Dolphins
Cetaceans can be categorised into two groups; toothed whales and baleen whales. Dolphins fall into the toothed whale category, with one of the most common species around Australia being the Bottlenose Dolphin. There are numerous populations around the continent that live close to the shore, with Perth's Shoalwater Islands, the Eyre Peninsula, and Kangaroo Island all providing opportunities to swim with these highly intelligent and playful animals. Queensland's Hervey Bay is another stronghold for the species, with encounters common year-round.
The Short-beaked Common Dolphin is skinnier and arguably prettier than the Bottlenose, with beautiful white underbellies and a yellowish pattern on their side. They are known to congregate in large pods in the thousands where they typically feed on migrating fish and squid. Populations increase around Phillip Island during the winter months, as more food becomes available closer to shore. Spinner Dolphins and Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins can occasionally be seen in the Ningaloo Marine Park, where in one leap, the Spinner Dolphin twists up to an amazing seven times.
Australian Humpback Dolphins are another species found in Hervey Bay, although far less common than the Bottlenose Dolphins found in the same waters. They were once classified as subspecies of the Indo-Pacific Dolphin, however, in 2014 they were elevated to their own species.
Search for tours including dolphins, using the seasonal viewing opportunities calendar further down the page or by using the map button directly below:
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Island Life
From $365 USD
Full Day
Island Life
From $365 USD
Full Day
Kangaroo Island is blessed with a diverse range of habitats, with this full day tour showcasing a variety of landscapes, wildlife and the island's community, giving guests a sample of what life is like living on this remarkable island.
From Redgum forests across Cygnet Valley and the Central Plateau, to... -
Ultimate Whale Watching Eastern Australia
From $5,735 USD
13 days/12 nights
Ultimate Whale Watching Eastern Australia
From $5,735 USD
13 days/12 nights
A must for a whale enthusiast, this adventure provides the opportunity to encounter migrating Humpback Whales across the world's first Whale Heritage site of Hervey Bay, outside Sydney Harbour and Southern Right Whales from the rugged Great Australian Bight.
Visit world-famous Hervey Bay, known for having some of the most... -
Eyre Peninsula Winter Whale Watching and Wildlife Encounter
From $2,375 USD
4 days/4 nights
Eyre Peninsula Winter Whale Watching and Wildlife Encounter
From $2,375 USD
4 days/4 nights
Fowler's Bay in South Australia is where you will encounter numerous opportunities to watch these magnificent creatures in their natural state; the Southern Right Whale and Humpback Whale.
Not to be outshone is the hospitality of the local country towns, majestic coastline all the way down to Port Lincoln, native... -
Ultimate Hervey Bay Whale Watching
From $76 USD
3 hours
Ultimate Hervey Bay Whale Watching
From $76 USD
3 hours
Explore the world’s first declared Whale Heritage Site at Hervey Bay, known for coming alive with thousands of Humpback Whales between July and October. This region is known for having some of the most active and inquisitive whales found anywhere across the globe, with breaches, whale songs and muggings common...
Viewing opportunities that include dolphins
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January,February,December, Eyre Peninsula
Eyre Peninsula - Summer Sightings for Marine Mammals
Whales & Dolphins Dolphins & Close Relatives: Bottlenose Dolphin, Common Dolphin
Seals Eared Seals: Australian Sea-lion, Australian Fur Seal, Long-nosed Fur Seal
How to find these species
"Australian Sea-lions use the beaches on Hopkins Island as a haul out, resting between foraging trips. It's a highlight for guests to swim with juveniles, performing somersaults and interacting with snorkellers like little puppy dogs. Summer is when the Long-nosed and Australian Fur Seals congregate to breed, with territorial battles between males at this time. Further out to sea, the Neptune Islands Conservation Park is home to a colony of over 40,000 Long-nosed Fur Seals, with an estimated 3,500 pups born at this time. These newborns do not venture into the water until April, which spurs the arrival of the massive female Great White Sharks that prey upon these inexperienced swimmers. Bottle-nosed Dolphins are common encounters across the bays and coves of Coffin Bay and Port Lincoln National Parks."David Doudle, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Eyre Peninsula Wildlife & Ocean Encounters
Duration: 3 Days
Type: Small group or private
Departs: On requestThis three-day adventure combines the best terrestrial and marine protected areas across the region including the opportunity to swim with wild Sea-Lions and Bottlenose Dolphins, see Emus, wild Koalas and Kangaroos and the Rosenbergs Goanna.
