Overview
The Muir family established Polperro Dolphin Swims in 1986, making it Port Phillip Bay's oldest commercial dolphin swim operation. Named after their classic, lovingly maintained boat, which is 25 years young, Polperro has led the bay in environmentally responsible dolphin interactions. They have been tirelessly active in establishing and improving legislation controlling human interaction with wild marine animals, including dolphins.
That is why passengers can't swim up to the bay's bottlenose dolphins, but rather hang on to long ropes trailing from the Polperro's stern, waiting for these often curious creatures to come to them. This, and the crew's careful training and supervision of passengers, mean that even non-swimmers can enjoy this experience.
Passenger numbers are strictly limited so everyone has ample opportunity to get wet, or watch from the deck. Reef and seal swims are part of Polperro trips as well. These are revelatory experiences, even for locals, as the bay's rich aquatic life is a surprisingly well-kept secret.
The inspiring, memorable experience offered by Polperro (which includes delicious scones freshly baked on board by Judy!) led this small business to the Victorian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame in 2001, after it won the environmental tourism category three years running.
Price & booking
Tour pricing information (GST included)
| Type | Valid from | Valid to | Price from($) | Price to($) |
|---|
Sightseeing - ChildChildren delight in the wonders of these tours. Polperro crew welcome them on board and ensure that these trips educate and entertain. Children are immersed in a learning environment that enhances their understanding of ecology. | 01/09/12 | 30/04/13 | $35.00 | $35.00 |
SnorkellingAll gear is supplied, wetsuits, masks and snorkels. Refreshments are served.
Delight in the underwater world of graceful dolphins and of playful fur seals. Explore reefs and the amazing biodiversity of southern Port Phillip Bay's pristine waters. | 01/09/12 | 30/04/13 | $125.00 | $125.00 |
Sightseeing - AdultIf you would rather the bird's eye view of the dolphins, seals and sea-birds, the view from the deck is unhampered and up-close. This is a fantastic vantage point for all photographers or those who keep the memories indelibly imprinted in their mind! | 01/09/12 | 30/04/13 | $55.00 | $55.00 |
Cancellation and booking policy
Please notify the office if you are unable to keep your booking. 48 hours cancellation notice is required for individuals; two weeks for groups otherwise costs will be incurred.
More info
Days of operation
Two trips daily. 8am and 12 midday
Departure details: 01/10/11 - 29/04/12
Mon: 8:00am - 11:45am
Tour starting location
Sorrento Pier
Activities
- Birdwatching
- Cruising
- Dolphin Watching
- Snorkelling
- Swimming
- Swim with Fish
- Swim with Whales
Facilities
- Car park
- Crewed charter
- Diving equipment
- Guide
- Public Transport
- Waiting Area
Disabled access
Please advise Polperro 's office at the time of booking if there are special considerations. Polperro's supportive crew will assist with access however access cannot be guaranteed in each and every circumstance.
Additional business information
Special Deals
Family fun days. Get the extended family together and enjoy a half day exploring the southern reaches of the Bay. Enjoy the cruise at your own pace. Swim with dolphins, frolic with playful fur seals and explore the reefs. Book a minimum of 16 places and the boat is available for your exclusive use. These trips need to be booked well in advance to secure the exclusive use. After the dolphin and seal adventures in the open waters of the bay, how about lazing in the beneficial waters of Australia's only natural hot springs? Pools of every shape and size for every member of the family to enjoy. Just 20 minutes from Sorrento you can immerse yourself in the luxury of these Springs. Bathing passes purchased with a dolphin swim are offered as a package. Save 25% on each bathing pass.
Special Marine Studies Trips
Learn more about the ecosystems, participate in Reef Watch programs. Education given with entertainment. These trips are best suited to groups of like-minded people and are especially inspiring for student groups. The trips can be tailored to suit the needs of the group and the learning outcomes desired. Travel was always about learning; broadening one's experiences. Get wet, wild and wonderfully active on these tours! Polperro holds Advanced Eco-Tourism Accreditation certification. Our crew is one of Ecotourism accredited guides, a marine biologist and highly qualified instructors. Polperro holds the 2011 Sustainabilty Training Award, Sustainabilty Victoria
Tour operator
Swimming with dolphins is a rare and magical experience, so who better to help you connect with these magnificent creatures than the people who've been making the introductions in Port Phillip Bay the longest? The Muir family established Polperro Dolphin Swims in 1986. Named after their classic, lovingly maintained boat, which is 25 years young, Polperro has led the bay in environmentally responsible dolphin interactions. Judy Muir in particular has been tirelessly active in establishing and improving legislation controlling human interaction with wild marine animals, including dolphins.
That's why passengers can't swim up to the bay's bottlenose dolphins, but rather hang on to long ropes trailing from the Polperro's stern, waiting for these often curious creatures to come to them. The rope, and the crew's careful training and supervision of passengers, mean that even non-swimmers can enjoy this exciting experience.
The Polperro departs from Sorrento pier twice daily from October to April. Passenger numbers are strictly limited so everyone has ample opportunity to get wet, or watch dolphins at play from the deck. Reef and seal swims are often part of Polperro trips as well. These are also revelatory experiences, even for most locals, as the bay's rich aquatic life is a surprisingly well-kept secret.
All gear, including wetsuits and snorkels, are provided, and the Polperro has change areas below deck. On chilly days her saloon cabin is warmly welcoming, as is the complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and delicious scones, freshly baked on board by the crew. They're the cherry on top of an inspiring, memorable experience, which saw Polperro Dolphin Swims enter the Victorian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame in 2001, after winning the environmental tourism category three years running.
Opening hours
Office hours are 6.00am to 7.00 pm. Please ring prior to departure to check weather conditions on the day. Trips depart at 8.00am and 12.00pm (or by prior arrangement for group bookings). Trip duration is 3 - 4 hours. Guests should arrive half an hour earlier to secure car parking, meet the vessel Polperro and to fit wetsuits.
Midday trip
12:00pm
-3:30pm
Please meet the vessel at Sorrento Pier 30 minutes prior to departure to fit wetsuits. Trip duration 3 - 4 hours
Morning trip
8:00am
-11:30pm
Polperro departs Sorrento pier 8am promptly to optimise trips. It is suggested you arrive 20 to 30 minutes prior to departure to fit wetsuits. Trip duration is 3 - 4 hours
Daily
6:00am
-7:00pm
Polperro Dohin Swims office is open daily except for Christmas Day 25th December. Polperro Dolphin Swims operates seasonally from October 1 to April 30. Trips depart daily from Sorrento Pier at 8am and 12 midday
Memberships
- The Ecotourism Association of Australia
- Tourism Alliance Victoria
Tour operator is licensed to conduct tours on public land