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Aquatic Wonders: Where to See Dolphins in Perth
Ever wish for dolphins to just live forever? Fun fact: While not immortal, these charming creatures enjoy impressively long lives, spanning 25 to 60 years! Bottlenose dolphins, for example, often hit their 40s or 50s.
That’s why you’ll have plenty of time to see these ‘fintastic’ friends in Perth! Just swim through our handy guide to some of the best dolphin spots below.
What are the top locations to see dolphins in Perth?
Perth Wildlife Encounters
Website: https://www.penguinisland.com.au/
Address: 153 Arcadia Dr, Shoalwater, WA, 6169, Australia
Contact details: +61 8 9591 1333, [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 4:30 PM (September 15 to early June)
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 3:00 PM (early June to September 14)
Fees:
- Starts at $65 for Dolphin, Penguin and Sea Lion Cruise (departing from Penguin Island)
Perth Wildlife Encounters is an ecotourism company offering fun wild dolphin encounters. They’re big on eco-friendly tourism, and when it comes to dolphins, the staff lets those creatures be—no feeding or taking them out of their homes!
Plus, they’ve got 4 cool boats, a gift shop, and even a spot called Pengos Café. Every year, they roll out the welcome mat for more than 100,000 passengers, giving folks a chance to soak in the marine vibes and gorgeous views of Perth.
Just picture this: a 60-minute cruise on a glass bottom boat, cruising along the wild coastlines of the Penguin, Seal, and Bird Islands—such a dreamland, right?
And the wildlife there? It’s a show! You’ve got dolphins doing their graceful dance, Australian sea lions chilling on Seal Island’s beaches, and pelican rookeries just doing their thing.
But that’s not all. You can’t miss the 30-minute guided walk on Penguin Island. Penguins, breathtaking landscapes, and a deep dive into the island’s natural history—it’s like a VIP pass to nature!
What’s more, we believe adventurers might love that there’s a luxury cruise. It’s $299 a pop, and over 200 local dolphins are waiting to make your day.
They throw in snorkelling gear, gourmet platters, and even some complimentary pictures. Just keep in mind that they kick this off at 7:50 am, so you better be ready that early for a splashin’ good time!
Pro tip:
Make sure to secure your spot at Perth Wildlife Encounters in advance because online bookings for departure close 2 hours prior. But if you miss the window, no worries—you may still reach out by giving their team a call.
Wild West Charters
Website: http://wildwestcharters.com.au/
Address: Elizabeth Quay, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
Contact details: +61 467 225 454, [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Fees:
- $345 to $75 – Swan River Wildlife Eco Tour (45 minutes)
- $75 to $125 – Swan River Wildlife Eco Tour (90 minutes)
Wild West Charters is a ferry company that lets people explore some beautiful places in Perth with information-based tours. Riding on their boat will let you see some fascinating creatures, like sea lions, black swans, and dolphins!
First off, they’ve got this awesome Swan River Adventure Tour that departs daily at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. It’s a chilled-out 90-minute ride, cruising along the northern banks and checking out the ritzy western suburbs.
What’s cool is that they take the scenic route, not the quick-and-easy one. Not only that, but they also use their nifty jet drive propulsion vessels to explore hidden coves. They also try to get those unique angles of the beautiful Swan River.
The views on this tour are off the charts too! For us, this is a visual feast with Kings Park, the Old Swan Brewery, the Royal Perth Yacht Club, and more.
And guess what? The tour guides are scuba divers with an inside scoop on the marine life under the Swan River. You might even spot black swans, ospreys, and the resident Swan River dolphins doing their thing.
As you glide under the 20-meter high suspension bridge at Elizabeth Quay, you’ll also get to soak in the stories of the local area, spiced up with a good dose of humour from the guides.
Now, if you’re short on time but still want a taste of the action, they’ve got a 45-minute Swan River Wildlife Eco Tour. It’s like a highlight reel of the longer tour, hitting up Instagram-worthy spots like the famous Blue Boat House.
Pro tip:
To make the most of your Wild West Charters experience, don’t forget to bring along some sunscreen, comfy clothing, and a hat—we bet your dermatologist (dermatologist Perth) would agree!
The Perth sun can be a bit too enthusiastic, and you’ll want to soak up the sights without any unexpected sunburn surprises.
Whale Watch Western Australia
Website: https://whalewatchwesternaustralia.com/
Address: Penguin Island, Perth, WA 6168, Australia
Contact details: +61 8 9591 1333, [email protected]
Fees:
- Adults – Starts at $385
- Child – Starts at $300
- Senior – Starts at $375
- 2 Day Pass – Starts at $700
- 3 Day Pass – Starts at $900
Whale Watch Western Australia is a sixth-generation family-owned company offering premium dolphin and whale watching. It also promotes ecotourism across Australia, focusing on educating people about marine life.
With them, you’ll spot not just whales but also have a front-row seat to dolphin shenanigans. Imagine dolphins spotted in the harbour, playful juvenile males, and even a mum and calf inaction—it’s like a marine dance party!
We also believe in riding boats in style, and we reckon Whale Watch Western Australia seems to agree. Just picture yourself on the Steep Point, a $2.5 million luxury catamaran watercraft!
With 30-knot capability, it’s the biggest and most lavish in Western Australia. You get 5 viewing decks over three levels, ensuring you catch all the marine life action. From Humpbacks to Southern Rights and maybe even a rare Blue Whale, they’ve got it all!
Pro tip:
It’s best to bring your own good camera for dolphin watching! Pros know that nothing beats a personal touch when it comes to capturing those magical moments with dolphins and whales.
This lets you curate your very own marine masterpiece collection from Whale Watch Western Australia. So, pack your camera and charge those batteries!
Mandurah Dolphin Tours
Website: http://mandurahdolphintours.com.au/
Address: Mandjar Bay, Mandurah, WA, 6210, Australia
Contact details: +61 407 011 830, [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Want to go on a dolphin shuttle? The Mandurah Dolphin Tours is a tour operator that offers captivating boat excursions to witness the enchanting dolphins in their natural habitat.
The best thing about this is that their shuttle has 3 major stops for an all day and one-off fare! This means you can make the most of your day by spotting some fascinating dolphins, as well as seeing tonnes of other wildlife like birds, kangaroos, and more!
With your first stop at Dolphin Quay, dive into the heart of Mandurah’s vibrant scene. Explore the indoor markets, revel in great swimming beaches, and indulge in various cafes, restaurants, and bars—this seems like the ideal kick-off point for the day!
Next, as you hop on to Mandurah Foreshore, the beauty of the surroundings might enchant you. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Mandurah Foreshore, where quirky shops, local art features, and inviting cafes and restaurants await.
Then, you may cross the bridge to explore King Carnival and the Mandurah War Memorial for an added dose of local history.
Finally, you can go to Creery Wetlands, a nature lover’s paradise. The wetlands offer a serene trail where you’ll encounter diverse birdlife, kangaroos, and lush flora.
And if you’re feeling hungry after a delightful walk, you can recharge at Nourishing the Soul Cafe with coffee, cake, or a delicious lunch by the water.
Pro tip:
Got so caught up in the thrill of dolphin sightings that you didn’t notice your parking fees skyrocketing? No stress! You may use Mandurah Dolphin Tours’ free parking at all departure points.