Tours in Eyre Peninsula related to Dolphins
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Australian Sea-lion
March,April,May, Eyre Peninsula
Eyre Peninsula - Autumn Sightings for Marine Mammals
Whales & Dolphins Dolphins & Close Relatives: Bottlenose Dolphin, Common Dolphin
Seals Eared Seals: Australian Sea-lion, Australian Fur Seal, Long-nosed Fur Seal
How to find these species
"Australian Sea-lions lap up the sun on Hopkins Island, resting between fishing journeys to the continental shelf. Juvenile sea lions rush towards visiting boats waiting for snorkelers to join them and play. The breeding season for Australian Sea-lions is variable across the year, with females giving birth to only one pup. They may not breed again for two to three years. Long-nosed Fur Seal pups can be seen playing around the shallows and rock ledges around the Neptune Islands, however, from April onwards, Great White Sharks arrive to prey upon these unsuspecting newborns."David Doudle, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Eyre Peninsula Wildlife & Ocean Encounters
Duration: 3 Days
Type: Small group or private
Departs: On requestThis three-day adventure combines the best terrestrial and marine protected areas across the region including the opportunity to swim with wild Sea-Lions and Bottlenose Dolphins, see Emus, wild Koalas and Kangaroos and the Rosenbergs Goanna.
Tours in Eyre Peninsula related to Dolphins
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September,October,November, Eyre Peninsula
Eyre Peninsula - Spring Sightings for Marine Mammals
Whales & Dolphins Dolphins & Close Relatives: Bottlenose Dolphin, Common Dolphin | Right Whales: Southern Right Whale | Rorquals: Humpback Whale
Seals Eared Seals: Australian Sea-lion, Australian Fur Seal, Long-nosed Fur Seal
How to find these species
"Southern Right Whales can be seen in September across the Great Australian Bight and Fowlers Bay, before they head south for the summer feeding grounds in the sub-antarctic waters of the Southern Ocean. Across the Neptune Islands, male bull Long-nosed Fur Seals claim their territory with fierce territorial battles over the Spring time. Male Australian Sea-lions head out into the Southern Ocean to feed on a variety of fish and crustaceans, returning to their colony in condition to take on competing males for the attention of females and Bottle-nosed Dolphins are common encounters across the bays and coves of Coffin Bay and Port Lincoln National Parks. "
David Doudle, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Eyre Peninsula Wildlife & Ocean Encounters
Duration: 3 Days
Type: Small group or private
Departs: On requestThis three-day adventure combines the best terrestrial and marine protected areas across the region including the opportunity to swim with wild Sea-Lions and Bottlenose Dolphins, see Emus, wild Koalas and Kangaroos and the Rosenbergs Goanna.
Tours in Eyre Peninsula related to Dolphins
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Southern Right Whale
June,July,August, Eyre Peninsula
Eyre Peninsula - Winter Sightings for Marine Mammals
Whales & Dolphins Dolphins & Close Relatives: Bottlenose Dolphin, Common Dolphin | Right Whales: Southern Right Whale | Rorquals: Humpback Whale
Seals Eared Seals: Australian Sea-lion, Australian Fur Seal, Long-nosed Fur Seal
How to find these species
"Southern Right and Humpback Whales frequent Fowlers Bay during their annual migration, remaining within the bay for several months to calve and nurse their young. On the Fowlers bay cruise, we see Southern Right Whales, Common and Bottlenose Dolphins, Australian Sea Lions, Long-nosed Fur Seals and White Bellied Sea Eagles, Little Penguins and some rare species of Albatross. On our Winter Whale Watching tour we also Point Labatt, which is one of the rare places on the mainland where Australian Sea-lion pups can be seen learning to swim, play and rest on the beach. Pups are born every eighteen months; during mid-winter one year, then mid-summer the next."David Doudle, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Eyre Peninsula Winter Whale Watching and Wildlife Encounter
Duration: 4 Days
Type: Small group or private
Departs: On request or Set Departure DatesFowler's Bay in South Australia is where you will encounter numerous opportunities to watch these magnificent creatures in their natural state; the Southern Right Whale and Humpback Whale.
