Sorrento Ethical Seal & Dolphin Boat Tours
A richer personal sightseeing and snorkel swim experience on swift and stable 6-12 guest RIB boats, without the hassle of crowds.
WaterMaarq – Taking away fear and injecting more fun into your personal marine adventure
If your dream is to calmly meet marine life up close eye-to-eye and be free to explore the sea feeling secure, then choose WaterMaarq. On board our swift and stable RIB boats for just 6-12 guests, swim with wild dolphins and seals in a more personal way, led by expert marine science and outdoor specialist guides. Or hold your gaze at the evolving beauty of the environment on an interactive sightseeing cruise with plenty of air to ask questions. Discover the hidden secrets of Port Phillip Bay zooming over the Great Southern Reef along the Mornington Peninsula on a sightseeing cruise or snorkel tour. WaterMaarq’s personalised approach gives you the confidence to enjoy life-changing ethical marine wildlife experiences from Sorrento near Melbourne.
WaterMaarq Qualified Crew
About Us
The WaterMaarq crew consisting of marine science experts, outdoor education specialists and sustainability-engaged custodians of the Great Southern Reef are here to guide you on your own very personal journey into the sea. WaterMaarq emerged in 2014 following an unsettling encounter by Founder Marlon Quinn with an Eagleray stingray at Brighton Beach near Melbourne. That anxious moment led Marlon to learn to become calmer in the water and more knowledgeable about Port Phillip Bay’s incredible marine life. He trained with world champion freedivers in Greece, Italy and Egypt, becoming a freedive instructor, learning to dive holding his breath comfortably. Mastering new peace and ease underwater, he was destined to share with you his deep passion and fond connection with marine wildlife.
Mornington Peninsula VIC, Australia
Book Your Ideal Tour With Us
Everyone finds something energising about being on tour on a RIB boat. The low profile to the water, the salty air, the feeling of being in touch with the environment and part of the seascape. First time sightseers, regular adventurers, unstoppable underwater marine lovers, every hour and every day has a new moment waiting to be enjoyed. Our boats put you up close and personal with the beautiful creatures of the ocean without the hassle of the crowds! With just 6-12 people per boat, every seat has 360 views and impressions that will be savoured for a lifetime.
The Rip Eco Cruise
1.5hr sightseeing cruise along the gorgeous Point Nepean coastline and to the The Rip, entrance to Port Phillip Bay. Spot seals, seabirds and dolphins.
Seal & Dolphin Swim Tour
2hr snorkel tour to discover the beauty of the Great Southern Reef. Swim with seals and dolphins, snorkel amongst seadragons and colourful fish.
Private Sundowner Cruise
2hr private cruise for up to 12 guests in the afternoon enjoying the softer light and relaxed environment.
Private Popes Eye Snorkel
Private guided snorkelling tour for up to 12 guests to the diverse and colourful reef of Popes Eye Marine Park.
Services
Sightseeing Cruises
Zoom across the bay and enjoy gorgeous coastline and see seals, gannets and spot dolphins on our sightseeing cruises for up to 12 guests.
Snorkelling Tours
Swim with seals and dolphins, snorkel the Great Southern Reef chain, and live your dream of being eye-to-eye with vibrant marine life with up to just 12 guests on a guided tour.
Private Charters
Enjoy an intimate more personalised experience on a private cruise or guided snorkelling tour for 1-12 guests on board our swift and stable RIB boats.
FAQ
Do I need to book in advance or can I just arrive on the day ?
All bookings are best made in advance. Our boats carry a maximum of 12 guests and tours often book out very early. Tour bookings typically close the day before the tour and much earlier when sold out. SMS for last minute enquiries.
What happens if bad weather is forecast ?
Tours operate in a range of conditions, but won’t operate if it is deemed unsafe to do so. In the event of concerns about forecast unsafe conditions and foul weather, guests will be notified about postponements the day before the planned tour.
Can anyone join the tour ?
Tours are not recommended for guests with back problems, or who are pregnant, or are frail, this is due to the more adventurous nature of the RIB style charter vessel. Sightseeing tours welcome children aged 5-14 and adults. Snorkelling tours welcome children aged 8-14 and adults.
Are there any guarantees for marine life sightings ?
The beauty of nature is that it changes every hour and every day, there’s no set schedule for the marine life we see. Seals and seabirds will definitely be observed on tour as they rest upon prime locations in the bay. Not all fish species will be seen all of the time, and weedy seadragons and dolphins may not always appear, and this is precisely what makes it so exciting when a natural interaction occurs, it’s authentic and becomes a lifetime memory to behold.
Guests on board wildlife swim snorkelling tours must have basic swimming ability, for their own enjoyment and safety. Tours are not designed to teach guests to swim, however tips are always available. Quality swim lessons are easy to find in Melbourne, begin today!
WaterMaarq tours provide wonderful experiences in the southern end of Port Phillip Bay. Rated number one Adventure Tourism provider by the RACV Victorian Tourism Awards, and a recognised Australian Tourism accredited provider with sustainability credentials, when you book with us, you can have the confidence that you’re supporting a local award-winning ethical wildlife tour operator.
What Our Guests Say
Our Blog
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Where to see mythical Humpback and Southern Right whales with your own eyes as they pass by the Mornington Peninsula coast and Phillip Island waters of Bass Strait in Victoria? Find out here!
Dolphin Swim Tours Begin! New for 2020/21
New for Summer 2020/2021 – swim with dolphins during a snorkelling boat tour with WaterMaarq on the Mornington Peninsula.
Things To Do When Stuck at Home Sick and Not in the Sea
Top WaterMaarq tips for when you’re stuck at home and you can’t go out for a dive, snorkel or boat ride.
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