Seal Watching Cruise at Seal Rocks Phillip Island

Cowes ⇆ Cowes

All Ages | Relaxed

2 hours

200% Co2 Offset

Cowes ⇆ Cowes - 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.

| 2 hours - 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

$115.00 AUD

Seal Watching Cruise at Seal Rocks Phillip Island

Tour Overview

Get within metres of one of Australia’s largest fur seal colonies at Seal Rocks on this 2-hour scenic coastal cruise from Cowes Jetty on Phillip Island. Drift alongside thousands of playful Australian fur seals in their natural habitat while enjoying expert commentary on marine life, seabirds, and the rugged Bass Strait coastline — with complimentary tea, coffee, and cake served on the return.

You’ll travel aboard a comfortable cruise vessel with an experienced crew who share insights on marine ecology and local history. Every booking is 200% climate positive through landscape restoration offsets and conducted with full respect for Bunurong Traditional Owners.

Tour at a Glance

Duration: 2 hours
Group size: Comfortable cruise vessel (public departures)
Physical level: Low – seated viewing with possible vessel motion in open waters
Age: All ages welcome; infants 0–2 free (lap-held); children 3–15; front deck restricted to passengers over 1 metre tall; all children supervised by an adult
Start / Finish: Cowes Jetty, Phillip Island (11–13 The Esplanade, Cowes VIC); arrive 30 minutes early for parking and boarding (15 minutes prior to departure)
Transport: Scenic cruise vessel with undercover seating and licensed bar

Keen to drift among thousands of curious seals in the wild? Secure your Phillip Island seal cruise now.

Why Choose Zero Trace

Comfortable cruise experience with expert marine commentary for an intimate wildlife encounter
Every booking is 200% climate positive — funding more landscape restoration than the tour emits
Deep respect for Bunurong Traditional Owners and support for marine conservation
Focus on low-impact viewing practices and minimal disturbance to wildlife
Transparent, verified sustainability — no greenwashing, just genuine positive impact

Highlights

Close Seal Encounters — Drift within metres of Seal Rocks, home to an average of 5,000+ Australian fur seals in their natural environment.
Playful Seal Pups — Watch pups swimming, diving, and exploring in large pods, especially active in autumn.
Seabirds & Marine Life — Spot crested terns, sooty oystercatchers, and occasional dolphins in Bass Strait.
Rugged Coastline Views — Scenic cruise along Phillip Island’s southwest shoreline with historical commentary.
Complimentary Onboard Refreshments — Enjoy tea, coffee, and cake served on the return leg.
Undercover & Licensed Bar — Comfortable seating with Eftpos available for additional drinks.
Eco-Friendly Wildlife Viewing — Peaceful approach that respects the seals and their habitat.

200% Climate Positive

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Tour Highlights

Highlights

Close Seal Encounters — Drift within metres of Seal Rocks, home to an average of 5,000+ Australian fur seals in their natural environment.
Playful Seal Pups — Watch pups swimming, diving, and exploring in large pods, especially active in autumn.
Seabirds & Marine Life — Spot crested terns, sooty oystercatchers, and occasional dolphins in Bass Strait.
Rugged Coastline Views — Scenic cruise along Phillip Island’s southwest shoreline with historical commentary.
Complimentary Onboard Refreshments — Enjoy tea, coffee, and cake served on the return leg.
Undercover & Licensed Bar — Comfortable seating with Eftpos available for additional drinks.
Eco-Friendly Wildlife Viewing — Peaceful approach that respects the seals and their habitat.

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: Short coastal route to Seal Rocks (2 km offshore)
• Walking distance: None (boat-based)
• Total tour duration: 2 hours

Detailed Timeline
Arrival & Boarding — Arrive at Cowes Jetty 30 minutes early; boarding commences 15 minutes prior to departure.
Departure — Leave Cowes Jetty and head into open waters of Bass Strait.
Main Viewing — Drift within metres of Seal Rocks for up-close seal observations and commentary on marine mammals and seabirds.
Return — Scenic coastal return with complimentary tea, coffee, and cake served onboard.
Disembark — Arrive back at Cowes Jetty.