Tours in Eyre Peninsula related to Dolphins
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Bottlenose Dolphin
January,February,December, Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay - Summer Sightings for Marine Mammals
Whales & Dolphins Dolphins & Close Relatives: Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin*, Australian Humpback Dolphin*, Risso's Dolphin, Spotted Dolphin, Striped Dolphin, Fraser's Dolphin, Short-finned Pilot Whale, Minke Whale, Dwarf Minke Whale | Pygmy & Dwarf Sperm Whales: Pygmy Sperm Whale
Dugongs Dugong*
* Denotes sighting chance as high or common
Tours in Hervey Bay related to Dolphins
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January,February,December, Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island - Summer Sightings for Marine Mammals
Whales & Dolphins Dolphins & Close Relatives: Bottlenose Dolphin
Seals Eared Seals: Australian Sea-lion, Australian Fur Seal, Long-nosed Fur Seal
How to find these species
"Summer is when the Long-nosed and Australian Fur Seals congregate to breed at Cape du Couedic in Flinders Chase National Park, with the Long-nosed being the more abundant species. Often the call of territorial males is the first cue that there is more than one species present. There are fierce territorial battles between males at this time, which can be viewed from the boardwalk at Admiral’s Arch.Gentle sea conditions over Summer build up a wide flat beach which Australian Sea-lions take full advantage of. A colony of around 1,000 Sea-lions reside at Seal Bay, where careful habituation ensures an excellent observation opportunity. Bottlenose Dolphins are common encounters in the myriad of bays and coves and this is the perfect time of year to include a Dolphin Swim off our beauitful north coast, into an itinerary."
Blair Wickham, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Kangaroo Island In Style
Duration: 2 Days
Type: Small group or private
Departs: DailyDiscover what makes Kangaroo Island such a celebrated region, as you experience the Island's history, ecology, landscape, contemporary lifestyle, regional produce and incredible wildlife offerings. Key species regularly encountered are Koalas, Tammar Wallabies, Kangaroo Island Kangaroos, endangered Glossy Black Cockatoos, Short-beaked Echidnas, Australian Sea-lions, Long-nosed Fur-seals and a variety of bush birds, shorebirds and seabirds.
Tours in Kangaroo Island related to Dolphins
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March,April,May, Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island - Autumn Sightings for Marine Mammals
Whales & Dolphins Dolphins & Close Relatives: Bottlenose Dolphin
Seals Eared Seals: Australian Sea-lion, Australian Fur Seal, Long-nosed Fur Seal
How to find these species
"Gentle sea conditions over Summer and Autumn build up a wide flat beach which Australian Sea-lions take full advantage of. A large colony can be see basking on the sand in-between fishing trips to the continental shelf. The breeding season for Australian Sea-lions is variable across the year, with mature bulls fighting for access to females. At this time they become aggressive and territorial, defending their harem of females from other males. Females give birth to only one pup and may not breed again for two to three years. They consequently defend their pups vigorously. Long-nosed Fur Seal pups can be seen playing around the rock ledges and pools at Cape du Couedic in Flinders Chase National Park, spending time mastering their diving and chasing skills so they can begin hunting in the winter."Blair Wickham, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Kangaroo Island In Style
Duration: 2 Days
Type: Small group or private
Departs: DailyDiscover what makes Kangaroo Island such a celebrated region, as you experience the Island's history, ecology, landscape, contemporary lifestyle, regional produce and incredible wildlife offerings. Key species regularly encountered are Koalas, Tammar Wallabies, Kangaroo Island Kangaroos, endangered Glossy Black Cockatoos, Short-beaked Echidnas, Australian Sea-lions, Long-nosed Fur-seals and a variety of bush birds, shorebirds and seabirds.
