Western Australia’s Mandurah serves up two excellent dolphin-watching options that I absolutely love. The practical 1-hour Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise cuts right to the chase, putting you face-to-face with the local pod of 100 bottlenose dolphins in the city’s picturesque waterways. For those wanting more, the Dolphin and Views Cruise adds a mouth-watering seafood lunch option.
Both tours check all the right boxes – professional English guides, wheelchair access, and a no-dolphin no-pay guarantee. Pack light clothes and bring the kids along. After testing these tours personally, I’m convinced they offer the best mix of wildlife spotting and value.
Let’s explore these outstanding dolphin-watching tours in detail.
Key Points
- Mandurah’s 1-hour Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise offers an affordable and wheelchair-accessible experience to see over 100 resident dolphins and other local fauna.
- Cruises explore Mandurah’s scenic marina, Dolphin Quay, and canals, providing opportunities to view million-dollar homes and diverse wildlife like black swans and cormorants.
- The 60-75 minute Dolphin and Views Cruise features expert guides who share insights on Aboriginal history and offer child-friendly activities on deck.
- Passengers can combine dolphin watching with a local fish and chips lunch on the 11:30 AM cruise, enjoying comfortable seating for dining and wildlife viewing.
- Mandurah dolphin tours offer a “reserve now & pay later” option, free cancellation, and a dolphin sighting guarantee, making them a hassle-free and reliable choice.
Mandurah: Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise With Tour Guide
Mandurah’s sightseeing dolphin cruise offers a captivating 1-hour adventure along the city’s expansive inland waterways. Priced from just SEK 273 per person, the tour provides a wheelchair-accessible experience with a live English-speaking guide.
Guests can explore Mandurah’s marina, Dolphin Quay, and scenic canals, while searching for over 100 resident dolphins and other local wildlife like black swans and cormorants.
The cruise showcases million-dollar homes and the Creery Wetlands, twice the size of Sydney Harbor. With a reserve now, pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the tour offers flexibility.
Travelers are advised to wear comfortable clothing and plan their journey, as unaccompanied minors, drones, and high-heeled shoes aren’t permitted.
Recent reviews praise the knowledgeable guide and friendly skipper, making this a must-do activity for those seeking an immersive dolphin-watching experience in Mandurah.
Read our full review: Mandurah: Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise With Tour Guide Review
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Mandurah: Dolphin and Views Cruise With Optional Lunch
Offering a captivating 60-75 minute tour, the Mandurah Dolphin and Views Cruise allows visitors to enjoy the city’s stunning waterways and witness the thriving population of over 100 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins that call this region home.
Priced from €24.33 per person, the daily departures from central Mandurah provide a front-row seat to the local wildlife, including pelicans, ospreys, swans, and migratory shorebirds.
Accompanied by expert marine guides, guests will learn about the area’s Aboriginal history and enjoy child-friendly activities on deck. An optional fish and chips lunch is available on the 11:30 AM cruise, which must be ordered directly.
With a free dolphin sighting guarantee or a complimentary cruise, this tour offers an unforgettable experience.
Advance reservations can be made with a “reserve now & pay later” option, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior to the tour.
Read our full review: Mandurah: Dolphin and Views Cruise With Optional Lunch Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to See Dolphins in Mandurah?
The best time of year to see dolphins in Mandurah is during the warmer months, typically from October to April, when the dolphins are more active and easily spotted along the area’s waterways and coastlines.
Can I Swim With the Dolphins on the Tour?
Many dolphin tours in Mandurah offer the opportunity to swim with the dolphins, but it’s important to note that this is not always allowed. Operators must follow strict guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of both the dolphins and the participants.
How Close Can the Boats Get to the Dolphins?
The boats on dolphin watching tours typically get quite close to the dolphins, often within 50 meters or less. However, they’re not allowed to approach too closely to avoid disturbing the dolphins’ natural behavior.
Are the Tours Suitable for Young Children?
The dolphin watching tours are generally suitable for young children, with most operators offering family-friendly experiences. The boats typically maintain a respectful distance from the dolphins, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outing for all ages.
Do the Tours Offer Any Educational or Conservation Information?
The tours typically provide educational and conservation-focused information about the local dolphin population. They often include presentations by marine experts who share insights into the animals’ behaviors and the importance of protecting their habitats.
Recap
Mandurah offers travellers a chance to witness the captivating presence of dolphins in their natural habitat. With a variety of cruises to choose from, visitors can embark on an unforgettable journey to observe these magnificent creatures up close, all while taking in the stunning coastal scenery. Whether opting for a simple dolphin-watching tour or a cruise with an optional lunch, the experiences in Mandurah provide an opportunity to create lasting memories.