Key Tour Information

WHAT'S INCLUDED & WHAT'S NOT

✅ What’s Included

Itinerary Activities

2-hour scenic coastal cruise to Seal Rocks
Expert commentary on seals, seabirds, and marine habitat
Close wildlife viewing (average 5,000+ seals)

Guides & Support

Experienced crew
Comfortable cruise vessel with undercover seating

Eco & Practical

Complimentary tea, coffee, and cake
Licensed bar (Eftpos available)
Minimal-impact viewing practices

🚫 What’s Not Included

Additional drinks from the bar
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Personal expenses or souvenirs
Parking at Cowes Jetty (allow extra time in peak periods)

WEATHER EXPECTATIONS

Seasonal Weather Expectations

All Year Round — Phillip Island has a mild temperate climate; cooler on the water (always bring a jacket).
Spring & Autumn — Pleasant temperatures (15–22°C); active seal pups in autumn.
Summer — Warm days (20–28°C); longer daylight.
Winter — Cool days (10–18°C); crisp air with possible choppy conditions.
Cruises are weather dependent — vessel motion may occur in open waters; sea sickness tablets recommended.

WHAT TO PACK

Cooler conditions on the water, strong sun, possible wind and vessel motion – pack light and responsibly for comfort and safety.

✅ Essentials

Camera for photo opportunities
Jacket (conditions cooler on water)
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Refillable water bottle
Sea sickness tablets (recommended)

Insect & Weather Protection

Light windproof layer

Toiletries & Extras

Personal medications

Luggage Limits

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

LOCAL INSIGHTS

Local Insights

Seal Rocks is home to one of Australia’s largest Australian fur seal colonies, with an average of 5,000+ seals.
Phillip Island is known to the Bunurong people as Millowl — part of the Kulin Nation with a cultural history dating back tens of thousands of years.
The seals are naturally playful and inquisitive; pups spend time swimming, diving, and practising prey-chasing.
The cruise travels into open Bass Strait waters, offering views of the rugged southwest coastline.
Seabirds such as crested terns and sooty oystercatchers are regularly sighted.
The area is part of the Western Port Biosphere Reserve, recognised for its rich marine and coastal values.
During moulting season, seals spend more time resting ashore while still able to feed at sea.

CO₂ FOOTPRINT REPORT

Carbon Footprint & Offset Report: Phillip Island Seal Cruise

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 Cowes 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

2-hour scenic coastal cruise (departs 2:00pm daily all year; extra departures in peak periods)
Boat capacity not specified (small-group friendly)
Departs and returns to Cowes Jetty, Phillip Island (11-13 The Esplanade, Cowes VIC)
Stable passenger vessel with undercover viewing
No accommodation included
Meals: Complimentary afternoon/morning tea + cake served on return
Highlights: Australia’s largest fur seal colony (average 5,000+ seals sighted up close); seals approach the boat; playing with seaweed, diving, prey-chasing; moulting process; seabirds (crested terns, sooty oystercatcher); learn about marine mammals and habitat; beautiful Phillip Island western shoreline

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: 2 hours
Key locations: Cowes Jetty start/end, Seal Rocks (2 km off rugged southwest coast of Phillip Island)
Travel style: Relaxed seal-watching scenic cruise with close wildlife encounters
Assumptions: Average participant, standard behaviours, higher-impact choices where uncertain. Local travel to Cowes Jetty is factored into the higher-end footprint for completeness.

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 Cowes Jetty (higher-end mix of car, taxi or short transfers): 25 kg
All on-tour passenger vessel cruise to Seal Rocks (2 hours, shared): 15 kg – higher-end marine diesel factor

Accommodation – 0 kg CO₂e

Cruise only – no overnight stay

Meals & Food – 15 kg CO₂e

Complimentary tea/coffee + cake on return: 15 kg – higher-impact estimate including production and waste

Activities & Excursions – 10 kg CO₂e

Scenic cruise, close seal encounters, seabird viewing and onboard interpretation

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 (focus on marine mammal habitat education, no motor craft interference with seals); 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

Is the cruise suitable for young children?
Yes — children 3–15 at child rate; infants 0–2 free (lap-held); front deck restricted to over 1 metre tall.

Will we definitely see seals?
An average of 5,000+ seals are sighted, but numbers can vary with weather and tides.

Is the cruise rough?
It travels into open Bass Strait waters and can be choppy; sea sickness tablets are strongly recommended.

Are there toilets on board?
Yes — facilities are available.

Is food provided?
Complimentary tea, coffee, and cake served on the return; licensed bar available (extra cost).

What if the weather is bad?
Cruises are subject to weather conditions; if cancelled, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Do I need to book parking?
No — but arrive 30 minutes early, especially in peak periods (school holidays and weekends).

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No — vessel access and open waters are not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility aids.

Can I use a drone or underwater camera?
No — drones and underwater go-pros on poles are not permitted on public cruises.

What time should I arrive?
At least 30 minutes before departure for parking and boarding (boarding starts 15 minutes prior).

When You Book With Zero Trace

Your Emissions

0 kg CO₂

Your Reductions

0 kg CO₂

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