Tours in Kangaroo Island related to Dolphins
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Long-nosed Fur Seals
June,July,August, Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island - Winter Sightings for Marine Mammals
Whales & Dolphins Dolphins & Close Relatives: Bottlenose Dolphin | Right Whales: Southern Right Whale | Rorquals: Humpback Whale
Seals Eared Seals: Australian Sea-lion, Australian Fur Seal, Long-nosed Fur Seal
How to find these species
A long history of habituation at a remote colony of Australian Sea-lions at Seal Bay has resulted in access and observations often compared with Antarctic or Galapagos pinniped encounters. Walking along the beach guides, visitors will learn about their feeding ecology and breeding cycles. This species preys upon fish, squid, cuttlefish, octopus, rock lobster, other small crustaceans and penguins. Australian Sea-lions are different from most pinnipeds, as their breeding period is nearly 18 months and therefore not seasonal. Prior to the breeding event, male Australian sea-lions head out for extended feeding trips and return to the colony in prime condition, ready for the breeding battles during which they lose a considerable amount of condition. Bottle-nosed dolphins can bee seen around the bays and coves, often surfing waves on the south coast and occasionally we can see Southern Right Whales or Humpback Whales from the coastline.
Blair Wickham, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Kangaroo Island In Style
Duration: 2 Days
Type: Small group or private
Departs: DailyDiscover what makes Kangaroo Island such a celebrated region, as you experience the Island's history, ecology, landscape, contemporary lifestyle, regional produce and incredible wildlife offerings. Key species regularly encountered are Koalas, Tammar Wallabies, Kangaroo Island Kangaroos, endangered Glossy Black Cockatoos, Short-beaked Echidnas, Australian Sea-lions, Long-nosed Fur-seals and a variety of bush birds, shorebirds and seabirds.
Tours in Kangaroo Island related to Dolphins
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Australian Sea-lion
September,October,November, Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island - Spring Sightings for Marine Mammals
Whales & Dolphins Dolphins & Close Relatives: Bottlenose Dolphin | Right Whales: Southern Right Whale | Rorquals: Humpback Whale
Seals Eared Seals: Australian Sea-lion, Australian Fur Seal, Long-nosed Fur Seal
How to find these species
"During the Spring time, Australian sea-lions use the broader Summer beach to bask on the sand in between fishing trips to the continental shelf. Around September, Southern Right Whales leave the coast for their return to the feeding grounds in the sub-antarctic waters, however it is common to see Bottlenose Dolphins around Kangaroo Island's coastline. The warmer conditions provide the ideal opportunity to swim with these marine mammals in the clear calm and protected waters of our northeast coast.Blair Wickham, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Kangaroo Island In Style
Duration: 2 Days
Type: Small group or private
Departs: DailyDiscover what makes Kangaroo Island such a celebrated region, as you experience the Island's history, ecology, landscape, contemporary lifestyle, regional produce and incredible wildlife offerings. Key species regularly encountered are Koalas, Tammar Wallabies, Kangaroo Island Kangaroos, endangered Glossy Black Cockatoos, Short-beaked Echidnas, Australian Sea-lions, Long-nosed Fur-seals and a variety of bush birds, shorebirds and seabirds.
Tours in Kangaroo Island related to Dolphins
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March,April,May, Ningaloo & Exmouth
Ningaloo & Exmouth - Autumn Sightings for Marine Mammals
Whales & Dolphins Dolphins & Close Relatives: Bottlenose Dolphin, Australian Humpback Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Spinner Dolphin
Dugongs Dugong
How to find these species
"The Ningaloo area supports 10 percent of the world’s Dugong population where they can occasionally be spotted coming to the surface for air. Although they are present throughout the year, May tends to be the peak viewing time as the waters cool and they head northwards. The Dugongs feast on Rhizones around the inner reef shallows (which are the roots & shoots of the seagrasses) and are generally quite shy. These animals can live up to 70 years but are slow breeders, emphasising the importance of the region in conserving the species. The mass spawning of coral after the full moon in March and April energises the food chain in the region, with baitfish a tempting appetiser for the plentiful Bottlenose and Australian Humpback Dolphins. Short-beaked Common Dolphins and Spinner Dolphins are also occasionally sighted across the rich marine waters."Mark Ferguson, Tour Guide
Suggested Tour: Deluxe Whaleshark Swim
Duration: Full Day
Type: Shared or PrivateThe opportunity to swim with the Whaleshark is one of the world's greatest interactive marine encounters.This fish, the largest of the shark family and the largest fish in the world at an average of 12 meters (40 foot) in length, is a harmless plankton eater, with their graceful and passive nature providing an unforgettable day out on the waters of the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Marine Park.
