Phillip Island Seal Cruise with Wildlife Coast Cruises
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One of Phillip Island’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences doesn’t happen on land. Departing from Cowes Jetty, the Phillip Island Seal Cruise with Wildlife Coast Cruises offers the chance to witness thousands of Australian fur seals thriving in their natural habitat, all against the dramatic backdrop of the island’s rugged southern coastline.
The spectacular two-hour coastal wildlife cruise takes visitors out to Seal Rocks, located around two kilometres off Phillip Island’s wild southwest coast and home to Australia’s largest fur seal colony. As the boat gently drifts within metres of the rocky outcrop, the sheer number of seals sprawled across the rocks is astonishing. Even more captivating is their playful nature. Curious pups and adults regularly glide through the water around the vessel, popping their heads up beside the boat and delighting passengers with their energetic antics.
Autumn is a particularly fascinating time to experience the cruise. Young seal pups can be seen diving, swimming and practising their hunting skills while staying close together in groups for safety. Their curiosity is impossible to miss, with many confidently approaching the boat in large pods. Some can even be spotted “playing” with seaweed as they learn how to catch and tear prey. Meanwhile, older seals spend long stretches hauled up on the rocks during moulting season, grunting, scratching and basking between trips out to sea.
Beyond the seals themselves, the journey showcases Phillip Island’s striking coastline from an entirely different perspective. Towering cliffs, rugged rock formations and rolling ocean swells create a dramatic setting, while the onboard commentary provides insight into the island’s western shoreline, marine ecosystem and local wildlife. Birdlife enthusiasts will also appreciate sightings of seabirds including crested terns and sooty oystercatchers circling overhead or resting along the rocky coast.
The cruise departs from Cowes Jetty and includes complimentary morning or afternoon tea, making it an easy and relaxing addition to a Phillip Island itinerary. An undercover viewing area ensures comfort in varying weather conditions, while the licensed onboard bar allows guests to settle in with a drink as they take in the scenery.
For travellers wanting more than the island’s famous Penguin Parade, this unforgettable cruise delivers a rare opportunity to experience Phillip Island’s marine life up close. Watching thousands of seals interact freely in the wild is both exhilarating and surprisingly moving — the kind of encounter that stays with you long after the boat returns to shore.
Address: Departs at Cowes Jetty, 11 - 13 The Esplanade, Cowes VIC 3922
Phone: 1300 763 739
