Port Phillip Bay Educational Tours - Expert Guides

Discover the natural history of Port Phillips' amazingly intricate yet fragile ecosystems that thrive in these southern reaches. School and special interest groups welcome. These are hosted by Polperro's specialists staff and eco-guides. Teachers are supported by our curriculum matched resources

Surrounded by Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries abutting the protected waters of the bay and along the wild coast of Bass Strait.

The site of Victoria's first settlement. Rich in history and best seen from sea, view Port Phillip just as the first white settlers and subsequent migrations of people following the war years, entering the still waters of the bay coming in through the infamous rip and turbulent waters of the Bass Strait.

Aboriginal settlement over thousands of years has left its gentle reminders along the coastlines of National Parks.

Two world wars saw a network of protective fortifications both on-shore and at sea. Self guided and hosted tours are available. Please enquire about the vast array of opportunities.

Polperro embraces conservation through education, appreciation and enjoyment.

The vessel Polperro does not always ensure access of people of all abilities. However our staff are known for the level of care in ensuring that we are inclusive

Surrounded by Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries abutting the protected waters of the bay and along the wild coast of Bass Strait.

Aboriginal settlement over thousands of years has left its gentle reminders along the coastlines of National Parks.

Two world wars saw a network of protective fortifications both on-shore and at sea. Self guided and hosted tours are available. Please enquire about the vast array of opportunities.

Polperro embraces conservation through education, appreciation and enjoyment.

The vessel Polperro does not always ensure access of people of all abilities. However our staff are known for the level of care in ensuring that we are inclusive

Dolphin and Seal Swim Tour

Dive in and meet the locals in their natural environment and on their terms on a three hour dolphin and seal swim tour provided by the original dolphin swim operator with over 35 years of experience. Let the qualified and passionate crew take you on the marine adventure of a lifetime with an emphasis on safety, fun and inclusivity. Come face-to-face with a dolphin. Frolic with playful fur seals and visit seabird nesting sites. Snorkelling Pope's Eye Marine Park or looking for weedy sea dragons in the nearshore reefs are also often part of the tours. People are surprised by what they see through the lens of their mask and the passion of the crew is infectious. Judy Muir's famous homemade scones, freshly baked onboard, are served on every tour. Warm-up between swims with complimentary tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Water is on tap. They are a Parks Victoria Licensed Tour Operator and have a Department of the Energy, Environment and Climate Action Dolphin Swim Permit. Check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure. Due to the small group sizes, bookings are essential.

School Tours

Immerse students in nature and introduce them to Melbourne’s Beating Blue Heart. Polperro Dolphin Swims’ conservation through education and interpretation philosophy is an elemental aspect of identity. Their method is to entertain greatly, while educating gently. They believe that through showcasing the natural wonders of Port Phillip Bay, introducing students to its’ iconic species and informing them about the ecosystem that sustains them in an immersive, fun, safe and inclusive fashion, we can connect them to place and awaken a need to know and a need to care. They endeavour to make our trips not only environmentally informative, but also environmentally supportive. Detailed classroom resources have been created about key environmental issues such as plastics in our oceans and waterways; the impacts of climate change to the coastal environment; the effects of changing land use on the coastal environment; tourism impacts and the management of our coastal environs. Polperro’s crew and presenters are highly trained, qualified, experienced and diverse in areas of expertise. They are able to deliver interpretation that supports the curriculum-matched learning material. Visit the education page and learn about the ‘Canopy of Care’ initiative. Contact Polperro and tailor your tour to match teaching outcomes.

Three Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour

Want to come along and be part of a dolphin and swim tour, but prefer to stay dry? Join one of the three hour tours alongside those taking the plunge. They purposefully limit the number of swimmers on the dolphin and seal swim tours so there is plenty of room onboard for sightseers to join us as well. There is so much to be taken in from deck. Generations of the Bay’s iconic wildlife have grown up with ‘Polperro’ as part of their daily lives and have come to know and trust the boat and crew. Marvel at the dolphins riding the bow-wave right below you, watch the seals jostling for the best position on the haul-out platform and see the gannets diving for fish. Whether you are onboard to take videos and pictures of your nearest and dearest as they swim with the dolphins and seals or coming along just to enjoy the ride, let our experienced and passionate crew introduce you to Melbourne’s Beating Blue Heart and its’ iconic wildlife.

Two Hour Wildlife Boat Tour

Want to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of southern Port Phillip Bay, but prefer to stay dry? A favourite with families with young children, this boat tour does not involve any swimming so they do not stay as long at locations and spend more time on the move exploring the area. Come aboard and let the crew of experienced, passionate and highly trained eco-guides introduce you to their Big Blue Backyard. Meet the Bay’s resident icons; the Burrunan dolphins. Visit the Australian fur seals at one of the local haul-out sites. See the Australasian diving gannets feeding or attending their chicks at one of their nesting colonies. Marvel at the cliff-top mansions, take in the rugged beauty of the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula or see a container ship up-close as it enters or exits the Bay. Tours are structured but the itineraries are dictated by the conditions at the time of the tour to maximise your comfort and enjoyment.

Private tours

From a pirate party for your 10-year old’s birthday to a work team building expedition or maybe you just want to enjoy your own dolphin and seal swim tour with friends and family – contact Polperro and together they can tailor your private tour. Rates vary depending on the nature of the tour, its’ duration and the time of the year. Please contact by telephone or email to discuss.