Tours in Ningaloo & Exmouth related to Dolphins
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Humpback Whale
June,July,August, Ningaloo & Exmouth
Ningaloo & Exmouth - Winter Sightings for Marine Mammals
Whales & Dolphins Dolphins & Close Relatives: Bottlenose Dolphin, Australian Humpback Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Spinner Dolphin, Short-finned Pilot Whale, Pseudo Orca, Orca | Right Whales: Southern Right Whale | Rorquals: Humpback Whale, Minke Whale, Fin Whale, Pygmy Blue Whale, Bryde's Whale | Pygmy & Dwarf Sperm Whales: Dwarf Sperm Whale
Dugongs Dugong
How to find these species
One of the world’s great natural migrations of 35,000 individual west coast Humpback Whales, takes place off the coast of Western Australia. The cooler water coincides with the highest concentration of Coral Spawn and Plankton, providing plentiful food for these amazing aerialists, with the opportunity to swim with them from July onwards. A large majority of Humpbacks use the shallows of Ningaloo Reef to calve and the mothers protect their Neonates (newborns) with their pale colour and floppy dorsal fins in these waters away from predators, holding them up to the surface to breathe, for the first few days.Orcas are prevalent at this time, attracted by the Humpback calves with research suggesting up to 15% are lost due to attacks. Pseudo Orcas, Minke Whales, Short-finned Pilot Whales, Common Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins are occasionally sighted whilst Bottlenose and Australian Humpback Dolphins are abundant as they prey on fish and squid. The Ningaloo area supports 10 percent of the world’s Dugong population, with these passive creatures occasionally spotted coming to the surface for air, in-between feeding on the roots & shoots of the seagrasses in the Ningaloo shallows.
Mark Ferguson, Tour Guide
Suggested Tour: Deluxe Mega Fauna Swim
Duration: Full Day
Type: Shared or PrivateExperience a snorkel on the beautiful Ningaloo Reef before heading out to swim with either the majestic Humpback Whale or the world's largest fish, the Whale Shark.
Tours in Ningaloo & Exmouth related to Dolphins
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Pseudo Orcas
September,October, Ningaloo & Exmouth
Ningaloo & Exmouth - Spring Sightings for Marine Mammals
Whales & Dolphins Dolphins & Close Relatives: Bottlenose Dolphin, Australian Humpback Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Spinner Dolphin, Short-finned Pilot Whale, Pseudo Orca, Orca | Rorquals: Humpback Whale, Minke Whale, Fin Whale, Pygmy Blue Whale, Bryde's Whale | Pygmy & Dwarf Sperm Whales: Dwarf Sperm Whale
Dugongs Dugong
How to find these species
Humpback Whale mothers will typically move their calves into the Gulf area at Exmouth over these months, to fatten them up for the lengthy journey south to Antarctica. In just three months, the calf will double its size from four to eight metres in length. The opportunity to swim with adult Humpbacks until the end of October is an unforgettable and for many, a spiritual experience. Pseudo Orcas, Minke Whales, Pilot Whales, Short-beaked Common Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins are occasional visitors to the area along with the massive Pygmy Blue Whale, growing up to 24 metres. More common are Bottlenose and Australian Humpback Dolphins, with babies also being calved around this time. A keen eye will also be able to spot the vulnerable Dugong, with the region supporting a population of up to 1,000 individuals. They are typically seen in pairs or by themselves, and only breed every 3-7 years.Mark Ferguson, Tour Guide
Suggested Tour: Deluxe Mega Fauna Swim
Duration: Full Day
Type: Shared or PrivateExperience a snorkel on the beautiful Ningaloo Reef before heading out to swim with either the majestic Humpback Whale or the world's largest fish, the Whale Shark.
Tours in Ningaloo & Exmouth related to Dolphins
