎︎ Understand Your Booking’s CO₂ Impact

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This tour has glowing feedback from past adventurers—real, verified reviews that capture the magic of the journey.

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Each trip may have slightly different deadlines and deposit rules—You can find the terms and conditions for your chosen booking on the listing page.
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Before your booking is confirmed

If we can’t confirm your spots after you’ve paid a deposit, we’ll issue a full refund of that deposit.

After your booking is confirmed

Cancellations follow the operator’s cancellation schedule (varies by trip and how close you are to departure).
Expect possible fees or non-refundable items (e.g., internal flights, permits, certain accommodations).
If a refund or credit is due, we’ll process it once the operator releases the funds and pass it back to your original payment method.

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The operator’s T&Cs apply immediately on these. Some departures are non-refundable or have stricter windows.

How to cancel

Email us your booking reference, names on the booking, and a one-line request (“Please cancel”).
We’ll reply with the exact penalties/refund or credit per your operator before proceeding.

If the operator cancels or significantly changes your trip

You’ll be offered an alternative date, a travel credit, or a refund according to that operator’s policy. We’ll advocate for the best outcome for you.

Good to know

Refunds are returned to the original payment method; bank/FX fees aren’t usually recoverable.
Travel insurance is your friend for recovering non-refundable costs.
The earlier you contact us, the better your options typically are.

Short answer: Usually yes, but it depends on the operator’s rules and how close you are to departure.

Date changes

We’ll check new-date availability with the operator.
If a change is possible, you’ll pay any applicable operator change fee plus any price difference for the new date.
The closer to departure, the tighter (and costlier) changes become; some trips treat late changes as a cancel + rebook under the operator’s policy.

Transfer to another person (name change)

Many operators allow a name change/transfer up to a certain cut-off.
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If you booked via a live operator calendar, the operator’s T&Cs apply immediately. Some departures are non-changeable or have stricter windows.

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Email us with your booking reference, preferred new date/person’s details, and any flexibility.
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Pro tips

Ask early—more seats = more options, lower fees.
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Our business safeguards

Legally registered business with documented booking & refund policies.
Commercial insurance appropriate to our operations.
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Operator-level protection

We partner only with established operators who maintain their own financial protections and clear refund/credit policies.
When you book via a live operator calendar, payment is processed directly by the operator and their protections/terms apply immediately.

How your payment is handled

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Your purchase is also covered by consumer laws in your country/state (fair trading/refund rights). We reference the applicable jurisdiction on your paperwork.

Extra peace of mind

Paying by credit card may add chargeback protection from your card issuer.
We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover situations outside operator/consumer protections (your own cancellation, medical, delays).

Absolutely. Our prices update live from the operator, but if you spot the same tour on the same dates with the same inclusions and terms advertised for less — even in a public sale or promo — we’ll match it.

Already booked? We’ll refund the difference to your original payment method (eligibility applies, based on the final checkout price including taxes/fees from an authorised seller). And yes, the matched price still includes our 200% carbon offset — no dilution of benefits.

Not for every trip—but for most travellers, we strongly recommend it

Some itineraries and partner operators do require insurance (especially remote treks, glacier walks, or bookings made via live operator calendars with mandatory cover).

When it’s required

Certain partners/departures make insurance compulsory and may ask for proof before departure. If you book one of these, their T&Cs apply immediately.

What good cover includes

Medical treatment & emergency evacuation/repatriation (high limits).
Trip cancellation/interruption (protects your deposit and balance if plans change).
Baggage & travel delay, and supplier default where available.
Coverage for all activities on your itinerary (e.g., trekking, glacier hikes, kayaking) and any relevant altitudes/conditions.
24/7 assistance hotline and a clear claims process.

When to buy

At booking. That way, cancellation benefits start immediately and you’re covered if something crops up before you travel.

How to share proof

Email us your policy certificate (names, policy number, assistance phone).
If you booked via an instant-confirmation operator calendar, follow their proof instructions and deadlines exactly.

Most departures run as planned, but guarantees depend on the operator and minimum numbers. If there’s a wobble, we’ll tell you fast and give you options.

How it works

Minimum group size: Most partners need a minimum number of travellers to confirm a trip.
When we confirm: Each operator has a confirmation window (often 30–60 days before departure). We monitor load and update you as status changes.
Any listing from "G-Adventures" will be guaranteed to run with a booking

If a trip is under-subscribed

We’ll contact you with clear options:

Move to another date (same tour)

Switch to a comparable trip

Full refund of monies paid (per the operator’s terms)

Any price differences for new dates/trips will be discussed before you decide.

If a trip is suspended (weather, park closures, strikes, force majeure)

First, we’ll look to re-route or adjust (e.g., alternative park, similar activities).
If that’s not viable, you can move dates, choose a different trip, or receive a refund/credit according to the operator’s policy.

Our promise

Proactive comms: We’ll keep you posted as soon as we know more—no last-minute surprises if we can help it.
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